By Dr. Bilal Akil, MD — Emergency Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University · founder of mccQbank
What are MCCQE Dates 2026?
Short answer: The MCCQE dates 2026 (formerly MCCQE Part I, often searched as “MCCQE1”) runs in three sessions:
-January 20 to February 17, 2026
-April 22 to May 30, 2026
-August 19 to October 21, 2026
The MCC combined the August and October sessions into one long window. You schedule at a Prometric centre, first come first served. Results come 4 or 5 weeks after the session ends (MCC scheduling).
Checked against mcc.ca on 24 September 2026.
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) has released the official MCCQE dates 2026 schedule with three main sessions available throughout the year. Each session offers multiple testing windows at Prometric centres across Canada and internationally.
MCCQE 2026 dates at a glance
| Session | Exam dates | Results |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 20 to February 17 | 4 weeks after the session ends |
| April 2026 | April 22 to May 30 | 5 weeks after the session ends |
| August/October 2026 (combined) | August 19 to October 21 | In three batches, 4 weeks after each batch closes (below) |
Source: MCC: MCCQE scheduling and MCC: results.
The August to October MCCQE 2026 dates: results by batch
Because the combined session is so long, the MCC releases its results in three batches (MCC: results):
- Batch 1: exams August 19 to September 11, 2026. Results 4 weeks after September 11.
- Batch 2: exams September 12 to 29, 2026. Results 4 weeks after September 29.
- Batch 3: exams September 30 to October 21, 2026. Results 4 weeks after October 21.
The MCC says that whenever you sit in this session, you’ll have your result in time for the 2027 CaRMS R-1 match. For how to read your score report, see MCCQE results 2026.
Missed MCCQE dates 2026? The MCCQE 2027 dates
The MCC has published four sessions for 2027: January 19 to February 11, April 27 to June 1, August 10 to September 7, and October 5 to 26. We cover them, with scheduling windows, in MCCQE exam dates 2027.
How scheduling works
- When booking opens: you can schedule 5 months before a session starts, and only for dates inside a session.
- Seats: booking is first come, first served, and the MCC says it can’t guarantee a specific date. Book as soon as your application is accepted and the window opens.
- Rescheduling: you can reschedule or cancel online with Prometric up to 120 hours before your appointment. Fees and deadlines are in how to cancel or reschedule the MCCQE.
- Cost: the MCCQE application fee is $1,500 CAD. A first-time candidate also pays a one-time $150 physiciansapply.ca account fee, plus $232 for each credential sent for source verification (MCC fees).
Source for the booking rules: MCC scheduling.
Which session for CaRMS?
For the 2027 R-1 match, CaRMS file review starts in late November 2026. IMGs need results from both the MCCQE and the NAC examination by then (MCC: CaRMS and MCC exams). All three 2026 sessions meet that deadline for the MCCQE. The NAC is the tighter constraint, since it runs only twice a year.
For the 2028 match, plan around the 2027 sessions. An earlier session leaves room to retake if you need to. The MCC allows four attempts, with a one-year wait before the fourth (MCC eligibility).
What the exam looks like
The MCCQE is 230 multiple-choice questions in two sections of 115. You get up to 2 hours 40 minutes per section, with an optional 45-minute break between them. The Clinical Decision-Making (CDM) section was removed in April 2025. The pass score is 439 on a 300–600 scale. More in how long is the MCCQE and MCCQE passing score.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next MCCQE exam?
The August to October 2026 session runs until October 21, 2026. After that, the next session is January 19 to February 11, 2027.
Can I still register for MCCQE 2026?
Only for the remainder of the August to October session, and only if seats are left. Booking is first come, first served, so check your physiciansapply.ca account and Prometric directly.
When do MCCQE 2026 results come out?
Four weeks after the January, August and October sessions end, and five weeks after the April session. The combined 2026 session releases results in three batches.
How much does the MCCQE 2026 cost?
The application fee is $1,500 CAD. First-time candidates also pay $150 to open a physiciansapply.ca account.
Is it still called MCCQE Part I?
No. Since 1 April 2026 it is simply the MCCQE, and the MCC says the exam itself did not change (what changed).
Getting ready for 2027? Try 30 free MCCQE questions, in English or French.
