Free RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam Practice Questions

About RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam

RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam · CA

Key exam facts

Provider

The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is responsible for the RCIC EPE and its scoring; online proctoring is an exam-delivery function.

Format

Electronically online, closed book; independent and case-based multiple-choice questions, each with four options and one correct answer.

Exam questions

Total questions: 135; Scored questions: 125; Unscored questions: 10; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.

Time limit

3 hours of answering time under standard conditions. No scheduled breaks; approved restroom breaks do not pause the clock. Individual assessment accommodations may apply.

Passing score

Pass/fail based on the total score meeting or exceeding the form-specific final pass mark. CICC uses criterion-referenced Bookmark standard setting and statistical review; there is no pre-set pass/fail quota or single published fixed percentage.

Exam fee

CAD $75 non-refundable application fee; CAD $425 for the first exam attempt or $325 for a subsequent attempt, plus applicable Canadian taxes. The published first-attempt exam fee is waived for paralegals; deferral fee CAD $75.

Topics covered

• Foundational Knowledge (17.6%)

  • Demonstrates knowledge of the Canadian legal system.
  • Summarizes the Canadian justice system and the authority and scope of each division.
  • Outlines the historical development of Canadian immigration and citizenship laws. (Updated)
  • Differentiates the functions and powers of the various federal departments and agencies which have a role in immigration and citizenship matters.
  • Articulates how the legislation and regulations are created and amended by parliament and provincial legislations.
  • Applies the meaning of standard and burden of proof related to Canadian immigration law and citizenship.
  • Applies knowledge of the principles of administrative law.
  • Summarizes the foundations of administrative law that relate to immigration laws (e.g. acts, regulations, and policies) in Canada. (Updated)
  • Explains the meaning and limitations of discretion in administrative law and how it must be exercised in various contexts. (Updated)
  • Explains the role of judicial review in ensuring that the executive branch of government follows the principles of administrative law.
  • Applies the relevant rules of procedural fairness to different immigration law and citizenship contexts.
  • Interprets Canadian immigration and refugee legislation, regulations, and policies.
  • Interprets the relevant sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), Citizenship Act, Citizenship Regulations.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the refugee determination system in Canada and refugee resettlement system abroad.
  • Identifies issues and concerns warranting special relief for humanitarian and compassionate applications and considerations.
  • Accurately applies immigration, refugee and citizenship legislation, regulation, policies to various cases.
  • Summarizes the requirements and processes of the different provinces’ and territories’ immigration programs.
  • Differentiates the principal categories and classes of temporary and permanent immigration.
  • Identifies the temporary and permanent residence categories and classes.
  • Analyzes the requirements, procedures and limitations for each category and class of immigration.
  • Explains how the rights and obligations of Canadian citizens differ from those of non-citizens (permanent residents or foreign nationals).
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the Labour Market Impact Assessment application process. (New)
  • Synthesizes and applies case law to various immigration and citizenship cases.
  • Identifies key components of case law: purpose, facts, issues, applicable laws, ratio decidendi, decisions, and dispositions. (Updated)
  • Identifies the leading cases that impact Canadian immigration, refugees and citizenship.
  • Applies the leading cases to client situations and legal issues.
  • Analyzes the various grounds of inadmissibility and how the grounds are applied in a variety of contexts.
  • Interprets the sections of the IRPA, IRPR, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other relevant sources of law pertaining to inadmissibility, removal and detention.
  • Understands, identifies and summarizes the categories of inadmissibility related to: criminality; organized criminality; security; human or international rights violations; health; financial reasons; misrepresentation; non-compliance; and inadmissible family members. (Updated)
  • Provides an analysis regarding the equivalence between criminal offenses committed abroad, as well as convictions, and criminal offenses committed in Canada. (Updated)
  • Identifies the exemption criteria for inadmissibility and the actions required to overcome inadmissibility.
  • Recognizes and analyzes the impact of inadmissibility on the client and their situation.
  • Advises the client on the consequences and the exemptions that apply to each inadmissibility ground.
  • Considers remedies associated with inadmissibility prior to submitting an application.
  • Identifies when a client’s inadmissibility cannot be overcome.
  • Summarizes the actions the government may take when a client is deemed inadmissible, including arrest, detention and removal.
  • Applies immigration enforcement legislation and related activities to client situations and issues.
  • Interprets the sections of the IRPA, IRPR, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other relevant sources of law pertaining to removal and detention.
  • Distinguishes the different government agencies and tribunals that are involved in enforcement and analyzes the relationships between them.
  • Explains the requirements for entering and remaining in Canada as related to enforcement.
  • Considers the social context in which immigration detention takes place.
  • Develops and executes strategies to obtain the release of clients in detention.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the recourses available for clients facing removal.
  • Prepares effective pre-removal risk assessment and deferral request applications.
  • Locates, interprets, and applies statutory frameworks, regulations, divisional rules, guidelines or other policy instruments, and case law governing refugee protection claims in Canada.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the CBSA role and procedures as they relate to immigration. (New)
  • Identifies global issues that have an influence on Canadian immigration policies and directives.
  • Evaluates and communicates how historical events and global trends have shaped current Canadian immigration policies (e.g. macro world immigration and migration patterns, globalization, etc.). (Updated)
  • Explores and uses a variety of reliable resources to research humanitarian issues and cultural bias that may impact the client situation and legal issues. (Updated)
  • Considers and applies knowledge of international relations, treaties, and agreements to assess their impact on the client's specific legal situation and immigration options. (Updated)

