Membership FAQs - Canadian Physiotherapy Association

Select the Log In button from the top right-hand side of the webpage
After you log in you will be in your Account Centre.
In the centre of the page, you will see information such as Membership Type and Branch. Just under this, you will see the heading Professional Liability Insurance.
If you have paid for and for your insurance, you will see a link saying Get Insurance Certificate. Click on it.
To download the certificate click on Print Certificate from the top right-hand side of the page.
Ensure the printer says Save as PDF in the dialogue box
Click on Save
Choose where you would like to save the certificate.
You have successfully downloaded your certificate.

If you need to change the personal details which appear on your certificate (such as a new address) first change those details in your Profile. Then, navigate back to the insurance certificate and select “Regenerate” then “Get Insurance Certificate” to see the updated details on your certificate.

If you have paid for your certificate, but don’t see it in your Account Centre, please contact information@physiotherapy.ca for help

B – Membership Renewal

1. How do I become a member?

Click on the Become a Member link and follow the prompts.

2. When does the membership term start?

Membership starts on October 1 of each year and lasts until September 30 of the following year.

3. How do I renew my membership?

You can renew your membership online through the Account Centre.

Members will be notified when the renewal period has officially begun.
At that time, log into your Account Centre and select the “Renew My Membership” button to complete the process

4. How are member fees calculated?

CPA membership fees are calculated based on your membership type. All CPA members, except Affiliate members, also become members of a Branch. Branches are assigned based on your province or territory of residence. The Branch fee is collected by CPA, who distributes it to the Branches on your behalf.

Branches advocate for the profession at the provincial or territorial level and provide additional benefits to members.

Membership fees are pro-rated bi-annually.

To get an exact quote, please get in touch with one of CPA’s Member Services representatives at information@physiotherapy.ca

5. I am not able to pay the full amount at this time. Is there a payment plan available?

The CPA provides an option for monthly pre-authorized payments (PAP) to spread the cost of membership fees over the year. If you select this option, you will be charged a one-time administration fee of $25 plus tax.

C – Membership Categories

1. Which membership type do I qualify for?

Please see here for a complete list of membership types and descriptions.

2. I am internationally-educated and want to work in Canada. What do I do?

Please contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) to have your credentials assessed and to access resources on working in Canada. You can email CAPR at credentialling@alliancept.org.

For questions related to the Written Component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE), contactexams@alliancept.org

Once your credentials have been assessed and approved, you’re eligible for a special CPA membership rate: 50% off your first year of membership while working in Canada. When joining, be sure to select the IEPT membership category

D – Members on Leave

1. I am on leave or planning to be on leave. How should I renew my membership?

Members on leave or planning to be on leave will qualify for a 40% discount on membership fees under the following circumstances:

They must be full members who will be, or who plan to be, on maternity/paternity/caregiving leave for at least three (3) consecutive months of the current/upcoming membership year (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026).

They must be full members on sick/disability leave for at least three (3) consecutive months.

If you meet these eligibility criteria, you may access the discount during your renewal process:

During your renewal or new member onboarding by selecting this option when presented. A discount will be applied and a Membership Specialist may reach out for documentation.

Outside of the renewal window by notifying the CPA at information@physiotherapy.ca with the estimated beginning and end dates of the leave. A refund would be issued equal to the discount.

Please note that no refunds will be afforded if the actual leave dates differ from those provided.

E – Insurance: General

The following Insurance FAQs were prepared in partnership with BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS), the broker for the CPA member liability insurance program. They are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute professional broker advice. Full terms and conditions of the policy, including all exclusions and limitations are described in the policy wordings, a copy of which can be obtained from BMS.

1. Do I need to be a CPA member to purchase Professional Liability (malpractice) Insurance with CPA?

Yes, the CPA’s Professional Liability Insurance program is available to members only.

2. How do I renew my Professional Liability Insurance?

If you have a PLI policy through the CPA program, you are automatically covered by a 10-year Extended Reporting Period (ERP) at no extra cost.

