How to Become a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist in Quebec
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec to work as a physical rehabilitation therapist in Quebec or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“The Quebec Professional Code prohibits any non-member of OPPQ from using the designation “physiotherapist” or “physiotherapy technologist” and from performing any act reserved for OPPQ members. To legally practice you must hold a license and be a registered OPPQ member.”
From oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 3 steps
- Licensed in another province: 5 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 6 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with OPPQ
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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You must apply for an OPPQ license and first-time registration using the online application form.
Source
“If you hold a master’s degree in physiotherapy or a diploma in physiotherapy technology, you must apply for an OPPQ license and for first-time registration as an OPPQ member. Here’s what to do: - Apply using the online form.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
You pay the registration fee, the annual membership fee, and the professional liability insurance premium.
Source
“Pay the registration fee, annual membership fee, and professional liability insurance premium.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
Once your payment is received, Admissions Services reviews your application and issues your license.
Source
“Once your payment is received, Admissions Services will review your application and issue your license.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with OPPQ
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
-
You submit your application for an OPPQ license and first-time registration using the online form.
Source
“If you hold a regular physiotherapy license issued in Canada (outside Quebec), you must apply for an OPPQ license and for first-time registration as an OPPQ member. Here’s what to do: - Submit application using the online form.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
You pay the registration fee, the annual membership fee, and the professional liability insurance premium.
Source
“Pay the registration fee, annual membership fee, and professional liability insurance premium.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
You provide recent photo ID and a letter of good standing from the Canadian body that issued your license.
Source
“A recent piece of photo ID. - A letter of good standing from the Canadian governing body for physiotherapists that issued your license and, if you belong to another governing body for a profession in Quebec, from that governing body.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
You must prove you are proficient enough in French to practice, otherwise you may be issued a temporary license.
Source
“You will also have to prove that you are proficient enough in French to practice as a physiotherapist in Quebec, otherwise you may be issued a temporary license.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
Once your payment is received, Admissions Services reviews your application and issues your license.
Source
“Once your payment is received, Admissions Services will review your application and issue your license.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with OPPQ
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 6 done
- 6 steps without a listed fee
-
If your highest recognized physiotherapy education is college level, you apply for a physiotherapy technologist's license equivalency.
Source
“If the highest level of physiotherapy education recognized in Quebec is college level (in French, cégep), you should submit an equivalency application for a physiotherapy technologist’s license (Phys. T.) (formerly physical rehabilitation therapist or PRT).”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates -
You must submit your equivalency application digitally by email or by mail on a USB key.
Source
“You must submit your application digitally in one of the following ways: - by email to: [email protected] OR - by mail, on a USB key, to the OPPQ office”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates -
You must also mail the OPPQ the originals of all documents marked with an asterisk on the checklist.
Source
“You must also mail OPPQ the originals of all documents marked with an asterisk (*) on the checklist to the following address:”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates -
The OPPQ reviews your application for equivalency and may require a competency assessment to render its decision.
Source
“When reviewing your application for equivalency, OPPQ may require you to undergo an additional examination called a Competency Assessment in order to render its decision.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates -
Once the OPPQ approves your equivalency application, you fill out the first-time license application to obtain a temporary restrictive license to practice under supervision.
Source
“Once OPPQ approves your application for equivalency, you will need to fill out the First-time License Application for Physiotherapists – Quebec (including fee schedule) (French only) to obtain your temporary restrictive license. This license lets you practice as a physiotherapist in Quebec under the supervision of an internship supervisor.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
After completing the equivalency process, you submit proof that you passed a comprehensive examination of the program material administered by an OPPQ-approved institution to be eligible for a regular license.
