Exam Information

Equivalency Exam Details for Core Course Exams and the Core Composite Exam

Core Course (single subject) Examinations

Purpose: To provide applicants, who have not successfully met the BCAK requirement to have completed each of the 7 core courses with a grade of 60% or greater, the opportunity to demonstrate their competency of the course materials through satisfactory completion of the corresponding core course examination(s) or, where the necessary course content cannot be verified through course syllabi, the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge proficiency without having to complete the required coursework at a Canadian Post-Secondary institution recognized by the BCAK.

Individual Subject Examination - qualifying exams are made available for the seven core courses defined by the BCAK as providing essential foundational knowledge for professional practice competence.

  • Human Anatomy;
  • Human Physiology;
  • Human Biomechanics;
  • Human Motor Control/Learning;
  • Human Exercise Physiology*;
  • Clinical (advanced) Assessment and Exercise Prescription*; and
  • Research Methods**;

*Note: Exercise Physiology and Clinical (advanced) Exercise Prescription are delivered as a combined subject exam with blended content, or there is a stand-alone Exercise Prescription course for those that meet the exercise physiology requirement.

**Note: There is no 'stand-alone' research methods core exam and it requires combination with another core subject examination. Contact the office for details.

Examination Details

  • Exam style: Each BCAK single subject exam is recognized as equivalent to completion of a written final exam at a post-secondary (university/college) institution in Canada in the given subject(s). Note: BCAK does not accept University 'challenge' exams written in lieu of the BCAK exam.
  • Exam format: Multiple Choice Question (MCQ), composed of between 100 and 165 questions.
  • Exam time limit: Single subject exams have a maximum time limit of 4 hours and typically require 3 hours to complete. Please confirm the maximum exam sitting time with your invigilation centre prior to registering to sit the exam with them and before you notify us, to ensure they will provide you with the necessary time to complete your exam.
  • Exam score: To pass a single subject exam, you must achieve a minimum score/mark of 65% to meet the BCAK's course equivalency requirement for a specified course. No penalty is applied for incorrect answers.
  • Exam attempts: Applicants are permitted a maximum of two (2) attempts 'lifetime' to successfully pass any single subject examinations required by the BCAK where the standard has not been met. If you do not pass the exam on the first sitting, you must wait a minimum of 90 days prior to sitting the exam for a second attempt. The second exam will be composed of different but equivalent questions to those provided in the first exam.
  • The maximum exam sitting limitation cannot be combined or shared between exam subjects if multiple subject exams are required. Applicants are only permitted one failed exam attempt in any subject, even if you choose to write exams in more than one subject.
  • Exam preparation support: General study references are provided for each subject (see below). Exams must be written at an approved invigilation centre or may be proctored by a university professor who is willing to host you at the university and supervise you during your exam (subject to BCAK's acceptance). If you require scrap paper for calculations, you will need to ask the invigilator to provide and you will need to hand in the paper(s) when you leave the room (after the exam or for a washroom break). Note: that standard exam policies (re integrity and cheating) are required. The invigilation centres have their own policies and each monitor for compliance.

Core Composite Examination

Successful completion of the core composite exam, is required when:

  • An applicant graduated more than 5 years prior to application, and does not have the necessary work experience required by the BCAK.
  • Is applying with a degree (education) that is deemed only partially equivalent to a 4-year degree in kinesiology recognized by the BCAK in accordance with the BCAK Bylaws.

As an alternative to the successful completion of the examination, applicants can complete all the core courses (with a minimum grade of 60% in each course) at a BCAK recognized Post-secondary institution in BC offering a 4 year degree in kinesiology. Note: If courses are the chosen path forward, contact BCAK prior to course registration to ensure the course(s) is/are accepted. Courses must be the full semester course (no shortened mid-term entry course or alternative).

Core Composite (multi-subject) Exam Details

  • Exam style: BCAK recognizes the exam for current competency of the tested subjects.
  • Exam format: The exam format is Multiple Choice Question (MCQ), and is composed of 165 questions.
  • Exam time limit: A maximum time limit of 4 hours is permitted to complete the exam (this can be dependent on invigilation centre time limit, so please confirm the maximum sitting time before you register with the invigilation centre).
  • Exam score: To pass the exam you must achieve a minimum mark of 60% overall, and achieve a minimum of 50% in each of the 7 subject areas.
  • Lifetime limit on exam attempts: A maximum of three (3) attempts to successfully complete/pass the core composite exam are permitted. Applicants must also be mindful of the one-year time limit from the date of application submission (application fee payment date) to successfully complete/pass the exam. The inability or failure to pass the composite exam within one year of being notified of the requirement to pass the exam, will result in the applicant having to reapply, pay a re-application fee, and meet any additional requirements in effect at the time of re-application.
  • Appeal process: Applicants who are notified of the requirement to complete and pass the exam by the BCAK have the opportunity to appeal this requirement to the board of directors. Applicants will be required to adequately prove competency to the BCAK, in accordance with the appeal process policies and procedures in place at the time the appeal is filed. Appeals must include verifiable proof the applicant currently has the the knowledge competency of the core courses (please note that a grade of less than 60% for core courses is not likely to be accepted on appeal and will delay the review process). Review and acceptance/decline of any appeal request is solely at the discretion of the BCAK Board of Directors and is not eligible for re-appeal or any other dispute resolution processes.

