Registering for MCCQE1 & NAC 

When to register and sit the exams?

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MCCQE  Part 1

 

Information can be found at: https://mcc.ca/examinations/mccqe-part-i/

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What is the MCCQE Part 1?
"The MCCQE Part I is a one-day, computer-based test that assesses the critical medical knowledge and clinical decision-making ability of a candidate at a level expected of a medical student who is completing their medical degree in Canada."

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Structure:

• 4 hour session to complete 210 MCQs (~68.5 seconds/question) --> this is lots of time compared to Step 2! :)

  • Compared to Step 2, the MCQs are shorter in length (usually only 4-5 sentences max) ​

• 3.5 hours to complete Clinical Decision-Making component 

  • 38 cases with a short-menu and short-answer write in Qs

Where to write it?

MCCQE Part I is offered either:

1.  In person at Prometric  test centres, with physical distancing measures in place

2. Via remote proctoring using Prometric’s ProProctor remote assessment platform

There is no "ideal way" to write this exam; some students prefer going into a test centre while others would rather do it online from home.​

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How do I register for the MCCQE Part I?

STEP 1:Eligibility

Must be no more than 15 months prior to your expected date of graduation (e.g if graduating in 01 June 2022, you can register no earlier than 01 March 2021).

NOTE: Only 5 ‘sessions’ each year, not all are eligible for 2023 match timeline

• Once your application is approved, you will have a 12-month eligibility window to schedule an exam appointment 

• During this eligibility window, you may schedule an appointment as soon as six months prior to the first date of an exam session

 

STEP 2: Create an account at physiciansapply.ca 

• Follow the steps in the portal and pay $304.00 (fee in 2023)

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STEP 3: Register for the MCCQE Part 1​

• On the left side bar of the portal → choose "Examinations" → "Apply for an Exam" → enter your expected graduation date (confirm this with the international office! This needs to be accurate) 

• Choose "MCCQE Part 1"

• Fill out the forms and pay $1,330.00 (fee in 2023)

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STEP 4: Bring the following forms to the international office for completion:

• Document Cover Sheet

• Student Attestation Form

• Certified Identity Confirmation

  • ​2 Passport size photos (can get this done at most pharmacies; there is a photo printing centre in Merrion Square near SVUH as well)

• Photocopy of passport

Note: you can choose notarize your documents using a notary public instead, however the international office is used to doing these in bulk every year!​

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STEP 5: The completed documents can be emailed to service@mcc.ca

• Include your candidate code in the subject line!

• Wait approx. 2-3 weeks for approval

• Note: ensure all forms are dated / filled out appropriately otherwise there will be a slight delay as you need to resubmit those forms

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STEP 6: Book and appointment through Prometric

• Once approved, you will receive a message through your physiciansapply.ca account to book your appointment through Prometric

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What to expect on exam day?

• Different from Step 2 - no scheduled breaks/blocks - breaks during the test are allowed but the timer keeps running while you are out of the room

• The test will pause for a 45 minute break between the MCQ and CDM Sections

• Scoring will receive this about 6-8 weeks later

  • ​100 to 400 with a mean of 250 and a standard deviation of 30

    • Pass score is 226

    • A score of 280 is the 84th centile 

    • A score of score 310 is the 98th centile

    • Last year scores ranged from 252 - 292 (all matched!)
       

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NAC Examination (aka: OSCE Exam)

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Information can be found at: https://mcc.ca/examinations/nac-overview/

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What is the NAC Examination?

"The NAC Examination is a one-day exam that assesses your readiness to enter a Canadian residency program. It is a national, standardized examination that tests the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for entrance into postgraduate training in Canada."

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• You can take the NAC Examination in English or French

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• It is an OSCE style exam with a series of 12 stations:

  • Total exam time: 5 hours

  • 12 stations: 2 rest stations & 10 active stations that will count towards the final result

    • Each station: 11 min (either 8 min with actor + 3 min of questions, or 11 min Hx + counselling)

    • 2 min to move to next station and read the instruction (eg. take a history, describe a physical examination)

  • Receive a: Total score and subscores (in graphical display) 

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• OSCE stations:

  • Medicine

  • Surgery

  • Pediatrics

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Psychiatry

  • Preventive Medicine and Public Health

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• 7 competencies that are assessed: 

  • Communication skills

  • Data interpretation

  • Diagnosis

  • History taking

  • Investigations

  • Management

  • Physical examination is now back to pre-COVID style --> you WILL be expected to actually examine patients! 

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Check out the: NAC Examination preparation resources page.

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Where do I take the test?

​The test is offered at specific centres IN CANADA ONLY. At some point, Physiciansapply.com will ask you for your preference in NAC test centre. You can read about where the testing centres are located here; be aware that you may be required to fly to your nearest centre so plan accordingly. 

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You should be assigned a testing centre approximately one month before you write the exam. 

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How do I register for the NAC?

STEP 1: Eligibility

• Can write the NAC if you are completing your medical degree requirements within 12 months of the date of the exam 

• Check the website for details

  • e.g in 2021, NAC registration began on May 26, 2021 at 10am Canadian time via physiciansapply.ca

 

STEP 2: If you already have a physicianapply.ca account skip to STEP 3

• If you do not have a physiciansapply.ca account follow Steps  2,4,5 as outlined above

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STEP 3:Register for the NAC Examination

• On the left side bar of the portal → choose "Examinations" → "Apply for an Exam" → enter your expected graduation date (confirm this with the international office) 

• Choose NAC 

• Fill out the forms and pay $3,050.00 (fee in 2023)

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STEP 4: Documentation

• The documents you submitted for the MCCQE1 will carry over for this exam, no need to resubmit forms

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