MCCQE Part 1 Preparation 2026:
Complete Study Guide for IMGs

MCCQE Part 1 is the gateway to everything in Canada — NAC OSCE, CaRMS, and residency. Here is exactly what to expect and how to pass it efficiently.

6.5 hrs

Exam length

$915 CAD

Exam fee

439 / 300–600

Pass mark

Exam Format

The MCCQE Part 1 is a computer-based exam available at Prometric test centres worldwide, including remote proctoring. It is MCQ-only — the CDM component was permanently removed in April 2025.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

210 questions — single best answer format. Tests clinical knowledge across all specialties using Canadian clinical context and guidelines.

High-Yield Topics

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Psychiatry

Surgery

Family Medicine

Preventive Medicine

Medical Ethics

Pharmacology

Emergency Medicine

Dermatology

Neurology

3-Month Study Plan

Month 1

Foundation

Cover all major specialties systematically. Use Toronto Notes or CanadaQBank as your base. Focus on understanding Canadian clinical guidelines — not just facts.

Month 2

Practice Questions

Minimum 100 questions per day. Review every wrong answer in detail. Track weak areas by domain. Shift from reading to active recall.

Month 3

Exam Simulation

Full timed practice exams under real conditions. Simulate the full 6.5-hour exam at least twice before exam day. Review Canadian preventive medicine guidelines — always heavily tested.

What IMGs Get Wrong

✕Using non-Canadian guidelines — always use Canadian Cardiovascular Society, SOGC, etc.

✕Memorizing answers instead of understanding clinical reasoning

✕Studying for the CDM section — it was permanently removed in April 2025. The exam is now 210 MCQs only.

✕Not practicing under timed conditions until too late

✕Studying preventive medicine last — it's always heavily tested

✕Second-guessing first answers — your instinct is usually right

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Canadian guideline-based MCCQE questions with full explanations. AI identifies your weak domains and targets them automatically. Free to start.

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