Applicants – Registered Psychologists

Readiness for Practice Examination

Please note that applications for the classes of registration required to take this examination have closed as of  November 30, 2017. 

The College of Psychologists requires applicants for Associate Psychologist (Corrections) and Psychology Assistant registration to successfully complete a written examination in order to verify an applicant’s readiness for placement on the register.

1. Examination fee:  $350
2. The examination is a closed book examination in a written form.  No books or other materials are permitted in the exam room.
3. A maximum of three (3) hours will be allowed for the examination.
4. Questions cover each of the following areas:
   • a) Description of practice of psychology and preparation for same
   • b) Responding to matters that fall outside applicant’s area of competence
   • c) Mandate of the College of Psychologists/understanding of legislation in relation to that role
   • d) Informed consent
   • e) Confidentiality
   • f) Release of information as it pertains to the clinical record
   • g) Responsibilities of a regulated professional and transition to becoming a registrant
   • h) Dealing with conflict between the Code of Conduct and work expectations
   • i) Identification of personal problems as a component of professional practice
   • j) Dual relationships/professional boundaries
5. Criteria for scoring are as follows.  Answers to questions will be evaluated on a five point scale (Highly effective, Effective, Ineffective, Highly Ineffective, Incompetent) according to the degree to which the answer:
   • • (a) Demonstrates basic and accurate knowledge of core documents (Health Professions Act, Code of Conduct, in particular).
     • (b) Demonstrates basic and appropriate skills and knowledge in area of current professional practice.
     • (c) Demonstrates basic understanding and knowledge in the specific content area of the question.
     • (d) Demonstrates understanding of limits of competence and regulation (identification as a licensed professional, relationship between registrants and the College, between registrants, with the public, role of the College).
     • (e) Articulates an ethical decision-making process in coming to decisions about appropriate action.
     • (f) Demonstrates good character and fitness to practice.

Readiness for Practice Examination

Scoring and Retake Policy
(June 2014)

Answers to the 10 questions are evaluated on a 5 point scale (5= Highly Effective, 4=Effective, 3=Ineffective, 2=Highly Ineffective and 4=Incompetent).  The total possible total score is 50.  Every question on the examination must receive a passing score of >/= 4 (e.g., Effective).

The examination can be taken a total of 2 times in any application cycle.

If all questions receive a passing score, the applicant has “passed” the examination and can move forward to the Registration Committee for placement on the register as an Associate Psychologist (Corrections) or Psychology Assistant.

If more than two items do not receive a passing score, the applicant has “failed” and must rewrite the entire examination.  If, on rewrite, two or less items do not receive a passing score, the applicant will be required to successfully complete remedial work prior to placement on the register as an Associate Psychologist (Corrections) or Psychology Assistant.

If two or less items do not receive a passing score, the item(s) may be rewritten or the applicant may choose remedial work prior to placement on the register. If the applicant chooses to rewrite the item(s) and the answers remain unsatisfactory after the rewrite, the applicant will be required to successfully complete remedial work prior to placement on the register as an Associate Psychologist (Corrections) or Psychology Assistant.

The form of remedial work required is a paper and/or other work deemed appropriate by the Registration Committee which addresses to a supervisor’s satisfaction the issues marked as deficient for the applicant.  Supervisors will be appointed by the Registration Committee.  All remedial work must be completed prior to the applicant’s application expiry date.   Extension to application expiry dates may be granted if required.