Coverage

What this covers

The lab covers CRPO's published Professional Practice Standards, its Code of Ethics, its Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile and the Ontario law the exam draws on. Each is mapped below to the lesson that teaches it, with how many review cards and practice-case options test it. The counts are read from the lab's content each time it is published.

It does not replace CRPO's own documents, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by CRPO. Read the originals:

practice standards: 29
Code of Ethics principles: 7
entry-to-practice competencies: 136
areas of Ontario law: 7
review cards: 516
options across 63 practice cases: 3,348

Review cards are counted by the standards and competencies each card is tagged with. A practice-case option is counted under a competency when it is tagged with it, and under a standard when its written reasoning cites that standard by number. One card or option can count in several places.

A competency tested by fewer than 3 items in all is marked. Each group opens to show its detail.

Professional Practice Standards

All six sections. Each standard's title leads to the lesson section that teaches it.

Section 1: Professional Conduct

9 standards · 129 review cards

Section 1 standards, with review cards and practice-case options
Standard	Cards	Case options
1.1Responsibility toward the College	3	0
1.2Use of Terms, Titles, and Designations	9	11
1.3Mandatory Reporting	37	2
1.4Controlled Acts	18	0
1.5General Conduct	10	2
1.6Conflict of Interest	19	29
1.7Dual Relationships	24	29
1.8Undue Influence and Abuse	9	1
1.9Referrals	16	23

Section 2: Competence

1 standard · 25 review cards

Section 2 standards, with review cards and practice-case options
Standard	Cards	Case options
2.1Seeking Consultation, Clinical Supervision, and Referral	25	39

Section 3: Client-Therapist Relationship

7 standards · 178 review cards

Section 3 standards, with review cards and practice-case options
Standard	Cards	Case options
3.1Confidentiality	102	38
3.2Consent	48	31
3.3Communicating Client Care	12	10
3.4Electronic Practice	14	16
3.5Unnecessary Treatment	18	7
3.6Complaints Process	4	4
3.7Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity	5	3

Section 4: Clinical Supervision

2 standards · 21 review cards

Section 4 standards, with review cards and practice-case options
Standard	Cards	Case options
4.1Providing Clinical Supervision	5	3
4.2Practising with Clinical Supervision	16	10

Section 5: Record-keeping and Documentation

6 standards · 51 review cards

Section 5 standards, with review cards and practice-case options
Standard	Cards	Case options
5.1Clinical Records	24	43
5.2Requests for Reports	11	12
5.3Issuing Accurate Documents	10	11
5.4Appointment Records	2	1
5.5Financial Records	5	2
5.6Record Storage, Security, and Retrieval	10	2

Section 6: Business Practices

4 standards · 31 review cards

Section 6 standards, with review cards and practice-case options
Standard	Cards	Case options
6.1Fees	12	16
6.2Advertising	7	26
6.3Discontinuing Services	13	27
6.4Closing, Selling, or Relocating a Practice	2	10

Code of Ethics

The seven principles, each taught in the Code of Ethics lesson.

Entry-to-Practice competencies

All five domains of the competency profile and every competency in them. 0 of 136 are tested by fewer than 3 items; they are marked below.

1. Foundations

24 competencies

1.1Integrate a theory of human psychological functioning

Competencies under 1.1, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
1.1aIntegrate knowledge of human development across the lifespan.	6	14
1.1bIntegrate knowledge of contextual and systemic factors that facilitate or impair human functioning.	3	39
1.1cIntegrate knowledge of the psychological significance of spiritual, moral, social, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, sexual, gender, and biological development.	3	5

1.2Work within a framework based upon established psychotherapeutic theory

Competencies under 1.2, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
1.2aIntegrate the theory or theories upon which the therapist's practice is based.	2	3
1.2bIntegrate knowledge of how human problems develop, from the viewpoint of the therapist’s theoretical orientation.	3	20
1.2cIdentify circumstances where therapy is contraindicated.	3	6
1.2dRecognize the benefits, limitations, and contraindications of differing psychotherapeutic approaches.	3	24
1.2eEstablish a therapeutic relationship informed by the theoretical framework.	4	1
1.2fIntegrate a theory of change consistent with the therapist's theoretical orientation.	4	6
1.2gIntegrate knowledge of the impact of trauma on psychological functioning.	2	27

