Medical Council of Canada exam Archives

April 14, 2025April 29, 2025

How To Reschedule MCCQE1 Exam: Step-by-Step Guide

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.

February 19, 2025February 15, 2025

How Do I Study for the MCCQE1 in 2025?

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) is a series of exams that assess a physician’s skills, knowledge, and principles to determine if they meet the criteria required to practice in the country. Passing Part 1 is a crucial step in gaining a license to practice medicine in Canada.

As of 2025, after mounting pressure from critics, experts, and past test-takers, the exam has undergone significant changes. First, the Clinical Decision-Making (CDM) section was removed and replaced with more Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). However, there is also less time to answer these questions.

These changes—unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your perspective—mean that previous study strategies might not be as effective. The new format places greater emphasis on clinical reasoning, medical knowledge, and decision-making skills rather than short-answer case management. To ace the MCCQE1 in 2025, you must adapt to the new format, optimize your selection of study resources, and practice repeatedly.

However, don’t panic—that’s why you’re here. This guide will walk you through how to structure your study plan, the best resources to use, test-taking strategies, and how to prepare mentally and physically for exam day.

Understanding the New MCCQE1 Format

After years of complaints from past candidates and the ever-changing field of medical assessment standards, the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) finally caved and agreed to enact some much-needed changes. The MCC first thoroughly reviewed exam performance trends and feedback from candidates, educators, and licensing authorities. Their findings showed that the CDM component did not significantly differentiate passing from failing candidates, indicating that MCQs alone were sufficient to assess competency.

The exam time was reduced from nine to six hours. This change was made after candidates expressed concerns that the exam length affected their performance, particularly in the later sections, due to cognitive fatigue. Next, the CDM section of the exam was removed, and in its place, the number of MCQs was increased. This means there are no more short-answer or write-in questions; instead, the MCQs are split into two sections of 160 minutes each, with an optional 45-minute break. This gives you more time to spend on each question.

There are other upsides to this change. For one, removing the CDM section means that candidates no longer need to worry about travel logistics and accommodation, as the exam can be administered online. Another benefit is that the CDM section required manual grading, which caused score reporting to take longer than many candidates preferred. The new format will allow quicker turnaround times for score results. This benefits candidates applying for residency or licensure, as they will receive their scores sooner. Additionally, removing the CDM and its open-ended answers will eliminate subjective biases that may have arisen when the exam was scored. With MCQs, there is no uncertainty—your answer is either right or wrong.

Having only MCQs calls for a change in study habits because your focus is now on developing a strategic approach to analyzing question stems and evaluating clinical information. This involves honing the skill to quickly identify the patient’s chief complaint and determine the most appropriate diagnosis or management plan based on available data. Candidates must become adept at gathering clinical clues, interpreting patient case scenarios, and making informed care decisions.

Understanding common medical conditions, their diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment options is essential. Success in the MCCQE1 will now depend on how well you can prioritize relevant clinical details, recognize key findings, and apply critical thinking within the allotted time. Additionally, you must familiarize yourself with the MCC’s medical guidelines and best practices, as these serve as the foundation for clinical decision-making in the Canadian healthcare system. The emphasis on evidence-based medicine ensures that candidates can provide care aligned with the latest standards and protocols.

How to Study for the MCCQE1

The first step in preparing for this exam is creating a study plan. A structured study plan ensures comprehensive coverage of MCCQE1 topics while keeping stress levels manageable. It is crucial to consult the MCC guidelines, as they provide an overview of what is expected of doctors practicing in Canada. Those who thoroughly grasp the MCC objectives spend less time memorizing case scenarios and more time understanding core medical concepts and their clinical applications.

Next, perform a diagnostic test of your baseline knowledge using a question bank specific to the MCCQE. This will ensure that you are testing yourself according to MCC standards. CanadaQBank is a top choice, as our database is regularly updated with the latest changes. The test results will highlight your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to identify the key areas that require focused study.

Appointments to register for the exam begin five months before the start of the exam session, leaving you with roughly five months to prepare. The first month should focus on core concepts outlined in the MCC guidelines, starting with your weakest subjects. In the second month, begin intensive question bank practice while reviewing the remaining major clinical areas. In the third and fourth months, take full-length practice tests and refine your test-taking strategies while simulating exam conditions.

Test-Taking Strategies

Success in the MCCQE1 hinges on mastering high-yield questions that bridge your theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Regular practice with high-quality MCQs strengthens your understanding and exposes knowledge gaps, ensuring you have a well-rounded grasp of key medical concepts. Engaging with questions under timed conditions simulates exam pressure, helping you improve both speed and accuracy. Selecting a question bank whose features include a timed mode that closely mirrors the actual exam difficulty is crucial for proper preparation.

