Internationally Educated Applicants

Who This Pathway is For 

Physiotherapists whose entry-to-practice physiotherapy education was completed outside Canada. 

Eligibility 

You must: 

• Have your credentials verified through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) credentialing process (or its successor). 

• Meet CAPR’s language proficiency requirement (or successor requirement). 

• Provide proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada (e.g., Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, valid work permit). 

• Meet the requirements for either the Practicing Register or the Conditional Register – Resident License below. 

Pathway Options 

Option 1 – Practicing Register 

You are eligible if you have: 

• Successfully completed the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam (CPTE) (single exam), and 

• Met all other requirements in What You’ll Need. 

Option 2 – Conditional Register – Resident License 

You may be eligible if you: 

• Have completed CAPR credentialing (including the language requirement), but have not yet completed the CPTE, and 

• Meet the criteria in the NSRPT policy for Conditional Resident Licenses, including: 

• An approved sponsorship/mentoring agreement, and 

• A signed offer of employment in Nova Scotia, and 

• A commitment to sit the next available CPTE within the allowed timeframe. 

• Maximum duration: 12 months, non-renewable. 

What You’ll Need 

• Government-issued photo ID 

• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada 

• CAPR credentialing results (or successor organization verification) 

• Vulnerable Sector Check (includes Criminal Record Check) within the required timeframe 

• International Criminal Record Check 

• Proof of professional liability insurance (for licensing) 

• Completed declarations about your professional and legal history (criminal/disciplinary matters, practice restrictions, terminations, etc.) 

• For Conditional Resident applicants: approved sponsorship/mentoring agreement and signed offer of employment in Nova Scotia  

Fees 

See the Fee Schedule for current rates. 

How to Apply

1. Decide which option fits you (Practicing or Conditional Resident) 
2. Gather documents (see checklist) 
3. Apply through the NSRPT online portal 
4. Pay applicable fees 
5. Await confirmation and next steps

Download the Checklist for Internationally Educated Applicants