Get to know more about the MCCQE

 

MCCQE stands for Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination. It is an essential exam for medical students in Canada to pass before practicing medicine in the country. The exam has two different parts: the MCCQE1 and MCCQE2. The MCCQE1 and MCCQE2 are taken to assess the level of knowledge and expertise needed to pass to become a medical doctor in Canada. They are different exams taken one after another, and we would be talking about both of them.

 

MCCQE1

 

This exam is a computer-based test with two sections - the MCQs (multiple choice questions) and the CDM (clinical decision making). The exam takes the whole day and would cover questions under six disciplines: surgery, internal medicine, gynecology, population health, psychiatry, ethical, legal, and organizational parts of medicine.

The MCQ part is taken in the morning under 4 hours and has 210 questions which will have 3-5 options, of which only one will be the correct option. The number of options varies from question to question, and you will be able to change your answers anytime you want before time runs out. After the four hours have elapsed, the exam will stop automatically and submit for you.

Note that you will be able to take an unscheduled break anytime you want; however, your timer will keep on running and will stop when the time has elapsed. Also, there are specific questions that you will not be scored for called pilot questions, but they will not be indicated, so you will have to answer everything to avoid getting zero. Each correct answer will be awarded one mark, and each wrong one will be given zero. After the MCQ part, you will have a 45 minute scheduled break and start the CDM part.

The CDM section is tricky, but the most important thing here is reading and adhering to instructions! This cannot be overstated and will be explained in the coming paragraph. The CDM comprises 38 cases that consist of 1-4 questions for each case. Thus, the number of questions will range from about 60-70. You will have 3.5 hours to complete the section, and just like the MCQ section, eight pilot cases will carry no mark but will not be indicated, so you will have to answer everything.

The questions will come in a short menu or write-in format and attach pictures like X-rays and diagrams. Each question will come with precise instructions. There will be several options for you to choose per question in the short menu format, and some questions will tell you to choose only one correct answer. Now, even if there are five correct answers, only select one. If you fail to do so, you lose your mark for that one. 

 

The same goes for the write-in format. The question may require you to write the correct answer in the provided space. You will not be penalized if the instruction tells you to give two correct answers and you provide only one. However, if you give more than stipulated, even if they are all correct, that answer will be marked as incorrect because you failed to follow instructions. Also, make sure when you are writing the answers, you are as clear as you can be, do not write something like 'heart disease' when something like "myocardial infarction" is clearer. Each correct answer is one mark.

 

How To Schedule Your Exam

 

The cost to schedule an exam is around $1,330 as of 2021. To schedule an exam, you have to apply through the physiciansapply.ca account, make payment, get your confirmation number, follow instructions, and have a scheduled date set for you. You have five chances to pass the exam, and the pass mark is 226 with an average score of 100-400. After you write the exams, you get your score sent to your email with a breakdown of how you performed

 

MCCQE 2

 

The MCCQE2 is not computer-based like MCCQE1. It is taken after you pass the first exam. You are accessed by your actions in simulated scenarios by examiners in different clinical stations. They check your knowledge, composure, clinical judgment in the various relevant fields under examinations. In MCCGE 2, you will not be given an exact score and breakdown. Only that you passed or failed.

 

Preparing For Your MCCQE

 

It is best to prepare for your exam at least six months before your scheduled date. Start with your notes, and be sure to look online for resources that can help you prepare and simulate an examination scenario.