MCCQE Exam 2025: Dates, Fee, Syllabus, Centres, Eligibility

Latest Updates on MCCQE Exam in 2025

From April 2025, there have been significant changes in the MCCQE examination. Previously, there was a Clinical Decision Making (CDM) section. Now, it has been replaced by the MCQ format with 230 questions divided into two sections. The 9-hour exam appointment has been shortened to a 6.5-hour exam appointment with a scheduled 45-minute optional break. Many more changes are related to the MCCQE exam structure and scoring. Let us discuss in detail some of the prominent updates on MCCQE exam effective from April 2025:

Removal of Clinical Decision-Making (CDM) section

Previously, the CDM component of the MCCQE exam was crucial for medical aspirants to check their skills and abilities in solving clinical problems and making decisions in a medical context. However, the Clinical Decision-Making section of the MCCQE 2025 exam has been removed to streamline the exam conduct and obtain the result in a faster time.

Only MCQs

Now, the MCCQE exam includes only 230 multiple-choice questions. Previously, the MCCQE Part I exam included both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Clinical Decision Making (CDM) case-based questions.

Shorter Exam Duration

The MCCQE has been one of the longest medical licensing exams, with a test duration of 9 hours. However, from April 2025, the MCCQE Part I exam was reduced from 9 hours to 6.5 hours. This aims to improve the candidate's concentration and exam experience.

Increased Answer Time Per Question

Due to the removal of CDM case-based questions and exam inclusion only of multiple choice questions, the average time allocated to each question has typically increased.

Two Sections with Optional Break

Students appearing for the MCCQE exam in 2025 have the option to have a break in between the two sessions. The total 230 MCQs are generally divided into two sections of 2 hours and 40 minutes each. Students have an optional break of 45 minutes in between the sessions.

Faster Results

The new exam format that includes only MCQs is aimed at reducing the result processing. Candidates might obtain their MCCQE scores faster than before.

New Scoring Method (300-600)

Effective from April 2025, the MCCQE exam is scored on a range of 300 to 600. This includes a mean score of 450, where a candidate is passed if they have scored 439 or above. Previously, the exam used to be scored on a range of 100 to 400, with a mean score of 250. A complete contrast table between the MCCQE new scoring method and the old scoring method is provided in the article below.

MCCQE Exam Highlights 2025

As the exam is opted for by all the medical students who are planning to pursue their careers in Canada, we have mentioned the overview of the MCCQE Exam below:

MCCQE Exam Overview

MCCQE Exam Eligibility Requirements 2025

To apply for the MCCQE Part I, you must be a graduate of, or a student who is expected to meet all graduation requirements from:

• A medical school accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS); or

• A medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and identified by a Canada Sponsor Note indicating it is an acceptable medical school in Canada; or

• A United States School of Osteopathic Medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.

Extending Your Eligibility Window

Students can apply up to 15 months before their planned graduation date. Once your application is accepted, your eligibility period will begin 12 months before your anticipated graduation date. You can only arrange an exam appointment during this time.

If you decide you are not ready to write the MCCQE Part I within your eligibility window or are not sure you will be able to do so within a year, you have the option of extending your MCCQE exam eligibility window by an additional 12 months. You will be able to extend your qualifying window when it is within 60 days of expiration, not before.

How to Extend MCCQE Window of Eligibility:

1. If relevant, make sure to cancel your appointment with Prometric as soon as possible. Refer to the guidelines below for how to cancel your appointment and the associated fees.

2. You will receive a message in your physiciansapply.ca account with instructions for extending your eligibility window 60 days before it ends. If you do not extend your window at that time, you will receive a second notice one month before it expires.

3. Follow the instructions in the message and pay the administrative fee. If the exam prices have increased since you first applied for the MCCQE Part I, you will be required to pay the change in application fees as well. These costs are nonrefundable.

Note: You will be unable to set an exam date until your application has been accepted. After your application is accepted, you will have a 12-month eligibility period to plan and take the MCCQE Part I at an available Prometric test centre or via remote proctoring. All exam appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. So, students looking for MCCQE Part 1 exam centres list must keep this in mind.

How to Register for MCCQE Exam in 2025?

Candidates are required to initiate the MCCQE registration process in advance to book a slot for the exam. If the test-taker meets the qualifying conditions, he or she can apply for the MCCQE Part I at any time using their account and following the procedures below. If you do not already have an account, you must create one. Understanding the steps involved in applying for the test as an international medical student is crucial. Follow the steps below if you are an international medical student, a graduate from a U.S. medical school, or a student from a U.S. School of Osteopathic Medicine and want to apply to take the MCCQE Part I:

MCCQE Registration For International Students: Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Prepare copies of your appropriate identity document(s), which must be presented with your exam application. Your primary identity document(s) must meet the certification standards.

