2021 CLINICAL COMPONENT PREPARATORY MODULE 5:
CANDIDATE GUIDE TO
EXAM POLICIES AND LOGISTICS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Administrative Policies and Procedures ...1
Rules of Conduct for the Physiotherapy Competency Exam ... 1
Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy ... 2
Illness or Extraordinary Circumstances on Exam Day ... 2
No-show Candidates ... 2
Request for Alternative Accommodations ... 3
Exam-related Issues on Exam Day ... 3
Exam Results ... 3
2. Exam Format ...4
Structure and Delivery Model ... 4
3. Exam Delivery Platforms ...5
ProctorU ... 5
SIMULATIONiQ ... 5
4. Computer and Network Requirements ...6
5. Testing Environment Requirements ...8
Further Guidance on Choosing an Exam Space ... 9
6. Required, Permitted and Prohibited Items ... 11
Photo Identification ... 12
Note Taking ... 12
Props ... 13
7. Prior to the First Day of the Clinical Component ... 14
Prepare Your Testing Technology and Secure Your Testing Environment ... 14
8. On Exam Days... 14
Set up Your Testing Environment ... 14
ProctorU Check-in Process ... 15
Clinical Component through SIMULATIONiQ ... 18
9. Appendix 1: ProctorU Terms of Service... 19
1. Administrative Policies and Procedures
Rules of Conduct for the Physiotherapy Competency Exam
By participating in the Physiotherapy Competency Exam, you agree to the following rules:
• The Physiotherapy Competency Exam and its contents are the exclusive property of the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR).
• You will not memorize, record, or attempt to record, digitally or otherwise, exam content during the exam.
• You will not engage in cheating, as defined below in Section 1.1.1. Doing so may result in the termination of your exam, the decision not to mark your exam, or other appropriate action.
• You will not engage in disruptive behaviour or commentary regarding the exam that intentionally disturbs or causes anxiety to other candidates.
1.1.1 Cheating
It is assumed that you are participating in the Clinical Component of the PCE in a good faith attempt to pass. Any actions or behaviours in contravention of this assumption will be considered “cheating.” This includes anything that could affect your results, the results of another candidate, or the results of a potential future candidate. It also includes behaviours that CAPR considers analogous to cheating, such as modifying CAPR documents in order to give the false impression of having passed the exam. Some examples of cheating are listed below; however, this list is not exhaustive:
• Impersonating a registered candidate or having a non-registered candidate take the exam on your behalf;
• Bringing study materials, or any other prohibited resources (e.g., electronic devices) into the exam;
• Giving or receiving help during the exam;
• Engaging in any conduct during the exam that disturbs or is disrespectful toward exam staff;
• Receiving or distributing information about the Clinical Component either before or after the exam;
• Sharing information about the diagnoses, tasks or activities included in the exam or discussing information about exam stations with other candidates or examiners, even after the exam.1
• Disregarding instructions from the exam proctor, examiner or any exam staff;
• Modifying exam results letters or other CAPR documentation to give a false impression of having passed the exam or misrepresenting your exam status;
• Any activity that would be considered illegal, such as assault, harassment, or theft.
Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy
Rescheduling and cancellation of the Clinical Component is done through CAPR. Please note that it is not possible to reschedule into a Clinical Component that is closed for registration.
Withdrawal Fees for Clinical Component
Clinical Component
Before Application
Deadline
After application deadline/before 20 business days prior to the exam you are
currently registered in
Within the 20 business days of the
exam you are registered in Date Change
(if change is possible) $100 $500 $500
Withdrawal Fees $300 $500 $500
Illness or Extraordinary Circumstances on Exam Day
In keeping with CAPR’s PCE policies, candidates who experience illness or other extraordinary personal circumstances (e.g., bereavement, recent physical injury, etc.) prior to the exam are strongly advised to withdraw/reschedule and attempt the exam at a later time. If illness or another type of emergency arises on exam day, candidates must notify CAPR immediately. In such circumstances, contact CAPR at csc_exams@alliancept.org. CAPR will consider granting a partial refund for reasons such as severe illness or extraordinary personal circumstances. Please see the PCE Registration Guide at for more information.
