Licensing

All physicians and surgeons who practise in British Columbia must be licensed with CPSBC. CPSBC ensures that only qualified, competent and ethical physicians and surgeons are granted a licence to practise in British Columbia.

Applying for a licence

CPSBC grants licences in a variety of classes. Each licence class has different requirements, limits, conditions and scope of practice.

Student, resident, clinical observer, postgraduate trainee and fellow licence classes
For applicants who obtained their medical degree from a medical school outside of Canada
Family practice, specialty practice, osteopathic, podiatric practice licence classes
Short-term licence for up to six months for applicants from other jurisdictions
Academic, administrative, associate physician or surgical assistant licence classes
For certified physician assistants in BC
Clinical perfusionists, medical laboratory technologists, radiation therapists, and respiratory...

Frequently accessed areas

CPSBC-issued document that confirms a licensee’s history and credentials
All CPSBC licensees undergo a criminal records check
For applicants who hold a full and unrestricted licence in another Canadian jurisdiction
Canada-wide identifier for anyone in the Canadian medical educational or practice system
Policies the Licence Committee uses to consider applications
Frequently asked questions by USA-trained applicants