Version 2.o
Last updated: August 13, 2026
For the purposes of these Regulations:
Applicant An individual who submits an application to the College and whose eligibility has not yet been determined.
Board The governing body of the College responsible for oversight, policy approval, and final decisions, including ratification of Membership and Fellowship.
Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) A non-profit organization dedicated to establishing and maintaining educational and training standards for professionals in the field of medical physics.
Candidate An Applicant who has been deemed eligible by the College to undertake an examination.
Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) The main professional body for medical physicists practicing in Canada. Membership in COMP is required where specified in these Regulations.
Certification Formal recognition by the College that an individual has demonstrated the required competence for practice in a declared subspecialty of medical physics, as determined through an examination or assessment process.
Chief Examiner The Member elected to the Board to oversee the development, administration, and integrity of all examinations.
Clinical Medical Physicist An individual who applies physics concepts to patient diagnosis and treatment
College (CCPM) The Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM), the organization responsible for certification, Membership, Fellowship, and governance under these Regulations.
Credentials Committee A committee established by the Registrar to review applications and determine eligibility in accordance with these Regulations.
Declared Subspecialty The subspecialty or subspecialties in which a Member is recognized by the College and against which recertification requirements are assessed.
Deputy Chief Examiner A Member elected to the Board to assist the Chief Examiner in the administration of examinations, to coordinate the maintenance and updating of the examination question bank, and to act on behalf of the Chief Examiner when required.
Deputy Registrar A Member elected to the Board to assist the Registrar in the administration of application processes, establishing Credentials Committees, and communicating eligibility decisions, and to act on behalf of the Registrar when required.
Designated System The electronic platform or system specified by the College for submitting, processing, and managing applications, documentation and fees, as well as related communications.
Eligibility Period The period during which a Candidate may attempt to complete an examination process, as specified in these Regulations.
Examiner An individual appointed to assess and evaluate Candidate performance in written and/or oral examinations.
Examination Committee A committee appointed by the Chief Examiner to assess candidates through written and/or oral examinations.
Examination Schedule and Fees The webpage published by the College that specifies current examination dates, application deadlines, recertification deadlines, and applicable fees.
FCCPM The designation granted to Members who have successfully completed the Fellowship Examination Process. Fellowship is a lifetime distinction, and Fellows may continue to use the designation FCCPM after retirement provided Fellowship has not been revoked by the College.
Fellow A Member who has successfully completed the Fellowship Examination Process and has been granted Fellowship status by the College.
Inactive Fellow A Fellow who no longer holds Membership (MCCPM) and is a non-practicing Medical Physicist.
Fellowship Examination Process The process by which the College assesses Candidates for Fellowship in accordance with these Regulations.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) A standardized measure of employment or professional experience relative to a full-time position, as determined by the employer or institution.
Invigilator A Member appointed to supervise the administration of an examination and ensure compliance with examination rules.
MCCPM The designation granted to Members who have successfully completed the Membership Examination Process. MCCPM may only be used while the Member holds current CCPM Membership and maintains certification in accordance with these Regulations. Individuals certified in Physics of Mammography are not entitled to use the MCCPM designation.
Member An individual who meets certification requirements set forth by the College, is a Member of CCPM and is a Member in good standing of COMP.
Active Member A Member in good standing, has paid all required dues, and enjoys full access to benefits, privileges, and voting rights
Inactive Member A Member in a paused or restricted status where they retain affiliation with an organization but give up active privileges and obligations.
Membership Examination Process The process by which the College assesses Candidates for Membership, in accordance with these Regulations.
Patient A human receiving medical attention, care or treatment.
Patient-Related Experience A comprehensive set of activities related to the clinical application of medical physics, including the design, development, procurement, commissioning, calibration, and clinical use of medical equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of human patients.
Physics of Mammography Certification Committee (PMCC) The committee responsible for administering certification, recertification, and standards specific to Physics of Mammography.
Physics of Mammography Certification Examination Process The process by which the College assesses Candidates for certification in mammography physics in accordance with these Regulations.
President A Member elected as Chair of the Board and is responsible for supervising the other directors in the execution of their duties.
Recertification The process by which the College verifies that a Member continues to meet professional standards applicable to the Member’s declared subspecialty or subspecialties.
Recertification Period The defined period during which a Member must demonstrate continued professional competence in the Member’s declared subspecialty or subspecialties to maintain certification.
Recertification Review Committee A committee established by the Registrar to assess applications for recertification.
Referee An individual who provides an independent assessment of an Applicant’s or Candidate’s qualifications and experience and submits a confidential letter of reference directly to the College.
Registrar A Member elected to the Board and responsible for administering application and credentialing processes for Membership, Fellowship, and Recertification in accordance with these Regulations.
Revocation The removal of certification, Membership, or Fellowship by the College in accordance with these Regulations and College Bylaws.
Subspecialty A recognized area of practice in medical physics, including Radiation Oncology Physics, Diagnostic Radiological Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
These Regulations set out the requirements and processes governing certification within the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM), including Membership, Fellowship, recertification and Physics of Mammography. These Regulations establish eligibility criteria, define credentialing and recertification frameworks, set examination standards, and outline continuing professional obligations required to maintain certified status.
These Regulations operate in conjunction with, and are complementary to:
In the event of any inconsistency, the Bylaws take precedence.
The Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) and Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) Joint Code of Ethics are intended to aid Members of both COMP and the CCPM in maintaining ethical conduct in the practice of medical physics. The Joint Code of Ethics articulates a set of core values intended to aid all Members, Fellows and those conducting business with CCPM in maintaining ethical conduct in their profession.
Adherence to the Joint Code of Ethics is a condition of application for Physics of Mammography certification, Membership, Fellowship, and recertification, and is enforceable under these Regulations and the College Bylaws.
The principles and associated guidance are intended to support professional judgment in relationships with patients, employers, colleagues, Members of other professions, governments, and the public, and to define the ethical expectations of the College with respect to its Members.
All Members of COMP and CCPM are expected to adhere to the Joint Code of Ethics, regardless of whether they are also subject to other professional codes of conduct.
