Frequently Asked Questions - Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy ...

Physiotherapy Competency Examination — FAQs
How Do You Set Passing Scores for the Clinical Component?
You must meet three criteria to pass the Clinical Component:
• You must achieve a the overall passing score (the Total score criterion)
• You must pass a set number of stations (the Number of stations criterion)
• You must demonstrate safe and professional actions and behaviours at the entry-to-practice
level (the Critical Incidents criterion)
Total score criterion
The total score criterion determines if you have demonstrated the required standard of knowledge,
skills and abilities. The total score does not provide information about specific areas of practice or
functions in which you may have gaps. To meet the total score criterion, you must achieve or
exceed the passing score set for the exam.
The total score criterion is a “compensatory” score because you can compensate for poor scores in
some stations with good scores in others.
Number of stations criterion
The number of stations criterion identifies frequent or systematic gaps in your knowledge, skills and
abilities. It eliminates the possibility that you could pass the Clinical Component with significant
gaps in some areas of practice. To meet the number of stations criterion, you must achieve a passing
score on a set number of stations.
The number of stations criterion is a non-compensatory score, because you cannot make up for
failed stations.
Critical incidents criterion
The critical incidents criterion determines whether you have demonstrated safe, professional
practice. This criterion provides a way for examiners to identify potentially unsafe or
unprofessional actions or behaviours. The Board of Examiners reviews these actions and behaviours
and makes a final decision about each one. To meet the critical incidents criterion, you must have no
more than 2 minor Critical Incidents, and no major Critical Incidents.
A minor safety or professionalism incident is an action, behaviour, or omission that could harm the
client, physically or emotionally.
A major safety or professionalism incident is an action, behaviour, or an omission that could cause
serious harm or death.
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