No-show Candidates
Candidates who miss their scheduled exam time, for any reason, without contacting CAPR, will be considered a “no show” and will forfeit their entire exam fee. No-show candidates cannot reschedule for a future exam. No-show candidates must re-apply for a future exam administration through CAPR.
Request for Alternative Accommodations
For information about requesting alternative accommodations, visit the CAPR website. Please note that requests for accommodations relating to the Clinical Component must be submitted to CAPR 65 days before the date of the first day of the exam.
If a situation that requires alternative accommodations arises after the submission deadline and before exam day (e.g., a new injury requiring the use of an assistive device), candidates must send an urgent request to csc_exams@alliancept.org. Requests made on the day of the exam cannot be
accommodated. Candidates who have been approved for alternative accommodations must inform their remote proctor as soon as possible after connecting on exam days.
Exam-related Issues on Exam Day
Candidates must submit complaints or concerns about any aspect of the exam (e.g., technology, process, administration, etc.) to csc_exams@alliancept.org.
Candidates must also document their complaints or concerns in the feedback survey they will receive following their exam.
Exam Results
CAPR will mail an exam results package to each candidate within 10-12 weeks of the exam. Results will also be posted on the CAPR website for review by candidates via secure PIN.
2. Exam Format
Structure and Delivery Model
The 2021 Clinical Component will remain an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). The Clinical Component will comprise six 10-minute clinical stations and six five-minute clinical stations. There will be no written element for any of the 12 stations.
The exam will be delivered over two days. Candidates will complete the six 10-minute stations on the Saturday of the administration and the six 5-minute stations on the Sunday of the administration.
12-Station OSCE
Saturday
Six 10-minute Stations
10 10 10
10 10 10
Sunday*
Six 5-minute Stations
5 5 5
5 5 5
* Candidates who are unable to participate in a Saturday administration for religious reasons may request an exception.
Each 12-station Clinical Component delivered in 2021 will be built to satisfy the 2009 PCE Blueprint. You can review the blueprint here.
3. Exam Delivery Platforms
CAPR is using two integrated online platforms to deliver the 2021 Clinical Component entirely remotely or ‘virtually’. These platforms are called ProctorU and SIMULATIONiQ.
ProctorU
The 2021 Clinical Component is proctored through a remote proctoring platform called ProctorU.
Candidates will be provided with their ProctorU account information by CAPR prior to their exam.
Candidates will complete a Check-in and Environmental Check process with a ProctorU proctor on both Day 1 and Day 2 of the Clinical Component.
Step-by-step instructions for navigating ProctorU will be provided in Preparatory Module 4.
SIMULATIONiQ
SIMULATIONiQ is a remote health care delivery platform that has been customized to administer the 2021 Clinical Component.
Upon completion of the Check-in and Environmental Check process with ProctorU, candidates will be transferred into the SIMULATIONiQ platform by their proctor.
Candidates will access each exam station through a “To-do List” widget on their personalized SIMULATIONiQ dashboard. The platform uses breakout rooms supported by the Zoom application.
Candidates will enter a different breakout room to complete each exam station; in each station, the candidate will interact remotely with a live Standardized Client while being observed by a live Examiner.
Each of the candidate’s stations will be recorded through the platform for scoring, review and security purposes.
Step-by-instructions for navigating SIMULATIONiQ will be provided in Preparatory Module 4.
4. Computer and Network Requirements
The candidate’s computer system and network must meet certain requirements to run the two platforms being used to deliver the 2021 Clinical Component.
The table below provides detailed information of technological requirements for the exam.
Hardware Recommended System
Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
Computer • laptop or desktop computer;
• Mac or PC
• no tablets, smart/cell phones, etc.