Time Management Techniques

Time efficiency is critical to performing well, so we recommend prioritizing reading the last sentence of the question stem first. This allows you to understand what is being asked quickly. Identify keywords and eliminate irrelevant information from lengthy question stems and incorrect answers. Complete each MCQ in 90 seconds, flagging difficult ones to revisit later. Simulate real test conditions with practice exams to improve pacing and reduce anxiety.

Revision Strategies

Revision plays an essential role in reinforcing long-term memory. The process involves regularly reviewing key concepts, integrating new information, and clarifying doubts. Memory consolidation, driven by neurophysiological changes in the brain, enables medical students to retain vast knowledge. Spaced repetition and active recall techniques are useful for strengthening retention and ensuring information is readily accessible during the exam.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Relying on memorization instead of understanding clinical applications.
Neglecting ethics, public health, and legal aspects of Canadian medical practice.
Overlooking the importance of revision and question-based learning.

Mental and Physical Preparation

Manage Exam Stress: Incorporating exercise, mindfulness, and rest into your daily routine will enhance focus and mental resilience. Stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and structured breaks can significantly improve performance.

Optimize Test Day Performance: Sleep is non-negotiable—it enhances memory retention and cognitive function. Eat a balanced meal before the exam to maintain energy and focus. Arrive early at the Prometric Center with all required documents to avoid last-minute stress.

Conclusion

Preparing for the MCCQE1 in 2025 requires a strategic approach tailored to the new exam format. By creating a structured study plan, using high-quality resources like CanadaQBank, and practicing under timed conditions, you can build the confidence and competence needed to excel. Remember to prioritize time management, revision, and mental well-being to ensure optimal performance on exam day.

January 23, 2025May 19, 2025

TDM Exam Dates 2025

The Therapeutic Decision Making exam (TDM) is an assessment exam offered by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) to test the capabilities of IMGs seeking to practice medicine in Canada. This very important exam became mandatory in 2018 after the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta declared that those not eligible for their General Register must pass the TDM before pursuing independent practice. The exam is written to ensure that foreign-trained doctors who seek to live and practice family medicine in the country possess a native-trained doctor’s standardized therapeutic decision-making skills to treat and interact with Canadian citizens.

Therapeutic decision-making refers to assessing and observing your patients’ symptoms and complaints, puzzling out any underlying or contributing factor, and then giving out a diagnosis of the most appropriate course of treatment. It is a vastly important step in the interaction of patient and doctor. As such, the TDM exam is designed to determine if IMGs have the necessary clinical skills and knowledge to meet the standards expected of physicians in Canada. As of 2020, changes were made to update the protocol, and IMGs were required to meet the Provisional Register requirements and undergo a Review of Qualifications before taking the TDM exam. This change was done to expedite recruitment and align more closely with Practice-Ready assessment (PRA) programs nationwide.

The TDM exam ensures that candidates can competently manage common or significant clinical scenarios encountered by family physicians in Canada, encompassing health promotion, illness prevention, acute and chronic illness management, and understanding the safety and adverse effects of your treatment modality, whether pharmacologic or surgical.

Exam Format and Structure

The TDM exam is a 3.5-hour computer-based assessment held nationally at Prometric test centers or online using the Proproctor system. It comprises 40 cases of patient-based scenarios, each carrying between one and four questions, resulting in approximately 100 short-answer write-in questions. The exam is offered in both English and French. Candidates are provided with text boxes to answer each question; each box is meant for one response, and multiple boxes are provided for questions with multiple responses.

The TDM exam assesses clinical decision-making skills, specifically within the context of Family Medicine. It evaluates your ability to gather relevant patient information through history taking and physical examination, identify and consider potential diagnoses based on the clinical information provided, and select and interpret diagnostic tests appropriately to confirm or rule out these diagnoses. Additionally, it tests your capacity to formulate effective treatment plans using evidence-based approaches, manage medications, and make necessary referrals. The exam also emphasizes your communication skills, including clearly explaining diagnoses and treatment options to patients and addressing their concerns and anxieties.

The questions will challenge your critical-thinking skills by asking you to make specific treatment decisions and justify your reason for selecting them. Your knowledge of pharmacology will be tasked as you might be asked to provide names of drugs, dosage, route, frequency, and/or duration for admission orders and prescriptions. You should also have a good grasp of common adverse effects and drug interactions and how to manage them.

