FAQ:
2021 PCE Clinical Component—Part 2
Q. Does taking the Clinical Component virtually in 2021 count as an official attempt to pass the exam?
A. Yes. Although the 2021 version of the Clinical Component will be delivered virtually, CAPR has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the exam will remain a valid method of assessing physiotherapy competency at an entry-to-practice level. One of CAPR’s guiding principles in adapting the Clinical Component has been to ensure that the virtual Clinical Component is as similar to the in-person exam as possible. This ensures that candidates who have previously attempted the in-person Clinical Component will not experience a completely different exam in their second or third attempt.
Additionally, because the virtual delivery method is new for all candidates—whether they are on their first attempt or their third—CAPR will deliver substantial orientation resources, including clear guidance about how their skills will be assessed in a virtual environment and how to interact with the new exam delivery software.
Q. Why is the cohort for the March 2021 administration smaller than for subsequent administrations? How does this support CAPR’s goal of clearing the backlog of candidates who are waiting to take the Clinical Component?
A. CAPR is committed to ensuring that the first administration of the new virtual exam runs smoothly for candidates. We believe we can reduce the risk of logistical issues by reducing the logistical complexity of the first administration. Based on our projections, we can take this conservative approach to the initial
administration in the best interest of participants and still achieve our goal of accommodating the 2020 and 2021 cohorts of candidates by the end of 2021.
Q. Does it cost less to run the Clinical Component virtually than in-person?
A. No. Most of the costs involved in running the Clinical Component, including station development/
modification, psychometric services, and Standardized Client and Examiner recruitment, training and compensation, are the same for a virtual exam and an in-person exam. While CAPR will not be renting physical exam sites, contracting on-site staff, or paying for catering this year, the cost of the software licences and remote proctoring services required to run the virtual exam more than replaces these costs.
The fee for the exam will remain as posted on our website here.
Page 2 of 3 FAQ: 2021 PCE Clinical Component—Part 2
Q. Will candidates be prioritized on a first-come first-served basis?
A. For the most part, candidates will be prioritized based on the date their application was received and for which 2020 administration they were registered. However, CAPR is aware of candidates who have been disproportionately impacted by the cancellation of the Clinical Component in 2020 (e.g., candidates who, due to licensing restrictions in their jurisdiction, can work neither as a physiotherapist nor as a
physiotherapy resident until successfully passing the Clinical Component). Provincial/territorial regulators have advised CAPR of candidates who should be prioritized due to such regulatory considerations.
Q. Is any new content being developed for the 2021 Clinical Component?
A. All administrations of the 2021 Clinical Component will be comprised of stations developed by the CAPR Clinical Test Development Group (CTDG)—which is composed of volunteer, subject-matter expert
physiotherapists from across Canada—for use on the in-person Clinical Component. In some cases, minor modifications will be made to stations to ensure their suitability for the virtual environment. Adaptations will be made while preserving the validity of the station as established by the CTDG.
Q. How will CAPR ensure that all candidates have access to information and resources regarding the 2021 Clinical Component?
A. CAPR will contact all registered candidates by email every time a new resource or orientation session is available. Please add [email protected] as a trusted source in your email account, and alert CAPR if your email contact information changes.
CAPR will also always share all such updates on our website and social media to ensure we connect with all registered candidates. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates receive ample and equal
orientation to the new delivery method.
Q. When will orientation materials be provided to candidates?
A. In the upcoming weeks and months, CAPR will continue to provide updates regarding the structure, content and delivery of the 2021 Clinical Component. This will include a comprehensive orientation program, comprising written resources, live and recorded webinars and townhall forums. All orientation materials will be shared through email and on our website and social media.
Page 3 of 3 FAQ: 2021 PCE Clinical Component—Part 2
Q. How will the candidate be assessed by the Examiner in a virtual setting?
A. The Examiner will observe and assess all the candidate’s interactions with the Standardized Clients just as they would in an in-person setting. The Examiner may engage with the candidates when appropriate just as they would in an in-person setting. As part of the orientation program, CAPR will provide candidates with clear direction about how to demonstrate their skills in the virtual environment.
Q. When will candidates have confirmation of which administration they will be assigned to?
A. CAPR will contact candidates about their Clinical Component administration date in December 2020. All candidates will be contacted by email with this information.
Q. Will every station include a live Standardized Client or will some stations use images or video?
A. All stations will include a live Standardized Client. Candidates will not be asked to comment on images or video.
Q. Will the Clinical Component be available in French as well?
A. Yes.
