The MCCQE Part 1 is the next hurdle in your race to becoming a licensed physician in Canada. Most medical graduates take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) right after finishing med school, while International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must clear credential verification with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) before they’re eligible. Think of us as your coaches—we're here to guide you with eligibility requirements, sample questions, and proven study techniques that have helped countless others reach the finish line. Ready to sprint toward success? Let’s go!
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What Is the MCCQE Part 1?
The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 is a one-day, computer-based exam that evaluates your medical knowledge and decision-making skills. Passing this is essential for obtaining your LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada).
You’ll be tested on your medical knowledge across various fields and your clinical decision-making skills.
Who is Eligible to Take the MCCQE Part 1?
To be eligible to apply to take the MCCQE Part 1, you must be a graduate or nearing graduation from:
- A CACMS-accredited medical school,
- A World Directory-listed school with a Canada Sponsor Note, or
- A U.S. School of Osteopathic Medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.
Application acceptance opens a 12-month eligibility window for scheduling and writing the exam. You may apply up to 15 months before graduation, with your eligibility window beginning 12 months prior.
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), in addition to the MCCQE Part 1, you are also required to take the NAC OSCE as part of your ECFMG certification. The NAC OSCE assesses clinical skills, while the MCCQE Part 1 focuses on medical knowledge. Both exams are essential steps for IMGs seeking to practice in Canada.
MCCQE Part 1 Practice Questions
We’ve got a ton of helpful information in this blog, but we know that what you really want to see right now are some practice questions. Download our practice questions to test your knowledge. Then read on for detailed insights into the exam format, scoring, and blueprint, along with our best study tips.
Download some MCCQE Part 1 Practice Questions!
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MCCQE Part 1 Format
The MCCQE Part 1 is a one-day, computer-based exam split into two parts:
- Multiple-Choice Questions: This section includes 210 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of medical knowledge. You’ll have 4 hours to complete this portion. Among the 210 questions, 35 are pilot questions which are only scored if they meet certain psychometric standards.
- Clinical Decision Making: This section features 38 clinical decision-making cases. Each case includes up to 4 short-answer questions, focusing on real-life clinical scenarios that test your ability to manage patients. The time allotted for this section is 3.5 hours.
The test is administered through Prometric centres or remote proctoring, ensuring secure and standardized testing environments.
Important Note: The MCC recently announced it will be introducing a new assessment model for the MCCQE Part 1 in the near future. The clinical decision-making component will be eliminated, and the exam appointment will be reduced from 9 hours to 6.5 hours, including a scheduled optional break of 45 minutes.
MCCQE Part 1 Scoring
The MCCQE Part 1 is scored on a scale of 100 to 400, with a passing score of 226. Your overall score is calculated based on both sections of the exam.
Each question or case is weighted differently depending on its difficulty level. While the passing score is 226, aiming higher can strengthen your residency application, especially in more competitive specialties and the best residency programs.
MCCQE Part 1 Blueprint
The MCCQE Part 1 is built on a detailed exam blueprint designed to test you across two main areas:
- Dimensions of Care: Evaluates the full spectrum of medical care, from health promotion to acute and chronic care, and even psychosocial aspects of patient care.
- Physician Activities: Measures your ability to diagnose, treat, and manage patients effectively. This includes assessing, creating care plans, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
Each category has four parts, and each part has a specific weight on the exam.
- Health Promotion & Illness Prevention: 20-25%
- Acute Care: 35-40%
- Chronic Care: 30-35%
- Psychosocial Aspects: 15-20%
The exam blueprint follows the CanMEDS framework, which breaks down key physician roles expected in Canadian residency. These roles include:
- Medical Expert
- Communicator
- Collaborator
- Scholar
- Health Advocate
- Professional
- Leader/Manager
Each role has specific exam objectives, ensuring that the questions you face evaluate not only your medical knowledge but also your ability to apply it in a real-world setting.
Check out this video for even MORE MCCQE part 1 prep tips!
