Explore how the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) in Nova Scotia supports Internationally Trained Physicians (ITP) in starting their medical careers in Canada efficiently, confidently, and with purpose.
PACE (Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence) is Nova Scotia’s new practice ready assessment program for Internationally Trained Physicians (ITP). This pathway program is for family physicians and internal medicine specialists with hospitalist experience. PACE evaluates your readiness to practice through a workplace based assessment in real healthcare settings
PACE provides an innovative, centralized model that consolidates all assessment activities under one roof, setting it apart from other practice ready assessment programs across Canada. This unique approach underscores PACE’s commitment to streamlined, comprehensive evaluations for Internationally Trained Physicians.
PACE Advantage:
The process outlines each stage of the journey, from confirming your eligibility and completing your clinical assessment to pursuing licensure and beginning practice. Below, you’ll find a process map that highlights each step, along with a table of contents to help you navigate detailed information, requirements, and helpful resources along the way.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) sets the eligibility criteria for participation in the PACE Assessment Program.
Please thoroughly review all eligibility criteria below:
Please ensure you also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS).
Below, you will find detailed information about the criteria and steps involved in selecting candidates for the PACE Assessment Program.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, submit your application below.
The PACE team will complete a review of your application considering eligibility and selection criteria and will invite those most likely to be successful to apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSNS) for a review of qualifications.
The Registration Department at CPSNS reviews all applications and supporting documents. Eligible candidates who meet the requirements are then referred to PACE for further consideration.
PACE ranks eligible candidates based on their likelihood of success in the Assessment. The ranking process considers several factors, including:
Because the space at the PACE program is limited, the selection process if highly competitive. Only the most qualified candidates will be referred by PACE to Nova Scotia Health for an interview.
Following interviews, Nova Scotia Health makes the final selection for participation in the assessment and provides the list of selected candidates to PACE.
Selected candidates are required to sign:
Candidates may only begin the Assessment after providing proof of legal authority to work in Canada (citizenship, work permit, or permanent residency) and obtaining a Clinical Assessment License.
After successfully completing the PACE Assessment Program, candidates apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) for licensure to practice in their assessed setting (primary care or hospitalist). PACE recommends practice readiness, but CPSNS independently evaluates applications based on the Medical Act and regulations, potentially issuing a Defined, Restricted, or Clinical Assistant Licensure.
Licensure is not guaranteed. Nova Scotia Health supports placement in the assessed setting with a three-year return of service agreement. Guidance is provided throughout.
In exchange for the province’s investment in candidate orientation, on-boarding, and assessment, candidates are required to provide a 3-year return of service (ROS). The physician shall provide full-time medical services as a hospitalist for 3-years in a community of priority as identified by Nova Scotia Health (NSH). Primary care physicians will be required to roster patients from either the Need a Family Practice registry or another physician who is reducing their roster (example, a retiring or relocating physician)
The timeline, from completion of the assessment to practice start, is laid out in the ROS agreement as follows:
Return of Service (ROS) communities are identified and assigned through a structured and transparent process to ensure alignment between community needs and candidate preferences.
We know the PACE process can feel complex, so we’ve put together a series of short videos to help guide you. Hear directly from our team as we answer common questions and share insights to help you prepare for each step.
Before you apply, please ensure you have:
Reviewed the eligibility criteria and understand the full application process outlined above.
Included all formal postgraduate rotations in your résumé, specifying both the type and duration of each.
Listed your most recent in-person clinical experience.
Confirmed that you meet the English Language Proficiency requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
Once you’ve confirmed the above, you’re ready to begin your application.