--
CPU speed • More than 3 core CPU • 2.0 GHz 2 Core
Available hard drive space • 500 MB • 500 MB
Total memory (RAM) • 8 GB • 4GB
Monitor
• single monitor
• screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 is recommended at a scale of 100%
• no dual-monitor configurations
--
Webcam • free-standing or built-in with a
minimum resolution of 640 x 480 p
• if built-in, you must be able to lift your computer and point the camera in any direction including up and down (during the
check-in process)
--
Microphone/Speakers • built-in microphone and speaker
• no wired and wireless headphones or headsets
• desktop microphone and speakers
Power • directly plugged into a power
source
• no docking station
--
Software Recommended System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements Operating system • Windows 10 (S Mode not
supported);
• MacOS 10.15 or higher
• Windows 8 or higher (Windows 10 S Mode not supported);
• MacOS 10.13 or higher
Google Chrome(1) • Google Chrome current version --
Anti-virus software • all third-party antivirus software and pop-up blockers must be turned off
--
1) To download Google Chrome for free (Mac or PC), click here: https://www.google.com/chrome
Network Recommended System
Requirements
Minimum System Requirements Stable internet connection (2) • Download Speed of 12 mbps
• Upload speed of 3 mbps
• Wired internet connection to reduce the likelihood of connectivity issues during the exam
• download speed:
0.5 mbps
• upload speed: 0.5 mbps
• Wi-Fi only if you are unable to establish a wired connection (3) No other connected devices • disconnect unnecessary or
prohibited devices such as printers, second monitors, etc.
and remove them from the room
• no other people should use your internet network during the exam, as activities such as online gaming and music and video streaming will limit available bandwidth and may cause connectivity issues
--
2) To test the speed of your internet, click here: https://www.speedtest.net/ here https://fast.com or here speedtest.googlefiber.net
3) If you must use WiFi and have concerns about the stability of your internet connection, we strongly advise that you seek technical support to strengthen your connection well in advance of your exam.
5. Testing Environment Requirements
The 2021 Clinical Component is an online, virtual exam that can be taken from a private location of a candidate’s choosing. However, a candidate’s testing space must meet certain requirements to ensure that the candidate can perform the exam as designed and that their performance is both visible and audible. Because the 2021 Clinical Component is a remotely proctored exam, the candidate’s testing environment must demonstrate adequate privacy and security to allow a remote Proctor to confirm the integrity of the candidate’s performance.
The below table provides the detailed requirements of the physical testing space.
General Environmental Requirements
Consideration Requirements
General • A private, indoor location, ideally with four walls and a door that can be closed
• free of background noise, disruptions, distractions
Size • enough space to demonstrate movements of your legs and
arms in both sitting and standing
• in standing, you should be able to raise your arms over your head and out to the sides in all directions
Wall behind/in front of candidate
• bare/blank (no posted or hanging items)
Lighting • well-lit from behind and/or above your computer/webcam (i.e., not back-lit from behind the candidate)
Objects/items • all non-essential items (i.e., papers, books, electronic devices, etc.) removed or covered, except the props and furniture listed in section 5 of this module, and any other items CAPR has approved in writing (i.e., for alternative accommodations) Occupancy • no other people or pets allowed in the room/space for
duration of the exam
Further Guidance on Choosing an Exam Space
When in doubt about the adequacy of a space, candidates should choose their testing space based on the three principles provided below. Doing so will not only help the candidate complete the remote proctoring check-in process quickly and easily but also create the most favourable conditions for a successful exam experience.
Privacy—The candidate must be alone in the space, unable to hear or see another person or be heard or seen by another person. This ensures not only the independence of the candidate’s performance and the security of the exam material but also that the candidate will not be distracted or
disadvantaged by noise or movement.
Connectivity—The candidate’s internet connection must be private, secure, stable and not burdened by additional users. This is essential to ensuring the candidate’s exam is not interrupted, disrupted or terminated due to technical issues.
