The CPCA requires a Qualifying Exam to help measure competency and readiness for safe practice as a Counsellor or Therapist. The CPCA has two counselling Scopes of Practice - the (1) Mental Health Counselling Scope of Practice and the (2) Clinical Counselling Scope of Practice.  As a result, the CPCA has two different exams, one for each scope of practice. 

The Counselling Core Competencies required are tested under the following categories:

1. Counselling Foundations 
2. Counselling Interventions
3. Counselling Processes
4. Counselling Skills and Techniques
5. Ethics and Ethical Practice
6. Reflective Practice
7. Professional Practice
8. Professional Communication

 

Qualifying Exam Format

The Qualifying Examination (QE) is a computer-based exam that consists of a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions examining on the Core Competencies listed above. It must be observed by an in-person Proctor and completed in 4 hours. To successfully complete the QE an overall minimum score of 70% must be achieved.

The Qualifying Exam for the RPC designation (whether provisional or full status) which is aligned with the Mental Health Counselling Scope of Practice has similarities and differences to the exam for the MPCC designation (whether provisional or full status), which is aligned with the Clinical Counselling Scope of Practice. 

 

Qualifying Exam Process

The customized and password-protected QE link is sent to the applicant.  The password to enter the exam will be emailed directly to the proctor. The QE link is activated for the time and day declared on the applicant's Declaration of Proctor form, submitted a minimum of 10 days before the exam sitting date. This form will be sent to the applicant upon approval of eligibility.

Qualifying Exam Results

All examination results remain confidential between the CPCA and the applicant. The exams are marked, and feedback or recommendations to the applicant will be provided based on the score.  Applicants will be notified by email of the QE results.  Exam results are generally sent to the examinee within 2 weeks of the exam sitting date.

Occasionally, an applicant may achieve a provisional pass for the exam, but will then be required to submit an additional assignment to ensure that competency has been achieved.

If an individual does not successfully complete the exam, they are allowed to retake the exam once for free after an allotted study period. 

 

Next Steps after the Qualifying Exam 

After successfully completing your qualifying exam, you will receive the results of your exam and will then need to submit the following before receiving your designation certificate:

• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance 

• Payment of prorated membership dues 

• If Provisional status, submission of a Supervisor Contract form and Supervision Informed Consent form. These forms are provided.

 

Note:  Prorated dues pay for your membership within the year you became a member up until December 31st of that year.  So, if you became a member in June (halfway through the calendar year), your prorated dues would be for the remaining 6 months of the year.

 

Note:  Membership dues are required annually, before December 31st each year.  These membership dues pay for your next year's membership with the CPCA and use of the CPCA designation.  The designation the CPCA grants you is owned by the CPCA, given to you to use to show your professional competency to clients, employers, and 3rd party insurance companies.  You are permitted to use the designation if you maintain your CPCA membership in good standing.