Degree Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold a degree in Clinical Kinesiology, or a degree that is substantially equivalent to a Clinical Kinesiology degree, where both the degree and post-secondary institution (PSI) are acceptable to the BCAK; or
• Hold a degree in Kinesiology, in addition to supplemental education and/or work experience in Clinical Kinesiology, that are acceptable to the BCAK.

Clinical Kinesiology Degree Curriculum Requirements:

For the purposes of registration, BCAK assesses the subjects completed within a degree program, as demonstrated by the courses listed on an applicant's transcript.

1. General Curriculum Requirement

A minimum of 75% of the coursework completed within a standard Canadian four-year undergraduate degree (typically 30 of 40 courses*) must be kinesiology-related in content.

The 30 courses may include foundational science, psychology, health, or health science courses that are required for completion of the PSI's kinesiology degree program.

* Based on the Carnegie Unit system.

2. Required Subjects

a) Core Subjects

Applicants must demonstrate completion of the equivalent of fourteen (14) core subjects (typically represented by at least one 3-credit course in each subject area) covering the following:

1. Human Anatomy
2. Human Systems Physiology
3. Biomechanics and Ergonomics
4. Human Motor Control and Learning
5. Human Growth and Development
6. Human Nutrition and Metabolism
7. Human Exercise Physiology
8. Psychology and Sociology of Health and Human Movement
9. Human Pathophysiology
10. Assessment and Treatment of Orthopaedic Injuries and Disorders
11. Assessment and Treatment of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Disorders
12. Assessment and Treatment of Neurological Disorders
13. Kinesiology Professional Practice and Jurisprudence
14. Evidence-Informed Practice and Research Methods

b) Additional Kinesiology Subjects

Applicants must also demonstrate completion of the equivalent of sixteen (16) additional kinesiology subjects (typically represented by sixteen 3-credit courses).

Up to four of these subjects may consist of foundational science, mathematics, psychology, health, or health science coursework that is required for completion of the PSI's kinesiology degree program.

Important Notes

1. BCAK assesses whether applicants have completed the required subjects, not simply specific course titles. A subject may be delivered through one course or across multiple courses, and course titles may vary between institutions. Applicants must demonstrate that the required subject content and associated Competency Indicators (CIs) have been completed. Note PSIs often call these CIs, Learning Outcomes.
   
2. Where a PSI combines content from two required core subjects into a single course, BCAK may accept that course toward both subject requirements. However, additional coursework must also be completed to ensure sufficient depth of study in at least one of the two subject areas. Refer to the BCAK Self-Assessment Form Instructions for details.
   
3. Applicants whose PSI does not use the Carnegie Unit system must provide information regarding the credit or unit system used by their institution so that BCAK can assess equivalency. Note for those applicants educated outside of Canada, the equivalency will be assessed through the required credential evaluation services required for application (i.e. WES or ICES).
   
4. Applicants educated outside British Columbia must assess their transcripts to determine how their completed courses map to BCAK's fourteen (14) required core subjects and the associated Competency Indicators (CIs). Completion of the self-assessment is required for all applicants. Graduates of BC institutions should refer to the applicable PSI Pre-Approved Grid for additional information.
   
5. Applicants wishing to have professional work experience assessed under the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) policy should review the PLAR Policy and Guide, and contact the BCAK office for further information.

Work Integrated Learning Requirements (WIL)

Applicants who graduated within the past 5 years are required to have completed one hundred (100) cumulative hours of work integrated learning (WIL) / clinical work experience.

WIL experience must be completed in a professional, client-based kinesiology setting. Of the required 100 WIL hours, a minimum of 50 hours must be completed in a clinical (healthcare) practice environment working with clinical (i.e. unhealthy) populations. Hours completed must be at least 50% at participation levels 2 or 3 (see the form for the definitions of levels 1, 2, and 3).

These hours must involve direct client engagement and be completed under the supervision of:

• a BCAK Practicing Member in good standing with a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience; or
• a regulated health professional, such as a Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), Respiratory Therapist (RT), Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Medical Doctor (MD); or
• Certified Athletic Therapist (CATA-CAT) if the work supervised is within the scope of practice;
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP or ACSM-CEP) if the work supervised is within the scope of practice; or
• a recognized health professional (contact BCAK office).