Simplicity—The candidate’s space must not be excessively cluttered or furnished with items that could benefit the candidate’s performance either intentionally or unintentionally. This is important to ensure a quick and easy check-in process with the remote proctor and to eliminate any impression of
candidate misconduct during the exam.
5.1.1 Examples
The following are examples of acceptable and unacceptable spaces, items and network conditions, based on the three principles provided above. Please note that application of these three principles (i.e., privacy, connectivity, simplicity) is implied for everything that appears in the acceptable list. These lists are not exhaustive. When in doubt, rely on the principles.
Acceptable locations, items and network conditions
Locations*
Enclosed room with door (ideal) Bachelor or studio apartment Open concept space
Clinic or office space Hotel room
Bookcase
*IMPORTANT: If you are using a location that is not your private residence (e.g., hotel, clinic, office) it is your responsibility to confirm that the on-site network meets the technical requirements listed in Module 2.
Paintings, photographs
Network Conditions
Private/secured, wired internet connection, with no other users (ideal) Private/secured WiFi connection with stable, uninterrupted service and no other users
VPN
Unacceptable locations, items and network conditions
Locations
Private space where roommates and/or family members are within earshot Main floor clinic or office space with no privacy from the perspective of the street (i.e., open or no floor-to-ceiling blinds/curtains)
Public space (library, café)
Items Posters, diagrams, models (e.g., anatomical models, skeletons, etc.)
Electronic devices (other than computer and webcam being used for the exam) Network
Conditions
Public or open WiFi connection
Multiple candidates on the same network during the same exam
Roommates or family members using the candidate’s network during the exam
6. Required, Permitted and Prohibited Items
The tables below list items that are required, prohibited, and permitted during the exam.
Required Prohibited
• Government-issued photo identification
• Keyboard (attached with wire or Bluetooth/wireless permitted)
• Laptop/PC with testing platform application installed, with onscreen scratchpad for taking notes
• Microphone / Speakers (built-in only)
• Mouse (touchpad, touch screen, attached, Bluetooth or wireless)
• Web camera (built-in or attached)
• Mirror (for showing the remote proctor your physical computer screen, and any items facing you)
• All required props (listed below)
• Stethoscope
• Lab coat
• Notebook, paper, pen, pencil, highlighter (see additional information in Section 5.1)
• Food, beverages (other than water)
• Hair accessories (unless for religious reasons)
• Headphones/earphones and/or microphones connected to computer
• Jewelry (subject to inspection)
• Outwear, hat
• Calculator of any kind
• Published materials and other testing aids
• Purse, wallet, bag, briefcase
• Smartphone / Cell phone, pager, any other electronic devices including any wearable technology
• Watch
Permitted Items
• Eyeglasses, if required
• Medications (no packaging or paper inserts)
• One clear, plastic bottle of water, label removed
• Two tissues
Please note:
• All required and permitted items, as well as the props listed below in Section 6.3 are subject to inspection by the proctor during the Check-in and Environmental Check process.
• Prohibited items are not allowed in the testing space at any time during the exam. The proctor will instruct candidates to remove any prohibited item(s) during the check-in. If a prohibited item is detected in the space upon review of exam recordings, the candidate will be subject to the Rules of Conduct provided in Section 1.1.
Photo Identification
Candidates are required to show government-issued photo identification as part of the ProctorU check- in process.
Only the following types of government-issued photo identification are accepted:
• Canadian or Foreign Passport
• Canadian Driver’s License
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card This identification must:
• be original as issued (no photocopies or electronic copies)
• be valid (not expired)
• match the name the candidate used to register for the exam with CAPR
• include a photograph that resembles the candidate’s current physical appearance Candidates must contact CAPR prior to exam day if they:
• are unable to provide one of the acceptable forms of ID;
• have any concerns about the ID they plan to use for the exam.