B.2.1 All Applicants for CCPM certification, including Physics of Mammography, must review, agree to, attest to, and submit the following non-disclosure and anti-cheating statement as part of their application:
B.2.2 If an Invigilator or Examiner suspects that a Candidate has engaged in cheating or misconduct during the examination, they must report this to the Chief Examiner immediately.
B.2.3 The Chief Examiner must investigate any report of suspected cheating or misconduct as soon as practicable. If the Chief Examiner determines that cheating has occurred, the incident will be reported to the Board. The Board will determine appropriate action, which may include the immediate issuance of a failing grade for the examination and/or banning the Candidate from eligibility to retake the examination for a period of up to ten (10) years.
B.2.4 Any Candidate found to be cheating may appeal this decision to the Board. The Board will review the evidence presented by the Chief Examiner and the Candidate and make a final decision, which is not subject to further appeal.
Members may be certified in up to two (2) of the following subspecialties of medical physics:
C.1.1 Members must demonstrate competence in clinical medical physics practice, including foundational medical physics concepts, relevant clinical anatomy and biological sciences, and appropriate application of this knowledge in a clinical setting.
C.1.2 Members must demonstrate an appropriate depth and breadth of knowledge within their declared subspecialty, sufficient to support safe and effective independent clinical practice.
C.1.3 Members must demonstrate professional judgment and communication skills commensurate with independent clinical medical physics practice.
C.1.4 Members certified in ionizing radiation subspecialties are recognized as competent in ionizing radiation safety, including the safe and appropriate application of radiation protection principles.
C.1.5 Members certified in Magnetic Resonance Imaging are recognized as competent in magnetic and electromagnetic field safety.
C.1.6 The College will assess the competence of Applicants for Membership detailed in this subsection through the Examination Process.
Candidates seeking recognition in more than one subspecialty must fulfill the requirements for each subspecialty and will be required to submit separate applications for each
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
C.2.1 Applicants must hold a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in Medical Physics, Physics, Science with Physics as a major option, Engineering or Applied Mathematics.
C.2.2 Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years FTE comprehensive patient-related experience in medical physics after obtaining the qualifying degree. Work or studies undertaken toward the award of a Master’s or Doctoral degree must not be counted toward this requirement. Eligible experience must have been obtained within the five (5) years immediately preceding the application date.
C.2.2.1 For the Radiation Oncology Physics subspecialty, eligible experience may be acquired through a CAMPEP-Accredited Residency Program or an approved Bridging Program (see section D of these Regulations for details).
C.2.3 Applicants seeking certification in the Radiation Oncology Physics subspecialty must have successfully completed a CAMPEP-Accredited Residency Program or a Bridging Program (described in section D of these Regulations) by the application deadline.
C.2.4 Applicants must solicit three (3) satisfactory letters of reference. Each referee must submit their letter directly to the College through the Designated System by the application deadline. Contents of the letter must not be disclosed to the Applicant by anyone. Each letter must attest that the Applicant meets the eligibility criteria detailed in this subsection and has abided by the Joint Code of Ethics set out in section B.
C.2.5 Referees must have worked with the Applicant within the previous five (5) years and must be directly familiar with the Applicant’s clinical experience. At least two (2) referees must be medical physicists, and at least one (1) must be certified by the CCPM, ABR, ABMP, or another certifying body, recognized by the CCPM Board.
C.2.5.1 For Applicants who have completed a Bridging Program, one (1) of the letters of reference must be provided by the program mentor as defined in subsection D.2.
C.2.5.2 For Applicants who have completed a CAMPEP-Accredited Residency Program within the previous five (5) years, one (1) letter of reference must be provided by the residency mentor, program director, or site coordinator.
C.2.6 Applicants must be Members of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) or commit to becoming a Member within three (3) months of certification. Failure to become a COMP Member may result in revocation of Membership as stipulated in the College Bylaws.
C.2.7 Applicants must meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:
The application process for CCPM Membership is as follows:
C.3.1 The College must publish on the CCPM website information regarding the Membership Examination, including application deadlines, applicable fees, and instructions for submission at least five (5) months prior to the written examination date.
C.3.2 Applicants must pay the required application fee, as set out in the Examination Schedule and Fees, to submit an application for Membership.
C.3.3 Applicants must submit all information and documentation required by the College, as specified on the College website and within the Designated System, by the published application deadline. The Registrar may, in exceptional circumstances and with Board approval, accept missing information after the deadline.
C.3.4 The Registrar will determine whether an Applicant meets the eligibility requirements for Membership in accordance with subsection C.2 of these Regulations.
C.3.5 Applications deemed eligible by the Registrar will be reviewed by a Credentials Committee in accordance with the College Policies and Procedures.
C.3.6 The Registrar must notify Applicants of the decision regarding their eligibility to challenge the Membership Examination within timelines published by the College.
C.3.7 The College must issue a refund, as set out in the Examination Schedule and Fees, for applications that are not approved.
C.3.8 Applicants denied permission to sit the examination by the College may appeal to the Registrar within two (2) weeks of receiving notification of the decision. The appeal must state the ground(s) for the appeal. The Board must consider such appeals in a timely manner, and the Registrar must notify the Applicant of its decision within four (4) weeks of receiving the appeal.
C.3.9 The Board reserves the right to reject applications without providing reasons.
C.4.1 Applicants deemed eligible by the College are Candidates in the Membership Examination Process.
C.4.2 Eligibility for the Membership examination remains valid for three (3) consecutive calendar years from the date it is granted by the College.
C.4.3 Candidates who do not successfully complete the Examination Process during the eligibility period may apply once for an eligibility extension. An eligibility extension may be granted for a maximum of two (2) additional calendar years, resulting in a total eligibility period not exceeding five (5) consecutive calendar years.
Candidates must submit a new application and pay the full application fee but are not required to resubmit evidence of education unless new qualifications have been obtained.
The College will assess any application for an eligibility extension in accordance with the Regulations in force.
C.4.4 Candidates may apply to the Registrar for a one (1)-year extension of eligibility for reasons of exceptional circumstances.
