MCCQE1 is Medical Council Canada Qualifying Exam 1. It is the first step towards your licensing to practice in Canada.
It has two sessions. The first session is 210 Multiple Choice Questions and the second session has nearly 40 Clinical Decision Making questions (plus sub questions for some).
MCQ tests your knowledge in the subjects while CDM tests your decision making ability when thrown at a clinical situation. CDM includes writing one word answers or choosing all the correct answers format of questions.
Generally for the QE1 exams once has to prepare only the main clinical subjects and not the basic ones like anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
The commonly used resource materials are:
- Toronto Notes
- Canada Q bank
- Master the board – Step 2 CK
- Master the board Step 2 CS
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 2 CS
- Doing Right: a practical guide to ethics for medical trainees and physicians
You can also check out the suggested resources page of MCC website.
The time required to prepare for the exam varies from person to person. Anybody who is thorough with their theory can easily prepare in three to four months and others may require longer time.
Once you are thorough with the topics, try attending a practice test provided by MCC through their portal. This will give you a simulative experience of the real exam and will help you time your answering time better.
Hope this helps folks!!!
Indian Doctor-Canadian Blogger 
Hi Dr. Neethi. I’m a Pathologist graduated from India and planning to immigrate with my family. Are the canadian med exams doable or do I have to think of career alternatives? could i connect with you through email pls?
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Hi,
I have come across a few who have cracked the Canadian system and got in but there are many others as well who are either still in the process or had given up. So I would say it is not impossible but yes of course it is difficult.
To be on the safe side, have a plan B as well.
Yes please, my email id is the same as the one given here.
Thank you
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Thank You Dr Neethi. Can you please throw some light on the pathway for an Anesthesiologist. I have done Diploma Anesthesia ( 2 years) followed by work experience in a medical college for 3 years! Preparing for MCCQE1
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I will try to find out. But I guess it should be the same for all specialist.
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Hi
I am currently working as an intern doctor in India, and I am about to complete my graduation this year. I was wondering what are the steps for an Indian medical graduate to become a resident doctor in Canada. I read your posts and they are very helpful, but I was wondering what’s the exact timeline for various steps involved in this process. I also apologize if this is too much to ask.
Thanks in advance
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It can take anywhere from 2 years to 10 years or more to get fully licensed in Canada.
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