Additional route launched to get internationally trained physicians into their Alberta communities faster.
On Jan. 16, 2023, CPSA launched a 5-year pilot project to condense the Practice Readiness Assessment process for internationally trained physicians (often known as international medical graduates) with training comparable to that obtained in Canadian universities, as identified by experts in postgraduate medical training.
The goal of the pilot is to evaluate whether certain internationally trained physicians may begin independently practising in their identified communities faster, while still ensuring patient safety is the top priority.
Accelerated registration for eligible internationally trained physicians
CPSA’s Practice Readiness Assessment (PRA) is the final step to independent practice in Alberta for those who do not have complete Canadian credentials. Once an internationally trained physician has met eligibility criteria and secured a sponsorship through Alberta Health Services, they can move on to the PRA.
Traditional PRA process
The traditional PRA process consists of 2 parts: the 3-month Preliminary Clinical Assessment where the candidate works under direct observation in the medical practice of a CPSA-approved assessor, and the 3-month Supervised Practice Assessment (SPA) where the candidate practises independently in their identified community, providing medical services to Albertans.
Accelerated PRA process
The 5-year pilot project waives the first 3-month requirement for internationally trained physicians that have comparable training to that obtained in Canadian universities. These internationally trained physicians will now go directly to their identified communities and begin practising independently while completing their Supervised Practice Assessment.
Other waived requirements for eligible internationally trained physicians include:
- clinical review exams
- Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1
- Canadian certification exams (College of Family Physicians of Canada and/or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada)
Route to registration for eligible internationally trained physicians
Competency assessments
If you are eligible for this accelerated route to registration, you will need to participate in two competency assessments after you have successfully completed your SPA to ensure patients are receiving safe, high-quality care.
After you successfully complete the competency assessments, you will remain on the provisional register for a total of 3 years before being considered for the general register. Successful practice during those three years (as determined by CPSA) will allow for transfer to the general register without the requirement of Canadian certification in the discipline of practice. If you are unsuccessful in the competency assessment, a summative assessment may be required.
Eligibility
If you apply for independent practice in Alberta on or after Jan. 16, 2023, you may be eligible for this additional route to registration, depending on where you received your medical training. CPSA’s registration team will review your application and let you know if you are eligible.
New (Nov, 2023): Approved jurisdictions expanded to include eligible specialties from the American Board of Medical Specialties
How to apply
If you are an internationally trained physician interested in practising in Alberta, your first step is to apply for Independent Practice.
Physicians do not apply directly for this route to registration. Our registration team will review your application and let you know which route to registration you qualify for.
Looking for fee information? Get an estimate of registration fees.
Learn more
CPSA’s registration policies provide more details about this additional route to registration.
FAQs
All FAQsAm I eligible for the accelerated route to registration for internationally trained physicians?
Internationally trained physicians from approved jurisdictions who meet CPSA’s other registration requirements may be eligible for the accelerated route to registration. CPSA’s registration team reviews physician applications to determine their eligibility.
How can I apply for the accelerated route to registration for internationally trained physicians?
Physicians don’t apply directly for this route to registration. Your first step is to apply for independent practice. Our registration team will then review your application and let you know which route to registration you qualify for.
Why are Competency Assessments part of the accelerated route to registration for internationally trained physicians?
If you are eligible for the accelerated route to registration for internationally trained physicians, you will need to participate in Competency Assessments after you have successfully completed your supervised practice assessment. This is one of the ways CPSA ensures patients are receiving safe, high-quality care.
Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
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