1.3Integrate knowledge of comparative psychotherapy relevant to practice

Competencies under 1.3, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
1.3aIntegrate knowledge of key concepts common to all psychotherapy practice.	3	1
1.3bRecognize the range of psychotherapy practised within the province of Ontario.	2	2
1.3cIntegrate knowledge of psychopathology.	2	9
1.3dRecognize the major diagnostic categories in current use.	7	18
1.3eRecognize the major classes of psychoactive drugs and their effects.	6	43

1.4Integrate awareness of self in relation to professional role

Competencies under 1.4, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
1.4aIntegrate knowledge of the impact of the therapist's self on the therapeutic process.	4	10
1.4bRecognize how the therapist's values and attitudes, both in and out of awareness, may impact diverse clients.	4	24
1.4cRecognize the cognitive, emotional and behavioural patterns of the therapist that may influence therapeutic relationship.	7	23
1.4dRecognize instances where the therapist's life experiences may enhance or compromise therapeutic effectiveness.	4	12

1.5Integrate knowledge of human and cultural diversity

Competencies under 1.5, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
1.5aIntegrate knowledge of human diversity.	7	45
1.5bRecognize how oppression, power and social injustice may affect the client and also the therapeutic process.	6	42
1.5cAdapt the therapist's approach when working with culturally diverse clients.	9	51
1.5dRecognize barriers that may affect access to therapeutic services.	9	61
1.5eIdentify culturally-relevant resources.	5	43

2. Collegial & Interprofessional Relationships

14 competencies

2.1Use effective professional communication

Competencies under 2.1, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
2.1aUse clear and concise written communication.	3	19
2.1bUse clear and concise oral communication.	6	16
2.1cUse clear and concise electronic communication.	3	31
2.1dCommunicate in a manner appropriate to the recipient.	9	15
2.1eUse effective listening skills.	3	6
2.1fDifferentiate fact from opinion.	7	20
2.1gRecognize and respond appropriately to non-verbal communication.	2	4

2.2Maintain effective relationships

Competencies under 2.2, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
2.2aShow respect to others.	8	11
2.2bMaintain appropriate professional boundaries.	6	26
2.2cRecognize and address conflict in a constructive manner.	5	18
2.2dDemonstrate personal and professional integrity.	21	43

2.3Contribute to a collaborative and productive atmosphere

Competencies under 2.3, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
2.3aCreate and sustain working relationships with other professionals encountered in practice.	12	60
2.3bCreate and sustain working relationships with colleagues of diverse socio- cultural identities.	3	5
2.3cInitiate interprofessional collaborative practice.	10	33

3. Professional Responsibilities

33 competencies

3.1Comply with legal and professional obligations

Competencies under 3.1, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.1aComply with applicable federal and provincial legislation.	85	330
3.1bComply with CRPRMHTO legislation and professional standards.	76	279
3.1cAddress organizational policies and practices that are inconsistent with legislation and professional standards.	7	12
3.1dComply with relevant municipal and local bylaws related to private practice.	3	0

3.2Apply an ethical decision making process

Competencies under 3.2, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.2aRecognize ethical issues encountered in practice.	13	43
3.2bResolve ethical dilemmas in a manner consistent with legislation and professional standards.	25	57
3.2cAccept responsibility for course of action taken.	7	34

3.3Maintain self-care and level of health necessary for responsible therapy

Competencies under 3.3, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.3aMaintain personal physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional fitness to practice.	8	7
3.3bBuild and use a personal and professional support network.	2	6
3.3cMaintain personal hygiene and appropriate professional presentation.	3	0

3.4Evaluate and enhance professional practice

Competencies under 3.4, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.4aUndertake critical self-reflection.	11	35
3.4bSolicit client feedback throughout the therapeutic process.	4	47
3.4cPlan and implement methods to assess effectiveness of interventions.	7	52
3.4dObtain feedback from peers and supervisors to assist in practice review.	2	23
3.4eIdentify strengths as a therapist, and areas for development.	7	7
3.4fSet goals for improvement.	6	2
3.4gModify practice to enhance effectiveness.	2	7
3.4hParticipate in relevant professional development activities.	6	9
3.4iMaintain awareness of resources and sources of support relevant to practice.	2	4

