Requirements & Writing the Exam

Registration Exam Instructions, Resources, & Requirements

In order to fulfill the requirements for registration as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), all Qualifying members are required to write the registration exam.

Requirements & Writing the Exam

Registration Exam Instructions, Resources, & Requirements

About the Exam

 

In order to fulfill the requirements for registration as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), all Qualifying members are required to write the registration exam (also known as the Canadian Professional Standard for Counselling and Psychotherapy (CPSCP): Entry to Practice Competency Assessment). The exam is offered by the COMPASS Centre for Examination Development, a national body established to develop and administer this assessment. It is a computer-based exam, available in both English and French, designed to be reflective of the diversity of psychotherapy traditions and practices. The exam assesses a practitioner’s knowledge of various key entry-to-practice competencies and their information-gathering and decision-making skills in a variety of typical scenarios and simulations.

 

Information about the development, structure and format of the registration exam can be found in the Entry-to-Practice Registration Examination Resource Manual, linked below in Related Resources. For more information about the exam, please visit the COMPASS website, also linked in Related Resources.

Exam Quick Guide

Find sitting dates, fees, and other helpful information

  • Exam Quick Guide

    There are 2 exam sittings per year.

     

    • Fall 2024 sitting: November 6, 7, 8 (Please note: Sign-up for the November exam has closed.)
      • Fall booking/purchase window: September 9 to October 18
    • Spring 2025 sitting: April 23, 24, 25 (Please note: The Spring 2025 dates are subject to change).

     

    Each registrant is allotted 3 hours to write the exam.

  • Exam Quick Guide

    Exam fee: $545 + HST

     

    The fee to write the Registration Examination is set by and paid directly to COMPASS, the third-party organization that developed and administers the exam.

Latest Exam News

Registration Exam Dates Now Posted

  • Latest Exam News

    The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and Compass Centre for Examination Development are pleased to announce the dates for the November 2024 administration of the CRPO Registration Examination.

    See exam dates here
Exam Attempt Deadlines

2024 Exam Attempt Deadline Dates

  • Exam Attempt Deadlines

    • Spring May 1-3, 2024 sitting

     

    Registrants approached their deadline for this sitting if their first/third attempt deadline was between April 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024. They were informed that the spring May 2024 exam was their final opportunity to write the exam if they hadn’t yet satisfied their exam attempt deadline.

  • Exam Attempt Deadlines

    • Fall November 6-8, 2024 sitting

     

    Please note that the fall 2024 sitting will count as your final opportunity to write the exam if your first/third exam attempt deadline falls between October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, and you have not yet satisfied your exam attempt deadline.

  • Exam Attempt Deadlines

    • Spring April 23-25, 2025 sitting (These are tentative exam dates, subject to change)

     

    Please note that the spring 2025 sitting will count as your final opportunity to write the exam if your first/third exam attempt deadline falls between April 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025, and you have not yet satisfied your exam attempt deadline.

Exam Steps

Steps to Writing the Exam

Step 1

  • CRPO confirms that you are eligible to write the Registration Examination approximately three months prior to the proposed administration date.
  • You confirm your intention to write the Registration Examination with CRPO and provide requested information to CRPO staff by the requested deadlines.
  • Formal application, with appropriate documentation, for any accommodation must be made at the same time that you indicate your intention to write the Registration Examination with CRPO. Use the accommodations request form (available through CRPO) to apply.
  • COMPASS Centre for Examination Development contacts you to confirm the status of your request for accommodation.

Step 2

  • You receive an email transmission from CRPO. In it, you will see the “book and purchase window” directions for purchasing and booking your spot at the Registration Examination. The directions include the time period during which you must purchase the Registration Examination. If this email transmission is not received within one month of the Registration Examination, please contact info@crpo.ca.
  • You register and book the examination by purchasing the CRPO Registration Examination. Please ensure to book your exam for the same location you provided to CRPO. After purchasing the exam, you will receive a confirmation email with the date and the time at which you should arrive to write the Registration Examination.

Step 3

  • You receive an email transmission from MonitorEDU once you have purchased the CRPO Registration Examination.

Step 4

  • On exam day, please be online 15 minutes before the start time of your scheduled examination. Be prepared with two pieces of government-issued identification (one must contain a photo) and your CRPO-issued identification number.
  • Write the registration examination.
  • If any incidents occur on exam day, please notify CRPO by email to info@crpo.ca as soon as possible.
  • COMPASS Centre for Examination Development transmits examination results by e-mail between six and eight weeks after your date of writing.

