Certification Exams
Navigating the requirements for independent practice and extender work is essential for career progression. Residents must successfully complete certification examinations through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) to achieve full licensure.
For those seeking to provide clinical services outside of a residency program, obtaining a Physician Extender Practice Permit through the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) is required. Early familiarity with these examination schedules and eligibility criteria ensures readiness for both supervised extender roles and the eventual transition to independent practice.
The MCCQE Part I assesses critical medical knowledge and is mandatory for independent practice and extender work. Results remain confidential, and there is no obligation to disclose unsuccessful attempts to programs or PGME. Support for certification exams is available through the Office of Resident Affairs and Physician Wellness.
Specialty and Subspecialty Certification exams through the RCPSC occur annually, with specialty sessions held in the spring and subspecialty sessions in the fall. Training assessments typically require at least six months to process, or longer if international training requires analysis. It is the trainee’s responsibility to verify information regarding important dates and deadlines associated with exam registration through the RCPSC website.
The Certification Examination in Family Medicine is available to CFPC members upon successful completion of an approved residency program or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Examinations are held twice annually, in the spring and fall, at various centers across Canada in both English and French. Detailed information regarding certification and application timelines is available on the CFPC website.