Source
“Once you complete the equivalency process, you will be eligible for a regular license. Submit the following: - Proof you passed a comprehensive examination showing that you have learned the program material (clinical component) administered by an OPPQ-approved institution.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with OPPQ
6 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- File opening and review fee: $747.34
Source
“a fee ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 may be added to the $747.34 file opening and review fee.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates - Competency Assessment fee: $1,000 (if OPPQ requires a competency assessment when reviewing your equivalency application)
Source
“When reviewing your application for equivalency, OPPQ may require you to undergo an additional examination called a Competency Assessment in order to render its decision. In this case, a fee ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 may be added to the $747.34 file opening and review fee.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates - Competency Assessment fee: $2,000
Source
“a fee ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 may be added to the $747.34 file opening and review fee.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates - File review fee: $402.41
Source
“Once your documents are received, Admissions Services will contact you for payment of the $402.41 file review fee, depending on the case.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/resuming-practice
Requirements
Education
You must hold a diploma in physiotherapy technology recognized by the government, or be recognized as holding an equivalent degree, diploma, or education.
Source
“You hold a degree or diploma that entitles you to an OPPQ license and that is recognized by the government under section 1.14 or 2.12 of the Regulation respecting the diplomas issued by designated educational institutions which give access to permits or specialist’s certificates of professional orders. OR - You are recognized as holding an equivalent degree, diploma, or education”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Insurance
You must pay a professional liability insurance premium, choosing between private or public professional liability insurance depending on your practice setting.
Source
“During the registration process, you will need to choose between private professional liability insurance or public professional liability insurance.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates
Other
You must be proficient enough in French to practice as a physiotherapy professional in French, meeting the Charter of the French Language conditions or obtaining an OQLF certificate.
Source
“To receive an OPPQ license, you must be proficient enough in French to practice as a physiotherapy professional in French. To meet this condition, anyone applying for registration must: - Meet the conditions set out in the Charter of the French Language OR - Obtain a certificate of French proficiency from OQLF.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidatesIf you are a member of another professional order in Quebec or another Canadian regulatory body, you must provide a letter of good standing.
Source
“A letter of good standing if you are a member of another professional order in Quebec or other Canadian regulatory bodies for physiotherapy.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Someone holding a regular license in another Canadian province or territory can apply for an OPPQ license and first-time registration based on that license, with no additional exam or competence assessment described. Source
“Canadian regulatory bodies governing the physiotherapy profession support mobility within Canada. Established under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and implemented under a regulation, an agreement establishes the conditions for recognizing physiotherapists who are legally licensed to practice in a given provincial jurisdiction.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Apply for OPPQ license
Source
“If you hold a regular physiotherapy license issued in Canada (outside Quebec), you must apply for an OPPQ license and for first-time registration as an OPPQ member.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with OPPQ
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with OPPQ
Exams
-
Competency Assessment
Source
“When reviewing your application for equivalency, OPPQ may require you to undergo an additional examination called a Competency Assessment in order to render its decision.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates -
Comprehensive examination (clinical component)
Source
“Proof you passed a comprehensive examination showing that you have learned the program material (clinical component) administered by an OPPQ-approved institution.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates -
OQLF exam
Source
“After four years, you will not be able to practice your profession unless you pass the OQLF exam. However, you can keep taking the exam until you pass.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/knowledge-of-french
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with OPPQ
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with OPPQ
Supervised practice
Required
After equivalency approval, a temporary restrictive license lets you practice under the supervision of an internship supervisor. Source
“This license lets you practice as a physiotherapist in Quebec under the supervision of an internship supervisor.”
oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $22.54 | $30.00 | $38.00 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $17.62 | $26.85 | $36.71 | — |
Physical rehabilitation therapists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Compare physical rehabilitation therapist licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Become a member | OPPQ oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member · fetched October 10, 2026
- Quebec/Canada candidates | OPPQ oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/quebec-canada-candidates · fetched October 10, 2026
- International candidates | OPPQ oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/international-candidates · fetched October 10, 2026
- Resuming practice | OPPQ oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/resuming-practice · fetched October 10, 2026
- Knowledge of French | OPPQ oppq.qc.ca/en/become-a-member/knowledge-of-french · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a physical rehabilitation therapist in Quebec?
Yes. Registration with Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec is required to practise in Quebec.
Which exams are required?
Competency Assessment, Comprehensive examination (clinical component), OQLF exam.
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