If an applicant has not completed all 100 WIL hours in a clinical setting, but has completed the minimum required 50 clinical hours, the remaining hours may be fulfilled through approved non-clinical experience to reach the total minimum of 100 hours. Non-clinical WIL hours must be completed in a setting where the applicant is directly supervised by one of the following qualified exercise professionals:

• Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA-CSCS);
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - CSEP or ACSM
• a BCAK practicing member who provides non-clinical services; or
• other professionals recognized by the BCAK (contact BCAK office).

For example, clinical WIL experience hours can be in one or more of the following areas:

• Orthopaedics
• Neurological Conditions (such as traumatic brain injury rehabilitation)
• Chronic Pain Management
• Ergonomics/Occupational Biomechanics
• Occupational Health and Safety/Disability Management
• Special Populations Rehabilitation (such as, Cardiorespiratory, Endocrine (diabetes), developmental disabilities)

Clinical research practice experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of BCAK. Applicants who have completed WIL hours in a research setting must indicate this experience under the “Other” category on the WIL form and notify the BCAK office at the time of form submission. The office will flag the form for consideration by the Membership Review Committee - please note that you may be required to complete additional WIL hours if not accepted.

Volunteer experiences may be considered if they meet BCAK work experience standards. Submitted volunteer hours must meet the WIL requirements outlined above. If your volunteer work cannot be completed under the supervision of a regulated health professional (PT, OT, MD, RT) or current BCAK Practicing Kinesiologist, consideration may be given to work completed under certified exercise professionals for supervision purposes, including: Athletic Therapist (CATA-CAT), Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP/ACSM-CEP), or for non-clinical work experience, a Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA-CSCS).

WIL experience hours consisting of sport coaching (game play/strategy), clerical, administration, reception, marketing, social media management, or related tasks are not recognized to satisfy the BCAK WIL requirements.

Applicants must submit a completed BCAK Work Integrated Learning Record for each internship, fieldwork, practicum, professional practice and/or Cooperative Education (Co-Op) placement they complete.

The BCAK, at its sole discretion, will determine whether an applicant’s work integrated learning meets it's requirements.

Professional Work Experience Requirements (PWE)

Applicants who graduated more than 5 years ago are required to have completed Professional Work Experience (PWE).

PWE must be within the scope of practice as defined by the BCAK and should support the competencies and abilities to perform tasks typically related to professional practice.  The work experience must be in the role of a kinesiologist and must include working with a variety of populations.

Required Hours of Experience

• A minimum of 1500 work hours in the field of kinesiology in the past 2 years, with 300 of those hours in Canada.  The 300 hours can be as an employee or intern under the direct supervision of another BCAK Practicing or Non-Practicing Member who has a minimum of 2 years full-time experience.

OR

• A minimum of 5000 work hours in the field of kinesiology in the past 5 years, with 300 of those hours in Canada in the past 2 years.  The 300 hours can be as an employee or intern under the direct supervision of another BCAK Practicing or Non-Practicing Member who has a minimum of 2 years full-time experience.

Applicants will be required to submit a BCAK Professional Work Experience Record (notarization may be required for verification purposes).  All experience entries, including hours completed, must be verifiable through employment, service, payroll, or letter of reference (applies to volunteer work only). Tax records may be considered for work completed as an independent contractor, in the absence of other verifiable proof. Volunteer work cannot account for more than 300 hours of the total work experience.

The BCAK, at its sole discretion, will determine whether an applicant’s work experience meets requirements.

Satisfactory completion of the BCAK’s Professional Competency Exam (PCE) is a requirement for professional membership approval.

Exam Eligibility

Applicants must meet the academic and work experience requirements as determined by the BCAK to be eligible to write the PCE.  The determination of whether an applicant meets the standards is at the sole discretion of the BCAK.

Satisfactory Completion (Passing Score)

A minimum score of 60% is required for satisfactory completion of the exam.

Exam Content

Examination questions are based on the knowledge and skills detailed in the BCAK’s Essential Competencies of Practice.

Exam Format

The exam is a computer based multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam, consisting of single answer and case study questions, totaling 175 single answer questions (marks) - not including the questions related to name, date, exam location, etc.