C.4.5 Candidates may apply in writing to the Chief Examiner to request to defer sitting the Written or Oral examination until a subsequent year within the eligibility period. A deferral does not extend the Candidate’s eligibility period.
C.4.6 Where a Candidate requests and is granted a deferral by the Chief Examiner, the College must issue a refund in the amount specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees if the request is received within the timelines published. Deferral requests received after that time may be eligible for a refund only in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Board.
Candidates who defer an examination must pay the applicable examination fees, as specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees, when reapplying to sit the examination.
C.4.7 Candidates may challenge the written examination a maximum of three (3) times provided their eligibility remains valid.
C.4.8 Candidates who are unsuccessful in the written examination after three (3) attempts are deemed to have failed the Examination Process.
C.4.9 Candidates who successfully pass the written examination are eligible to challenge the oral examination no more than three (3) times provided their eligibility remains valid.
C.4.10 Candidates who do not successfully complete the oral examination within their eligibility period are deemed to have failed the Examination Process.
C.4.11 Candidates who do not successfully complete the Examination Process by the end of their eligibility period are deemed to have failed the Examination Process.
C.4.12 Candidates who have failed the Examination Process are ineligible to apply for Membership for two (2) calendar years following the year of failure. Candidates may reapply for Membership in the third (3rd) calendar year following the failure.
The Examination Process consists of a written examination followed by an oral examination if the written examination is successful.
C.5.1 The written examination consists of four (4) parts as defined in the Preparation Guide for the Membership Exam of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine.
C.5.2 Candidates may choose to write the examination in English or French as indicated on their application. The Chief Examiner must ensure the examination:
C.5.3 Candidates seeking a second subspecialty must complete only those sections specific to their chosen specialty. The Chief Examiner must calculate the Candidate’s final mark solely from the examination sections completed for that subspecialty. Marks or passing results from any previously completed subspecialty examination(s) must not be used in determining the final result.
C.5.4 The Chief Examiner must ensure all written examination locations are within Canada.
The Chief Examiner must assign each Candidate to an examination location in Canada as close as reasonably possible to the Candidate’s home institution.
C.5.5 The Chief Examiner must appoint a Member at each examination location to serve as Invigilator.
C.5.6 Candidates will be awarded a pass if they achieve an overall mark of at least sixty-five percent (65%) and a mark of at least fifty percent (50%) in each section.
C.5.7 Invigilators must destroy all examination papers and answer materials in their possession upon instruction of the Chief Examiner.
C.6.1 Candidates may appeal the results of the written examination by submitting an appeal in writing to the Chief Examiner within two (2) weeks of the date on which the College communicates the examination result. The appeal must clearly state the grounds(s) for the appeal.
C.6.2 The Board may refuse an appeal if it determines there is no reasonable expectation that remarking the written examination will change the Candidate’s result.
C.6.3 The Chief Examiner must discuss the rationale for refusing an appeal with the Candidate.
C.6.4 If the Board grants an appeal, the Chief Examiner must assign the Candidate’s written examination material to an Examiner in the same subspecialty who did not originally mark the Candidate’s examination.
C.6.5 The Examiner, including any external Examiner, must assess the written examination using the provided marking scheme and submit the grades to the Chief Examiner within one (1) week of receiving the examination materials.
C.6.6 The Chief Examiner will determine the Candidate’s final mark after considering the remarked results.
C.6.7 The Chief Examiner must notify the Candidate of the result of the appeal within four (4) weeks of receiving the appeal.
C.7.1 The Chief Examiner must schedule the oral examination between the date on which Candidates are notified of their Written examination results and the end of that calendar year (preferably before the Annual General Meeting of the College).
C.7.2 The Chief Examiner must determine the oral examination location.
C.7.3 The oral examination consists of three (3) sections as defined in the Preparation Guide for the Membership Exam of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine.
C.7.4 The Chief Examiner must convene separate Examination Committees for each subspecialty as required.
C.7.5 The Chief Examiner must assign a sufficient number of Examiners to evaluate each Candidate for the complete oral examination. Each section of the oral examination must be evaluated by a minimum of two (2) Examiners.
C.7.6 Examiners must declare any real or perceived conflicts of interests that could affect impartiality. The Chief Examiner must appoint alternate Examiner(s) in such circumstances.
C.7.7 Candidates may choose to challenge the oral examination in English or French as indicated on the Application Form. The Chief Examiner must ensure the examination:
C.7.8 Examiners must complete a single mark sheet per section for each Candidate. Examiners must reach consensus on the final grade for that section.
C.7.9 Candidates will be awarded a pass if they achieve a minimum score of three (3) out of five (5) in each section and an overall score of at least ten (10) out of fifteen (15).
C.7.10 The Chief Examiner must collate and review the marks for each section after all Candidates have completed the oral examination.
C.7.11 If a Candidate fails a single section of the oral examination but achieves a score of at least 80% in each remaining section, the Chief Examiner will assign a status of “Incomplete Oral Examination”. While this constitutes a failed oral examination, the Candidate will only be required to repeat the failed sub-section in subsequent examination attempts (see subsection C.4), subject to the limitations stated in the Regulations in force.
C.7.12 Oral examination results are not subject to appeal by the Candidate.
C.8.1 The Chief Examiner must notify Candidates of the result of the written examination within the timelines published by the College.
C.8.2 The Chief Examiner must communicate written examination results to the Candidates as a Pass or Fail.
At the Candidate’s request, and at the discretion of the Chief Examiner, the Chief Examiner may provide Candidates with Pass or Fail result for individual sections of the examination (e.g. Section I Pass, Section II Fail, Section III Pass, Section IV Fail, Overall Fail).
No other examination materials or results will be disclosed to Candidates.
C.8.3 The College must refund a portion of the fee, as specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees, to Candidates who do not pass the Written Examination.
C.8.4 The Chief Examiner must notify Candidates of the results of the oral examination within the timelines published by the College.
C.8.5 The Chief Examiner must communicate oral examination results to Candidates as a Pass, Fail, or “Incomplete Oral Examination”. The Chief Examiner may also provide Pass or Fail of individual sections of the exam, particularly in cases of an “Incomplete Oral Examination”.