• Case Management (19.2%)

  • Performs preliminary assessments of client profiles and needs to accurately determine tailored approaches for handling immigration cases. (Updated)
  • Verifies the person’s identity and reason for the inquiry.
  • Gathers enough information from the person before initiating or declining or referring to another professional or service. (Updated)
  • Assesses own experience and competence, and the compliance of the mandate with current rules before accepting a case. (Updated)
  • Engages in a process to ensure the client is fully informed and able to make a decision whether to proceed with the RCIC’s professional services and enter into a service agreement.
  • Determines the client’s capacity to reasonably understand the information presented or seeks a substitute decision-maker if client is deemed incapable.
  • Discusses with the client the different options, potential and actual barriers and risks, and alternative course(s) of action.
  • Discusses with the client the anticipated timelines and milestones to ensure the client has realistic expectations of the process.
  • Advises the client of the RCIC’s scope of practice, personal competence and practice limitations.
  • Communicates fees and payment structure, ensuring the client has an accurate understanding of the anticipated cost for services, and any anticipated cost adjustments.
  • Explains the client’s responsibilities, particularly truth-telling, and the consequences of breach of client obligations.
  • Ensures the client fully understands the contents of the service agreement and their obligations in the professional relationship.
  • Provides the service agreement in English/French following regulatory standards.
  • Advises clients to seek independent legal advice and allocates adequate time for the translation of the service agreement into other languages, supporting informed decision-making. (Updated)
  • Acquires accurate and authentic documentation to support the application process.
  • Conducts a comprehensive interview with the client and relevant others to collect information pertaining to the immigration, refugees or citizenship process and that could impact the client’s application or their current immigration status.
  • Obtains and reviews documentation to verify the accuracy of the client’s oral account of their situation.
  • Collects documents required for the application process according to legislative requirements and government policies.
  • Identifies ambiguities, gaps or discrepancies in client information or documentation and advises how to address them.
  • Evaluates whether the information and documents provided by the client are complete, accurate, valid, and authentic before submitting them to officials. (Updated)
  • Conducts legal research to construct a legal argument and discuss options with the client.
  • Poses research questions to inform the legal research need.
  • Analyzes and synthesizes research information to determine the legal framework of the case.
  • Analyzes the client's situation and eligibility, weighing various options to determine the most appropriate strategy. (Updated)
  • Discusses the option(s) with the client ensuring the client’s understanding of the benefits, and any risks or alternative approaches.
  • Recommends a legal strategy based on the analysis of legal research and the client’s circumstances.
  • Completes and submits all required documents and materials in a timely manner.
  • Follows government policies and operational instructions and guidelines to accurately complete the application and to submit the required documents.
  • Integrates evidence, legal findings and policy information into writing submissions.
  • Emphasizes critical aspects of the case and salient issues in a clear and objective manner. (Updated)
  • Prepares a submission letter that outlines key case information specific to that client, supports case strategy, and advocates for the best interest of the client. (Updated)
  • Ensures that applications are submitted within the required deadlines. (Updated)
  • Demonstrates ethical behaviours when withdrawing from representation and terminating the service agreement.
  • Continues to provide services to the client only when it continues to be required, effective and beneficial. (Updated)
  • Recognizes situations when services or agreements require adjustment or termination.
  • Recognizes when a serious loss of confidence occurs between the RCIC and the client and takes action to either resolve the issue or initiate steps to end the relationship.
  • Recognizes when service can be terminated without further responsibilities or obligations.
  • Recognizes when termination of the relationship would jeopardize the client’s application.
  • Makes a referral to another professional and creates a transition plan to ensure that termination does not prejudice the client’s case.
  • Communicates to the client the decision to terminate, the reason for termination, and a timeline with a plan for transition.
  • Delivers to the client all documents, files and property that belong to the client.
  • Promptly renders account for any outstanding fees and disbursements and refunds any unused or due funds not earned during the retainer.
  • Notifies the client in writing of the withdrawal of representation to any government agency where the RCIC’s name appears as representative for the client.
  • Co-operates with the successor so as to minimize expense, delay and prejudice to the client.
  • Proficiently uses a customer relationship management system and practice management databases.
  • Demonstrates proficient use of electronic or alternative case/file management systems and databases used in the RCIC practice. (Updated)
  • Seeks guidance from technology advisors or experts when requirements are beyond personal competence.
  • Ensures Customer Relationship Management and Practice Management databases meet regulatory requirements for documentation, file management, record retention and security.
  • Maintains a logical file management system to ensure access to and timely retrieval of information and to support case management.
  • Creates a file management system that supports easy and timely retrieval and use of client information and documents.
  • Collects only personal health information that is necessary and pertinent to the purpose of the collection.
  • Maintains a current list of the required documents and documents received from clients and third parties to maintain an up-to-date case file.
  • Regularly reviews and updates file management systems to ensure they meet current privacy legislation, regulatory standards and industry practices.
  • Maintains a clear distinction between active and closed files by storing them separately. (Updated)
  • Develops and implements a plan for management of client records for planned or unexpected discontinuation of practice to ensure client access to their records.
  • Maintains accurate and current client records and documentation according to regulatory requirements.
  • Accurately and concisely completes applications and government documents according to current operational instructions and guidelines from authorities.
  • Maintains accurate and current client case documents including but not limited to:
  • Maintains copies of any Agent Agreements.
  • Maintains a record of all client property and documents received, including the date of receipt and the date the property was returned to the client.
  • Maintains a record that proves reception of the client’s property along with the date of reception and an acknowledgement of receipt of all the property. Where acknowledgement is not received a notation in the client record must indicate that all efforts were made to obtain acknowledgement of receipt of the client’s property.
  • Ensures invoices accurately reflect and outline the services rendered.

• Legal Research and Informatics (8.8%)