If you are renewing your Individual Cyber Security & Privacy Liability and/or business insurance (e.g., Clinic Professional Liability Insurance, Commercial General Liability Insurance, Clinic/Business Package, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and/or Business Cyber Security and Privacy Liability), you may do so once you have renewed your membership and individual Professional Liability Insurance with the CPA. These policies are administered by BMS and a unique renewal link will be emailed to you. Visit www.cpa.bmsgroup.com to apply online or contact BMS at 1-855-318-6136 or at cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

3. I am a student member who will be graduating (or has recently graduated). How do I purchase insurance?

Yes! New Graduates are a distinct membership category and receive exclusive discounts on both membership and insurance:

First-year New Grads receive 50% off both membership and insurance fees.

Second-year New Grads receive 25% off both membership and insurance fees.

4. Do I receive a discount on my Professional Liability Insurance if I work in the public sector?

If 90% or more of your work is done in the public sector, you are eligible for a 15% discount on your Professional Liability Insurance.

Public sector: Services are provided in a publicly funded in-patient or out-patient environment. Public sector practice examples include physiotherapists employed by:

hospitals
long-term care facilities
rehabilitation centers
schools
home care settings
services provided are funded by provincial health insurance or are federally funded

5. I recently moved and need an updated copy of my Professional Liability Insurance certificate. What do I do?

Please update your new address in your Account Centre under My Profile and save the update. Then, under the Insurance section of the Account Centre, next to the insurance option listed, select “Regenerate” then “Get Insurance Certificate” to see the updated details on your certificate.

6. I would like to request a refund on my insurance.

The CPA’s Professional Liability Insurance is non-refundable.

7. Who can I contact for more information about insurance?

Please direct all insurance-related questions to our broker, BMS, at 1-855-318-6136 or cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

8. What is the Legal Services Package?

This provides CPA members access to unlimited telephone legal advice for any personal or business-related legal question throughout the year. Additionally, members gain access to a document library of more than 150 legally drafted templates. Members can also have simple legal documents (of up to 8 pages) reviewed by a lawyer.

You can purchase the Legal Services Package (annual cost is $39) when you renew your membership online. You can also contact CPA’s Member Services representatives for assistance at information@physiotherapy.ca.

F – Insurance: Special Circumstances

1. I am planning to retire or permanently discontinue practice. Can I stop carrying Professional Liability Insurance?

If you have a PLI policy through the CPA program, you are automatically covered by a 10-year Extended Reporting Period (ERP) at no extra cost.

This means:

If a new claim arises within 10 years of your policy ending, you can still report it under your last active policy as long as the claim relates to work done before you stopped practising.

The ERP only applies to claims made after you’ve retired or discontinued practice, and only for services provided before your last policy expired.

If you continue to offer services (even unpaid), you must maintain an active PLI policy and cannot rely on the ERP.

Be sure to keep a copy of your last insurance certificate for your records. You can download it from your Account Centre or contact information@physiotherapy.ca for assistance.

2. I am on a temporary leave of absence from the profession (e.g., maternity/parental leave, illness, other). Do I need to carry Professional Liability Insurance?

All members with a Professional Liability Insurance policy (PLI) through the CPA program automatically benefit from a 10-year Extended Reporting Period (ERP) at no additional charge.

This means that if a new claim were to be made against a member who is taking a temporary leave of absence from the profession, the member could report the claim under their last active policy.

Note that the ERP applies only to new claims that are first discovered and filed after the member has discontinued practice and in respect of professional acts, errors or omissions committed prior to the expiry of their last active policy.

Members who continue to deliver services or who remain in active practice (for financial gain or otherwise) must maintain an active Professional Liability Insurance policy and cannot rely on ERP.

Most regulatory Colleges will require their registrants to demonstrate that they are covered with a certain amount of Professional Liability Insurance, even after they have ceased patient care. ERP coverage may be suitable to demonstrate to the College that appropriate on-going coverage is in place for registrants on a temporary leave of absence from the profession. Please check with your provincial/territorial regulatory body for specific information about insurance requirements in your jurisdiction.

Note that your regulatory body may require you to have an active Professional Liability Insurance policy in place to provide patient care. This means that you must have an active Professional Liability Insurance policy in place when you choose to return to professional practice.