C.8.6 Upon successful completion of the oral examination, Candidates are deemed to have satisfied the requirements for Membership in the CCPM and are granted Membership to the College, subject to ratification by the Board at its next meeting. The College must add the names of the new Members to the Register of Certified Physicists.
C.8.7 The College will issue certificates to successful Candidates. Successful Candidates may request a framed certificate upon payment of the fee as stipulated in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
C.8.7.1 Where applicable, the Board may impose conditions or annotations on certificates in accordance with College Policies and Procedures.
C.8.8 Candidates who do not pass the Oral Examination are not eligible for a refund.
This section describes the general requirements of a Bridging Program for individuals who do not meet the CAMPEP residency eligibility requirements indicated in subsection C.2.
D.1.1 Applicants for the Bridging Program must meet the educational requirements specified in Regulation subsection C.2.
D.1.2 Applicants must meet the Canadian criteria as specified in clause C.2.7.
D.1.3 Applicants for a Bridging Program must hold employment at a Canadian Institution as a Clinical Medical Physicist.
D.1.4 Applicants must have at least four (4) years FTE experience as a recognized Clinical Medical Physicist in the last seven (7) years. Applicants must have obtained this experience in a work environment outside of Canada or the United States.
D.1.5 Applicants must demonstrate evidence of pre-existing competence in the areas covered by a CAMPEP residency program. Minor deficiencies may be addressed by the Bridging Program subject to board approval. Experience gained as a dosimetrist or physics assistant does not count toward this requirement.
The application process for the Bridging Program is as follows:
D.2.1 Applicants must submit a complete application for a Bridging Program to the Registrar. The application must include all information and documentation required by the College to assess the Applicant’s qualifications and proposed training plan, as specified on the College website
D.2.2 Applicants must pay the required application fee, as set out in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
D.2.3 The Board will determine whether to approve the proposed Bridging Program. Applicants must not commence the Bridging Program until approval has been granted by the Board.
For the purposes of subsections D.3 and D.4, an individual undertaking an approved Bridging Program is referred to as the “Participant.”
D.3.1 Participants must complete the Bridging Program through a department that offers a CAMPEP-Accredited Residency Program and must be overseen by the CAMPEP Residency Program director.
D.3.2 A mentor, who is a Member of the College, must be assigned to the Participant to assess the progress of the candidate throughout the structured Bridging Program.
D.3.3 Participants must maintain a detailed log of all activities throughout the Bridging Program, and these logs must be signed off by the assigned mentor.
D.3.4 The Bridging Program must ensure that Participants demonstrate competence in all areas covered by a CAMPEP-Accredited Residency Program.
D.3.5 Participants are expected to complete the approved Bridging Program within one (1) FTE year.
D.4.1 Upon completion of the Bridging Program, Participants must submit to the Registrar a letter from the CAMPEP residency program director confirming successfully completion of all program requirements and attainment of the required CAMPEP residency competencies. The Registrar may request additional documentation and consult with the Board as necessary.
D.4.2 Upon approval by the Registrar, the Participant l is deemed to have satisfied the Bridging Program requirements for Membership eligibility.
D.4.3 The Participant may then apply for the Membership Examination in accordance with section C of these Regulations.
CCPM Membership certification operates on 5-year recertification cycle.
E.1.1 The Recertification Period is a five (5) year period commencing in the most recent of the following years:
E.1.2 Members must declare at least one (1) sub-specialty. The College will use the declared sub-specialty to verify the Member’s continued participation in active work within the subspecialty over the recertification period subject to the minimum employment requirements set in subsection E.2 of these Regulations.
E.1.2.1 The declared subspecialty or subspecialties must correspond to the College’s certification records, including the Membership certificate and College Registry.
E.1.2.2 Members must notify the Registrar as soon as possible of any discrepancy between their declared subspecialty, certification records, and current scope of practice. The Board has final authority regarding subspecialty listings in the College Registry.
E.1.3 Members due for recertification must pay the recertification fee specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees and submit a recertification application through the Designated System by the published deadline.
E.1.4 The recertification fee is non-refundable.
E.2.1 Members with one (1) declared sub-specialty must have been employed as a medical physicist in that sub-specialty at least 40% FTE during the recertification period.
E.2.2 Members with two (2) declared sub-specialties must have been employed as a medical physicist in each sub-specialty at least 25% FTE during the recertification period.
E.2.3 Members who obtain certification in a second sub-specialty within the recertification period must meet the requirements:
E.2.4 For each declared sub-specialty, Members must acquire, during the recertification period, fifty (50) recertification credits. Members must not apply credits used for one sub-specialty towards another sub-specialty.
Members must demonstrate continuing professional involvement and development in their declared subspecialty or subspecialties to the sum of fifty (50) credits in the following categories.
E.3.1 Continuing Education activity credits include activities such as conference participation, vendor training, in-house education, etc.
E.3.2 Clinically Relevant Service activity credits include activities such as routine clinical service, major and minor clinical projects, clinical supervision, multidisciplinary activities, and clinical research.
E.3.3 Research, Development, Training and Education activity credits include activities such as didactic teaching, in-services, publications, presentations, grants, student supervision, etc.
E.3.4 Professional activity credits include activities such as being a Board Member, Professional Committee Member, other volunteer activities (e.g., organizing COMP meetings, participating in CCPM activities, journal review), etc.
E.4.1 Members must provide contact information for a CCPM, ABR, or ABMP certified physicist who can attest to the Member’s professional activities and compliance with the requirements set in subsection E.2 of these Regulations.
E.4.2 The Board may accept a medical physicist certified by another recognized certifying body. Members may provide more than one contact if no single individual can confirm all the Member’s activities during the recertification period (e.g. if the Member changes employer or Member practices in multiple sub-specialties).
E.4.3 Where the Member is the only certified physicist in an institution, the physician with primary administrative responsibility for the relevant subspecialty may provide verification in place of a certified physicist (e.g. Head of Radiation Oncology, Head of Nuclear Medicine, etc.).
