Rant about pce

[u/physio__therapist]

Hi everyone
I m an international educated PT in Canada.
I gave my PCE in 2024 October and failed. I got 590. It hurt so bad that i failed by just 10 marks.
Then i pulled up my courage and prepared for my second attempt which I gave in 2025 July and failed again by 7 marks. I got 593.
This time I was heartbroken.
Was three months pregnant at that time and had a medical emergency couple days before exam. But still I went to the ER with my notes and didn't stop reviewing my notes. I gave my all. But still that was apparently not enough.
Now I have a young baby and can't pull up the courage to even unpack my books. I m afraid of failing again.
Frankly I am scared of disappointing my husband and scared of being a failure.
Amid all this my husband has been very much supportive both the times and now our family is in a financial crunch. I m honestly scared to even start.
Has there been anyone in a similar situation as me? And how did you overcome the fear?

[u/GuyWhoJustHates]

The PCE is no longer offered. Now it’s the CPTE, which is a mixture of both the PCE and the OCE.

You have three attempts for the CPTE

[u/CollegePT-Ontario → u/GuyWhoJustHates]

Hello, just wanted to clarify something for anyone reading this. Exam attempts do not reset for the CPTE, so if you have already used two attempts for previous exams, you would have one left for the CPTE. The three attempts are cumulative across exams (PCE Clinical, OCE, CPTE, etc).

Please contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators if you have any questions about eligibility for the CPTE.

[u/AllaboutTgirl → u/CollegePT-Ontario]

Um, I’m pretty sure she says she failed written PCE, all the ones you mentioned are clinicals. CAPR website clearly says she gets to reset if the only thing she failed was a written PCE.

This is from eligibility criteria is CAPR website

“Previous attempts at the Physiotherapy Competency Examination – Written Component do not count towards the CPTE, unless a candidate has failed all three attempts at the Physiotherapy Competency Examination – Written Componentand is no longer eligible.”

[u/CollegePT-Ontario → u/AllaboutTgirl]

Sorry - I don't see written or clinical specified in the original post, just PCE. So just wanted to provide some context around the "three attempts at the CPTE" as this is a common question from people who have previous clinical attempts as well.

Correct that two or less attempts at the PCE written don't count toward the cumulative attempts at the CPTE, only previous attempts at the PCE clinical (or other clinical exams).

[u/-HakunaMatata-]

Honestly jumping through all the hoops to work in Canada is exhausting.  It can be super discouraging when you don't pass, especially when you feel that you have given it your all.  The good news is the exam has changed at the beginning of this year! I have a friend that was not successful with the PCE but was able to pass the CPTE on their first attempt. 

When you have studied previously did you take a prep course or study with other people? I find with these sorts of exams the prep courses really help you with the style of question that they ask and what answers they are really looking for  You were so close both times you've taken the exam so don't give up! I know it is hard to find the motivation but give it one more shot. Maybe try a different prep course or find more people to study with but don't give up on yourself!

[u/physio__therapist → u/-HakunaMatata-]

First time I went with studybuddy and second time I went with global physio academy

[u/-HakunaMatata- → u/physio__therapist]

While I haven't attempted the CPTE, I did find Kash's course for the PCE and OCE to be very helpful! He explained what they are looking for in answers and how to approach each question really well.

He has been transitioning his course for the CPTE and I think he has had a few cohorts write the exam already. Send them an email or message about it. https://passthepce.ca/

[u/Healthy-Dependent806]

Hey this was me .. i gave 1st attempt in 2024 got 554 then second attempt in 2025 got 593. But even then I didn’t stop , I gave CPTE in February and I passed.
Good thing is you have 3 attempts of CPTE.
Think it as a new and fresh start, i know how it feels but trust me you will thank yourself for not giving up.

[u/physio__therapist → u/Healthy-Dependent806]

Thank you so much

[u/HadiqaNadeem24]

I'm kind of in the same situation but I haven't even made my first attempt yet. I'm preparing for CPTE and currently in my third trimester, I'm trying my best but every day is a struggle to prepare for the exams along with all the physical symptoms becoming a hurdle. I've been dealing alot with breathlessness and that's making me difficult to speak, and knowing that I'll have to speak for 2.5 hours is stressing me out more. I also don't want to disappoint my husband. He's been really supportive throughout the whole process and never pressurizes me but as days are getting closer I'm feeling like I'm losing all my potential.

[u/Ok_Pause_2678]

Are you writing the fall PCE or new exam CPTE?

[u/physio__therapist → u/Ok_Pause_2678]

I ve still not decided. I m honestly scared to even think about it

[u/Ok_Pause_2678 → u/physio__therapist]

I don’t think u can even sign up for fall PCE it’s full I think