MCCQE1

Overview

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination is the national knowledge exam for doctors in Canada. The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) now calls it simply the MCCQE; it was formerly known as the MCCQE Part I. It tests the medical knowledge and clinical decision-making expected of a student who is finishing a medical degree in Canada.

Passing the MCCQE is one of the eligibility criteria for the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). International medical graduates also need it to apply to Canadian residency programmes.

Who can apply

You can apply if you have graduated, or expect to complete your degree, from one of the following:

• a medical school in Canada accredited by CACMS

• a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools with a Canada Sponsor Note

• a US school of osteopathic medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association

Students can apply up to 12 months before their expected graduation date. International graduates must first open a source verification request for their medical degree.

Exam pattern

From the August 2026 session, MCC delivers the MCCQE only at Prometric test centres; remote proctoring has been paused.

Syllabus

Questions are built from the MCC Examination Objectives, which are organised under the CanMEDS roles. The exam covers the knowledge and clinical decision-making a graduating Canadian medical student is expected to have.

Marking and results

• Your total score is reported on a scale of 300 to 600.

• The pass score is 439. A score of 439 or more is a pass; anything lower is a fail.

• You receive a Statement of Results with your result and total score, and a Supplemental Information Report with subscores and a comparison of your performance.

• Results normally arrive 4 weeks after the last day of the January, August and October sessions, and 5 weeks after the last day of the April session.

• For the extended August to October 2026 session, results are released in three batches, 4 weeks after 11 September, 29 September and 21 October 2026, all before the 2027 CaRMS R-1 Main Residency Match deadline.

You may take the MCCQE up to four times. Attempts before 2018 do not count. A fail or a Denied Standing counts as an attempt; a No Standing does not. After a third attempt, you must wait one year from receiving that result before applying for a fourth.

Important dates

MCC runs several sessions a year.

You can book a seat with Prometric from 5 months before a session starts, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fees

Fees are in Canadian dollars, as listed by MCC in 2026:

• MCCQE application: $1,500 (non-refundable)

• Eligibility window extension: $120

• Appeal: $1,200

• physiciansapply.ca account set-up: $150

• Source verification request: $232 per medical credential

How to apply

1. Prepare acceptable identity documents, certified where required.

2. Log in to your physiciansapply.ca account.

3. Go to Examinations and choose "Apply for an exam".

4. Complete the application and upload your documents.

5. Pay the application fee.

Once your application is accepted, you have a 12-month eligibility window to schedule and write the exam.

After the exam

A pass on the MCCQE meets one of the eligibility criteria for applying for the LMCC. International medical graduates need the MCCQE, together with the NAC Examination, when applying to residency through CaRMS.

Preparation tips

• Study from the MCC Examination Objectives, since every question is linked to them.

• Use the preparation resources MCC publishes on its website.

• Book your Prometric seat early, as seats are allocated first-come, first-served.