The Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Clinical Performance Instruments (CPI) are crucial assessment tools for evaluating student performance during clinical experiences. The CPI is utilized by Clinical Instructors (CIs) at the midpoint and conclusion of clinical rotations, alongside student self-evaluations, ensuring a comprehensive review process. These instruments are designed to align with the student’s academic level, offering opportunities to hone specific skills and behaviors relevant to their professional development, as outlined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
The CPI has evolved significantly since its initial development, with the PT CPI originating in 1997 and revised in 2006, and the PTA CPI developed in 1998 and updated in 2009. These tools transitioned from paper-based formats to online platforms to enhance accessibility and efficiency. In a continued effort to improve the CPI’s effectiveness and reliability, APTA collaborated with HumRRO in 2020 to refine the CPI content and rating scales. This partnership culminated in a psychometric review and revisions completed in November 2022. Subsequently, APTA partnered with CompetencyAI to launch the CPI 3.0 web platform, released on May 15, 2023, marking a significant advancement in clinical education assessment.
APTA Clinical Performance Instrument – Technical Brief
Access PT/PTA CPI 3.0 (Ensure training completion prior to access)
Essential Online Training Program via APTA Learning Center
To utilize the CPI 3.0 effectively, all users must first complete a mandatory free training program offered through the Apta Learning Center. Successful completion, requiring a 100% passing score on the assessment, is necessary to gain access to both the PT and PTA CPI 3.0 platforms. This training ensures that all users are well-versed in the latest updates and features of CPI 3.0, promoting standardized and accurate evaluations.
The APTA Learning Center provides five distinct training courses tailored to different user roles within the CPI 3.0 system. Users are required to complete only one training module that aligns with their specific role before accessing CPI 3.0. These role-specific courses ensure targeted and relevant training for all users involved in the clinical education process.
These training courses, available through the APTA Learning Center, incorporate narrated videos, with durations ranging from approximately 20 to 28 minutes, depending on the chosen version. Each course concludes with an assessment comprising 16 to 21 questions, and participants must achieve a perfect score to receive their certificate of completion. The APTA Learning Center allows for unlimited attempts to pass the assessment, ensuring everyone can achieve the required competency.
Notably, the CI/SCCE course offers 1.7 hours or 0.17 CEUs, while the DCE course provides 1.5 hours or 0.15 CEUs, both of which are accredited across all relevant jurisdictions. This continuing education credit further enhances the value of the training available at the APTA Learning Center.
Gaining Access to PT and PTA CPI 3.0 after APTA Learning Center Training
Upon successful completion of the required APTA CPI online training through the APTA Learning Center, users can then proceed to log into CPI 3.0 using their APTA login credentials to conduct CPI assessments. It’s important to note that before initial access is granted, the DCE (Director of Clinical Education) associated with an affiliated program must assign the individual’s user role, educational program name, or clinical site within the system. This step ensures proper user authorization and system organization.
CPI 3.0 User Guides and Support Resources
Comprehensive CPI 3.0 User Guides are readily available within the CPI 3.0 portal itself. Users can easily locate these guides by looking for the blue question mark icon within a white circle, typically situated at the top right corner of the screen. These user guides are categorized by user roles, ensuring targeted assistance for specific needs.
Furthermore, CPI 3.0 Rubric Training Videos are also accessible through the corresponding user guides within the portal, offering visual and auditory learning aids to enhance understanding and application of the CPI 3.0 rubrics.
PT and PTA CPI – Paper Version
CPI 3.0 Subscription and Fees for Academic Institutions
It’s important to understand that the annual PT/PTA CPI 3.0 subscription fees are the responsibility of Academic Institutions, not individual clinical sites. The subscription cycle runs from July 1st through June 30th annually.
The annual subscription fees are structured as follows:
- PT CPI (CSIF Included): $1,100
- PTA CPI (CSIF Included): $800
- PT CSIF only: $850
- PTA CSIF only: $450
It is worth noting that there has been no price increase for the PT and PTA CPIs 3.0, and the annual subscriptions now include the Clinical Site Information Form (CSIF), offering added value.
Program access necessitates the completion and submission of a specific form to initiate the subscription process and ensure proper account setup.
Contact and Customer Support for CPI 3.0
For all CPI 3.0 updates, information, and community support, users are directed to APTA’s Clinical Education Hub Community. To request access to this community platform, please email [email protected] with “Hub Community Access” in the email subject line. This community serves as a central resource for users to stay informed and connected regarding CPI 3.0.