Invigilation Centre, Exam Booking Information and Cost

Invigilation Centre Details

  • Invigilation centre service fees are the responsibility of the applicant and must be paid directly to the invigilation center (this is in addition to the examination fee paid to the BCAK).
  • Invigilation service fees vary and should be confirmed with your chosen invigilation center prior to booking.
  • A list of invigilation centres in BC can be found at the Canadian Invigilator Network where you choose an invigilation centre in BC.
  • Only invigilation centres that can accommodate an 'online' exam are permitted. BCAK reserves the right to accept or deny the invigilation service should it be found to lack the degree of vigilance required. Note: Libraries are listed on the CINBC however, unless they can provide proof of in-room, constant monitoring, we will not accept. Proctor U is also listed on the CINBC but we will not accept.

Please ensure that the invigilation centre is able to accommodate online exams, provide continuous monitoring and provide a ‘secure’ computer (i.e., the centre needs to be able to provide you with access to a computer that has restricted access to only the provided exam link). The exam access link will be emailed to the invigilation centre and the centre must be able to provide an isolated computer terminal for you to complete the exam.

BCAK Exam Fee and Booking Policies and Procedures

Cost: $100+ GST for each exam sitting

Policies & Procedures:

  1. The exam fee must be paid through the BCAK website after organizing an exam date with an invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Note the exam fee must be paid to BCAK BEFORE the exam will be sent to the Invigilation Centre.
  2. The procedure is as follows:
    1. BCAK requires a minimum advance notice of 10 business days (2 weeks) to ensure delivery of an examination to an invigilator.
    2. Follow the link above to the Canadian Invigilator Network, choose an invigilation centre location suitable to you that provides in person online exam supervision and select a date and time. Reminder: the exam must be taken at an in-person invigilation centre.
    3. Once the booking is complete, provide the invigilation centre with the BCAK office contact information or provide their contact information to the BCAK.
    4. The office will then follow up with the invigilation centre to ensure it meets the invigilation standards required by the BCAK and, if confirmed - and after you have paid the BCAK the exam fee - the exam will be sent to the centre for you to complete.
    5. Once the exam fee has been paid and you have completed the exam, it will be marked, and the results provided to you in your application file within five business days.

Exam Details by Subject

Human Anatomy

Study Reference:

Any introductory university level human anatomy-based textbook and an anatomy atlas. The specific resources used to prepare the exam include:

  • Anatomy text: Tortora, G., Nielsen, M. Principles of Human
  • Anatomy, 13th Edition Anatomy Atlas: Dalley, A. F., Agur, A. MR. Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy, 13th Edition

Required (permitted) items; a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam Content: the following is a breakdown of the topics covered in the anatomy exam.

Section 1: General theoretical concepts and Anatomy principle questions covering the following topics:

  • General Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
  • The Skeletal System
  • The Integumentary System
  • The Muscular System
  • The Cardiovascular System
  • The Nervous System
  • The Endocrine System
  • The Respiratory System
  • The Gastrointestinal System
  • The Renal System
  • The Reproductive System
  • General Surface Anatomy

Section 2: Practical and applied diagram and image-based questions covering the following topics:

  • The Skeletal System
  • The Muscular System
  • The Integumentary System

Human Physiology

Study Reference:

Any first/second year university textbook in human physiology. The specific resources used to prepare the exam include(s):

  • Physiology text: Silverthorn, D.U. Human Physiology, an integrated approach. 6th Edition.

Required (permitted) items; a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam Content: the following is a breakdown of the topics covered in the exam.

  • The Respiratory System
  • The Cardiovascular System and Blood
  • The Gastrointestinal System
  • The Renal System
  • The Nervous System
  • The Endocrine System
  • The Muscular System
  • The Immune System

Biomechanics

Study Reference:

  • McGinnis, P. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics. 3rd Edition

Required (permitted) items; a calculator (note the calculator will be checked at the invigilation centre and must be cleared of all data), a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam Content: the following is a breakdown of the topics covered in the exam.