Important dates for 2025

Traditionally, the TDM exam is held three times a year, and 2025 should be no different as the MCC already has prospective dates for the three exams. The first is to be held on January 15, 2025, but registration began on the 28th of October and ended on the 25th of November 2025. The other two dates chosen are the 28th of May and the 17th of September.

Be aware that the dates given are tentative and may be subject to change. Also, note that registration periods typically open several months before the exam date. It’s essential to apply early, as scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and have completed the necessary application procedures through your Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) program.

How to Register

Before you can begin to apply for the exam, you must determine if you meet the eligibility requirements set by the CPSA. You do this by submitting a Review of Qualifications to physiciansapply.ca, the MCC’s comprehensive account-based portal. Your qualifications will be verified by the MCC before the CPSA issues you an eligibility letter outlining the next steps.

The next thing to do is determine the period you want to write the exam and monitor the website for when the application period opens up. To ensure you secure the date that works best for you, you must be quick because scheduling is done on a first-come, first-served basis.

You apply through the CPSA online portal using the email you used to submit your Review of Qualifications. Your application should be accompanied by your medical identification number for Canada, your country of residence, your language preference if you require special test accommodations and details of previous exam attempts.

Your application will be reviewed by the CPSA, and if approved, you’ll be notified of your eligibility through email. The next step is to pay the exam fee, which is due the moment the CPSA approves your application. Your spot is not secured until you pay. In 2025, the cost of the TDM exam is slated to be $2640 + GST (Jan-Mar) and $2900 + GST (Apr-Dec). GST refers to goods and service tax, which is about 5%.

A few weeks before the exam, the MCC will send you your Authorization to test (ATT) number and scheduling instructions via your physiciansapply.ca account. Schedule your exam through Prometric, choosing either a test center or remote proctoring.

Tips for Preparation

Secure hard copies of the necessary documents that will be required from you on the day of the exam. This includes your identification; it should be a valid government-issued photo ID. Keep a copy of your CPSA eligibility letter and ensure more than one year has not passed since the date of issuance. Finally, retain the receipt of your exam fee payment.
Create a Study Plan: To make the most of your time, divide your preparation into manageable sections. We recommend you spend weeks 1–4 focused on learning and reviewing key topics. Weeks 5–6 should be spent practicing case-based scenarios and identifying weak areas. Weeks 7–8 should be used to revise and take mock exams under timed conditions.
Develop Time Management Skills: Practice completing short-answer questions quickly and efficiently. Your goal should be to write concise, focused answers that show your reasoning process, as that is more important than a lengthy tirade.
Prepare with CanadaQBank: CanadaQBank is a leading resource created to support candidates in mastering the TDM Exam through its comprehensive and targeted question banks. Tailored specifically for the TDM format, it provides users with a realistic exam preparation experience, ensuring they develop the clinical decision-making skills essential for Family Medicine practice in Canada. The Qbank offers 312 expertly crafted, simulated cases, each featuring one to four short-answer write-in questions. With 796 questions, the platform mirrors real-world scenarios, enabling users to practice identifying differential diagnoses, selecting diagnostic tests, and formulating effective treatment plans. Each question is accompanied by detailed answers and explanations, strengthening understanding and reinforcing evidence-based medical practices. Users can customize their preparation by choosing test modes, including timed, un-timed, and tutor options. Features such as adjustable test block sizes and note-taking during tests provide flexibility and a personalized study experience. The platform also tracks progress through detailed test analysis, cumulative performance summaries, and score comparisons with other users, helping candidates identify and address their weaknesses. Finally, CanadaQBank continuously updates its cases and explanations, ensuring alignment with the latest clinical guidelines.

July 11, 2024October 12, 2024

How to Achieve a High MCCQE1 Passing Score?

Do you dream of practicing medicine in Canada? If yes, then you know you have to sit for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE1) part 1. Just like every medical exam, the standards for this exam are set high, but we strongly encourage every aspiring candidate to aim for scores higher than the pass mark. Why?

Short answer – surpassing the bar is worth your dedication, especially in this career path that you have chosen for yourself. Long answer? This article dissects every possible reason why you should aim not just to pass but also to excel at the MCCQE part 1 exams. What’s more, you’ll receive a very detailed guide on how to achieve a high passing score.

Understanding the Scope of the MCCQE Part 1

Medical exams can be tough, and the MCCQE part 1 is no different. The exam is designed to challenge and test your knowledge of a wide range of topics, from preclinical medicine to clinical clerkship and the application of medical knowledge in a clinical setting. It really is an all-round exam, which is why it requires your utmost dedication, especially if you plan to excel at the exam and even in your medical career.

