Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oral Section | 10 structured cases, 15 minutes each, 2.5 hours, answered aloud; 150 points, 60% of the score |
| Break | About 60 minutes, off the clock |
| Written Section | 100 multiple-choice questions with 4 options, 2.5 hours; 100 points, 40% of the score |
| Question structure | 80 vignette-based questions (4 per vignette), then 20 stand-alone; 20-25% use images, video or audio |
| Delivery | Virtual, remotely proctored; English or French |
| Outcome | One pass/fail from the combined score; passing score not published as a percentage |
| Fee | C$2,500 (C$1,800 in 2026 for candidates who passed the PCE Written Component in 2025) |
What the blueprint covers
The CPTE Blueprint 2025 organizes content two ways. Domains of Practice: Assessment and Diagnosis (20 ± 3%), Care Planning (20 ± 3%), Client Safety and Client-Centred Care (15 ± 3%), Professional Responsibilities (15 ± 3%), Collaboration (12 ± 2%), Communication (10 ± 2%) and Practice Management (8 ± 2%). Areas of Practice: Musculoskeletal (50 ± 5%), Neurological (20 ± 2%), Cardiovascular-Respiratory (15 ± 2%) and Other Systems (15 ± 2%).
The two sections split the domains differently. In the Written Section, Assessment and Diagnosis and Care Planning carry about 12% of the total exam each, while Professional Responsibilities, Collaboration, Communication and Practice Management are tested mostly in the Oral Section. Items span three age groups (0-18, 19-64, over 65) and six settings, from acute care to home care and private practice.
How the Written Section works
- Each vignette is a short paragraph (2-4 sentences) with four linked questions; new information can appear as the case unfolds.
- Capitalized qualifiers (BEST, MOST, FIRST) tell you how to choose between plausible options.
- Every question is worth 1 point and there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every one.
- You can flag, highlight, strike out options and change answers until you submit.
- Budget about 90 seconds a question.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free CPTE practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
How the Oral Section works
Each case gives a client profile, a clinical scenario and three open-ended questions: one on Assessment and Diagnosis or Care Planning, one on Client Safety and Client-Centred Care, and one on Professional Responsibilities, Collaboration, Communication or Practice Management. You read the case and answer aloud, in order, within 15 minutes. Two examiners score each case with checklists and 4-point performance scales. They don't prompt you or give time warnings.
A 10-week plan
- Weeks 1-2: take the free CPTE test, read the Blueprint and Companion Guide, and start with musculoskeletal assessment and diagnosis.
- Weeks 3-5: musculoskeletal care planning, then neurological conditions, with daily flashcards and topic question sets.
- Weeks 6-7: cardiovascular-respiratory and other systems, plus client safety and professional standards (CAPR Code of Ethical Conduct and Model Standards of Practice).
- Week 8: first full timed Written Section mock (100 questions in 2.5 hours) and two oral cases a day, answered aloud against a 15-minute timer.
- Weeks 9-10: clear your mistakes bank, take a second full mock, rehearse the full five-hour day once, then light review.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CPTE?
The Written Section has 100 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours. The Oral Section has 10 structured cases, each with three questions you answer aloud in 15 minutes.
What is the CPTE pass mark?
CAPR sets one passing score for the combined result using criterion-referenced standard setting and doesn't publish it as a percentage. There is no separate pass for each section, so a strong Written Section helps your overall result.
How much does the CPTE cost?
C$2,500 for 2026 and 2027 dates. In 2026 candidates who passed the PCE Written Component in 2025 pay C$1,800. Rescheduling and withdrawal fees apply.
Do I have to sit the Written Section again if I fail?
Yes. The CPTE has one overall outcome, so a retake means both sections again.
How many attempts do I get?
Most candidates have three attempts (CAPR's Section A). Candidates who first took the PCE Written Component before 2013 have five. Failed attempts at the PCE Clinical Component or a provincial clinical exam count toward the limit.
Official sources
- CAPR: Canadian Physiotherapy Examination
- CAPR: CPTE General Overview (Candidate Guide and Blueprint 2025)
- CAPR: Dates and Fees
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators rules change; confirm with the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators before you apply.