  • Forces
  • Linear Kinematics
  • Linear Kinetics
  • Work, Power, and Energy
  • Torque and Moments of Force
  • Angular Kinematics
  • Angular Kinetics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Mechanics of Biological Material
  • The Skeletal System
  • The Muscular System
  • The Nervous System
  • Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis to Improve Technique
  • Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis to Understand Injury Development
  • Techniques in Biomechanics
  • General Statistics and Data Interpretations

Human Motor Learning & Control

Study Reference:

  • Magill, R. A. Motor Learning and Control. McGraw Hill. 9th Edition.

Required (permitted) items; a calculator(note the calculator will be checked at the invigilation centre and must be cleared of all data) , a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam Content: the following is a breakdown of the topics covered in the exam.

  • Classification of Motor Skill
  • Measurement of Motor Performance
  • Motor Abilities
  • Neuromotor Basis for Motor Control
  • Motor Control Theories
  • Sensory Component of Motor Control
  • Performance and Motor Control Characteristics of Functional Skills
  • Action Preparation
  • Attention
  • Memory Components, Forgetting and Strategies
  • Defining and Assessing Learning
  • Stages of Learning
  • Transfer of Learning
  • Demonstration and Verbal Instructions
  • Augmented Feedback
  • Practice Variability and Specificity
  • The Amount of Distribution of Practice
  • Whole and Part Practice
  • Mental Practice
  • General Statistics and Data Interpretations

Clinical (Advanced) Exercise Prescription and Exercise Physiology (combined exam)

Study Reference:

  • A.L. Gibson, D.R. Wagner, V.H. Heyward - Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (Human Kinetics) 8th Edition (2019)
  • Ehrman, Gordon, Visich & Keteyian - Clinical Exercise Physiology (Human Kinetics) 4th Edition (2018)

Required/permitted items: a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam Content: topics covered in the exam are listed below - note that underlying knowledge of exercise physiology and exercise prescription is required and may not be listed. Approximately 2/3 of the exam is exercise prescription and 1/3 is exercise physiology.

Section 1

  • Physically Active Lifestyle
  • Clinical Exercise Programing
  • Clinical Considerations for Diseases of the Endocrine System and Metabolic Disorders
  • Clinical Considerations for Diseases of the Cardiovascular System
  • Clinical Considerations for Diseases of the Respiratory System
  • Clinical Considerations for Disorders of the Bones and Joints
  • Clinical Considerations for Disorders of the Neuromuscular System
  • Clinical Considerations for Special Populations

Section 2

  • Physical Activity, Health, and Chronic Disease
  • Preliminary Health Screening and Risk Classification
  • Principles of Assessment, Prescription and Exercise Program Adherence
  • Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness
  • Cardiorespiratory Exercise Programs
  • Assessing Muscular Fitness
  • Assessing Orthopaedic Injuries
  • Resistance Training Programs
  • Assessing Body Composition
  • Weight Management and Body Composition Programs
  • Assessing Flexibility
  • Programs for Flexibility and Low Back Care
  • Assessing Balance, and Designing Balance Programs
  • Special Populations

Refer to the course content details for Clinical Exercise Prescription for additional details

Clinical (Advanced) Exercise Prescription (single-topic exam)

Study Reference:

  • A.L. Gibson, D.R. Wagner, V.H. Heyward - Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (Human Kinetics) 8th Edition (2019)

Required/permitted items: a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam Content: topics covered in the exam are listed below

  • Physical Activity, Health, and Chronic Disease
  • Preliminary Health Screening and Risk Classification
  • Principles of Assessment, Prescription and Exercise Program Adherence
  • Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness
  • Cardiorespiratory Exercise Programs
  • Assessing Muscular Fitness
  • Assessing Orthopaedic Injuries
  • Resistance Training Programs
  • Assessing Body Composition
  • Weight Management and Body Composition Programs
  • Assessing Flexibility
  • Programs for Flexibility and Low Back Care
  • Assessing Balance, and Designing Balance Programs
  • Special Populations

Refer to the course content details for Clinical Exercise Prescription for additional details

Research Methods (Note this exam is not a single-topic; it must be combined with one or more other core topics)

Study Reference:

  • P.C. Cozby and C.D. Rawn – Methods in Behavioral Research, Canadian Ed., McGraw Hill 2012

Required/permitted items: a pencil, a sharpener and an eraser.

Exam content: Scientific research methods and their application to kinesiology. Knowledge areas need to include the basic elements of research design, critical analysis of research literature, and development of research proposals.

  • Scientific Understanding of Behaviour
  • Ethical Research
  • Research Design Fundamentals
  • Measurement
  • Observational Methods
  • Asking People about Themselves
  • Experimental Design
  • Conducting Studies
  • Research Designs for Special Circumstances
  • Descriptive Statistics: Describing Variables and the Relations among Them
  • Inferential Statistics: Making Inferences about Populations Based on Our Samples
  • Generalizing Results
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