The Registrar administers the recertification process.
E.5.1 The Registrar will request a list of Members due for recertification from the CCPM office.
E.5.2 The College must notify recertifying Members due for recertification of their upcoming recertification requirements and provide information on the recertification process within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
E.5.3 The College must make the Designated System available to Members within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
E.5.4 Members must pay the required recertification fee, as set out in Examination Schedule and Fees, and submit the recertification application through the Designated System by the published deadline. The College will apply a late fee, in accordance with the Examination Schedule and Fees, to any recertification application received after the published deadline.
E.5.5 Members must submit all information and documentation required by the College, as specified on the College website and within the Designated System, by the published deadline specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
E.5.6 The Registrar will determine whether recertification applications meet the requirements for recertification in accordance with this section of these Regulations.
E.5.7 Recertification applications deemed eligible must be reviewed by a Recertification Review Committee in accordance with the College Policies and Procedures.
E.5.8 For all recertification applications whose decision is deferred to the Board by the Recertification Review Committee(s), the Board must arrive at a decision that allows for the recertifying Member to be informed within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
E.5.9 The Board will ratify successful recertification applications. The College must notify Members of their recertification status within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
E.5.10 Members may appeal the recertification decision by submitting an appeal in writing to the Registrar within two (2) weeks of the date on which the College communicates the recertification result. The appeal must state the ground(s) for the appeal. The Board must consider such appeals in a timely manner, and the Registrar must notify the Applicant of its decision within four (4) weeks of receiving the appeal.
E.6.1 Members absent from the field for less than two (<2) years during the recertification period may apply to the Registrar prior to the recertification deadline to have the recertification period extended to seven (7) years. The Board must determine whether to grant the extension.
E.6.2 Members absent from the field for more than two (>2) years during the recertification period must notify the Registrar prior to the recertification deadline. The Board may establish reasonable adjustments to the recertification requirements in such cases and will consider each request on an individual basis.
E.6.3 Members absent from the field for three or more (3+) consecutive years must complete an oral examination in their declared sub-specialty or subspecialties, as determined by the Board, to demonstrate current competence.
E.7.1 Notwithstanding the requirements described in section E of these Regulations, the Board may require a Member to complete an oral examination to demonstrate current competence in the declared sub-specialty or declared subspecialties for recertification. The Board will direct the process and content of such an examination.
F.1.1 Fellows must demonstrate excellence in their designated sub-specialty and in general radiation safety principles, in accordance with the College Bylaws.
F.1.2 Fellows must demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and complete a substantial clinical project.
F.1.3 Fellows must demonstrate the ability to communicate a scientific contribution for peer review.
F.1.4 Fellows must demonstrate a broad, experience-based knowledge in the designated sub-specialty.
F.1.5 Fellows must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of radiation safety or magnetic resonance safety.
F.1.6 Fellows must demonstrate the ability to assess the relevance of related emerging technologies and their impact on clinical practice.
F.1.7 Fellows must demonstrate an understanding of relevant legal/ethical and cost benefit issues.
F.1.8 Fellows must demonstrate the ability to promote and enhance the profession of Medical Physics.
F.1.9 The College will assess the competence of Applicants for Fellowship detailed in this subsection through the Examination Process.
Applicants for the Fellowship Examination must meet the following minimum criteria:
F.2.1 Applicants must be Members of the CCPM by completing all requirements in section C of these Regulations.
F.2.2 Applicants must possess a minimum of seven (7) years FTE patient-related experience in physics as applied to medicine. Applicants must complete this experience by the date the Fellowship examination is to be taken.
F.2.3 Applicants may include a CAMPEP-Accredited Residency Program or Bridging Program toward the FTE patient-related experience requirements. Applicants must not include work or studies undertaken towards the award of a Masters or Doctoral degree. Experience as physics assistant, associate physicist or dosimetrist does not contribute to meeting the experience requirements for Fellowship eligibility.
F.2.4 Applicants must solicit three (3) letters of reference. Each referee must submit a referee form and a reference letter through the Designated System by the application deadline. Contents of the letter must not be disclosed to the Applicant by anyone. Each reference letter must attest that the Applicant:
Referees must have worked with the Applicant in the previous five (5) years and are directly familiar with the Applicant’s clinical experience and contributions. Two (2) of the letters of reference must be from medical physicists, at least one (1) of whom is a CCPM Fellow. If the Applicant cannot obtain such a reference letter, the CCPM Board may, at its discretion, accept a letter of reference from a medical physicist certified by another recognized certifying body. One (1) letter must be from a board-certified physician.
F.2.5 Applicants must meet the Canadian criteria as defined in clause C.2.7.
The application process for the Fellowship exam is as follows:
F.3.1 The College must publish on the CCPM website information regarding the Fellowship Examination, including application deadlines, applicable fees, and instructions for submission at least three (3) months prior to the examination date.
F.3.2 Applicants must pay the required application fee, as set out in the Examination Schedule and Fees, to submit an application for Fellowship.
F.3.3 Applicants must submit all information and documentation required by the College, as specified on the College website and within the Designated System, by the published application deadline.
F.3.4 Applicants who apply for the Fellowship examination in the same year in which they sit the Membership examination must submit a separate application for each.
F.3.4.1 Applicants applying for both the Membership and Fellowship exam in the same year, and whose eligibility is conditional on successful completion of the Membership exam will only be advised by the Registrar of their Fellowship eligibility following the Membership exam.
F.3.5 The Registrar will determine whether an Applicant meets the eligibility requirements for Fellowship in accordance with subsection F.2 of these Regulations.
F.3.6 Applications deemed eligible by the Registrar must be reviewed by a Credentials Committee in accordance with the College Policies and Procedures.
F.3.7 The Registrar must notify Applicants of the decision regarding their eligibility to challenge Fellowship Examination within timelines published by the College.
F.3.8 For applications referred by a Credentials Committee to the Board, the Board must decide in sufficient time to notify the Applicant no later than six (6) weeks after the application deadline.
