Registering with CRPO & Completing the Statutory Declaration

To become a registered psychotherapist in Ontario, you must submit an application to the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). You’ll also need to complete a registration exam and submit certain documents to CRPO as part of the process. One of these documents is a notarized CRPO Statutory Declaration. In this blog, we’ll dive into how to complete your CRPO Statutory Declaration and outline broader CRPO application requirements.

Who needs to register with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario?

In Ontario, you must register with CRPO if your role falls within the scope of psychotherapy, or if you refer to yourself as a “registered psychotherapist”, “psychotherapist”, or related abbreviations. Essentially, you’d register if you present yourself as qualified to practice psychotherapy. 

You don’t need to register with CRPO if you’re already registered with another regulatory college whose registrants can practice psychotherapy. Therefore, you don’t need to apply if you’re registered with a college that regulates psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, and physicians.

If you’re unsure whether your clinical practice necessitates registration with CRPO, use this self-assessment tool.

CRPO Application Requirements

If you’re on the path to pursuing a Registered Psychotherapist title with CRPO, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. These include educational requirements, the completion of an e-learning module, and meet language requirements. We’ve outlined these requirements in greater below.

CRPO Educational Requirements

To register with CRPO, you must have completed a master’s program or an equivalent graduate diploma focused on psychotherapy. The graduate program must also provide training in the Entry-to-Practice Competencies. As a prerequisite, you must have completed a bachelor’s-level program prior to your graduate program. 

When registering with CRPO, you’ll need to indicate whether you’ve completed a recognized training program, accepted bridging program, or non-recognized program. If you’re unsure whether your program is accepted by CRPO, see its list of recognized and accepted programs.

You should only submit your application for registration once you’ve substantially completed psychotherapy education and training. Substantial completion includes: 

• Having completed 90% of your program
• Being in your final semester before graduation;
• Having completed your program with the exception of a thesis.

CRPO’s E-Learning Module

As part of registration, you must complete CRPO’s Professional Practice & Jurisprudence e-Learning (JRP) Module. This module must be completed no earlier than two years before the date of your application. Reading the JRP e-learning document before enrolling in the module is strongly recommended. This document includes practice questions and is available in both PDF and webpage format.

CRPO Language Requirements

Reasonable fluency in English or French is a critical requirement for all regulated health professionals in Ontario. Reasonable fluency indicates the ability to read and write proficiently in either English or French. Client records should be kept in English or French, and registrants must communicate with other healthcare practitioners in English or French. You can demonstrate language fluency if English or French is:

• Your first language
• Your language of primary, secondary, or post-secondary education
• The language you use when providing services to your clients

What Documents are Required to Register with CRPO?

To register with CRPO, you’ll need to submit the proper documentation in your application package. Ensure that you retain copies of all the documents you submit to CRPO for your records. Below is an overview of the documents you’ll need to submit:

• A Transcript or Letter From Your Institution: Each education and training program reported in your application must send your academic transcript or letter directly to CRPO. A transcript refers to an official academic record certified by your institution. 

• Language Proficiency Test (if applicable): If you’ve had no education or practice experience in English or French, you must provide evidence of passing a language proficiency test. This test must have been taken within the past two years, with the minimum scores identified. 

• Documents Related to Legal Proceedings (if applicable): You must disclose information related to conduct, including offences and findings of misconduct. You might choose to upload supporting documents for your disclosures. 

• CRPO Statutory Declaration: This legal document attests to the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted to CRPO.
• Consent to the Release of Information: You must give CRPO the authority to contact or request information from any individual or organization relevant to your application. Relevant individuals and organizations include supervisors, employers, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies.

What is a CRPO Statutory Declaration?

A Statutory Declaration is a legal document that a declarant (person making the declaration) uses to affirm the truthfulness of certain facts. A CRPO Statutory Declaration attests to the truthfulness and accuracy of the information you’ve provided to CRPO. You must complete one to declare that the information and supporting materials you’ve submitted are complete and accurate. An authorized official, like a notary public, must notarize your CRPO Statutory Declaration to make it valid.

Providing false information in a  Statutory Declaration is a criminal offence in Canada. A Statutory Declaration holds the same legal weight as a statement made under oath. A false or misleading statement may disqualify you from CRPO registration or cause the revocation of registration that’s been granted.

Information Required for Your CRPO Statutory Declaration

In your Statutory Declaration, you’ll confirm that the information and materials you’ve provided in your CRPO application are truthful, accurate and complete. You’ll also need to provide the following details:

• Your full legal name
• Your signature
• The date
• The printed name and signature of an authorized official (like a notary public)
• The business address of the authorized official
• The business phone number of the authorized official

Getting a CRPO Statutory Declaration Notarized

A CRPO Statutory Declaration must be notarized by an authorized official, like a notary public or commissioner of oaths. During notarization, you’ll declare that the contents of your Statutory Declaration are true before the authorized official. They’ll ensure you understand what you are signing, verify your identity, and witness your signature. Once you declare that the contents of your declaration are true and accurate, the official will sign your declaration and add a notary seal. 

At NotaryPro, you can get your CRPO Statutory Declaration notarized online, from the comfort of your home. Our secure and user-friendly notary platform allows you to have your declaration notarized online in under 7 minutes. Book a same-hour online notary appointment, or schedule one for a future time most convenient for you.

Do not complete your Statutory Declaration until you’ve filled in all the other parts of your CRPO application. Also, do not date or sign the declaration before seeing a notary public or other authorized official. 

Start Your Registration with CRPO Today

Registering with CRPO is an exciting step in your journey to obtaining your Registered Psychotherapist title. Once you assemble all of the required information, documents, and supporting materials, you’ll be well on your way. 

With NotaryPro, you can get your CRPO Statutory Declaration notarized online in under 7 minutes. You don’t need to download any software, create an account — or even leave your house. 

Head to our online notary portal and upload your unsigned CRPO Statutory Declaration to see how easy it can be today!