  • Identifies and prioritizes the legal issues to inform the required legal research. (Updated)
  • Examines the facts of the situation to identify the current and potential issues that may arise.
  • Identifies the relevant provisions of statutes, regulations, and policy instruments applicable to each case. (Updated)
  • Prioritizes preliminary issues based on the facts of the situation, the client’s request, and applicable legislation.
  • Determines the need for further information based on the objective of the research.
  • Determines and locates current and reliable information and applicable law or policies that address the objective of the research.
  • Identifies reliable research tools to obtain primary and secondary sources of law and other information that is relevant to the issue and the client case.
  • Locates reliable and current sources of information from a variety of resources.
  • Locates and follows government operational instructions and guidelines that are applicable to the client case.
  • Correctly reads legal citations in order to locate the text of the statute or regulation.
  • Locates the relevant leading cases that are binding and present similar issues and facts to the client’s situation.
  • Proficiently uses government’s immigration and citizenship portals, government databases and other creditable information technology sources.
  • Conducts online searches using key search words to find reliable and current sources of information.
  • Navigates credible legal online databases and immigration websites to access relevant and current legislation, regulation, case law, policies, and operational instructions and guidelines.
  • Navigates the government immigration and citizenship portals to access immigration and citizenship applications, instructions and other documents.
  • Constructs a legal argument based on legal research on case facts and relevant immigration, refugee and citizenship laws.
  • Applies relevant sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Citizenship Act or citizenship regulations to the client case.
  • Applies the facts of the situation in an ethical and defensible way.
  • Applies the relevant laws to address the client's needs, research objectives, and identified issues. (Updated)
  • Determines the answers to the identified issues and the likely outcome of the client’s case.
  • Accurately cites published literature, computerized sources, statutes, regulations and case law in written and oral communications.

• Business Management and Leadership (12.8%)

  • Demonstrates leadership skills in the immigration and citizenship consulting profession.
  • Effectively interprets and responds to social situations and team dynamics. (Updated)
  • Applies mentoring skills to support others in practice.
  • Provides expert advice and consultation on Canadian immigration and the citizenship field to clients and other professionals. (Updated)
  • Recognizes limitations of others and provides support when needed.
  • Recognizes limitations in self and seeks support from time to time. (New)
  • Investigates, accesses and determines the consulting/business structure options to support a viable business plan.
  • Outlines the major steps needed to establish a sole practice or corporation.
  • Evaluates business strengths, skills, opportunities, and threats, and develops strategies to mitigate risks. (Updated)
  • Develops a business plan which serves as a guide to the business’s operations and communicates the company’s purpose and vision.
  • Establishes an operational budget needed to run the business and to provide services.
  • Implements ethical billing practices that comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements. (Updated)
  • Complies with regulatory requirements for registering a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or firm. (Updated)
  • Complies with College regulations when registering a business name. (Updated)
  • Applies principles of ethical marketing and advertising practices in accordance with regulatory standards.
  • Ensures that marketing information is truthful, accurate, verifiable and upholds the ethical and professional reputation/image of the profession.
  • Demonstrates professional courtesy towards competitors and complies with the Code of Professional Conduct. (Updated)
  • Ensures that all claims used in testimonials or endorsements are true and verifiable and have been reviewed and approved in writing for public use by the client or the former client.
  • Ensures that the RCIC’s name, as officially registered with the College, is prominently displayed at or near the beginning of all advertising and promotions (including but not exclusive to websites, brochures, events, social media posts, etc.). (Updated)