• Step 2: Candidates must have their medical school complete the Student Attestation Form. When submitting your exam application, students will need to attach the completed form.

• Step 3: Review the document preparation criteria to verify that the documents are ready for uploading.

• Step 4: Log in to the physiciansapply.ca account.

• Step 5: Click Examinations from the main menu, then Apply for an Exam.

• Step 6: To submit your application, follow the processes provided on each page and upload the required documents.

• Step 7: Complete payment for the MCCQE Part I application fee.

Note: You have up to four weeks to complete the paperwork and application. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a notification in your account confirming that you can schedule your exam with Prometric.

MCCQE Exam Dates 2025

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I is offered multiple times each year. The MCCQE 2025 results will be available about 8 weeks after each session's last day. The MCCQE1 exam dates 2025 have been recently released. The latest sessions are scheduled from August 19 to September 11, and October 1 to 22 as the calendar schedule for MCCQE exam dates 2025. These MCCQE Part 1 exam dates 2025 provide candidates with a chance where their medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills are evaluated. The MCCQE exam dates 2025 are crucial for candidates who are looking to obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). Check the MCCQE dates 2025 and 2026 in the below mentioned tables:

MCCQE 2025 Exam Date

Note: Because of a standard-setting exercise, the results for the April 2025 session will be accessible around 12 weeks after the session ends.

MCCQE 2026 Exam Date

Note: Results for the April 2026 session and future April sessions for MCCQE exam dates 2025 will be available 5 weeks after the last day of the session

How to Schedule MCCQE Exam Appointment?

Appointments can be made up to 5 months before the commencement of an exam session and are only available during the specified exam periods. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you have scheduled your exam with Prometric, they'll send you a 16-digit confirmation number and additional instructions via email. You will also receive an appointment reminder notification around seven days before the planned appointment.

How to Reschedule or Cancel MCCQE Appointment?

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment directly with Prometric, either online or by phone. Fees vary depending on when you cancel or reschedule. You'll need the 16-digit confirmation number you received when to rescheduled it. The MCC will not schedule or reschedule your exam appointment.

• If you do not attend your MCCQE appointment or cancel it less than 120 hours (5 days) before the commencement time of the exam, your application costs will not be refunded.

• If you have exceptional reasons for a late cancellation or absence, please provide additional proof to service@mcc.ca. Your request for a partial refund will be considered.

• Candidates who reschedule or cancel their appointment are required to pay rescheduling or cancellation costs.

MCCQE Exam Fees 2025

Let us now check the fees for MCCQE for international students under this heading. Below mentioned is the entire structure for MCCQE exam fees that international or Indian students need to pay to take the MCCQE Exam and pursue their medical license in Canada. Candidates must be aware of the MCCQE Part 1 fees beforehand to plan their finances accordingly. Hence, we have mentioned the MCCQE 1 exam dates 2025 for Indian students in the table below:

MCCQE Part 1 Fees

Note: For MCCQE total cost payment method: All payments must be in Canadian dollars. Visa, MasterCard, or secured credit cards are allowed as payment methods for the MCCQE exam fee 2025.

MCCQE Exam Pattern and Syllabus

It is crucial for international students to be well-versed with the MCCQE test pattern and syllabus before appearing for the licensure exam. To ace the exam, the right preparation and understanding syllabus and pattern can change the game. Let us now check the syllabus and pattern in detail for the MCCQE test in 2025:

MCCQE Exam Syllabus

The MCCQE syllabus for Indian students basically covers the assessment, which includes questions related to medical subjects and disciplines. The MCCQE syllabus ensures that candidates have a strong foundation in medical sciences. It includes the MCCQE Part 1 Syllabus 2025 as well. The MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) syllabus 2025 is mentioned below:

• Anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and more.
• Also, the MCCQE 2025 syllabus includes extra questions about ethics, professionalism, and communication skills, which are required for working in the professional medical field.