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.

General Questions

The exam is offered twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.

Upcoming exam dates are posted at the top of this page under Exam Quick Guide.

Information about the development, structure and format of the registration exam can be found in the Entry-to-Practice Registration Examination Resource Manual linked in Exam Prep Resources.

 

Additional information about the Registration Exam is available by visiting COMPASS’ website and in the Information Guide for Candidates (sent directly to candidates who successfully register to write the Exam by COMPASS).

The exam is administered using an on-line platform, using remote proctoring. This means that you write it from your home or office. Candidates are responsible for using a safe, secure, and private area when writing the exam.

 

Limited in-person seating is available to candidates with accessibility issues or accommodation needs (whether temporary, transient, or permanent) that prevent remote proctoring.

Yes, the exam may be written at an alternate location provided it meets the minimum standards for a secure testing environment. Regardless of where you plan to write the exam, it is important that the internet connectivity and technical hardware are pre-checked through MonitorEDU at least 5 days before the Exam to ensure all minimum standards are met.

Candidates have three hours to complete the exam.

If you are unsure about your deadline to write the exam, please see Exam Attempt Deadline Dates near the top of this page.

The exam fee is $545 + HST. The fee to write the Registration Examination is set by and paid directly to COMPASS, the third-party organization that developed and administers the exam. The full amount is required for each subsequent attempt. If you require a receipt for the exam fee, please contact COMPASS directly.

The Registration Exam is offered exclusively via online remote proctoring. Registrants will take the exam from the comfort of their own home, provided it meets the minimum standards for technological requirements as set out in the Candidate Agreement. Registrants will be prompted with this agreement at the start of the exam. For detailed information on the technical requirements, please review the Exam Prep Resources.

No. A computer is required to take the exam. Additionally, your computer webcam and the camera in your mobile device must both be functional to permit the remote proctor to monitor your activities.

Once you have paid to write the Registration Examination, COMPASS will provide you with the name of a contact person to whom you may explain your circumstances. Exam fees are non-refundable; however, you may, in exceptional circumstances, be permitted to write the examination at the next available sitting (which could be six months or more in the future). Such requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and supporting evidence will be required.

General questions about the Exam (e.g., eligibility requirements, proposed dates for sittings, fees) can be sent to the College at info@crpo.ca.

 

A member who has been notified of their eligibility to write the Exam and confirmed their intention to write, can submit questions directly to COMPASS at info@compassexams.ca

Exam Eligibility Questions

You are eligible to write the exam if:

 

  1. You have been issued a certificate of registration in the Qualifying category, and
  2. You have successfully completed your psychotherapy program. CRPO must have received your final transcript/credential assessment directly from the education institution/credential assessment agency.

 

For more detailed information, please see under Eligibility Requirements above.

No. The status of your clinical experience hours does not determine your exam eligibility status.

The exam is offered twice a year (spring and fall). For the spring exam, the deadline for receiving final transcript/credential assessment is usually by the end of January. For the fall exam, the deadline for receiving final transcript/credential assessment is usually by the end of July. The absolute deadline date for receiving final transcript/credential assessment will be provided to Qualifying registrants when they receive a message from CRPO about an upcoming sitting.

If you had applied to CRPO when you had substantially completed your program, documentation received from the institution confirming that all requirements to graduate have been met is required prior to signing up for the exam. If you have not yet graduated, the documentation must confirm that all requirements have been met and indicate the expected date of graduation. The documentation must be sent directly from the institution to CRPO via email to: info@crpo.ca

If you have not yet graduated, the documentation must confirm that you have met all requirements and indicate the expected date of graduation. If you have already graduated, the documentation must confirm the date of graduation. If your program was outside of Canada, the final credential assessment must be sent directly to CRPO by the third-party evaluator and is required prior to signing up for the Registration Examination.

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 in a message. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

Exam Sign-Up Questions

Registrants will be provided with exam information, sign-up and exam booking deadlines, and details on how to sign-up for the next available exam typically 3-4 months prior to the actual exam date. For the spring exam, registrants are typically contacted by CRPO staff in late January. For the fall exam, registrants are typically contacted by CRPO staff in late July.

