International Perfusionist Equivalency Assessment (IPEA)

PROCESS SUMMARY & APPLICATION FORM

Overview 

The International Perfusionist Equivalency Assessment (IPEA) provides a pathway for internationally trained Perfusionists to become certified in Canada. This process ensures that candidates meet the high standards required for practicing perfusionists in Canada, while helping to address the critical shortage of perfusionists working in Canada. The IPEA program aligns with the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP) standards and the BCIT Cardiovascular Perfusion Advanced Certificate Program learning outcomes. It enables internationally trained Perfusionists to challenge the CSCP Certification Exam, offering legitimate employment opportunities in Canada. 

1. Initial Application: Submit the following documents to CSCP for evaluation:

• • Proof of identity and eligibility to work in Canada.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level 7 or higher).
  • Certification from one of the following associations:
    1. Australian and New Zealand College of Perfusionists (ANZCP)
    2. European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (EBCP)
    3. Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain & Ireland (SCPS) 
    4. Health Professions Council of South Africa (registered as Clinical technologists, Cardiovascular Perfusion with HPCSA)
       • To apply as a HPCSA member you must provide a clinical caseload history from the past 2 (two) calendar years from date of application.
       • DOWNLOAD CASE LOG PROVIDED HERE 
       • The above case log sheet must be uploaded with your application below.

• • Copy of undergraduate degree and equivalency report from ICES (BCIT credentialing service) or WES (World Education Services)
  • Details of Clinical Perfusion training and accreditation status
  • Application fee - The CSCP application fee is $10,000.00 CAD and is payable upon submitting the application. Payment can be made using American Express, Mastercard, or Visa. This application fee pertains only to the submission of the application and excludes any additional costs throughout the IPEA process. If you opt to pay via electronic funds transfer (EFT), the payment must be received at the CSCP National office before submitting the online application. For EFT payment instructions only, please contact the CSCP National Office.  

    IMPORTANT*: A non-refundable administration fee of $1,500.00 CAD applies if the applicant withdraws or fails to proceed at any point BEFORE the practical examination assessment. Once the applicant receives a certificate/letter of equivalency, the IPEA process is complete and no refund will be available.

2. Training Review: The BCIT Admissions Committee, in collaboration with CSCP representatives, evaluates the applicant's Perfusion training for equivalency. If approved, the candidate is directed to the BCIT application form for the examination process. 

3. Written Examinations: Candidates take Medical Science and Perfusion Science exams based on BCIT's curriculum. Before coming to Canada, these exams are taken online from the candidate's country of origin.

4. Practical Examination: This assessment in Canada includes running a cardiopulmonary bypass procedure. 

5. Certification: Successful candidates receive a certificate of equivalency, enabling them to challenge the CSCP Certification Exam.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• • Hold a bachelor's degree equivalent to a recognized Canadian university degree.
  • Have completed a post-graduate Clinical Perfusion program.
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level 7 or higher)
  • Be certified by EBCP, ANZCP, SCPS, or SASP
  • Have a minimum of two years of post-accreditation experience
  • Have a written and confirmed job offer in Canada

All of the above eligibility criteria are required to apply to this process - NO EXCEPTIONS.

For more details about the program, visit BCIT's IPEA webpage