The MCCQE Part 1 is sectioned into two main parts:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): This section assesses whether your medical knowledge meets the standards required by the Medical Council of Canada. The maximum time allowed for the MCQs is 4 hours, in which you’ll be expected to attempt 210 questions. These questions cover several topics, and some include medical data like charts, lab results, scans, electrocardiograms, and so on. This part of the exam is usually taken in the morning and is followed by the next part.

Clinical Decision Making (CDM): This component of the MCCQE Part 1 consists of 38 case descriptions, each followed by one or more questions. This part of the exam aims to test your ability to optimize your medical knowledge for problem-solving and decision-making in a clinical setting. You may be asked to order diagnostic tests, make a diagnosis, prescribe therapy, and so on. It usually happens in the afternoons and lasts for three and a half hours.

Beyond your medical knowledge, this exam is also designed to test your tenacity, endurance, resolve, and passion. The good news is there is no negative score, so you can rest assured that the results you earn will be a reflection of your blood, sweat, and tears.

How is the Exam Scored?

Your total MCCQE score is calculated by combining your scores in the MCQs and CDM, and this score will fall somewhere on a scale from 100 to 400. The pass score is 226, and whether an applicant passes or fails is dependent on where their final score falls in relation to the pass score. A score equal to or greater than 226 is recorded as a pass, and a score below 226 is considered a fail.

The Exam Oversight Committee (EOC) works tirelessly to ensure that every candidate is graded fairly, and because of this, grades are awarded based on the complexity of a question. Some questions carry one mark, the MCQs, for example, but this is not the case for CDM. The later part of the exam tests multiple knowledge at once, and so the examiner awards points based on the number of satisfactory elements reflected in the answer for some CDM questions.

That means for a question with three correct elements, a candidate can get up to three points.

Why Should I Aim for a High MCCQE1 Passing Score?

If you’re reading this article, chances are you are an aspiring medical doctor. Then you also know that one of the tricks to having the most rewarding experiences in this career path is to be an overachiever.

It also means that all your life, you’ve most likely aimed to surpass a set pass score, so why stop now?

The MCCQE Part 1 pass score is not insignificant, but it is also not a box, and the truth is the higher your score, the higher your chances of getting matched to your preferred specialty and in your preferred residency program.

Besides, have you ever heard of the saying, “Aim for the moon; if you miss, you’ll land among the stars?” That holds in this case as well. If you aim for 230, you’re most likely to score 220 or even less. But if you aim for 290 and you end up getting 260, that’s a pretty high MCCQE score. So, apart from the satisfaction that comes with excelling, aiming higher provides a safety net for you.

That said, we strongly encourage every aspiring MCCQE Part 1 candidate to aim for high scores, 260 at the very least.

Tips for Achieving High MCCQE1 Passing Score

Use Effective Revision Techniques: It is common knowledge that the more you revise, the more solid your bank of knowledge. When preparing for an exam as crucial as this one, do not downplay the importance of revision. Find a technique that works for you; it could be writing notes and sticking them all over your house, discussing a topic you’ve read with a colleague, or even better, a doctor.

What’s important is that you’re very familiar with the information. This is what makes your revision effective. The more familiar you are with what you’ve read, the easier it’ll be for you to recall.

Time is a Resource: Working with a time limit can be nerve-racking, but you must learn to use time to your advantage. How do you do that? By taking regular timed exercises. By doing this, you’re doing yourself a lot of good, but two advantages sit at the top of the list.

Firstly, you get familiar with the pressure, and this is good because you don’t want your first time feeling pressured to be in the hall and believe me, you will feel pressure when you’re sitting for the exam. So, get familiar with the time limit.

Second, the more you practice speed, the sharper your accuracy. This means you’ll get better at correctly understanding and answering questions as you continue to practice with a stopwatch. You’d also learn proper time management and how to be even quicker on your feet; that is, coming up with the most effective strategies per time.

Take Care of Yourself: This is perhaps the most underrated tip, and that is because taking care of yourself goes beyond eating well and sleeping. It also involves being kind to yourself, saying encouraging things to yourself, taking breaks when you’ve earned them, giving yourself grace, and acknowledging that you’re doing your best at the time.

As much as you can, do not be dependent on caffeine, energy drinks, or other stimulants. Prioritize your health always, and do your best to be physically and mentally refreshed, especially during the last few days before the exam.

Conclusion

The road to achieving your dream may be hard and long, but trust that it is worthwhile because it is. And your dreams are 100% achievable. Remember that sites like CanadaQBank have resources to help you make your dreams come true. Good luck!