Registrants that have accessibility/accommodation needs for the exam should submit their request for exam accommodations at the same time they sign-up for the exam/confirm their intent to write the exam.

 

In all cases, the accommodation request form and documentation must be submitted by the deadline for candidates to confirm their intent to write the exam. For more detailed information on accommodations, please view the Exam Accommodations page.

Once the exam booking/purchase window opens, registrants who had previously confirmed their intention to write by the deadline will receive further information, including information on what to do if they wish to withdraw and the deadline to request a withdrawal to receive a refund. If you purchase the exam and decide to withdraw, COMPASS will apply a $20 transaction/processing fee for refunds.

Exam Preparation Questions

We strongly encourage registrants to review all the exam preparation resources that are available below.

We strongly encourage registrants to review all the exam preparation resources that are available below.

 

Candidates will also receive an additional electronic information guide directly from COMPASS once they have successfully registered to write at the next sitting. In addition to a review of the structure and format of the exam, the information guide outlines the administrative procedures associated with writing it.

Outside of the Exam Prep Resources linked below, CRPO and COMPASS do not endorse specific authors, exam preparation courses or study materials in relation to the exam.

 

We have been made aware of other preparation courses that are being offered to exam candidates, but we cannot comment on their quality, veracity or usefulness. Individuals and programs offering exam preparation courses must ensure they are not inappropriately using COMPASS’ copyright protected materials.

Exam Results Questions

Candidates do not receive a ‘grade’ but will be notified of a pass or fail.

Results will be available six to eight weeks after sitting the exam. COMPASS will notify candidates of the results directly by email. Results will also be sent to CRPO.

Registrants generally perform well on the exam. The average pass rate on the exam over the past 8 years has been 85%.

A Qualifying registrant who attempted but did not successfully pass the Registration Exam can continue to practise with clinical supervision while preparing to retake it at the next available sitting. Upgrading activities may be required if you fail the second attempt and before the third and final attempt can be made.

If a Qualifying registrant fails their third exam attempt, their certificate of registration expires; if they want to re-apply to the College, they will have to complete a new psychotherapy education program prior to re-applying for registration. Please see section 6(6) of the Registration Regulation.The Registration Regulation also states that 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.

 

For more information, please see Qualifying Expiration Policy and Process linked below.

Exam Appeals & Extensions

Helpful resources for exam appeal requests and extension requests.

  • Exam Appeals

    Exam Appeals Policy

    This policy is intended to ensure just and equitable treatment of registrants who, due to unfairness, fail the registration examination.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Appeals

    Exam Appeal Form

    A registrant who has failed the registration examination may submit an appeal request in accordance with the Examination Appeals Policy.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Extensions

    Exam Extensions Policy

    This policy is intended to ensure just and equitable treatment of registrants who request an extension to their first or third examination attempt deadlines.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Extensions

    Exam Extension Form

    A registrant who has imminent extenuating circumstances preventing them from making an examination attempt within their first and/or third examination attempt deadline may submit an extension request.

    Download PDF here

Exam Prep Resources

Helpful resources for exam preparation

  • Exam Prep Resources

    Entry-to-Practice Registration Examination Resource Manual

    This guide provides an overview and a sample of the structure and format of the Registration Examination; its calibration and scoring protocols; and other related information.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    Competency Based Case Study Workbook

    This workbook is designed to support the information-gathering and decision-making skills of entry-to-practice psychotherapists by using a competency-based, case study approach.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    Online Exam Tip Sheet

    Follow this tip sheet for guidance on meeting the minimum standards for remotely proctored examinations as stipulated in the Candidate Agreement. 

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    Remotely Proctored Online Exam Requirements

    The security and integrity of the examinations will be administered through a partnership with COMPASS Centre for Examination Development and MonitorEDU.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    Technical Requirements and Testing for Online Exams

    Each CRPO candidate is responsible for providing remotely proctored CRPO Registration Examination.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    Candidate Agreement

    You must agree to the following conditions before you can take the remotely proctored online CRPO Registration.

    Download PDF here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    Pre-Exam Check

    In order to support successful completion of the remotely proctored exam, candidates are required to set up in a private, enclosed room. The testing environment should be, and remain comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions for the duration of the exam.

    See video here
  • Exam Prep Resources

    How Remote Proctoring Works

    See this video on how to set up a secure and uncluttered location or room, equipped with Internet connectivity, to take the exam.

    See video here

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