F.3.9 Applicants denied permission to sit the examination by the College may appeal to the Registrar within two (2) weeks of receiving notification of the decision. The appeal must state the ground(s) for the appeal. The Board must consider such appeals in a timely manner and the Registrar must notify the Applicant of its decision within four (4) weeks of receiving the appeal.
F.3.10 The College must issue a refund, as set out in the Examination Schedule and Fees, for applications that are not approved.
F.3.11 The Board reserves the right to reject applications without providing reasons.
F.4.1 Applicants deemed eligible by the College are Candidates in the Examination Process.
F.4.2 Eligibility for the Fellowship Examination, as granted by the College, is valid for five (5) years from the time of credentialing. Candidates may attempt the exam a maximum of two (2) times within the eligibility period.
F.4.3 Candidates for the Fellowship Examination must submit the additional documentation described on the College website by the deadline specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
F.4.4 Candidates must notify the Chief Examiner should they elect to withdraw from the Fellowship Examination Process.
F.4.5 Candidates may apply in writing to the Chief Examiner to request to defer sitting the Fellowship Examination until a subsequent year within the eligibility period. A deferral does not extend the Candidate’s eligibility period.
F.4.6 Where a Candidate requests and is granted a deferral by the Chief Examiner, the College must issue a refund in the amount specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees if the request is received within the timelines published. Deferral requests received after that time may be eligible for a refund only in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Board.
Candidates who defer an examination must pay the applicable examination fees, as specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees, when reapplying to sit the examination.
F.4.7 Candidates who do not successfully complete the Fellowship examination during these two (2) attempts must obtain permission from the Board to reapply. If the Board grants permission, the Candidate may re-apply for eligibility for a further five (5) year period by submitting a new application including letters of reference as required under subsection F.2. The College must assess the application in accordance with the Regulations in force at the time of the application and the Candidate must pay the full application fee as stipulated in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
The Examination Process consists of an oral examination.
F.5.1 The Chief Examiner must publish a Preparation Guide for the Fellowship Examination on the College website including the examination design and format.
F.5.2 The Chief Examiner must provide Candidates and Examiners with the evaluation criteria and marking scheme in advance.
F.5.3 The examination must be conducted by least two (2) Fellows of the College.
F.5.4 Examiners must declare any real or perceived conflicts of interests that could affect impartiality. The Chief Examiner will appoint alternate Examiner(s) in such circumstances.
F.5.5 Candidates may choose to challenge the examination in English or French as indicated on the Application Form. The Chief Examiner must ensure the examination:
F.5.6 The oral examination must be conducted such that the criteria described in subsection F.1 are verified.
F.5.7 Upon successful completion of the Fellowship examination, Candidates are deemed to have satisfied the requirements for Fellowship.
F.6.1 The Chief Examiner must communicate examination results to Candidates in writing as Pass or Fail. The College must not disclose any additional examination materials or detailed results.
F.6.2 Upon successful completion of the oral examination, Candidates are deemed to have satisfied the requirements for Fellowship in the CCPM and are granted Membership to the College, subject to ratification by the Board at its next meeting. The College must add the names of the successful Candidates to the Register of Fellows.
F.6.3 The College will issue certificates to successful Candidates. Candidates may request a framed certificate upon payment of the fee specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
F.6.4 Candidates who do not pass the oral Examination are not eligible for a refund.
The Physics of Mammography Certification Committee (PMCC) is responsible for the certification, recertification, and oversight of standards in the Physics of Mammography subspecialty.
G.1.1 The College grants Physics of Mammography Certification to Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements detailed in subsection G.3 and successfully pass an oral examination.
G.1.2 The College must maintain and publish a registry of individuals certified to be competent in the application of medical physics to mammography.
G.1.3 In accordance with the College Bylaws, individuals certified in Physics of Mammography are not entitled to use the MCCPM designation.
G.2.1 Mammography Physicists must demonstrate the ability to produce a complete physicist survey report produced in accordance with current recognized practice.
G.2.2 Mammography Physicists must demonstrate adequate knowledge of medical imaging physics and relevant medical science consistent with the current mammography practice.
G.2.3 Mammography Physicists must demonstrate an appropriate depth and breadth of knowledge in Physics of Mammography, sufficient to support safe and effective independent clinical practice.
G.2.4 Mammography Physicists must demonstrate professional judgment and communication skills commensurate with independent clinical practice.
Applicants for the Physics of Mammography Examination must meet the following minimum criteria:
G.3.1 Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Physics or a related subject from a recognized university. The PMCC may consider alternative qualifications in exceptional circumstances with Board approval.
G.3.2 Applicants must possess a minimum of one (1) year FTE of experience spent in surveying medical imaging systems obtained within the three (3) years preceding the application deadline.
G.3.3 Applicants must have surveyed at least two (2) mammography facilities and six (6) mammography units within three (3) years preceding the application deadline and must submit a satisfactory mammography survey report. Surveys must be completed under the supervision of a medical physicist certified in the Physics of Mammography by the CCPM, or under the supervision of another individual with adequate knowledge, as determined by the PMCC.
G.3.4 Applicants must solicit one (1) letter of reference from a mammography certified medical physicist, or from a Member or Fellow of the College. The referee must submit their letter directly to the College through the Designated System, and the contents of the letter must not be disclosed to the Applicant by anyone. The letter must attest that the Applicant meets the required experience criteria detailed in this subsection and has abided by the Joint Code of Ethics set out in Section B of these Regulations.
G.3.5 Applicants must provide documented evidence of at least fifteen (15) hours (or equivalent) of continuing education (CE) activities within three (3) years preceding the application deadline.
G.3.6 Applicants must be Members of the COMP or commit to obtaining Membership within three (3) months of certification. Failure to become a COMP Member may result in revocation of Physics of Mammography certification as stipulated in the College Bylaws.
G.3.7 Applicants must meet the Canadian criteria as described in clause C.2.7.
The application process for Physics of Mammography Certification is as follows:
G.4.1 The College must publish on the CCPM website information regarding the Physics of Mammography Examination, including application deadlines, applicable fees, and instructions for submission at least five (5) months prior to the examination date.