3.5Obtain clinical supervision or consultation

Competencies under 3.5, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.5aInitiate clinical supervision or consultation when appropriate or required.	32	77
3.5bArticulate parameters of supervision or consultation.	12	33
3.5cProtect client privacy and confidentiality, making disclosure only where permitted or required.	42	65
3.5dInitiate a legal consultation when necessary.	8	14

3.6Provide education and training consistent with the therapist's practice

Competencies under 3.6, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.6aRecognize when to provide education and training to clients and others.	2	13
3.6bRecognize therapist's limits of professional expertise as a trainer / educator.	4	0
3.6cPlan and implement effective instructional activities.	3	0

3.7Maintain client records

Competencies under 3.7, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.7aComply with the requirements of CRPRMHTO and relevant professional standards.	52	192

3.8Assist client with needs for advocacy and support

Competencies under 3.8, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.8aIdentify when advocacy or third-party support may be of value to the client, and advise client accordingly.	9	57
3.8bSupport client to overcome barriers.	4	16

3.9Provide reports to third parties

Competencies under 3.9, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.9aPrepare clear, concise, accurate and timely reports for third parties, appropriate to the needs of the recipient.	10	31
3.9bRecognize ethical and legal implications when preparing third-party reports.	12	33

3.10Establish business practices relevant to professional role

Competencies under 3.10, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
3.10aComply with the requirements of CRPRMHTO and relevant professional standards.	40	162
3.10bExplain limitations of service availability.	6	107

4. Therapeutic Process

55 competencies

4.1Orient client to therapist's practice

Competencies under 4.1, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.1aDescribe therapist's education, qualifications and role.	8	27
4.1bDifferentiate the role of the therapist in relation to other health professionals.	8	22
4.1cExplain the responsibilities of the client and the therapist in a therapeutic relationship.	6	25
4.1dExplain the advantages and disadvantages of participating in psychotherapy.	10	14
4.1eExplain client rights to privacy and confidentiality, and the limitations imposed upon it by law.	46	192
4.1fExplain relevant rules and policies.	10	49
4.1gRespond to client questions.	19	30
4.1hExplain and obtain informed consent in accordance with legal requirements.	38	127

4.2Establish and maintain core conditions for therapy

Competencies under 4.2, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.2aEmploy empathy, respect, and authenticity.	28	157
4.2bEstablish rapport.	3	36
4.2cDemonstrate awareness of the impact of the client's context on the therapeutic process.	4	26
4.2dDemonstrate sensitivity to the setting in which therapy takes place.	3	37
4.2eAssume non-judgmental stance.	7	144
4.2fExplain theoretical concepts in terms the client can understand.	3	28
4.2gFoster client autonomy.	56	330
4.2hMaintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries.	33	136
4.2iDefine clear boundaries of response to client's requests or demands.	15	84
4.2jTake all reasonable measures to safeguard physical and emotional safety of client during clinical work.	17	108
4.2kEmploy effective skills in observation of self, the client and the therapeutic process.	5	22
4.2lDemonstrate dependability.	9	89

4.3Ensure safe and effective use of self in the therapeutic relationship

Competencies under 4.3, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.3aDemonstrate awareness of the impact of the therapist's subjective context on the therapeutic process.	8	50
4.3bRecognize the impact of power dynamics within the therapeutic relationship.	14	82
4.3cProtect client from imposition of the therapist's personal issues.	7	81
4.3dEmploy effective and congruent verbal and non-verbal communication.	3	30
4.3eUse self-disclosure appropriately.	5	47

4.4Conduct an appropriate risk assessment

Competencies under 4.4, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.4aAssess for specific risks as indicated.	52	253
4.4bDevelop safety plans with clients at risk.	22	103
4.4cRefer to specific professional services where appropriate.	10	25
4.4dReport to authorities as required by law.	23	25
4.4eFollow up to monitor risk over time.	7	81