How to Study for the MCCQE Part 1
Studying for the MCCQE Part 1 can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success. Here are some of our best high-yield study tips for each section of the exam:
1. Content Materials
Your medical school study notes and textbooks are your best friends during study time. Start reviewing these materials at least six months before the exam. As you navigate the final year of your medical student journey, managing time for study amid clerkship rotations and CaRMS applications can be challenging. Remember how you made an MCAT study schedule when getting ready to apply to medical school? You can do something similar here and allocate time to systematically review the content. Focus on understanding the objectives outlined in your course materials for each topic before moving on. In the last 2 to 4 weeks leading up to the exam, concentrate on a final review of key topics.
- Create a Study Schedule: Break down topics into manageable sections and allocate specific time blocks in your weekly schedule for focused study sessions. This approach can reduce overwhelm and ensure you cover all necessary content.
- Use Active Learning Techniques: Engage in active learning methods such as summarizing topics in your own words, teaching concepts to a peer, or creating flashcards for important terms and definitions. This enhances retention and understanding.
- Focus on High-Yield Topics: Identify and prioritize high-yield topics that frequently appear on the exam, like how you studied high-yield MCAT topics. Resources like exam blueprints or peer discussions can guide you in targeting your study efforts.
2. Hands-On Patient Encounters
Experiences during your clerkship and clinical rotations are invaluable for the MCCQE Part 1. Keep a detailed log of your patient encounters, even if it’s not a school requirement. Document each case, noting presentations, effective history-taking questions, physical exams, investigations ordered, and outcomes. Reflecting on these experiences will improve your patient assessment skills, which are crucial for the exam's clinical scenarios.
- Conduct Case Reviews: After each patient encounter, take a few minutes to review what went well and what could have been improved. Discuss challenging cases with peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and deepen your understanding.
- Integrate Clinical and Theoretical Knowledge: When studying theoretical concepts, relate them to your clinical experiences. This integration helps solidify your understanding and prepares you for applying knowledge in practical situations during the exam.
- Practice Reflection: Set aside time weekly to reflect on your clinical experiences, focusing on key learnings and how they apply to potential exam questions. This practice will enhance your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. MCCQE Part 1 Practice Materials
You can access full-length MCC-approved preparatory exams that include 210 multiple-choice questions and 38 clinical decision-making cases, complete with answer keys and rationales. Although this may be a significant expense, it can help to familiarize yourself with the exam format. If you're struggling with a specific section, consider purchasing practice tests focused on just that area. Aim to take realistic practice tests multiple times to build your confidence and comfort with the exam structure.
You can also look for an MCCQE Part 1 prep course in your area or online to get practice and support.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: When taking practice exams, mimic actual exam conditions by timing yourself and eliminating distractions. This will help build your stamina and improve your time management skills. Many of the skills you used to improve your MCAT timing will also help you out during the MCCQE Part 1.
- Analyze Practice Test Results: After each practice exam, thoroughly review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understanding the rationale behind the correct answers will enhance your knowledge and prevent similar mistakes in the future.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Use your practice test results to identify weaknesses. Devote extra study time to these areas, ensuring you understand the underlying concepts and can apply them effectively.
Our quick reference guide includes all our best tips to help you prepare for the MCCQE Part 1!
4. Time Management
The MCCQE Part 1 is a timed exam, with 4 hours for the multiple-choice questions and 3.5 hours for the clinical decision-making component. Although there’s no limit per question, manage your time wisely. If a question takes more than 3 minutes, flag it and move on—you can return to it later. Keep an eye on the progress bar throughout the exam, and use the time warnings to gauge your pacing.
- Develop a Pacing Strategy: Track how long you spend on different sections during practice exams. This will help you create a personalized pacing strategy that ensures you complete all questions in the allotted time.
- Use Flagging Wisely: Flag questions that you find challenging. This will help you prioritize which questions to return to later.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Practice mindfulness techniques to manage exam anxiety. Breathing exercises or brief mental breaks can help you maintain focus and clarity during the exam.
