Computer Administered Profile (CAP)

What is the Computer Administered Profile (CAP)?
The CAP is a written examination designed to assess personal characteristics and attributes, life experiences, knowledge of the physical therapy profession, and critical thinking/problem-solving skills.  The CAP is not a personal profile nor is it an MCAT-type exam for which you can study. Typical questions will explore an understanding of the profession and ability to problem solve.

What is the format of the CAP?
The CAP exam is administered online. It is two hours long and features a series of short and long answer questions. 

What equipment do I need to complete the CAP?
You will need access to a computer (NOT a phone or tablet) and internet access to complete the CAP. 

Do I need a webcam to complete the CAP?
No. You do not require a webcam to complete the CAP. 

Do I need a microphone to complete the CAP?
No. You do not require a microphone to complete the CAP.

What is the dress code?
There is no dress code; you may wear whatever you like.

How many questions are there on the CAP?
The overall length of the CAP remains similar from one year to the next. We don’t release the total number of questions.

What is the word limit on each question?
There is no recommended maximum or minimum number of words per question. Focus on the quality of your answer, not the quantity of words.

How is the CAP used in the admission process?
The CAP is one of several factors considered when deciding who receives an offer of admission. We base enrolment selection on a combination of academic background, prerequisites, sub-GPA, Casper exam score, confidential assessment forms, reference letters, and performance on the CAP. Please review our How to Apply page for full details.

When is the CAP?
The CAP takes place each spring. We also have an alternate CAP day in order to accommodate religious observances and special requirements. You can find this information on our Important Dates page.

Do all applicants write the CAP?
No. The CAP exam is by invitation only. We typically invite the top 450-500 applicants to write this exam.

Who receives an invitation to write the CAP?
We select 450-500 applicants to write the CAP based on academic background, prerequisites, sub-GPA, Casper exam score, confidential assessment forms, reference letters, and other components of the application. Please review our How to Apply page for full details.

When does the Department send CAP invitations to applicants?
The Department will email CAP invitations to selected applicants in spring. Please monitor your email account.

I received an invitation to the CAP! What’s my next step?
Applicants who are invited to write the CAP exam need to RSVP (with all required supporting documentation, if applicable) by the deadline stated in the CAP invitation. Please review the dates and details in the CAP invitation. 

How do I RSVP for the CAP?
Instructions on how to RSVP for the CAP will be provided in the CAP invitation. 

Is the CAP RSVP deadline flexible?
No. In order to ensure that you have access to the online learning management system through which the CAP is administered, we require your RSVP by the deadline indicated in your CAP invitation.

I have an examination that directly conflicts with the CAP exam. What can I do?
If you have received an invitation to write the CAP and you have a university exam that directly conflicts with the CAP, you will need to request special consideration to write on the alternate CAP day. You can request to write on the alternate CAP day when you RSVP. The link to the RSVP page is included in your CAP invitation. You will need to include documentation with your RSVP that demonstrates: 1) your enrolment in the conflicting course(s) and 2) evidence of the date and time of the conflicting examination. If you submit a copy of your timetable as evidence to show that you are enrolled in a conflicting course(s), please ensure that the timetable includes your full name.

I have an arrangement with my university’s Accessibility Services so that I receive extra time to write exams. Can this be arranged for the CAP? 
If you have received an invitation to write the CAP and you require extra time, you will need to request special consideration. You can request academic accommodations when you RSVP. The link to the RSVP page is included in your CAP invitation. You will need to include documentation from the Accessibility Services office of your university when you RSVP. The letter must: 1) include your name 2) describe the specific accommodations you are granted during exams 3) be signed and 4) be written on official letterhead.

I have a religious observance or other extenuating circumstance that conflicts with the Saturday CAP date. What can I do?
If you have received an invitation to write the CAP and you have a religious observance or other extenuating circumstance that directly conflicts with the CAP, you will need to request special consideration to write on the alternate CAP day. You can request to write on the alternate CAP day when you RSVP. The link to the RSVP page is included in your CAP invitation. Please contact ptstudent.services@utoronto using the subject line PTCAP, to determine what specific supporting documentation will be required to facilitate your request.

Can you accommodate my athletics, sports, work, training, volunteer, or vacation plans?
No. Applicants will need to take the CAP dates into consideration when making athletic, sports, work, training and volunteer commitments and when planning vacations.

I requested special accommodation when I RSVP’d for the CAP. What happens now?
If you requested special consideration, such as writing on the alternative CAP day and/ or asking for academic accommodations, the Department will contact you. Please monitor your email account as we may have time-sensitive questions.

Is there anything I can do to improve my CAP score?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you research the profession. You want to be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of what physical therapy is and why you are suited to this profession over other health professions. You should be familiar with the various roles a physical therapist has, the client populations they work with, and the different types of practice settings. You can find a plethora of physical therapy information online, including the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association and the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators. Your university career centre may also have information. Be sure that the information you gather is up-to-date. You can also consider visiting or volunteering in physical therapy settings to gain additional insight. 

Is the CAP proctored?
Yes. Your activity is carefully monitored during the CAP exam.

What Code of Conduct am I expected to follow when I write the CAP?
All applicants are expected to be follow the University of Toronto’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. Here are some brief reminders directly from the code.

o The Code outlines responsibilities of all parties to the integrity of the teaching and learning relationship.
o This relationship is informed by honesty and fairness and the basis remains one of mutual respect for the aims of education.
o It is important to acknowledge that seeking credit or other advantages by fraud or misrepresentation, or seeking to disadvantage others by disruptive behaviour is unacceptable, as is any dishonesty or unfairness in dealing with the work or record of a student.
o Any applicant deemed breaching the Code is at risk of receiving a grade of zero “0” or a failure of the Computer Administered Profile.

Who marks the CAP exam?
Each exam is marked by three individuals: a professor, a current physical therapy student, and a physical therapy clinician. These three scores are averaged together to determine the final CAP score.

Can I use the internet to look things up during the CAP?
No. You are not permitted to use aids of any kind (physical or electronic) during the exam. Failure to comply with this would be considered a breach of our Academic Code of Conduct and could result in receiving a grade of zero “0” or a failure of the Computer Administered Profile.

Is it okay to work with other people on the CAP?
No. Communication with others, electronic, in person, or otherwise is strictly prohibited. Any communication during the exam would be considered a breach of our Academic Code of Conduct and could result in receiving a grade of zero “0” or a failure of the Computer Administered Profile.

Am I allowed to bring a cheat sheet or other study notes to use during the CAP?
No. The CAP is a closed-book exam. You are not permitted to use notes of any kind (physical or electronic) during the exam. Failure to comply with this would be considered a breach of our Academic Code of Conduct and could result in receiving a grade of zero “0” or a failure of the Computer Administered Profile.

Do I receive my CAP results?
No. You will not receive your CAP results.

What happens after the CAP exam?
Admission decisions are based on a combination of academic background, prerequisites, sub-GPA, Casper exam score, confidential assessment forms, reference letters, and performance on the CAP. Please review our How to Apply page for full details. Please refer to the Important Dates on ORPAS to see when offers of admission are scheduled to be released. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be able to view and accept the offer by logging into their ORPAS account and following the online instructions.

I still have a specific question. What should I do?
You should first review our How to Apply page and if you still need help, email physther.facmed@utoronto.ca or call us at 416 946 8641.