1. Step One: Eligibility

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   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

2. Step Two: Create an account at physiciansapply.ca

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

3. Step Three: Register for the MCCQE Part 1

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   • 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)

4. Step Four: Bring the following forms to the international office for completion:

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   • 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!​

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

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   • 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

6. Step Six: Book and appointment through Prometric

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

1. Step One: Eligibility

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   • 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

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

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

3. Step Three: Register for the NAC Examination

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   • 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)

4. Step Four: Documentation

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the exams and timeline to match in the US? and Canada?

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   The two main exams are the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Students typically take the Step 1 the summer before the penultimate year (before starting their clerkship). Students take Step 2 CK the summer before the final year. A comprehensive timeline of the US examinations can be found on the AAMC website. You may also view the timeline on the US Pathway to Residency page of our website.
   
   Canadian Exams The two main exams are the MCCQE1 and NAC OSCE. Students are expected to write both exams the summer before their final year. The NAC OSCE only has two sittings per year. Typically, IMGs take it in the second sitting during early September. Most sit the MCCQE1 during the Medical Council of Canada's third annual sitting which is between August and September. A comprehensive timeline of the Canadian examinations can also be found on the CaRMS website. You may also view the timeline on the Canadian Pathway to Residency page of our website.

2. When should I start studying for the USMLE?

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   You should aim to start studying for Step 1 at the beginning of your 2nd year of the GEM program or 3rd year of the UEM program, near the end of your pre-clinical years. For Step 2 (and MCCQE1) during your clerkship.

3. How do I approach studying for residency exams?

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   A comprehensive guide can be found on the Exam Preparation. This page also includes resources and a detailed description of how to use them (including the ANKI deck)

4. Can I participate in the Erasmus program in Europe?

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   Not all Universities participate in the Erasmus program but check with your school and they will provide you with further information. They may also offer a small stipend to help cover the cost.

5. Is it possible to do Electives in the US and Canada?

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   Yes, you can do electives in either the US or Canada.  
   
   In Canada, official electives are done through the AFMC Portal. Each University has their own criteria so please read them carefully. There are standard checklist items to complete for all, including vaccine forms, N95 mask fittings, and Criminal Record Checks. It's important to prepare these documents (particularly the Criminal Record Check) months in advance to ensure a stress-free process.  
   
   In the US, official electives are done through the VSLO website. It is also commonly acceptable to utilize personal connections to find electives. There are also third party websites available to assist students with this process.

6. What is the difference between an elective, clerkship, and observership?

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   Electives: Clinical experience in the specialty of your choice (likely ont that will complement the residency program you are applying to). You apply through portals or companies.
   
   Clerkship: Core clinical experiences that are mandatory for all medical students training. These include medicine, surgery, acute critical care, pediatrics, psychiatry, OBGYN and family medicine.
   
   Observorship: Shadowing experience/opportunities students usually engage in during their pre-clinical year summers. Most are personal connections organized due to the nature of the opportunity. It's a nice way to get an overview or preview of the specialty you're interested in pursuing.

7. Can I do core clinical rotations abroad?

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   Yes, depending on which university you are attending. University of Galway and University College Cork offer these opportunities so it is best to speak with your international medical school office/managers to receive further information.

8. What is the match rate for different specialties?

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   For Canadian rates view here "CaRMs 2023 R-1 Residency Match"

9. What are the options to stay in Europe after residency?

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   Students have the option to stay in Ireland by applying to the Irish Internship or applying to the the UK Foundation Year. More information about the Irish Internship Year and the UK Foundation Year can be found on this website.

10. What is a preliminary year?

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    Regarding residency, there are 2 different positions: categorical and preliminary.
    
    Categorical is when you are offered the full residency training for that specific specialty (i.e. in the US, categorical general surgery positions mean you will train all 5 of your general surgery residency years within the same program and be board certified by the end.)
    
    Preliminary is 1-2 years of training prior to the rest of residency. For example, you would apply to a preliminary position through one program. On completion, you will still need 4 more years of residency completed for general surgery in another program (called & position).

11. Why do US and Canada match date order matter?

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    They matter as ranking programs after interviewing are legally binding contracts. At this time, the US release their matches before Canada. If you match in the US, your Canadian application is automatically withdrawn (and vice versa).