5. Follow Instructions
One of the most crucial aspects of the MCCQE Part 1 is your ability to follow instructions. Each question will specify what is required—if it asks for one answer, stick to that. Over-responding could negatively affect your score, even if your answer includes the correct choice. Pay close attention to the wording and adhere strictly to the guidelines provided.
- Practice Following Directions: During practice tests, make a conscious effort to follow instructions precisely. This will help reinforce the habit and prepare you for the actual exam.
- Read Each Question Thoroughly: Before answering, take a moment to read each question and its instructions carefully. This will help prevent misinterpretation.
- Final Check Before Submission: In the last few minutes of the exam, review your flagged questions and ensure you’ve followed all the instructions. Double-checking can help catch any errors before submitting.
FAQs
1. HOW DO I TAKE THE MCCQE PART 1?
You must apply for the exam through your physiciansapply.ca account. Once approved, you will receive a message through your account with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Scheduling is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2. HOW MUCH IS THE MCCQE PART 1 APPLICATION FEE?
The application fee is CAD$1,470.
3. WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE NOTES DURING THE MCCQE PART 1?
Yes, you can take notes using the provided tools: at a test centre, you'll have access to a dry-erase board, and an electronic scratchpad will be available through remote proctoring.
4. ARE THERE BREAKS DURING THE MCCQE PART 1?
There is one optional 45-minute break.
5. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY INTERNET CONNECTION BREAKS?
If your internet connection is disrupted during the exam, you can log back in through the portal once connectivity is restored. You will return to the spot where you were disconnected. Please note that your electronic scratchpad notes will be lost if you are disconnected.
6. CAN I RETAKE THE MCCQE PART 1 IF I DO NOT PASS?
You can retake the MCCQE Part 1 if you do not pass, although this does mean paying the fee again and may cause a delay or adjustments to your residency program if you have already matched.
7. WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO BRING INTO THE MCCQE PART 1 TEST CENTRE?
You may bring water in a clear or transparent unlabeled container with a lid. The Prometric website has a detailed list of all additional pre-approved items allowed in the exam room.
8. ARE ACCOMMODATIONS ALLOWED FOR THE MCCQE PART 1?
Yes, accommodations are allowed for the MCCQE Part 1. If you request test accommodations, your application may take up to 9 weeks to process after meeting eligibility requirements and submitting the necessary documentation. Once approved, you must schedule your exam by calling Prometric’s special needs booking line, as online scheduling is not available for accommodated exams.
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8 Comments
Clau
How many times are you allowed to retake the exam? And do you have to wait a certain amount of time before retaking?
ReplyAT
How many full-length simulation examinations are available to purchase out there? I've heard that there are only a few and only through MCC. Thanks!
ReplySameera zulfika
Hi I’m sameera! Thank you for this guide, it’s truly an eye opener. Are any recommended prep courses available in toronto ?
ReplyAl
Does MCCQE part 1 results expire? If yes how many years after the exam was taken?
Replychris
If I am not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, is it possible to still get a resident training position after fulfilling the examination requirements?
ReplyChris
Hello I am an international graduate who will be applying to a Practice Ready Assessment after MCCQE. Will the MCCQE score be used to rank applicants or in the future to rank applicants for jobs? Or do I just need to worry about passing it and not the score? Thank you.
ReplyRyan Aman
I am Ryan, an IMG. I am a licensed physician in the Philippines and finished a 3-year residency training program under Pediatrics in Manila, Philippines. I wanted to practice my profession here in Canada. Can you enlighten me with my pathway options? I already set up an account in physiciansapply and planning to take the QE1 this coming September. Which one should I take first? The MCCQE1 or NAC? Thank you for you help! ? Regards, Ryan
ReplyWaqas
Hello I am IMG want to register MCC how did I get registeration and Wich exam I have to pass and from where I start to prepare exam...thnx
Reply