The examination may be written by undergraduate students in their 4^th year, or by graduate students. They will then need to submit evidence of experience when it has been completed. It is recommended that working physicists submit evidence of background and experience prior to writing the examination. Try the sample version of the Professional Practice Examination.

There is no fee for the Professional Practice Examination (PPE) provided it is written during the annual PPE examination time generously offered to fourth year undergraduate and graduate physics students by the physics departments at Canadian universities, normally around the third week of January. An applicant who wishes to write the exam at another time during the year may complete a PPE application form (fee applicable).  Efforts will be made to accommodate this request but availability cannot be guaranteed.

The 2012 Examination is scheduled for January 24, 2012 (contact local university for specific details).

The CAP recognizes that some very good resources exist which may assist an applicant in preparing for the PPE. One very useful on-line resource is entitled "On Being a Scientist", prepared by the American National Academy of Sciences. The on-line version of the booklet is available at http://books.nap.edu/html/obas/. Paper copies may be obtained directly from the NAS for a small fee.