 3.25.58 PM.png)
.png)
As the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) greets the new year, we are pleased to update you on significant changes to the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I and related services.
Updated MCCQE Part I Format
It had been announced in June 2023 a new assessment model for the MCCQE Part I, which will be implemented in April 2025. This update focuses on enhancing the delivery and overall experience of the exam, aiming to modernize and optimize its structure.
Key modifications include the removal of the clinical decision-making (CDM) component and a reduction in the exam duration from 9 hours to 6.5 hours.
The revised exam will feature 230 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), split into two sections of 160 minutes each, separated by a scheduled 45-minute optional break. This format adjustment will also allow more time for candidates to consider each question.
Despite these changes, the integrity, validity, and reliability of the MCCQE Part I will be maintained, with MCQs continuing to assess essential medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new format, the January 2025 exam session will be discontinued. Consequently, the October 2024 session will be the final opportunity to take the MCCQE Part I in its current 9-hour format. We have extended this session by 14 days to maintain the overall number of testing days in 2024, with results expected to be released in mid-December 2024. Additionally, we have added extra dates to the April 2025 session to provide greater flexibility for exam candidates. The dates for the April, August, and October 2025 sessions are now available on the MCCQE Part I scheduling page.
Following the October 2024 session, MCC’s current preparatory products will no longer be available. In December 2024, MCC will launch a new Preparatory Examination (PE) and a PE-Lite, available for both individual and organizational bulk purchases, tailored to the revised exam format.