  • Prioritizes and manages projects and workflow to ensure timely, efficient, and effective delivery of services.
  • Establishes realistic and attainable goals and timelines to complete projects and tasks.
  • Identifies competing issues and prioritizes according to level of urgency and needs.
  • Accurately and honestly communicates priority issues and timelines to client and relevant others (e.g. staff, agents, colleagues).
  • Allocates resources for optimal client service and business operation.
  • Prioritizes current workload based on client factors, known deadlines and the application process.
  • Tracks timelines and deadlines to monitor progress of the application or services.
  • Ensures agreed upon deliverables are met within established timelines.
  • Takes action to ensure continued progress of the application and timely delivery of services.
  • Maintains contact with the client at stated milestones of the case or process.
  • Manages human resource activities that adhere to applicable legislation and regulations.
  • Assigns responsibilities to staff and team members according to professional scope of practice and individual levels of competence.
  • Takes steps to manage and report incompetent, unethical, and unsafe practice, according to regulatory requirements and standards.
  • Provides the professional training necessary to ensure the maintenance and improvement of staff skills. (Updated)
  • Supports staff compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and established systems.
  • Complies with laws and regulations in human resource management. (Updated)
  • Provides staff with regular formative feedback to support reflective practice.
  • Conducts staff performance reviews that include constructive feedback and correction of identified issues with possible remediation. (Updated)
  • Respects the cultural diversity of staff and team members. (Updated)
  • Obtains informed consent from the client or the substitute decision-maker for the involvement of staff and/or others in the provision of services.
  • Provides oversight of immigration Agents in accordance to regulatory requirements to ensure ethical, competent, and appropriate services.
  • Enters into an Agent Agreement with the Agent that describes the scope of services and working relationship between the Agent and the RCIC.
  • Registers the Agent with the College.
  • Assigns tasks that are compatible with the personal competence and scope of practice of the agent to ensure client needs are met.
  • Takes responsibility for all work completed by the agent(s).
  • Implements a process to ensure the Agent complies with legislation, regulations, regulatory requirements and the Code of Professional Conduct for the profession.
  • Reviews business practices and performance to ensure efficient and quality service. (Updated)
  • Establishes processes and tools to assess the effectiveness of client practice and services. (Updated)
  • Analyzes business practices and financial data to support fiscally responsible decision making.
  • Analyzes client interactions and client satisfaction to enhance services.
  • Employs conflict resolution skills to effectively manage conflict or disagreement with others.
  • Demonstrates good management of one’s emotions and considers others' emotions to prevent or de-escalate conflicts. (Updated)
  • Uses persuasive communication skills to influence and produce a desired outcome during negotiations and conflict resolution discussions.
  • Utilizes financial management practices that ensure the appropriate provision of client services.
  • Maintains accurate, current, and legible financial records that adhere to provincial and federal legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensures that accounting and/or bookkeeping systems are in place and adhere to legislation and regulations.
  • Provides clients with and maintains a copy of all invoices and payment receipts.
  • Clearly outlines fee and payment schedule to clients.
  • Ensures that fees are fair and reasonable and are clearly communicated to the client.
  • Develops and communicates a succession plan for emergencies or unplanned absences, and temporary and permanent cessation of practice, to ensure continuity and continuation of client services.
  • Establishes appropriate arrangements for planned and unplanned practice absences, including assigning suitable powers of attorney respecting the practice.
  • Makes the appropriate arrangements to transfer client records when closing and/or selling practice, according to the standards of the profession.
  • Documents a replacement plan and informs the person or persons concerned by the arrangements. (Updated)