3. I will need Professional Liability Insurance later in the year. Is it pro-rated, and how do I purchase it?

Yes! The Professional Liability Insurance is pro-rated quarterly with a common expiry date of October 1 each year. You may add insurance at a later date by logging into your Account Centre and clicking on Add Professional Liability Insurance or by contacting one of the CPA’s Member Services representatives at information@physiotherapy.ca

4. What if I work at two different locations?

The CPA’s Professional Liability Insurance extends to services you deliver in Canada, including if you practice in more than one location, provided you are working within your scope of practice as a physiotherapist.

5. I am a PTA. How do I purchase insurance?

PTA members may purchase an insurance policy directly through our broker, BMS, online at www.cpa.bmsgroup.com or by contacting them at cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com or 1-855-318-6136.

6. I am a business owner with other professionals working for, or on behalf of, my business and/or billing under my business name. Do I need Professional Liability Insurance to protect my business name?

Yes, you may require additional policies beyond your individual Professional Liability Insurance. Please contact BMS at 1-855-318-6136 or cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com for further information, to purchase business insurance, or to discuss your specific business coverage needs. You can also apply online at www.cpa.bmsgroup.com.

7. How Do I Purchase Regulatory Legal Defence Coverage (formerly know as Option C) in Quebec?

Quebec residents have the option to purchase Professional Liability Insurance Option A, Option B, or Option C (Legal Defence Coverage). Physiotherapists registered with l’OPPQ have access to a specialized insurance product to complement their liability insurance with l’OPPQ. Current policyholders who are renewing their Regulatory Legal Defence coverage, will receive an email from BMS with a link to renew.

If you are purchasing Regulatory Legal Defence Coverage – Option C for the first time, please apply for coverage at www.cpa.bmsgroup.com.

If you wish to purchase Professional Liability Insurance Option A or Option B, you have the option to do that during the renewal process on our website.

G – Insurance Scope of Practice/Coverage

I already have Professional Liability Insurance through my employer – why should I get my own?

BMS recommends that you check with your provincial regulator as you may be required to hold your own Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) policy as a condition of registration.

Even if this is not the case in your jurisdiction, you may want to consider purchasing your own insurance coverage. An employer’s PLI policy may have restrictions that limit your insurance protection. For instance, many employer insurance policies don’t include the coverage required to defend yourself against a complaint made to your regulatory College.

2. Does the CPA’s Professional Liability Insurance cover acupuncture?

The CPA Professional Liability policy covers all activities within the scope of practice of a physiotherapist, including acupuncture. Please note that the CPA’s Professional Liability Insurance policy does not provide coverage for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and TCM acupuncture as this is not within a physiotherapist’s scope of practice. If you require insurance coverage for your TCM acupuncture practice, please contact BMS at 1-855-318-6136 or cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

3. I am also a yoga/pilates teacher – will my Professional Liability Insurance cover teaching yoga/pilates classes?

If you have purchased individual Professional Liability Insurance through the CPA Program, you are eligible to purchase additional professional liability insurance to extend to to cover any yoga/pilates activities delivered outside your scope of practice as a physiotherapist, such as when teaching group classes.

You may purchase this coverage directly from our broker, BMS, by contacting cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com or 1-855-318-6136.

4. I am an independent contractor or business owner, should I consider any additional Insurance?

Yes, you may require additional coverage beyond your individual Professional Liability Insurance policy. Please contact BMS at 1-855-318-6136 or cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com for further information, to purchase business insurance, or to discuss your specific business coverage needs. You can also apply online at www.cpa.bmsgroup.com.

H – Division Changes

1. Will CPA members be able to buy membership to the Animal Rehabilitation Division during CPA’s renewal?

No. The Animal Rehabilitation Division will not exist after September 30, 2025. Instead, a new, separate organization — the Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada — will be available for those CPA members interested in providing rehabilitation care to animals. CPA members will be able to add and pay for the Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada membership during their renewal process.

2. Will the PLI program specifically for those delivering animal rehabilitation services still be available?

Yes. Physiotherapy professionals who deliver animal rehabilitation services continue to have access to specialized professional liability insurance and additional business insurance through BMS once your CPA membership is processed. Please contact BMS at cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com to learn more or visit cpa.bmsgroup.com to purchase.