Exam Location and Delivery Methods

Applicants who are approved to write the PCE may complete their exam through:

• Select BC Invigilation Network test centres, which have been approved by the BCAK (contact the BCAK for information).

Timeline for Successful Completion and Maximum Attempts / Sittings

Applicants have 365 calendar days (1 year) from the date of notification of their eligibility to write the PCE, to successfully complete the exam and are permitted a maximum of three (3) lifetime attempts / sittings.  The 365 day timeline for completion begins on the date an applicant is sent their invitation to write the PCE.

Examination Fee

There is an examination fee charged by the BCAK for each PCE sitting. Applicants must pay the applicable examination fee, listed in our Fees Schedule. Should additional exam sittings be required (up to the maximum of 3) a separate fee must be paid for each exam sitting. Invigilation centre exam sitting fees are in addition to the BCAK fee and are the responsibility of the applicant (in addition to the BCAK examination fee).

Exam Preparation Support Materials

Eligible applicants will be sent an invitation to complete the exam, which will include instructions on how to register and prepare for the examination, along with additional resources and documentation to assist in exam preparation.

Visit our Forms and Resources page to access study resources (including a practice exam) to assist in preparation for the Professional Competency Examination (PCE).

Support Document Submission

The application and review process is approximately 120 calendar days.

Applicants have 90 calendar days from the Application Date (see Terms and Definitions) to submit all required supporting documents.

Once all required documents have been received, BCAK may take on average up to 30 calendar days (see notes below for international applications and for applicants who graduated more than 5 years ago) to review the application (more days if the review requires clarification and/or additional supporting documents, or if there is a backlog of applications). Applicants need to expect a timeline of 120 calendar days from the Application Date for the complete application and review process.

The application will automatically expire at 120 days - if the applicant provides documents after the 90 calendar days there will not be enough time for review and the application will have to be re-activated after the 120 days expiry. To reactivate the application, the applicant must wait up to 30 days (to re-apply), contact the office to unblock the expired account, and pay a new application fee.

If BCAK membership standards or application procedures change during the expiry period, applicants will be required to apply under the new standards and procedures.

Required supporting documents vary depending on where an applicant completed their education and the year they graduated. Details are provided within the applicable application pathway.

Criminal Records Clearance Letter - Criminal Record Review Program (CRRP)

Applicants must provide a Criminal Record Clearance Letter allowing them to work with children and vulnerable adults under the Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA). Processing times average 4 – 6 weeks to complete this process and are not at the discretion of the BCAK. Once you have submitted your application, contact the office@bcak.bc.ca to request a secure CRC link be sent to you by the CRRP. Please note that the BCAK will only accept CRC letters that are received directly from the CRRP.

Document Review by BCAK

Applications are processed in the order that they are received. Processing time varies depending on the parameters of the application, a review of documents provided (and the potential for document clarification), and the total volume of applications that the BCAK must process at the time. The following are approximate times required by the BCAK to determine if an applicant is eligible to write the PCE. This time starts at the point that an applicant has submitted all required documents.

• Canadian applicants who graduated within past 5 years = 25 business days
• Canadian applicants who graduated more than 5 years ago = 40 business days
• International applicants who graduated within past 5 years = 45 business days
• International applicants who graduated more than 5 years ago = 60 business days

Please note that the review may uncover the need for additional information or clarification of documents provided - this will add time to the process therefore we encourage all applicants to thoroughly read the requirements for documents in their applicant feedback.

Professional Competency Exam (PCE)

Applicants must successfully complete the examination within 365 days (1-year) of being notified by the BCAK of their eligibility to sit the PCE. A maximum of three (3) PCE sittings/attempts are permitted during this period. Applicants who not pass the exam within the defined period will be refused (declined) for membership.

Membership Activation

Upon meeting all membership requirements, applicants will receive a notice from BCAK inviting them to activate their Professional Membership (Practicing or Non-Practicing). Applicants have 30 calendar days to activate their membership by paying applicable membership dues - failure to activate may result in a re-application being required.Review BCAK Professional Membership and Other Fees

Review BCAK Professional Membership and Other Fees

Terms and Definitions

Why Does the BCAK Require These Standards?

Fair Practices Policy

Professional Guiding Documents

Terms of Membership