• IRB and Administrative Tribunals (8.8%)

  • Applies the foundational knowledge required to competently advise and represent the client in an IRB procedure.
  • Identifies and analyzes client’s eligibility in relation to each of the 4 Divisions of the IRB (RPD, RAD, IAD, and ID).
  • Distinguishes the jurisdiction, legal principles and case law, rules, guidelines and relevant policy instruments for the 4 Divisions of the IRB.
  • Explains the significance of timelines in submissions to each of the 4 Divisions of IRB.
  • Defines the role and duties of the RCIC in relation to each of the 4 Divisions of IRB.
  • Distinguishes the standards and burden of proof used for different issues in each of the 4 Divisions of IRB.
  • Explains the different procedures used by each of the IRB’s 4 Divisions.
  • Explains the differences between an oral hearing and written submissions, and how these are applied in each of the 4 Divisions of IRB.
  • Identifies options for seeking special procedural accommodations for vulnerable clients.
  • Prepares and submits documents in accordance with Division rules.
  • Develops legal arguments and strategies for the IRB hearing.
  • Identifies all the legal and factual elements of the client’s case.
  • Identifies facts and evidence needed to support client’s case.
  • Identifies issues likely to arise in the hearing.
  • Constructs a legal argument that supports the client’s legal position and a legal conclusion that benefits the client.
  • Takes into consideration the standards and burden of proof used for the specific case issue and Division.
  • Develops strategies to proceed with the case.
  • Follows the current processes for submitting documentary evidence according to the rules of the Division.
  • Identifies available remedies and advises client accordingly.
  • Prepares for the appearance before the tribunal.
  • Identifies need for expert or other witness testimony, affidavits or reports to support the case before IRB.
  • Obtains written reports or affidavits from experts and witnesses as required.
  • Identifies and interviews relevant witnesses and experts.
  • Prepares client and witnesses for the testimony by explaining what happens in the hearing room and the anticipated questions.
  • Prepares and presents opening statement, examination, re-examination and/or cross-examination, and closing submissions.
  • Identifies main issues raised by the client’s case, including possible concerns of Division members or possible arguments of opposing party, if any.
  • Demonstrates procedural knowledge and civility in a hearing.
  • Prepares examinations and/or cross-examinations in support of the client’s case and in compliance with applicable rules of evidence and procedure.
  • Presents submissions coherently and persuasively in both written and oral form, and in accordance with law and good practice.

