Practice Ready Ontario (PRO)
PRO Frequently Asked Questions
Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) assesses the skills of internationally trained family physicians to confirm readiness for independent practice in Ontario. This page provides answers to common questions about eligibility, the application process, fees, and Return of Service.
Potential Applicants
Who is eligible for Practice Ready Ontario?
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a medical degree from a recognized school
- English language proficiency
- Be a Licenciate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)
- Pass/achieve an accepted score in required Medical Council of Canada examinations (see Applicant Requirements).
- Have at least 48 months (four years) of combined training and practice experience as a family physician or general practitioner (see Applicant Requirements).
- Have at least 960 hours of practice experience in Family Medicine in the past 3 years.
How long will the full assessment process take?
The Clinical Field Assessment is 12 weeks. From application to starting your return of service, the full process may take up to one year. Timelines may be longer if spaces are limited.
How competitive is the process?
PRO is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Due to limited spaces, some eligible applicants may be invited to a later Clinical Field Assessment or future intake.
How many times can I apply to Practice Ready Ontario?
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Phase 1 – Application & Screening: Unlimited attempts.
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Phase 2 – Verification & Selection: Applicants have a maximum of 4 TDM Examination attempts, which includes a maximum of 2 pass results. Applicants who receive a fail result are ineligible to apply to the consecutive examination session.
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Phase 3 – Clinical Field Assessment: Candidates may attempt the assessment a maximum of two times in Canada within five years. Only one attempt may occur in Ontario. Eligibility for CFA for candidates who have previous unsuccessful PRA attempts is contingent on licensure decision by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario even if they are recommended for CFA by Practice Ready Ontario.
I am waiting for permanent residency. Can I apply?
No. You must already be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
I am Canadian and returning from studying abroad. Can I apply?
Yes. If you trained as a physician internationally and meet all requirements, you are eligible.
What does it cost to apply for Practice Ready Ontario?
There are no fees to apply to Practice Ready Ontario. Applicants are responsible for other costs, such as examination costs and CPSO licensing fees.
Is the program offered in French?
At this time, PRO is offered in English only. Similar programs are available in French in New Brunswick and Quebec. For more information, please visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick or the Collège des médecins du Québec
What supporting documents do I need?
You must submit proof of:
- Immigration status in Canada
- English language proficiency
- Medical degree and transcript
- Postgraduate training/rotations
- Examination results
- References and attestations supporting independent practice experience and currency of practice experience
Why do I need a physiciansapply.ca account?
Touchstone Institute uses physiciansapply.ca to securely access your verified documents with your permission. This avoids duplication and simplifies the process.
I am not a family physician/general practitioner. Can I apply?
If you have independent practice experience and currency of practice as a family medicine physician or general practitioner and meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply.
What is the Therapeutics Decision-Making (TDM) Examination?
An MCC exam used by Practice-Ready Assessment (PRAs) programs across Canada. Applicants have a maximum of 4 TDM Examination attempts, which includes a maximum of 2 pass results. Applicants who receive a fail result are ineligible to apply to the consecutive examination session. For more information on the TDM examination, please visit https://mcc.ca/examinations-assessments/tdm-examination/.
Can I complete the TDM before applying?
As of September 2026, candidates can register for and complete the TDM examination when they are ready and based upon the dates published by the MCC. For exam dates prior to September 2026, the TDM exam is available only upon referral from PRO or another Practice Ready Assessment program. In this case, the PRO team will screen your application, and you will be referred to the TDM exam at that time. See Process Overview for more information.
I have practice experience outside Canada, but don’t meet all Family Medicine requirements. Can I still apply?
You can only be considered for PRO if you meet all requirements. Please review the Applicant Requirements. If unsure, contact PRO.
I meet the requirements, but don’t have all the documents. What should I do?
Document submission is required. If you have questions, please contact us through the Contact Form.
Where can I find other resources for internationally trained physicians?
Ontario Health - offers programs to support internationally trained physicians
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) - has resources in its IMG section.
Can I choose my clinical field assessment or return of service location?
