Quick Facts — Canadian Training
- Match System: Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS)
- Specialty Accreditor: Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- Family Medicine Accreditor: College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
- Licensing Exam: Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I & II
- Provincial Licensing: Each province has its own College of Physicians and Surgeons
The Canadian Training Structure
1
Medical School — 3–4 years
Canadian medical schools award MD degrees. MCCQE Part I is typically taken in final year or post-graduation.
2
Residency — 2–6 years (via CaRMS)
Family medicine residency is 2 years; most specialty programmes 4–6 years. Entered via the CaRMS R-1 match, with an R-2 iteration for unfilled positions.
3
MCCQE Part II + Certification Exams
MCCQE Part II (OSCE-based) required for independent licensure. RCPSC or CFPC specialty certification completed at end of residency.
4
Fellowship (optional) + Independent Practice
Provincial licence required for independent practice. Many graduates complete post-residency fellowships before staff positions.
Residency Duration by Specialty
| Specialty | Length | Certifying Body |
|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine | 2 years | CFPC |
| Internal Medicine | 3 years (+ subspecialty) | RCPSC |
| General Surgery | 5 years | RCPSC |
| Radiology | 5 years | RCPSC |
| Anesthesiology | 5 years | RCPSC |
| Emergency Medicine | 5 years (RCPSC) or 2+1 (CFPC) | RCPSC / CFPC |
| Psychiatry | 5 years | RCPSC |
IMG Pathway in Canada
International medical graduates face a highly competitive residency market in Canada. Steps include obtaining MCCQE Part I eligibility, passing the NAC OSCE, and applying via CaRMS (typically R-2 iteration).
Note: Some provinces have specific IMG integration programmes. Check individual provincial college websites for current requirements.