G.4.2 Applicants must pay the required fee, as set out in the Examination Schedule and Fees, prior to submitting an application for Physics of Mammography certification.
G.4.3 Applicants must submit all information and documentation required by the College, as specified on the College website and within the Designated System, by the published application deadline. The PMCC Chair may, in exceptional circumstances and with Board approval, accept missing information after the deadline.
G.4.4 The College must notify Applicants of the decision regarding their eligibility to challenge the Physics of Mammography Examination within timelines published by the College.
G.4.5 Applicants denied permission to sit the Physics of Mammography examination by the PMCC may appeal the decision to the PMCC Chair within two (2) weeks of receiving notification of the decision. The appeal must state the ground(s) for the appeal. The PMCC must consider such appeals in a timely manner and the PMCC Chair must notify the Applicant of its decision within four (4) weeks of receiving the appeal.
G.4.6 The PMCC reserves the right to reject applications without explanation.
The Physics of Mammography Examination Process consists of an oral examination.
G.5.1 Applicants deemed eligible by the PMCC are Candidates in the Examination Process.
G.5.2 Eligibility for the Mammography examination is valid for three (3) calendar years from the date when eligibility is granted by the PMCC.
G.5.3 Candidates may apply to the PMCC Chair for a one (1)-year extension of eligibility for reasons of exceptional circumstances.
G.5.4 Candidates may apply in writing to the PMCC Chair to request to defer sitting the mammography examination until a subsequent year within the eligibility period. A deferral does not extend the Candidate’s eligibility period.
G.5.5 Where a Candidate requests and is granted a deferral by the PMCC Chair, the College must issue a refund in the amount specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees if the request is received within the timelines published. Deferral requests received after that time may be eligible for a refund only in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Board.
Candidates who defer an examination must pay the applicable examination fees, as specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees, when reapplying to sit the examination
G.5.6 Candidates may challenge the Physics Mammography examination a maximum of three (3) times, provided their eligibility remains valid.
G.5.7 Candidates who are unsuccessful in the Physics of Mammography examination after three (3) attempts are deemed to have failed the Examination Process.
G.5.8 Candidates who have failed the Examination Process are ineligible to apply for Physics of Mammography certification for two (2) calendar years following the year of failure. Candidates may reapply for Membership in the third (3rd) calendar year following the failure.
G.6.1 The Chief Examiner determines the date and location of the examination.
G.6.2 The College must offer Candidates an examination date and time within four (4) months after notice of acceptance is issued, unless the Chair and the Candidate agree otherwise.
G.6.3 The oral examination must take place within twelve (12) months after the acceptance of the application has been sent to the Candidate.
G.6.4 The PMCC may cancel an examination in circumstances it considers force majeure. In such cases, the PMCC’s only obligation is to offer the Candidate an alternate examination appointment.
G.6.5 The oral examination must be conducted by the PMCC Chair and least two (2) Members of the PMCC or alternate Examiners as assigned by the PMCC.
G.6.6 Examiners must declare any real or perceived conflicts of interests that could affect impartiality. The PMCC Chair will appoint alternate Examiner(s) in such circumstances.
G.6.7 The oral examination must be conducted such that the criteria described in subsection G.2 are verified.
G.6.8 Upon successful completion of the Mammography examination, Candidates are deemed to have satisfied the requirements for Physics of Mammography certification.
G.6.9 The PMCC Chair shall advise the College of the names of successful Candidates to be added to the Register of Certified Mammography Physicists, subject to ratification by the Board at its next meeting.
G.6.10 The College will issue certificates to successful Candidates. Successful Candidates may opt to receive a framed certificate upon payment of the fee as stipulated in the CCPM Examination Schedule and Fees.
G.7.1 Examiners must determine a final result of Pass, Fail or Conditional Pass.
G.7.2 Examiners may assign a Conditional Pass subject to completion of specified requirements, which must be communicated to the Candidate in writing.
G.7.3 The Chief Examiner must notify Candidates of results within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
G.7.4 Mammography examination results are not subject to appeal by the Candidate.
G.7.5 Candidates who do not pass the Mammography examination are not eligible for a refund.
The Physics of Mammography certification operates on a triennial (3 year) recertification cycle.
H.1.1 The recertification period is three (3) years year period commencing in the most recent of the following years:
H.1.2 The College must notify Members certified in Physics of Mammography of the upcoming expiration of their certification within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
H.1.3 Members due for recertification must pay the recertification fee specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees and submit a recertification application through the Designated System by the published deadline specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
H.1.4 Members must submit all information and documentation required by the College, as specified on the College website and within the Designated System, by the published deadline specified in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
H.1.5 The recertification fee is non-refundable.
H.2.1 Members due for recertification in Physics of Mammography must complete fifteen (15) hours of acceptable continuing education within the previous three (3) years.
H.2.2 Members due for recertification in Physics of Mammography must have surveyed at least two (2) mammography facilities and a total of at least six (6) mammographic units within the previous three (3) years.
A second survey of the same unit within sixty (60) days may be counted if it follows a major repair.
Members working at facilities with multiple units are exempt from the two-facility requirement, provided they survey at least two (2) distinct units.
For the purposes of this section:
Members due for recertification must also evaluate associated primary review workstations, regardless of their physical location.
H.2.3 Members due for recertification in Physics of Mammography must submit all documentation through the Designated System as directed on the CCPM website.
H.2.4 The PMCC will determine whether recertification applications meet the requirements for recertification in accordance with this section of these Regulations.
H.2.5 Recertification applications deemed eligible will be reviewed by a Recertification Review Committee in accordance with the College Policies and Procedures.
H.2.6 For all recertification applications whose decision is deferred to the Board by the Recertification Review Committee(s), the Board must arrive at a decision in a timely manner allowing for the recertifying Member to be informed within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
H.2.7 The Board will ratify successful recertification applications. The College must notify Members of their recertification status within the timelines published in the Examination Schedule and Fees.
H.2.8 Members certified in Physics of Mammography may appeal the recertification decision by submitting an appeal in writing to the PMCC Chair within two (2) weeks of the date on which the College communicates the recertification result. The appeal must state the ground(s) for the appeal. The PMCC must consider such appeals in a timely manner and the PMCC Chair must notify the Member of its decision within four (4) weeks of receiving the appeal.