3. Will CPA members be able to buy membership to the Leadership Division during CPA’s renewal?

The CPA is very excited to be running a pilot program for the upcoming membership year that offers leadership-focused content, insights, and networking opportunities to all CPA members at no additional cost. Specific membership to the Leadership Division will not be available for added purchase during the upcoming renewal. Rather, all CPA members will receive access to leadership-focused resources and materials as part of an enhanced membership offering.

4.Why is the CPA making this change re: the Animal Rehabilitation Division?

For many years, the Animal Rehabilitation Division and the CPA have worked to support each other in advancing the profession of physiotherapy. More recently, these important conversations have led us to better understand each other’s objectives and to work together on solutions for how they can each be achieved.

As a result of the positive, solutions-oriented discussions that have taken place in 2025, we came to the mutual decision that the Animal Rehab Division will become a new independent organization with a mandate focused on delivering rehabilitation to animals in Canada, and will no longer be an official Division of the CPA.

5. Why is the CPA making this change re: the Leadership Division?

Representatives from the CPA met with members of the Leadership Division in early 2025 to discuss the future of the Division. Highlights from this positive and robust discussion included the need to ensure that all physiotherapy professionals have access to leadership development resources, growth opportunities, and competency building

Another important part of the discussion emphasized that leadership spans every aspect of physiotherapy – from students to clinic owners, paediatrics to seniors’ health, or cardiorespiratory to orthopaedics – and thus leadership resources should not be restricted to a specific subset of the profession (those that purchase Leadership Division membership).

Recognizing that the CPA is currently working to remove barriers and increase access to the incredible depth of knowledge and resources within our Divisions, we are thrilled to be providing free access to Leadership Division content as a pilot program for the 2025–26 membership year.

I – Membership Category Changes

1. IEPTs

This category is for internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) who are working in their first year in Canada. An IEPT is someone who trained as a physiotherapist outside of Canada.

IEPTs must have their education reviewed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) and meet the rules of their provincial college, which may include taking a bridging program and passing the Physiotherapy Competency Exam.

2. Bridging

The “Bridging Students” category was removed for the 2025–26 membership year and replaced with the IEPT category.

3. Graduate

The “Graduate Students” category was removed for the 2025–26 membership year to create more transparency. Graduate students can renew as either practising or non-practising physiotherapists.

J – Fee Changes

1. Pro-rating changes

Q. Why has the CPA changed its billing cycle for membership and insurance?

To make things simpler and more predictable for our members, membership is now billed on a bi-annual cycle and insurance is billed on a quarterly cycle. The previous system, which used daily pro-rating, led to confusion and administrative challenges. This new structure reduces complexity and makes it easier for you to understand and manage your payments

2. National Fee increase

This year, for the first time in nearly 10 years, CPA national membership fees will be increasing.

For most members, the CPA national increase will range between $4 and $20 for the 2025–2026 membership year, depending on your member type. The full list of 2025 member fee increases by member type is available here.

Over the past decade, we’ve done everything we can to hold fees steady while expanding the programs, advocacy, and benefits we offer. But inflationary pressures have meant that each year, we’ve been tasked with doing more for our members with less. This nominal increase will help ensure we can continue delivering impactful support to our members and shaping the future of the profession.

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about the fee adjustment, please don’t hesitate to contact our membership team at information@physiotherapy.ca. We’re here to listen and support you.

3. Insurance increase

To continue delivering the high standard of protection and peace of mind you’ve come to expect, BMS will be implementing a premium adjustment this year. For the first time in four years, members will see an increase in insurance costs at renewal. This adjustment is necessary to maintain the current level of comprehensive coverage in light of rising claims costs, and to ensure we can continue supporting members effectively.

For the 2025–2026 policy period, the per-member premiums are as follows:

Option A: $286 (expiring rate $265)
Option B: $366 (expiring rate $336)

We understand that any cost increase can be challenging. Please know that the CPA remains firmly committed to providing a best-in-class insurance solution that is not only comprehensive but also sustainable for the long term.

If you have any questions about the insurance coverage or increase, please contact CPA’s insurance program broker, BMS Canada at cpa.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

4. Why did we switch from Moneris to Stripe?

Some members experienced issues with last year’s payment process, and we took that feedback seriously. To improve your experience, we’ve upgraded to a new payment processor, Stripe, known for its reliability and ease of use. You can rest assured that there are no changes to your data, and your credit card information remains securely stored.