QE Overview
The CPCA requires a Qualifying Exam to measure competency and readiness for safe practice as a professional or clinical counsellor/psychotherapist.
The following are 2 Videos for Preparation for the CPCA Qualifying Exam:
The Documents that are useful to review for the Qualifying Exam are:
After an application has been submitted and membership eligibility has been determined as outlined on the Membership Eligibility page, applications for registered membership, which provide a designation with the CPCA, require successful completion of the CPCA Qualifying Exam.
The Qualifying Examination carries a non-refundable fee of $300 plus GST/HST and is issued after membership eligibility is determined. This exam is a demonstration of the applicant's knowledge gained through their education and their ability to apply that knowledge competently.
The Counselling Core Competencies required are tested under the following categories:
- Counselling Foundations
- Counselling Interventions
- Counselling Processes
- Counselling Skills and Techniques
- Ethics and Ethical Practice
- Reflective Practice
- Professional Practice
- Professional Communication
QE Format
The Qualifying Examination (QE) 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.
An overall minimum score of 70% must be achieved.
QE Process
The customized and encrypted QE link is sent to the applicant and password to enter the exam will be emailed directly to the proctor. This link is activated for the time and date declared on the Applicant's Declaration of Proctor form that must be submitted 10 days prior to exam sitting date. This form will be sent to the applicant upon approval of eligibility.
QE 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 and a copy of the results will be included in the new member package issued by mail once membership is finalized.
QE Results are generally received within 2 weeks of the exam sitting date.
Mission Statement
Improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental health
by working together to promote and support
competency in clinical counselling & psychotherapy.