COMPASS Registration Exam Overview Videos
COMPASS Registration Exam Overview (Long Version)
Exam Video Highlights (Condensed Version)
Please Note: These video resources were created prior to the exam delivery method changing to online remote proctoring. For updated information related to Taking the Assessment: Security and Logistics, please refer to the online remote proctoring resources linked under Exam Prep Resources.
Eligibility Requirements
All Qualifying registrants are required to successfully complete the registration exam. A Qualifying registrant is deemed eligible by CRPO to write the exam when they have demonstrated successful completion of a recognized/accepted program or education and training that has been deemed substantially equivalent to a recognized program.
A Qualifying registrant that applied when they had substantially completed their program, must ensure a final transcript/credential assessment with the diploma/certificate/degree conferral date is sent from their institution/credential assessment provider to CRPO directly (preferred method via email to: info@crpo.ca), prior to signing up for the Registration examination. If the program was completed outside of Canada, a credential assessment is required.
A Qualifying registrant that has completed all their program requirements but is awaiting their graduation, has the option to provide a letter from their institution that confirms that all requirements to graduate have been met and the expected graduation date, prior to signing up for the Registration Examination. The letter must be sent from their institution to CRPO directly (preferred method via email to: info@crpo.ca.
The exam is offered twice a year (spring and fall). For the spring exam, the timeframe for receiving final transcript/ credential assessment/letter is usually by the end of January. For the fall exam, the timeframe for receiving final transcript/ credential assessment/ letter is usually by the end of July. The absolute deadline date for receiving final transcript/credential assessment/letter will be provided to Qualifying registrants when they receive a message from CRPO about an upcoming sitting; the exam timeline varies by each sitting. The absolute deadline date for receiving final transcript/credential assessment/ letter will also be posted on the CRPO website, prior to each upcoming sitting.
Applicants who have submitted an application but who have not yet been approved and issued a certificate of registration are not eligible to sign up for the exam. If the exam surveying period is still open when your application is approved, we will notify you by email. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
Registering to Write the Examination
The process to sign up for the exam starts with CRPO staff messaging eligible registrants directly. Once registered, Qualifying members will receive a message from CRPO confirming their eligibility to write the exam when they have met the requirements outlined above. Candidates will be advised of the proposed date of the next sitting of the exam and asked to:
- confirm their intention to write at that sitting;
- confirm the language in which they prefer to write the exam (either English or French);
- provide details and documentation pertaining to any accommodations they might require; and
- verify a primary contact email and phone number
Each candidate will also be notified of a unique identifier code by CRPO which confirms their identity and eligibility to write the examination for COMPASS. The College will send candidate information to COMPASS, along with the unique identifier; COMPASS will then contact eligible candidates directly and can provide assistance with the steps required to register to write the exam (e.g. payment methods, deadlines, etc.).
Successful completion of the registration examination alone does not grant Qualifying members full status as an RP. Qualifying members also need to demonstrate completion of ALL clinical experience requirements (i.e. a minimum of 450 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision) in order to be registered as an RP.
Conditions for Completing the Registration Examination
There are certain deadlines associated with being in the Qualifying category and writing the registration examination:
- The first attempt at the exam must be made no later than 24 months following the date that a complete application for registration as a Qualifying registrant, and fee, are received by CRPO. Registrants need to be mindful of their first exam attempt deadline and are advised to plan ahead, knowing the date of the last chance to make a first attempt. There will be at least one sitting of the registration exam each year.
- A candidate must successfully complete the exam in no more than three attempts.
- The third and final attempt is permitted only after the Qualifying registrant has completed upgrading activities, if any, required by a panel of the Examination Committee. The third attempt must be made no later than five years after the date of application for registration in the Qualifying category, unless additional time is permitted by the Examination Committee, in exceptional circumstances.
Qualifying registrants are permitted a maximum of five years from the date that a Qualifying certificate of registration is issued by the College in which to satisfy ALL the requirements for registration as an RP (i.e., completing the required clinical experience hours and passing the exam).
If a registrant does not make an attempt at the registration exam within their first attempt deadline, they risk the expiry of their certificate of registration. Expiry means the individual is no longer registered with CRPO and cannot use the protected title, hold out as a practitioner of psychotherapy, or perform the controlled act of psychotherapy. The expiry is reflected on the public register. No fees are refunded when a registrant expires. Once expired, an individual can re-apply to CRPO.
Mitigating Circumstances and Extensions
A registrant who is unable to take the exam within the timelines stipulated in the Registration Regulation has the right to request an extension to the Examination Committee, following the procedure outlined in the Examination Extension Form linked below. As the Examination Extension Policy states, registrants can request an exam extension request based on the following circumstances: incomplete education program, compassionate consideration, medical reasons, or parental leave. The Examination Committee will review and make their decision regarding the extension request using the extensions framework.
Mitigating Circumstances and Appeals
A registrant who fails the exam has the right to appeal to the Examination Committee, following the procedure outlined in the Examination Appeal Form linked below. As the Examination Appeal Policy indicates, registrants can appeal examination results based on the following categories: compassionate consideration, medical reasons, or process irregularities. The Examination Committee will review and make their decision regarding the appeal using the appeals framework.
In deciding an appeal, the Examination Committee shall not determine that an applicant has passed the examination unless the applicant did, in fact, pass the examination. If the appeal is successful, the results of the examination shall be nullified and the examination does not count against the candidate for any purpose.