• Professionalism (8.8%)

  • Demonstrates and maintains competence in practice.
  • Continuously develops and enhances expertise by seeking feedback from clients and peers.
  • Stays current and complies with legislation, regulation, professional standards, policies and guidelines.
  • Anticipates and manages the potential outcomes of own actions or the actions of others.
  • Recognizes and exercises professional judgment within the limits of individual qualifications.
  • Recognizes own limitations and seeks support and assistance when needed.
  • Builds collaborative relationships to encourage professional growth and development.
  • Collaborates with others, seeks counsel of makes referrals as appropriate.
  • Keeps current with evolving technology and emerging trends in immigration services.
  • Identifies need and takes the appropriate steps to maintain and enhance competence.
  • Engages in Quality Management and continuing professional development activities and experiences as required by the regulatory organization.
  • Demonstrates accountability and integrity in professional behaviours and in practice.
  • Takes responsibility for own actions.
  • Recognizes one’s limitation and seeks consultation from counsel of the law society or from another RCIC, when needed.
  • Conducts client affairs in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
  • Refuses to engage in conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent or illegal.
  • Applies the facts of the matter in an ethical and defensible way.
  • Demonstrates transparent communications with clients and other professionals.
  • Responds to the client’s and the immigration authority’s needs in a timely manner.
  • Maintains licence to practise and appropriately uses professional designation.
  • Accurately communicates their professional title and designation.
  • Respects intellectual property rights, including citation and recognition of the ideas and work of others, regardless of the medium (e.g. written, oral, electronic).
  • Provides accurate and truthful information in all communications.
  • Reports inappropriate or incompetent behaviours or treatment of clients by other regulated professionals.
  • Ensures billing most accurately reflects the character and extent of delivered services.
  • Ethically manages conflicts of interest to ensure the integrity of the professional relationship. (Updated)
  • Identifies a perceived, potential or actual conflict of interest. (Updated)
  • Adequately discloses the conflict of interest to all relevant parties.
  • Determines the appropriateness to proceed with the provision of services in collaboration with the client and other relevant parties.
  • Withdraws as the client’s representative when a perceived or real conflict of interest exists, and the conflict cannot be adequately mitigated.
  • Maintains security and confidentiality when collecting, sharing, transmitting and storing confidential information in accordance with legislation, regulations, and the standards of the profession. (Updated)
  • Establishes and monitors compliance with privacy and confidentiality policies according to legislation requirements.
  • Obtains the client’s consent for the collection, disclosure, storage, and use of personal information.
  • Takes action to minimize foreseeable risks to privacy and confidentiality of the client’s information.
  • Takes reasonable measures to ensure personal health information stored locally or remotely is secure from unauthorized access, loss or theft.
  • Takes required action in response to unauthorized access, use, and disclosure of information.
  • Ensures safe and secure destruction of personal information.
  • Ensures the physical security of on-site records by the use of controls such as locked filing cabinets, restricted office access, logging off computers when out of the office, etc.
  • Ensures computer systems meet security, privacy, and confidentiality legislative requirements and professional standards.
  • Uses security features when sharing or transmitting client’s personal information by electronic communication (e.g. encrypted, password protected, secure network, authenticated sources and destinations). (Updated)
  • Complies with legislative procedures when directed by law to disclose client’s personal information. (Updated)
  • Makes reasonable efforts to notify the individual(s) involved if their information has been lost or stolen or accessed without their authorization.
  • Upholds and respects professional boundaries in practice and throughout all professional interactions. (Updated)
  • Maintains at all times a professional relationship with clients by identifying warning signs of a potential and/or actual boundary crossing or violation and taking appropriate measures. (Updated)
  • Remains alert to the changing nature of interactions with the client.
  • Avoids inappropriate disclosure of personal information that is non-relevant to the client’s situation or case.
  • Avoids billing irregularities that may signal special favours.
  • Recognizes behaviours associated with transference and counter-transference.
  • Takes action to manage transferences and counter-transferences to support an ethical, effective and appropriate relationship with the client.
  • Treats all clients in a professional manner while maintaining standards, irrelevant of costs associated with the client case. (New)
  • Collaborates with other professionals to meet the needs of the client in their area of practice. (Updated)
  • Consults with or refers to others when issue(s) or client needs are beyond personal competence or professional scope of practice.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of other professions’ scopes of practice.
  • Respects other professionals’ opinions and professional knowledge.
  • Builds rapport and trust within professional relationships.