4.5Structure and facilitate the therapeutic process

Competencies under 4.5, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.5aCommunicate in a manner appropriate to client’s developmental level and socio- cultural identity.	6	60
4.5bIdentify and respond appropriately to client's strengths, vulnerabilities, resilience and resources.	2	97
4.5cRespond non-reactively to anger, hostility and criticism from the client.	10	71
4.5dRespond professionally to expressions of inappropriate attachment from the client.	7	33
4.5eAnticipate and respond appropriately to the expression of intense emotions and help the client to understanding and management.	17	54
4.5fRecognize a variety of assessment approaches.	6	55
4.5gFormulate an assessment.	6	123
4.5hDevelop individualized goals and objectives with the client.	13	104
4.5iFormulate a direction for treatment or therapy.	10	37
4.5jPractise therapy that is within therapist's level of skill, knowledge and judgement.	15	86
4.5kFocus and guide sessions.	9	46
4.5lEngage client according to their demonstrated level of commitment to therapy.	6	38
4.5mFacilitate client exploration of issues and patterns of behaviour.	12	130
4.5nSupport client to explore a range of emotions.	10	45
4.5oEmploy a variety of helping strategies.	4	55
4.5pEnsure timeliness of interventions.	18	113
4.5qRecognize the significance of both action and inaction.	1	11
4.5rIdentify contextual influences.	0	123
4.5sReview therapeutic process and progress with client periodically, and make appropriate adjustments.	15	92
4.5tRecognize when to discontinue or conclude therapy.	8	34

4.6Refer client

Competencies under 4.6, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.6aDevelop and maintain a referral network.	5	68
4.6bIdentify situations in which referral or specialized treatment may benefit the client, or be required.	25	91
4.6cRefer client, where indicated, in a reasonable time.	17	56

4.7Conduct an effective closure process

Competencies under 4.7, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
4.7aPrepare client in a timely manner for the ending of a course of therapy.	19	92
4.7bOutline follow-up options, support systems and resources.	9	57

5. Professional Literature & Applied Research

10 competencies

5.1Remain current with professional literature

Competencies under 5.1, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
5.1aRead current professional literature relevant to practice area.	0	7
5.1bAccess information from a variety of current sources.	2	7
5.1cAnalyze information critically.	5	2
5.1dDetermine the applicability of information to particular clinical situations.	4	4
5.1eApply knowledge gathered to enhance practice.	3	0
5.1fRemain current with developments in foundational areas.	3	0

5.2Use research findings to inform clinical practice

Competencies under 5.2, with review cards and practice-case options
Competency	Cards	Case options
5.2aIntegrate knowledge of research methods and practices.	3	0
5.2bDetermine the applicability of research findings to particular clinical situations.	6	17
5.2cAnalyze research findings critically.	4	0
5.2dApply knowledge gathered to enhance practice.	4	0

Ontario law

The statutes and legal duties the lessons teach, with the sections that teach them and the review cards drawn from each.

Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and the controlled act of psychotherapy
Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Health Professions Procedural Code
Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA)
- The Legal Framework: PHIPA: personal health information15 cards
Health Care Consent Act, 1996 (HCCA)
- The Legal Framework: The Health Care Consent Act13 cards
Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA), s. 125: the duty to report
- Mandatory Reporting and the Limits of Confidentiality: Child protection: the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 20179 cards
Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and Retirement Homes Act, 2010: reporting harm to a resident
- Mandatory Reporting and the Limits of Confidentiality: Long-term care homes and retirement homes2 cards
Legal documents: a summons to witness, a subpoena and a court order
- Mandatory Reporting and the Limits of Confidentiality: When you are served with a legal document3 cards

The exam: format and administration

How the exam is built and scored, how to work a section, and what happens on the day and after it.

Format and scoring
Working a section
Exam day, results, appeals and the category transfer
- The Eight-Week Study Plan: Exam day: a remotely proctored examination3 cards
- The Eight-Week Study Plan: After the exam: results, appeals and the category transfer2 cards

Also: The CRPO exam, answered and the exam day sheet.

What this page does not claim

A count shows where the lab gives you practice, not what the exam will ask or how it weights a topic. CRPO's documents are the authority on the standards, the Code, the competencies and the exam; when anything here and theirs differ, theirs is right. The lab is independent practice material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CRPO.