Competency Assessment
You are eligible to complete a competency assessment if you have completed a personal support services education program outside of Ontario that was a minimum of 600 hours in duration, including both class time and practical experience time.
This includes applicants who do not have Ontario PSW work experience within the past three years preceding the date of application to HSCPOA, and are:
- Educated internationally as a personal care provider, OR
- Educated as a personal care provider in Canada outside of Ontario and not eligible to apply for registration through the Labour Mobility pathway.
The Competency Assessment process establishes whether an applicant’s previous personal support provider education and training is substantially equivalent to the education and training that meets the standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities for programs designed to prepare an individual to provide personal support services. For more information, refer to HSCPOA’s Competency Assessment Process Policy.
If you are an internationally educated nurse or a Canadian trained nurse, refer to HSCPOA’s information about Recognition of Nurses.
Documentation Requirements:
A certificate or diploma demonstrating you have successfully completed a personal support services education program;
A transcript from your personal support services education program;
NOTE: If your certificate/diploma or transcript does not confirm your personal support services education program was at least 600 hours long (including both class time and practical experience time), you must submit other supporting documentation;
Course descriptions, program curriculum, program outcomes, and/or learning objectives;
Evidence of completion of other personal care provider professional development, resume, and/or employment verification as per the Competency Assessment Process Policy;
Proof of language proficiency, if required in the Language Proficiency Policy;
Government-issued Photo ID – a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification;
Headshot photo – for confirmation of identification;
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check;
Name change documentation, if applicable;
Letter of Standing – If you are currently or were previously registered with another profession or occupation inside or outside of Canada (excludes membership in a professional association).
View Instructional Video: HSCPOA’s Path 4 – How To Apply
For more details, please refer to HSCPOA’s Application Guide for PSWs.