• Cultural Competence (6.4%)

  • Acknowledges differences in cultural values and priorities among clients.
  • Builds self-awareness of personal beliefs, values, and cultural biases.
  • Identifies and explains variations in Canadian culture to client.
  • Anticipates the cultural element differences between the client's culture of origin and that of the host country. (Updated)
  • Identifies and addresses potential cultural biases in client applications. (Updated)
  • Collects information, without prejudice, about the client’s current and past gender orientation required for application process.
  • Adapts services to different cultural contexts.
  • Researches cultural characteristics of specific client communities.
  • Structures interactions to respect cultural norms.
  • Incorporates client’s priorities into immigration strategy.
  • Structures submissions and other communications to mitigate potential cultural biases.
  • Advocates for clients with respect to cultural norms and exceptions.
  • Demonstrates awareness of clients’ cultural needs and takes action to facilitate client engagement.
  • Examines culturally based expectations of service and communications.
  • Identifies needs for language and cultural resources (translator, interpreter, educational materials).
  • Ensures culturally appropriate support (language, gender, religion) is provided.

• Communication, Counselling and Advocacy (11.2%)

  • Demonstrates proficiency in oral and written communications
  • Uses concise, clear, and well-organized language.
  • Accurately cites and applies relevant statutes, regulations, and policies (e.g. professional documents, advice and advocacy). (Updated)
  • Accurately uses legal terminology and appropriate abbreviations.
  • Employs correct grammar, spelling and sentence construction.
  • Effectively formulates and presents well-reasoned legal arguments, analysis, advice and submissions. (Updated)
  • Assists the client in understanding the legal terminology when applicable. (Updated)
  • Adjusts communication style to effectively meet the diverse needs of individuals or groups. (Updated)
  • Uses effective counselling skills when interacting with the client.
  • Prepares the meeting environment to create a private and comfortable atmosphere for discussion and negotiations.
  • Employs active listening techniques to foster open and comprehensive communication with the client. (Updated)
  • Assists the clients in articulating their problems, defining their interests, ordering their objectives, and generating, assessing, and implementing alternative solutions.
  • Dynamically assesses and sorts through the information for importance and relevancy to the issues.
  • Requests clarification and additional details for essential information when necessary. (Updated)
  • Focuses efficiently on relevant matters in a manner respectful of the client’s time and fees paid.
  • Ask relevant questions to obtain all necessary information. (Updated)
  • Demonstrates empathy without sharing personal information and experiences, nor transferring personal feelings onto the client.
  • Summarizes the outcomes of the meeting, provides clarification on the next steps, and outlines potential solutions. (Updated)
  • Provides the client with accurate and current resources to support client’s access to additional services or information.
  • Advises the client of available resources or professional services (e.g. social work, psychology, capacity assessment) when clients professional needs are beyond the RCIC’s scope of practice. (Updated)
  • Uses communication and interpersonal skills to manage emotional situations.
  • Identifies potentially traumatic or emotionally difficult matters for the clients and manages them effectively. (Updated)
  • Encourages a period of reflection so that decisions made are thoughtful and in the best interest of the client.
  • Maintains impartiality and objectivity in professional judgments and opinions. (Updated)
  • De-escalates conflict through clarity, empathy, respectful communication, body language and active listening.
  • Allows for adequate time and reflection for client decision-making if emotions are high.
