Specialization Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Specialty Titles

• I have specialized physiotherapy skills. Can I use a specialty title?

  You must receive a specialty designation from a certification body recognized by the College in order to use a specialty title in Ontario. You must then apply to the College for approval to use the specialty title. 

• I have been granted a specialty designation/certification by a certifying organization. Can I begin to use my designation right away?

  You must receive approval from the College in order to use your specialty title. Once you submit an application to the College, your specialty designation will be verified and you will be granted approval to use your specialty title. 

• How much does it cost for the College to review my application to use specialty title?

  There is no fee for the College to review your application. 

• How long does it take for the College to review my application for specialty title use?

  The College will process requests for specialty title use within ten business days. 

• Are there rules to maintain currency of my title use?

  Certifying bodies that grant specialty designations have requirements related to how to maintain the designation. As long as a member continues to hold the specialty designation, they may continue to use the specialty title in Ontario. Members must make a declaration as part of the annual registration process that they are still eligible to use the specialist title. 

• How is the College deciding what certifying organizations to approve?

  The College is taking a national approach to the recognition of specialty titles. The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) has created a Specialty Certification Recognition Committee to review certifying bodies and make recommendations about which programs contain sufficient rigor and should be approved. These recommendations are then presented to the Council of the College for final approval. 

• What programs have been approved?

  As of June 1, 2012, specialty designations granted by the Physiotherapy Specialty Certification Board of Canada (an initiative of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association) and the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties have been approved by the College. 

• How can I use my specialty title if my certifying organization has not been approved?

  If your certifying organization has not yet been approved, you can ask that The Alliance review your specialty program. Contact CAPR for information about how to proceed. 

• Who do I contact?

  Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators
  
  416-234-8800
  email@alliancept.org
  
  Contact the College at:
  registration@collegept.org