MCCQE Exam Pattern

MCCQE test consists of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. MCCQE Part I is a computer-based test that evaluates fundamental medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills. It is taken after medical school graduation. MCCQE Part II, which is discontinued effective from 2020, was designed to assess clinical abilities through a series of standardised encounters with simulated patients. MCCQE Part 1 exam duration is 6.5 hours, and it includes various processes, as listed below:

• Candidate’s check-in, including sign-in, security check, and room check (if you are taking a remotely proctored exam).
• A tutorial video on test security and how the exam delivery application works.
• The first morning session is 2 hours and 40 minutes long, which requires test takers to complete the first half of the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) section.
• After this test, an optional 45-minute lunch break is provided to candidates.
• Section evening session duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes long as well which includes the second half of the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) .
• An optional survey is conducted after each of the sections.

MCCQE 2025 Exam Pattern: Check the table below for clarity on the test pattern for candidates:

Key MCCQE Test Day Guidelines

Candidates must have two valid government-issued ID cards for image capture and validation by the Prometric readiness agent before beginning the remotely proctored exam. Test takers appearing for the test at MCCQE 2025 test centres must bring two valid government IDs to the exam location. If candidates fail to produce proper identification, they will not be allowed to take the exam, and the application fee will be forfeited. Candidates must consider the following while appearing for the exam in one of the MCCQE Part 1 exam centres listed.

The documents required on the test day include:

1. Photo of the test-taker

2. Signature of the candidate

Note: The name should match your account name. If the names on your documents do not match the name in your physiciansapply.ca account, please contact the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) through your account before your exam appointment.

Items not permitted in the secure exam area

Certain items that are not allowed in the secure exam area after launch are listed below:

• Coat

• Keys

• Wallet

• Purse

• Any Documentation

• Jewellery, including watches (wedding rings are permitted)

• Large bags

• Phones

• Non-wired headphones

What to do if you experience an exam day incident?

In some instances, candidates may experience exam-day incidents (procedural irregularities or extenuating circumstances, such as illness) that may have a negative effect on their exam day performance. A few of these difficulties are mentioned below:

• If the test-takers face technical difficulties, they should notify Prometric staff immediately.

• If candidates are taking a remotely proctored exam and are experiencing technical difficulties, they must seek assistance by visiting the Prometric technical support page.

• In addition to notifying staff on exam day, all exam day incidents (procedural irregularities and extenuating circumstances) must be reported to the MCC through your account within 7 days of your exam date.

• If applicants choose to start the exam, it will count as an attempt, even if they cannot finish it, their application fee may be forfeited, and hence the staff will not be able to help test takers with that issue.

MCCQE Exam Results 2025

Candidates with complete knowledge of the MCCQE exam pattern and syllabus are often rewarded with good scores. The MCC results are available approximately 8 to 12 weeks after the exam session ends. Candidates will be notified by email and a message in their account, informing them that they can access their final MCCQE Part I results. Soon after getting this notification, two documents will be uploaded to your account:

• The Statement of Results (SOR) provides your final result, total MCCQE Part I score, and the required score to pass the test.

• The Supplemental Information Report (SIR) gives extra information about your exam performance, including subscores and a comparison to other candidates.

Note: To avoid fraud and maintain confidentiality, your MCCQE Part I results are only available at physiciansapply.ca and are never provided over the phone or via email.

New Updates Aim for Faster MCCQE Results

With the introduction of new changes in MCCQE effective from April 2025 that aimed to streamline the overall candidate's experience in attempting the exam, it is noted that the exam results will be obtained faster than before. For the MCCQE 2026 exam dates, the scores will be available approximately 5 weeks after the last day of the session. On the other hand, the MCCQE scores tend to be released in approximately 12 weeks after the last day of the session for all dates in 2025.

MCCQE Refund Policy

If you cancel your MCCQE 2025 appointment with Prometric less than 120 hours before your exam or fail to appear on the day of the exam, your entire application fee will be forfeited. If you withdraw your MCCQE Part I application or let your eligibility window expire without scheduling an appointment with Prometric, you will only receive a partial refund.

Extenuating Circumstances

If, by some unavoidable circumstances, you have to cancel within 120 hours of your appointment or fail to attend, you could be entitled to a partial reimbursement. To obtain a partial refund, submit supporting documents to the MCC (service@mcc.ca) for evaluation. If your partial refund request is successful, the MCCQE application cost after removing the examination withdrawal fee will be refunded to the credit card used for payment; otherwise, a credit will be given to your physiciansapply.ca account.

MCCQE Exam Centres in India

Candidates often look for MCCQE Part 1 exam centres in India. They must note that the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) is generally available only in Canada. There are no official MCCQE test centres in India 2025 as of now. The MCCEE exam for Indian students is usually available through their travel to Canada.

Difference between USMLE and MCCQE Exams?