Candidates should contact CAPR at the following email address: csc_exams@alliancept.org
Note Taking
Candidates taking the exam in March who wish to take notes while reviewing the “Instructions to Candidate” may use a dry erase whiteboard or piece of laminated paper no bigger than 12 in. x 12 in.
and two dry erase pens. You will be able to reference your notes for the duration of the station. You will also be able to access the “Instructions to Candidate” through the platform at any time during the station. You will be asked to erase your writing surface at the end of each station. Please note that you are not permitted to use physical paper, pencils or pens during the exam.
Candidates taking the exam in June, August and November who wish to take notes while reviewing the
“Instructions to Candidate” may use a ‘notepad’ feature within the exam delivery platform. You will have access to these notes for the duration of the station. You will also be able to access the
“Instructions to Candidate” through the platform at any time during the station. Please note that you are not permitted to use physical paper, pencils or pens during the exam.
Props
Candidates should have the following props and furniture available in their testing environment during the exam. Only those props listed may be used during the exam. The “Instructions to Candidate” for each station will list the props that may be used in that station.
Please note: this list includes all the props that candidates are permitted to use during a 2021 Clinical Component administration. Not all props will be appropriate for every exam administration. All props will be inspected by the Proctor during the check-in process.
Quantity Item
2 Chairs without arms*
1 Chair with arms*
3 Pillows without pillowcases
1 Bath towel, not rolled, approximately 76 cm x 117 cm (30 in. x 46 in.)
1 Bath towel, rolled to approximately 15 cm (6 in.) in diameter and 30 cm (12 in.) long, secured with elastic bands
1 Hand towel approximately 72 cm x 38 cm (28 in. x 15 in.)
1 Belt (e.g., from a bathrobe) or strap, approximately 1 m (3 ft.) in length 1 Broomstick, metre stick, pole or cane
1 Can of soup, large (approximately 23 fluid oz or 680mL), label removed 1 Can of soup, small (approximately 10 fluid oz or 300mL), label removed 1 Small table or desk (in addition to the surface for your computer)
1 Laundry basket, approximately 25 cm x 42 cm x 55 cm (10 in. x 15 in. x 22 in.) 1 Footstool, approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 in.) in height
* Chairs should be sturdy, absent of wheels, and appropriate for providing support when necessary.
7. Prior to the First Day of the Clinical Component
Prepare Your Testing Technology and Secure Your Testing Environment
Prior to the first day of the exam, candidates must:• review this guide and all other orientation materials provided by CAPR;
• secure an appropriate testing space, based on the guidelines listed in Section 5, above;
• download the Google Chrome internet browser and/or ensure your Chrome is up to date;
• download the ProctorU extension for Chrome (see Preparatory Module 4 for step-by-step instructions);
• run the “Test Your Equipment” check within ProctorU, using the equipment and network you plan to use on exam day (step-by-step instructions will be provided in Preparatory Module 4).
8. On Exam Days
On testing days, candidates should give themselves 15-30 minutes to prepare their testing environment before signing into ProctorU to begin the exam day. Candidates will be able to sign in to ProctorU 15 minutes before their scheduled start time.
Set up Your Testing Environment
Preparing the testing environment means:• setting up your computer, mouse, webcam and ethernet connection and confirming that each is working;
• adjusting the angle and position of your webcam and/or computer as appropriate to the size of your space (please see Preparatory Module 1 for detailed information);
• opening Chrome and inputting your ProctorU account information;
• closing all other programs, applications and windows on your computer;
• clearing all distractions, clutter and prohibited items from the testing area;
• confirming you have all required items and approved props available to you in your testing environment;
• ensuring you have your government-issued photo identification, a mirror and any other permitted items ready for inspection;
• reminding any other people proximate to your testing space that they are forbidden to enter the testing space, make any noise that can be heard within the testing space or listen to what is happening in the testing space for the duration of the exam;
• reminding any other people on your internet network that they must not use the internet for the duration of your exam;
• ensuring pets cannot enter the testing space.
ProctorU Check-in Process
The candidate should sit in a chair in front of their webcam and sign in to their ProctorU account. On each of the exam days, candidates will see an option to “Start Session”. The candidate will complete a few self-service steps in order to connect to a live proctor (step-by-step instructions will be provided in Preparatory Module 4). The proctor will connect initially via the ProctorU chat feature and then place a voice call to the candidate through the platform.
