Overview
Physician licensing in Canada requires passing Medical Council of Canada examinations alongside specialty college certification. Each province also requires registration with its College of Physicians and Surgeons.
MCCQE Part I
The MCCQE Part I is a one-day computer-based exam testing medical knowledge and clinical decision-making. It consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Clinical Decision Making (CDM) cases. Required before independent practice in Canada.
Recommended Resources
- Toronto Notes — comprehensive Canadian-focused review book
- Canada QBank (MCC)
- UWorld (used by many Canadians for clinical reasoning)
- Sketchy Medical for pharmacology/microbiology
NAC OSCE
The National Assessment Collaboration OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is primarily required for International Medical Graduates applying to residency in Canada. It assesses history-taking, physical examination, communication and professional behaviour. Held twice yearly (spring and fall).
MCCQE Part II
The MCCQE Part II is an OSCE-based examination required for the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) — the credential required for independent practice. Usually completed near the end of residency.
RCPSC Specialty Examinations
For specialists, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada conducts written and oral/clinical examinations in each specialty at the end of residency. Passing leads to RCPSC Fellowship (FRCPC or FRCSC).
CFPC — College of Family Physicians Examination
The CFPC conducts the Certification Examination in Family Medicine (CCFP) at the end of 2-year family medicine residency. Includes a written component and a Simulated Office Oral (SOO) examination.