European Diploma in Pain Physiotherapy

The MCQ examination tests candidates' knowledge of the curriculum. It features 50 questions, each made up of a stem followed by three to six answer statements. Each statement is either true or false, and there is no negative marking. The time allowed is 90 minutes.

The examination can take one of two forms:

• Paper form. Answers are marked with a pen or pencil. Candidates should take care to mark a single choice of true or false for each answer statement.
• Virtual form. The examination is run in a virtual environment, with candidates providing their answers remotely from their workspace.

This part tests candidates' clinical, handling, and communication skills. The candidate is asked to demonstrate ten diagnostic or treatment skills, each representing a clinical situation.

The viva tests candidates' clinical experience, reasoning, attitude, and communication skills. It is an oral examination in which the candidate engages in a dialogue with two examiners, based on the case study reports they have submitted.

The examination is marked with the following weighting: MCQ 35%, clinical skills examination 30%, and viva examination including case study reports 35%. The pass mark is 65%.

At the end of each Part 2 sitting, the Board of Examiners holds a final meeting to determine marks. If the Examination Committee identifies anomalies or concerns about a particular candidate's performance, it may deviate from the standard marking rules and will provide the candidate with justification for its decision.

Maintaining marks from previous attempts. Provided all components of the examination are passed within a four-year period, a candidate may cite marks achieved in previous valid attempts as part of their total mark. For example, a candidate who scores well in one part may resit another to improve it, while carrying forward the earlier result.

Candidates are provided with pens and pencils. No additional materials may be taken into the examination venue. Electronic devices such as phones, tablets, computers, and smart watches are strictly prohibited, and communication between candidates during the examination is not permitted.

Any candidate found to be breaching these rules, or otherwise jeopardising the fair conduct of the examination, will be excluded. Any candidate found to have passed any part through fraudulent means will have their qualification rescinded.

For virtual sittings, additional steps such as randomising the order of questions and answers are taken. The Examination Committee may rescind the qualification of any candidate thought to have committed an infringement, which in this context may include:

• taking copies of examination content for use outside the sitting;
• conferring with other candidates, in person or online;
• using an internet browser or other materials to inform their answers.

The examination content, both written and oral, is in English, and a high level of spoken and written English is required. The registration process includes questions about the candidate's language level, and the Examination Committee may exclude any candidate considered to be below the level required, with a full refund applied.

Translation and interpretation services are not available. If you have special requirements in this area, such as dyslexia or another medical condition affecting reading comprehension, please indicate this on the registration form and EFIC will do its best to accommodate your needs. Any adjustments to your standard working environment should be attested to by your employer in the letter of support. The Examination Committee ensures a reasonable level of flexibility for medical and other technical terminology, though candidates should be familiar with such terminology in English.

The EDPP examination is typically conducted in English. In collaboration with national physiotherapy organisations, it may also be offered in additional languages. Obtaining the EDPP in a language other than English does not constitute proof of language proficiency at a European level, and candidates intending to practise in another country should be aware that additional language qualifications may be required to meet national regulatory or professional standards.

Part 1 may be offered virtually via an examination platform. Candidates are expected to follow all guidance provided by EFIC and to complete all tutorials and preparatory sessions so that they are comfortable with the platform on the day.

EFIC uses a proctoring tool to ensure that conduct rules are followed by all candidates. Candidates acknowledge that this requires recordings to be taken, including of their webcam and desktop. A reasonably strong level of IT literacy is expected, including adjusting hardware settings such as the webcam and microphone, in order to follow the instructions of the examination platform.

Any candidate wishing to appeal should write to the Examination Committee via the Federation Secretariat within four weeks of receiving their results. Appeals will be responded to by the Examination Committee within six weeks of the initial communication of results.