Apply for Independent Practice

Learn about applying for an independent practice permit with CPSA.

Standard eligibility requirements

Eligibility requirements to practise independently in Alberta.

Learn more

Steps
to apply

Steps to follow to practise
independently in Alberta.

Learn more

Registration
fees

Fees you can expect as part of your registration process.

Learn more

Applying to practise in Alberta

To practise medicine in Alberta, all physicians must have a practice permit with CPSA.

A physician in independent practice can work in medicine within their scope of training, is responsible for their medical practice and does not rely on another physician to oversee any part of their medical practice.

Review our quick guide to applying for independent practice

Apply for independent practice

CPSA has the same basic expectations of all applicants.

All applicants, including Canadian-trained, out-of-province or internationally trained, must meet the following standard requirements: 

Standard eligibility requirements

Medical or osteopathic degree

Medical or osteopathic degree

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Medical or osteopathic degree

Medical or osteopathic degree

A medical or osteopathic degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools or a U.S. osteopathic school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association. 

Postgraduate training

Postgraduate training

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Postgraduate training

Postgraduate training

Completion of all postgraduate training required for your discipline: 

  • Family Medicine: University-affiliated program including: 
    • 4 months of community-based primary care 
    • 8 weeks in at least 3 of: pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, internal medicine 
  • Other Specialties: Discipline-specific specialty training equivalent to Royal College standards, with specialist certification. 
English language proficiency

English language proficiency

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English language proficiency

English language proficiency

Must provide acceptable proof of English language proficiency. For more on this requirement, visit English Language Proficiency.

Criminal record check

Criminal record check

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Criminal record check

Criminal record check

A criminal record check is required from all locations where you’ve trained or worked for more than 90 days in the past 5 years (official police checks only). 

Do you meet the standard eligibility requirements?

Follow these steps to apply for independent practice.

I am a Canadian graduate & first-time registrant

Steps to apply for independent practice

Create a physiciansapply.ca account

All applications must be submitted through this platform (this includes steps 2 & 3).

Create account here

Submit a qualifications review 

CPSA will confirm if you meet eligibility requirements and send an Eligibility Letter.

Complete the full application

Includes documentation, fees, orientation, and a CPSA practice permit.

I am already practising independently in another province

Additional eligibility requirements

Steps to apply for independent practice

Create a physiciansapply.ca account

All applications must be submitted through this platform (this includes steps 2 & 3).

Create account here

Submit a qualifications review 

CPSA will confirm if you meet eligibility requirements and send an Eligibility Letter.

Complete the full application

Includes documentation, fees, orientation, and a CPSA practice permit.

I am an international medical graduate (IMG) not currently practising in Canada

Did you receive your credentials from one of CPSA’s approved jurisdictions?

Additional eligibility requirements

  • Successful completion of a Registration Exam.
  • At least 1 year of recent practice or postgraduate training in intended specialty (within the last 3 years).

Steps to apply for independent practice

Create a physiciansapply.ca account

All applications must be submitted through this platform (this includes steps 2 & 3).

Create account here

Submit a qualifications review 

CPSA will confirm if you meet eligibility requirements and send an Eligibility Letter.

Complete the full application

Includes documentation, fees, orientation, and a CPSA practice permit.

Secure sponsorship and pass the TDM Exam (Family Medicine only)

Apply for eligible sponsored jobs via DoctorJobsAlberta.com. Note: Your sponsor must send us a sponsorship form.

Complete a Practice Readiness Assessment (PRA)

3-to-6-month evaluation combining clinical assessment and probationary practice.

Learn more about the PRA process

Register on the Provisional Register

Allows you to practise while obtaining Canadian certification or completing Competency Assessments.

Registration fees

Fees you can expect as part of your registration process

This fee estimator is not an eligibility checklist.

Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

Local: 780-969-4924
Toll-free: 1-800-320-8624 (in Canada)
Fax: 780-424-0805

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Innovation at CPSA

We are the only medical regulator in Canada with an in-house Analytics, Innovation & Research (AIR) team. Learn how CPSA's regulatory-based research supports quality medical practice.