Computer System Check
As part of the check-in process, the proctor will ask to ‘remote in’ to the candidate’s system to review the system and system settings to confirm exam security. The ProctorU platform also has a computer and browser lock-down component that prevents candidates from using any additional function on their computer during the exam. The candidate’s exam will not launch if any type of virtual machine is
attached to the computer system or turned on during the exam.
Candidate Check
Once connected with the candidate, the proctor will complete a visual scan of the candidate’s person, inspecting the following using the candidate’s webcam:
What is checked? Details
Ears • rotate their head to check inside ears
• pull long hair back if necessary
Hands/wrists • Proctor will ask to remove any watches and/or smartwatches Candidate ID • Proctor will ask the candidate to hold ID up to their webcam The proctor will take photos of the candidate as required.
Permitted Items Check
The proctor will then check the candidate’s permitted items, including:
What is checked? Details (if applicable)
Eyeglasses • lenses—outside and inside
Medications*
Dry erase whiteboard and dry erase pens
• front and back of whiteboard; pen body and cap
All required props • the proctor may ask to view undersides, bottoms, insides of props and will ask candidates to unroll towels for inspection Water bottle
Tissues
* If approved for use during the exam by CAPR
Environmental Check
The proctor will direct the candidate through the environmental check. The proctor will instruct the candidate to lift and move their webcam to do a 360-degree scan of their testing environment to ensure it is secure and absent of any prohibited items.
The proctor will also ask the candidate to point their webcam at the following areas for inspection:
What? How?
Room, ceiling and floor • all 4 walls, workspace, ceiling and floor Computer including
monitor
• if using an internal webcam, this will be checked using a mirror (the proctor will guide the candidate through this procedure).
Workstation (Desk/Table)
• top of surface and underneath
The proctor may take photos of the testing environment as required. The proctor may ask the candidate to remove or cover items. If the candidate leaves the webcam view at any time, the proctor will repeat the candidate scan.
When the proctor completes the environmental check, the proctor will transfer the candidate into the SIMULATIONiQ platform where they will begin the exam. Please note: the proctor will enter the
Candidate ID and log the candidate into the system. Candidate’s will not receive SIMULATIONiQ account information.
Clinical Component through SIMULATIONiQ
After being logged into the SIMULATIONiQ platform, the candidate will enter a waiting room.
When the waiting room countdown clock reaches “0:00”, the candidate will be placed in either a two-minute pre-encounter (for 10-minute stations) or a one-minute pre-encounter (for 5-minute stations). During the pre-encounter, the candidate will review the “Instructions to Candidate.” The candidate may make notes using their dry erase whiteboard. A countdown clock will be visible for the duration of the pre-encounter. When the clock runs out, the candidate will be placed in the station breakout room, where a Standardized Client and Examiner will be waiting.
The candidate will begin the clinical encounter with the Standardized Client. The candidate will have either 10 or 5 minutes to complete the station (depending on whether it is Day 1 or Day 2 of the exam).
A countdown clock will be visible for the duration of the clinical encounter.
When time for the station runs out, the candidate will be asked by the Examiner to erase any notes from their whiteboard. The candidate will then leave the breakout room and enter the pre-encounter for the next station. If the candidate arrives at the next station ahead of schedule, they will enter another waiting room before entering the next pre-encounter. The process will repeat until the candidate has completed all six stations scheduled for the exam day.
Following the final station of the day, the candidate will be asked to logout of SIMULATIONiQ and to end their proctoring session with ProctorU (step-by-step instructions will be provided in Preparatory
Module 4). Following the exam, the candidate will be sent a survey to complete regarding their exam experience.
Candidate, A.
9. Appendix 1: ProctorU Terms of Service
All documentation pertaining to ProctorU’s Terms of Service can be reviewed here.