  • Actively advances the client’s interests within the bounds of law and professional obligations.
  • Effectively presents key case details, highlights unusual factors, and constructs compelling legal and policy arguments to enhance and advocate for the client's application. (Updated)
  • Recognizes the impact of communicating with officials in a clear, firm and respectful manner to advance the client’s interests.
  • Presents the client’s case without compromising the integrity of application or appeals processes.
  • Subject to client request or approval, files relevant appeal or requests for reconsideration, depending on the situation, and within the timelines. (Updated)
  • Raises and responds to potential objections, discrepancies, and inconsistencies in the decision rendered.
  • Manages client expectations through effective communications.
  • Clearly communicates factors influencing the outcome. (Updated)
  • Identifies the client’s goals and anticipated outcomes of the services provided. (Updated)
  • Identifies negative factors affecting the outcome and provides strategic advice on effective mitigation strategies. (Updated)
  • Keeps the client informed of the progress of the case and answers client’s queries in a timely way.
  • Delivers services as promised and takes responsibility in case of any shortfalls. (Updated)
  • Acknowledges mistakes, accepts responsibility and suggests resolution.
  • Reflects on and addresses client dissatisfaction in a timely manner to correct misunderstandings and de-escalate conflicts.

• Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Evidence-Based Practice (6.4%)

  • Demonstrates professional judgment and critical reasoning in decision making.
  • Analyzes and synthesizes information to inform decisions.
  • Uses critical thinking to consider a fresh perspective and to conceive a new or original perspective or solution.
  • Consciously engages in a process of rationalizing, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information to make informed judgments and/or decisions.
  • Integrates the complexity of the client's challenges, needs, and goals, as well as the constraints they face, into all aspects of the services provided. (Updated)
  • Consciously follows immigration application operational instructions and guidelines to reduce risk of denial and delay in process.
  • Demonstrates insight into personal expertise and limitations.
  • Integrates relevant information with previous learning, experience, professional knowledge, and current practice models.
  • Demonstrates effective, appropriate, and timely consultation with other professionals as needed for optimal client service, ensuring client consent is obtained first. (Updated)
  • Reflects on and evaluates options when faced with problems, issues, and challenges.
  • Identifies potential or real problems, issues, or challenges.
  • Investigates alternative solutions for problems or issues and provides justification for selected solution(s).
  • Formulates and implements a plan to address the problem, issue, or challenge.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of a plan and determines necessary actions for future improvements. (Updated)
  • Adopts evidence-based practices in the provision of services.
  • Critically reviews literature to inform best (evidence-based) practices.
  • Consults with others and/or designated authorized person of the College or Organization. (Updated)
  • Reflects on past experiences and positive outcomes to inform future actions.
  • Formulates a case strategy and a legal argument that are founded on legal grounds and proven concepts.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and references

• RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam Candidate Guide

  Section 4, pp. 4–5

• Essential Competencies for RCIC Practice

  Opening applicability statement

• RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam Candidate Guide

  Section 1, p. 2

• RCIC EPE information

  Exam Format

• RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam Candidate Guide

  Section 8, p. 9

• RCIC EPE Dates, Deadlines and Fees

  Exam Fees

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.