- Clinical Field Assessment: Sites are assigned by PRO.
- Return of Service: You will be given options in eligible communities.
Can I complete my clinical field assessment and the return of service in the same community?
Candidates may complete both phases in the same community if site availability permits. However, a candidate cannot complete the ROS at the same site or with the same assessor as their clinical field assessment.
When do I sign the Return of Service Agreement and the Practice Location Agreement for my Return of Service?
You sign the Return of Service Agreement after Phase 2. The Practice Location Agreement must be submitted before starting the clinical field assessment. For questions, contact the Ministry at PRA.ROS@ontario.ca
Who do I contact about Return of Service?
Email the Ministry of Health at: PRA.ROS@ontario.ca
General Information
What is the goal of Practice Ready Ontario?
PRO accelerates the integration of internationally educated family physicians into rural communities and areas of high need. It is part of Ontario’s plan to expand the healthcare workforce.
How does the program work?
Touchstone Institute identifies eligible applicants through a rigorous screening process. Selected candidates complete a 12-week clinical field assessment in rural Ontario. Successful candidates complete a three-year return of service in an approved Ontario community.
How does PRO support integration of internationally trained physicians into practice?
Candidates complete an orientation period before the Clinical Field Assessment. Assessors provide daily feedback, and candidates receive stipend payments to support their transition.
Why is the focus on rural communities and areas of high need?
Practice Ready Ontario is designed to help increase family doctor supply in rural communities and areas of high need.
How is the program being administered?
Touchstone Institute administers PRO in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the CPSO, Ontario Health, local physician assessors and supervisors.
Are there similar programs?
Yes. Nine provinces run practice readiness assessments, bringing over 600 family physicians into Canada’s workforce in the past five years - about 120 per year, equal to a graduating class from a medium-sized medical school.
How does Practice Ready Ontario compare to other provinces?
PRO follows the NAC PRA national framework, ensuring fairness and consistency with programs across Canada.
Why is this program offered only for family medicine?
Family doctors are needed across Ontario, especially in rural communities and areas of high need.
Will the program address other specialties?
Not at this time. PRO currently focuses only on family medicine.
Is Practice Ready Ontario a rigorous program?
Yes. PRO is a comprehensive assessment, not a training program. It upholds patient safety while providing a fair, standardized pathway that helps internationally educated physicians confidently transition into independent practice.
Application Status
I submitted my application. When will I hear back and what is the timing?
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The PRO team will communicate frequently with you throughout the application screening and verification processes.
Are TDM exam results from another province valid?
Yes, if you passed within the last three years. Results older than three years are not valid.
My exam results expired during Phase 2. Can you make an exception?
No. All requirements must be valid at the time of application.
I applied before and now meet the eligibility requirements. Can I apply again?
Yes. There is no limit to Phase 1 applications.
What is the status of the intakes?
Applications remain open year-round. You can apply when you are ready and can demonstrate that you meet the program's eligibility requirements. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, submit a complete application early to secure an assessment placement sooner.
Return of Service
Where will successful applicants complete their return of service?
In rural or northern Ontario communities with:
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An area with a Rurality Index of Ontario (RIO) score of 40 or higher;
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A Northern Urban Referral Centre (i.e., Timmins, North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay); or
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Ontario communities with high rates of unattachment to primary care.
PRO will continue to prioritize communities with a RIO score of 40 and above.
Can my community apply to be a Return of Service site?
If you have questions about your community’s eligibility, please contact Ontario Health at practiceontario@ontariohealth.ca.
How can communities support new doctors?
Welcome them! Family physicians who are newly registered to work in Ontario will be an integral part of your community for at least three years. Their contribution will help to improve medical provision in your area.
- Provide housing and settlement support
- Help with integration into the community
- Offer social and professional support networks
- Orient them to clinic and hospital operations, EMRs, etc.
These efforts make doctors feel welcome and improve retention.
How are candidates to be paid during their return of service?
Candidates are paid through the payment model used at their practice site. They may apply for an OHIP billing number once they receive their provisional certificate of registration from CPSO.
