PRA-AB: Practice Readiness Assessment in Alberta for internationally trained family physicians

A Practice Readiness Assessment (PRA) is the required final step of an alternate path to independent practice in Alberta for international medical graduates (IMGs) from outside the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)’s list of approved jurisdictions, and Canadian graduates who fail a national exam.

Once registered with the CPSA, the candidate must pass this 2-part assessment of their clinical competence, chart management and professionalism, to join CPSA’s temporary Provisional Register.

The PRA is composed of two parts that applicants must pass in succession before receiving an independent practice permit on the CPSA’s Provisional Register Conditional Practice.

Part A: Preliminary clinical assessment (PCA) – 12 weeks

Part B: Probationary assessment (PA) – 12 weeks

• Medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

• Successful completion of a Registration Exam: a nationally recognized standardized examination in Canada (MCCQE) or in an Approved Jurisdiction as approved by the Registrar, which evaluates the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies required to practice medicine in Canada. The complete United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is accepted as an equivalent to the MCCQE. A partial USMLE is not accepted.

• At least 1 year of recent practice or postgraduate training in intended specialty (within the last 3 years).

• Completion of all postgraduate training required for your discipline. For family medicine:

  • a university-affiliated program, including 4 months of community-based primary care and 8 weeks in at least 3 of the following: pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, and internal medicine

• If applying as a family medicine specialist, have passed the Therapeutics Decision-Making (TDM) Examination.

• A criminal record check or police certificate is required from all locations you have practised and/or trained for more than 90 days in the last five years. Canadian criminal record checks are nation-wide, so only one is required. Although we don’t need it, we will accept a vulnerable sector check if it is a part of your criminal record check. In Canada, criminal record checks must be obtained through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or local police services. Any third-party or online criminal record checks (or police certificates) will not be accepted.

• Patient Relations education is required under the Health Professions Act (HPA) and mandatory for CPSA registration. Applicants are provided with a link to complete this training at the applicable stage.

• Return of service: CPSA does not state a return of service for PRA-AB. It expects sponsors to support sponsored physicians for up to 6 years, until they obtain a practice permit on the General Register (CPSA sponsorship).

Steps to take before you start your PRA:

1. Submit review of qualifications and receive eligibility letter. CPSA will confirm if you meet eligibility requirements and send an eligibility letter.

2. Secure sponsorship and pass the TDM Examination (Family Medicine only): Apply for eligible sponsored jobs via DoctorJobsAlberta.com. Note: Your sponsor must send us a sponsorship form.

3. Submit all supporting documents: Your CPSA Registration Administrator will contact you after we receive your TDM Examination results (if applicable) and sponsorship form.

Fees (2026): the review of qualifications costs $200 + GST and is non-refundable. PRA fees are paid by the sponsor, up to $35,625 + GST per applicant for Parts A and B combined, excluding expenses. Applicants may be responsible for their own assessment fees after CPSA has invoiced the sponsor, so review your employment and sponsorship contracts (CPSA physician fees).