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Learner Assistance

Assessment Verification Period (AVP)

Quick Access to AVP Related Forms, Policies and Guidelines

Please click on name of the form to the right (or below on mobile).
AVP Detailed Assessment Form (4 and 8 weeks)
AVP Final Assessment Form (12 weeks)
AVP Policy (COFM, March 2025)

Overview 

The Assessment Verification Period (AVP) is a 12-week supervised assessment for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), mandated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).  Successful completion is required to continue in residency. The training program manages the assessment to determine whether IMGs can perform at the designated training level in their chosen specialty.

Licensure/Eligibility 

  • Residents must hold a valid CPSO Postgraduate Education Certificate. 
  • Residents must have a valid CPSO number.  
  • Residents must have a letter of appointment to a postgraduate training program in Ontario.

Purpose 

  • Confirm basic clinical skills appropriate for training level and supervised practice in the chosen specialty.

Learners are assessed to ensure they are:

  • Able to practice professionally and with sufficient knowledge, skills and judgement. 
  • Able to communicate and collaborate effectively. 

Process

1. Before AVP Starts

  • Program accepts IMG. 
  • PGME sends a signed letter of appointment to the CPSO.
  • Learner submits an application to the CPSO.
  • CPSO issues a Postgraduate Education Certificate for the AVP.

2. During AVP (12 weeks)

  • Learners are supervised in a multidisciplinary clinical setting with ongoing patient exposure. 
  • Formal assessments at 4, 8 and 12 week.
  • Final Assessment Process
    • Supervisor(s) complete the Final Assessment Form.
    • Form is reviewed and signed by the Residency Program Director.
    • Form is sent by program to PGME.
    • Associate Dean, PGME reviews and signs.
  • Outcome: Upon successful completion, PGME registration is finalized, and residency training continues.

3. Supervision

  • Order Writing: AVP learners may write and sign medical orders.
  • Co-Signatures: Some hospitals may have policies requiring all AVP learner orders to be co-signed

CPSO Postgraduate Education Certificate states that learners may practice medicine under a level of supervision deemed appropriate by the Program Director and supervising physician.

Assessments

Regular Feedback

Program Directors must ensure learners receive documented feedback on a regular basis by clinical supervisors during the AVP.  This feedback is recorded using a fillable PDF assessment form. The Assessment Form content is provided by the Council of Ontario Universities and is consistent across all Ontario schools.

Formal Assessment Intervals

  • 4 weeks and 8 weeks - Completion of Detailed AVP Assessment Form and documentation of feedback meeting with the learner
  • 12 weeks - Completion of Final AVP Assessment Form, informed by prior assessments (e.g., EPA assessments, ITARs, field notes) and documentation of feedback meeting with the learner

Multiple Rotations

If the learner completes multiple rotations during the AVP, supervisors submit Detailed Assessment Forms to the Program Director, or delegated Residency Program or Competence Committee, for compilation of the Final Assessment Form.

Unsatisfactory (U) or Below Expectations (BE)

If identified, additional assessment forms may be required.

AVP EXTENSION

If a resident is performing below expectations at any point during their AVP, programs should contact PGME promptly. For residents identified at 8 weeks or beyond, PGME must be notified immediately, and programs should communicate their chosen course of action. Early contact ensures guidance on extension requirements and available support.

Initial Extension (up to 6 weeks): 

  • Requested if more time is needed for assessment (i.e., not for remediation). 
  • Requires a letter from the Program Director outlining the reasons and an educational plan. 
  • Must be supported by the Associate Dean, PGME.

Additional Extension (up to 6 more weeks, for a total of 12 weeks):

  • Requires approval from the CPSO Registration Committee.

See AVP extension guidelines in the Quick Access section above (TBC).

Outcomes

Satisfactory

  • Learner continues in the postgraduate residency training program.  
  • A successful AVP counts towards residency training time.

Unsatisfactory

  • Appointment ends with the University. 
  • PGME office notifies CPSO by forwarding a copy of the completed Final AVP Assessment Form. 
  • CPSO terminates the Postgraduate Education Certificate
  • CPSO does not formally notify other Ontario schools of the failed AVP, rather the license in the same discipline would not be approved, and the resident will have to disclose past training on any subsequent CPSO application.

Appeals

  • Residents may appeal an unsatisfactory assessment using institutional processes. 
  • If upheld, residents may repeat the AVP once (maximum 12 weeks). 
  • No further extension opportunities for the repeat AVP. 

Withdrawal

  • Learner may withdraw at any time. 

  • Withdrawal may have Return of Service (ROS) agreement implications (learners should consult with the Ministry of Health regarding ROS obligations)

Reapplication of Failed/Withdrawn Learners

  • A failed AVP is not counted towards residency training.  
  • Learner may apply to the first iteration of CaRMS.  
  • Restrictions on re-application of failures:
    • Cannot reapply to the same specialty at the same level of entry in Ontario. Other provinces may have different requirements. 
    • May apply to a different specialty or lower entry level in the same specialty.

Important Notes