Candidates who seek to write the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam must approach the exam at their best and most prepared. Most people begin preparations months before their chosen dates and, as the date draws closer, perform assessments on themselves to check their level of preparedness. If, for some reason, they do not feel capable of writing the exam on their chosen date, they thankfully have the option to reschedule.
If you are looking for information on rescheduling your exam, you’ve come to the right place. In the following paragraphs, we will give a detailed breakdown of what you need to know when you want to reschedule the MCCQE1 exam, including key deadlines, fees, and important steps.
Brief Overview of the MCCQE1
The MCCQE1 is Canada’s chosen method of assessing if candidates are qualified and ready to practice medicine in the country. It evaluates a candidate’s medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills, ensuring they meet the national standards required for medical practice. The MCCQE1 is administered at the end of medical school and is a requirement for international medical graduates applying for entry into a Canadian residency program. Passing the exam is a requirement to obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
Understanding the MCCQE1 Scheduling Process
To apply for the MCCQE1, you must be eligible before opening an account on physiciansapply.ca and following the process to apply, as applications are accepted year-round. Upon acceptance of your application, you will be given a 12-month eligibility window to schedule and sit for the MCCQE1. This period begins from the date your application is approved. During this timeframe, you can schedule your exam at an available Prometric test center or opt for remote proctoring, depending on your preference and availability. The exam is held four times a year, and appointments may be scheduled 5 months before the start of an exam session. It’s important to note that all exam appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is advisable that you schedule early enough to secure your preferred date and location.
Reasons for Rescheduling
There are many reasons why a candidate will need to reschedule their MCCQE1 exam. Below are some of the more common reasons given:
Personal Conflicts: Unexpected personal events, such as family emergencies or significant life changes, can interfere with your ability to sit for the exam as initially planned.
Health Issues: Illness or medical conditions that impair your performance may require postponing the exam to ensure you are in optimal health when you attempt the exam.
Insufficient Preparation: Realizing that you are not sufficiently prepared as the exam date approaches is a common reason for rescheduling. It’s essential to assess your readiness to maximize your performance honestly. To prevent this, comprehensive resources like CanadaQBank should be used to thoroughly prepare for the exam.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rescheduling the MCCQE1 Exam
Whatever your reason for rescheduling is, below are the steps you must take to ensure your request is received and processed to avoid missing out on your opportunity and losing your application fees.
Step 1: Access the Prometric Website
The first step to rescheduling is for you to access the Prometric Website and navigate to the Prometric MCCQE1 page. Log in using the 16-digit confirmation number you received from Prometric upon your initial scheduling.
Step 2: Select “Reschedule”
Next, you should locate and select the “Reschedule” option. You will be given a list of available dates and times for the exam to review.
Step 3: Choose a New Date
Select a preferred new exam date within the eligibility window. You should consider factors such as preparation time and personal commitments to ensure the new date is perfect for you.
Step 4: Confirm and Pay
Finally, you will be asked to confirm the rescheduled appointment by reviewing all details of the new appointment. Finally, you’ll need to pay any applicable rescheduling fees, after which you will be given a new confirmation number which you should save for future reference.
Rescheduling Fees and Deadlines
The fee you pay when rescheduling your exam will depend on how far away your chosen exam date is:
| Timeframe Before Exam | Rescheduling Fee |
| More than 30 days | CAN$50 + HST |
| Less than 30 days | CAN$85 + HST |
| Less than 120 hours | Full exam fee forfeited |
If extenuating circumstances cause you to miss your window for rescheduling or be absent from the exam, all hope is not lost. You can send documentation that supports your claim to [email protected], and a request for a partial refund will be reviewed.
Switching Between Test Center and Remote Proctoring
While rescheduling, candidates can choose between taking the MCCQE1 at a physical Prometric test center or via remote proctoring. Circumstances may arise that necessitate switching between these modalities.
Assess Technical Requirements: Before opting for remote proctoring, ensure your computer and internet connection meet the technical specifications outlined by Prometric. Inadequate technical setup will prevent you from taking the exam on your chosen date. Test centers, however, have better technical and onsite support to aid with any issues.
Reschedule Through Prometric: Access the Prometric scheduling system using your 16-digit confirmation number to change your exam modality. Select the option to reschedule and choose your preferred modality and available date.
Be Mindful of Fees and Deadlines: Similar to standard rescheduling, changing your exam modality may incur fees depending on the timing of your request. Refer to the fee structure to understand any financial implications.
Extending the Eligibility Window
If you anticipate being unable to sit for the MCCQE1 within your initial 12-month eligibility window, you can extend this period once by an additional 12 months. This extension provides flexibility for candidates who require more time due to various circumstances.
Procedure to Extend Your Eligibility Window:
- Cancel Your Existing Appointment: If you have already scheduled an exam date, cancel your appointment with Prometric as soon as possible to avoid additional fees.
- Await Notification: Approximately 60 days before your eligibility window expires, you will receive a message in your physiciansapply.ca account with instructions on extending your eligibility. If no action is taken, a second reminder is sent one month before the expiry date.
- Follow Instructions and Pay Fees: Stick to the instructions provided in the mail to complete the extension process. An administrative fee is required, and if exam fees have increased since your original application, you will need to pay the difference. These fees are non-refundable.
Failure to extend your eligibility window or sit for the exam within the original timeframe will result in automatic withdrawal and a partial refund.
Conclusion
The MCCQE1 is a pivotal exam that candidates must approach with the utmost focus after thorough preparation. If, for whatever reason, you realize that you are not prepared for it, then it is crucial that you reschedule your chosen date to ensure that you do not waste or miss out on this opportunity. By following this structured guide, candidates can manage the rescheduling process efficiently, ensuring they remain on track in their journey toward medical licensure in Canada.