H.3.1 Members certified in Physics of Mammography who have been temporarily absent from the field for less than two (<2) years during the recertification period, may apply to the PMCC prior to the application deadline to have the recertification period extended to five (5) years. The PMCC must determine whether to grant an extension in consultation with the Board.
H.4.1 Members certified in Physics of Mammography must maintain COMP Membership in good standing.
H.4.2 Members who fail to renew their COMP Membership by the prescribed deadline will enter a grace period. If COMP Membership dues remain unpaid after the grace period, the individual will be deemed inactive and removed from the College Registry.
H.4.3 Members who fail to renew their COMP Membership for one (1) or more full Membership cycles without notifying the College in advance may be required to complete the certification process anew.
H.4.4 Members who do not meet the recertification requirements may reapply the following year. The PMCC will assess such applications based on the preceding three (3) years. The College may reinstate certification if the Applicant meets the recertification requirements.
H.4.5 Members who do not reinstate Mammography certification within one (1) year of expiration may regain certification only through re-examination.
H.4.6 Inactive Members may apply for reinstatement in alignment with subsection I.3.
H.4.7 The College may establish additional requirements for reinstatement, including an oral examination demonstrating current competence in mammography physics.
I.1.1 Revocation of Membership in the College must be in accordance with the College Bylaws.
I.1.2 Members and Mammography Physicists who fail to recertify or fail to renew their COMP membership, regardless of employment status, may have their certification revoked.
I.2.1 Retired Members who wish to maintain their MCCPM certification until their next recertification date must maintain a Retired COMP Membership in good standing.
I.2.2 The College will designate Fellows who retire, leave medical physics, or fail to renew their COMP Membership as inactive Fellows.
I.3.1 Members who fail to renew their COMP Membership by the prescribed deadline will enter a grace period as detailed on the Maintaining Certification webpage.
I.3.2 Members whose COMP Membership dues remain unpaid after the grace period will be deemed inactive and removed from the College registry.
I.3.3 Inactive Members may apply for reinstatement and must be subject to:
I.3.4 Members who fail to renew their COMP Membership for one (1) or more full Membership cycles without notifying the College in advance may be required to complete Membership certification process as described in section C of these Regulations anew.
I.3.5 Members who fail to meet recertification requirements or who elect not to recertify may apply to the Board for reinstatement. The Board may require former Members seeking reinstatement to:
The Board will determine the process and content of such an examination.
The College must review the Regulations at least every three (3) years to ensure content remains current and accurate.
| Version | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | April 2014 | These Regulations were developed following the enactment of the new Bylaws of the College, which were approved by Industry Canada in the fall of 2013. The original version of this document was created and approved by the Board in April 2014. |
| 1.1 | September 9, 2015 | The Board met by teleconference on September 9, 2015, to review, modify, and approve changes to Regulations D.2.7, D.3.3, D.10.2, and E.3.3. A new subsection, C.8, on non-disclosure and cheating was also added and approved. |
| 1.2 | November 14, 2015 | The Board met in Ottawa on November 14, 2015, for its mid-year meeting and approved changes to Regulation D.2.7. A new Section G, Bridging Program, was added between Sections F, Recertification, and G, Mammography. Sections were renumbered accordingly: Mammography became Section H and Revision History became Section I. |
| 1.3 | June 8, 2016 | The Board met by teleconference on June 8, 2016, and approved changes to Regulations E.2.2, E.6.1, E.6.2, E.7.5, E.7.6, and E.8.1. Regulations in Section E were renumbered accordingly. |
| 1.4 | July 19, 2016 | The Board met in St. John’s on July 19, 2016, and approved changes to Regulations D.9.1, D.9.2, and D.9.3. Regulations in Section D.9 were renumbered accordingly. |
| 1.5 | November 5, 2016 | The Board met in Toronto on November 5, 2016, and approved the removal of the final two sentences from Regulation D.2.8. |
| 1.6 | July 11, 2017 | The Board met in Ottawa on July 11, 2017, and approved changes to Regulation D.2.7. A new Section I, Harold E. Johns Travel Award, was added after Section H, Mammography. Revision History was renumbered as Section J. |
| 1.7 | November 17, 2017 | The Board met in Ottawa on November 17, 2017, and approved changes to Regulation E.3.13. Revision History remained Section J. |
| 1.8 | February 3, 2018 | The Board approved changes by email on February 3, 2018, to Regulations G.1.3, G.1.4, G.3.4, G.3.5, G.4.1, G.4.2, G.5.1, and G.5.2. Revision History remained Section J. |
| 1.9 | September 11, 2018 | The Board met in Montreal on September 11, 2018, and approved changes to Regulation B.1.7. Revision History was updated. |
| 1.10 | January 24, 2019 | The Board met by teleconference on January 24, 2019, and approved the following changes:
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| 1.11 | January 17, 2020 | The Board met in Ottawa on January 17, 2020, and approved the following changes:
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| 1.12 | June 20, 2020 | The Board met on June 20, 2020, and approved modifications to Regulations B.3.1, B.3.2, B.3.3, and B.3.6. |
| 1.13 | June 8, 2021 | The Board met by teleconference on June 8, 2021, and approved the following changes:
Revision History was also updated. |
| 1.14 | October 4, 2022 | The Board met by teleconference on October 4, 2022, and approved the following changes:
Revision History was also updated. |
| 1.15 | September 17, 2023 | The Board met on September 17, 2023, and approved the following changes:
|
| 1.16 | November 7, 2024 | The Board met on November 7, 2024, and approved the following changes:
|
| 1.17 | June 3, 2025 | The Board met on June 3, 2025, and approved the following changes:
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| 2.0 | July 17, 2026 | The Board met in Vancouver on July 17, 2026, and approved a comprehensive modernization and restructuring of the Regulations—the first major update since Version 1.0 in 2014.
Key changes include:
This release establishes a new baseline for future updates and supports improved digital accessibility. |
