Unhappy about Canada's PNE (physiotherapy national exam)???

I would like to add my experiences to the dozens of other complaints out there about Canada's physiotherapy national exam (the practical component), especially for foreign trained physios. It is fundamentally unfair on many levels:
1. All recent Canadian graduates are groomed for this exam. This makes it very hard for foreign-trained therapists to compete.
2. The pass rate for the June 2, 2001 exam was as follows: 88% of Canadian grads passed, 44% of foreign trained graduates passed!! (many of these 44% were writing for the 2nd or 3rd time)
3. You can receive grades far above the pass mark cut-off yet still fail the exam.
4. The PNE format does not allow credit for correct responses that are absent from their standardized answer checklist
5. The following is a quote from physiotherapy Canada 1993: "The OSCE is credible as a test of clinical competence but reliability is perhaps lower than would be optimal for a licensure examination. Combining an OSCE with a multiple choice exam may have desirable effects on student learning and have acceptable reliability levels."
6. How can the Alliance ensure standardization of performance of the actors, consistancy of examiners and consistancy of scoring in a country as large as Canada, where every actor, examiner, examiner trainer, marker and candidate has his/her own biases, knowledge base, and personal interpretation.
7.The basis for many of the questions reflect inappropriate or unacceptable clinical practice because they expect the candidate to perform evaluations or treatments completely out of context........
I have expanded these points in a 17 page document that I have sent to the College of Physical Therapists of BC and to the Office of the Ombudsman (check out their website for an online complaint form), however I can no longer offer it online. Here's to change!!!!! MN

I too am very unhappy about Canada's PNE and would greatly appreciate if you could forward the 17 page document you have compiled to my email. The application processes alone are outdated, frustrating, costly, and unnecessary! How could we expect the exam to be up-to-date and standardized? This needs to be made more public if there's to be any change! Thanks! I'll keep you posted! (an alternate email: [email protected])

Hi, I'm rapidly going off the idea of trying to qualify to work in Canada - so many horror stories - and the cost!

I'd be grateful if you could forward me your comprehensive report / complaint just so that I know exactly what it is I'm letting myself in for!

Thanks Andrew

Hi There,
I too am trying for Canada exam and was surprised 2 c ur mail.I would b hankful if u could mail me the complaint points document so that I m more aware of their policies.E-MAIL AT:[email protected].

I'm a canadian student ready to write the PNE in June. I just did a placement in England and heard their views on the exam. I also know what my fellow students think - and its not very good either. I'd like to read your 17 page document. Could you please send it to me at [email protected]
Thanks
Katie

Hi MN..My name is Sashika. My husband and I have emigrated from SA in Jan 03. I have just successfully completed the written component of the PCE and, frightfully, have started studying for the next exam in June, although I have no idea where and how to begin. Although I have had 4 years work experience in all fields and aspects of physio, I did find the exam intimidating and confusing. I read your email with some relief as I share similar beliefs. Even though there is no avoiding the exams at this stage, I would appreciate any info esp. your document to make this stressful period a bit easier...
Kindest regard...

PS. MN...Please could you email me your document . My address is [email protected]

Hi! I am Kris planning to take my first exam in Aug. I heard a lot about the PNE but to my surprise. My prcessing for Michigan state board is way too quick compared to canadian. I really look for more info online. Can u please send me the 17page doc..to get a better understanding about PNE?

Im amazed there is someone who stands for his own belief and makes action for a change, for all the PT worldwide. However, as a PT, I still need to read your own points and views regarding what youre fighting for. Im interested in your 17 page document. Maybe I can share sentiments. Please email me your paper [email protected]. Goodluck

MN - Can you send me a copy of the document, please? at [email protected] Thanks! We have such a shortage of physios that it is hard to believe that the regulating board is making it unnecessarily difficult to get into our profession. The website for the regulating board is www.alliancept.org

I am also considering going for canadian registration, but would like to know what I am up against. Any chance of emailing me your document also,
Thanks, [email protected]

Wow! I'm a canadian physio and in my own country i needed to complete another exam above all my uni exams and clinical supervisors evaluating me. And the EXPENSE!!! Think how that makes us feel. The exam sucks. The written virtually 99% pass at least when i completed it 4 years ago. And the practical not practical at all. Its not an exam of competency as they would like to think but rather one of stress management. I too wrote a letter to our provincal assoc but they would not publish it. They have now just signed on to be another province where you need the exam. Also, at my uni we were NOT groomed for this exam -- thank god. I'd like to see those who have been grandfathered into it, write the exam and see if they want to keep it around after they try to complete it. Good luck to whoever writes it.

hi..im a PT here in the philippines and i wish that i could ur info regarding the exam in canada... a friend already tried assessment but found out that we are not compatible with teh educational system there...i hope u could help.....thanks

Hi !
Could you send me please also a copy of the document ?
Thanks
Wirley
[email protected]

can you please send me a copy of the 17-page complaint so i would be more aware of the consequences i would take in case i tried to apply as a PT here in Canada. Many thanks in advance! email me at [email protected]

hi,
Thanks for the information. Could u please send me the same document if possible on my mail id: [email protected].
Thanks

Hi! everyone!

Just to point out that the original message was posted in 2002- more than 5 years ago!

I have recently attempted the PNE and got through at the first attempt, PRIMARILY because of the excellent guidelines given by the Alliance.

Besides, they now have procedures in place to help candidates to get through the exams.(see their website)

hi,
I am giving my exam this november for first time. I am really very tensed. Could you please tell me which book to follow for studying

hi there i am also writing the written component of PCE this november, and i am too much scared for this exam. i am not sure but if anyone can give me some good ideas to study for the exam i be really thankful to you. i just don't have anybody near me to do group study, and alone i am finding it too difficult. some people said that they got through at their first chance, if they just can give me an idea what type of exam is this(difficulty wise) and what we need to concentrate on and books to refer and study i will really appreciate the help my email address is [email protected]

Can you please send me please also a copy of the document ?

my email:
[email protected]

hi could you kindly send me acopy of the document too. thanks. [email protected]

hi there
please let me know if anyone writting thw written component of PCE in jan 2008 and would like study group. especially in area of mississauga and brampton, etiobicoke.
please help
much appreciated

hi starshine,
I will apply for the writting component in may 2008.
Would you please tell me which books i need to study for the exam! and how can i share you in a study group.
Best regards

hi sameha
well i will suggest you to write this exam in march or jan or november, good months, rest is upto you.
regarding books: mainly just focus on anatomy, kisner and colby, o'sullivan npte book, few detailed chapters from o' sullivan red book, and ofcourse the electrotherapy which ever you studied, well i am from brampton, ontario where are you from, i alredy have a study group you are welcome to join this group anytime. or else we can share notes with eachother andso on
good luck

The Alliance is taking steps to improve the process for internationally trained PT's.

Please note, as previously observed, the original post was made in2002!!!

Things are changing. Take a look at this link The Alliance | Credentialling | News

If you live in the Toronto area, and are seriously feeling you need help with preparing for the exam, you should consider the course offered by the Alliance.

If anyone has been on this course, maybe they could post feedback as to how useful it is!