This process applies to United States medical graduates who are interested in sitting the MCCQE Part I as part of the Canadian medical licensing pathway. The Medical Council of Canada allows US medical graduates to apply under the same application category as international medical graduates, with specific requirements related to degree verification and documentation.

This article explains how to apply for MCCQE Part I as a US medical graduate in a clear and structured way.

Eligibility for US Medical Graduates

Before applying, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Medical Council of Canada.

You are eligible to apply if you are a graduate of:

  • A medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and identified by a Canada Sponsor Note as acceptable in Canada
  • A United States School of Osteopathic Medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association

Additional eligibility rules include:

  • You may take the MCCQE Part I up to a maximum of four times
  • You cannot retake the exam if you have a pass result

How US Medical Graduates Fit Into the MCCQE Part I Application Process

For application purposes, US medical graduates follow the same process as international medical graduates. The Medical Council of Canada groups:

  • International medical graduates
  • US medical graduates
  • Graduates from the United States Schools of Osteopathic Medicine

into a single application pathway for MCCQE Part I.

This means US medical graduates must complete source verification of their medical degree before scheduling the exam.

Overview of the Application Process

The application process includes the following stages:

  1. Creating a physiciansapply.ca account
  2. Submitting a source verification request for your medical degree
  3. Preparing and uploading required documents
  4. Submitting the MCCQE Part I application and payment
  5. Waiting for approval before scheduling the exam

Each stage must be completed in sequence.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for MCCQE Part I as a US Medical Graduate

Step 1: Create a physiciansapply.ca Account

All applications are submitted through a physiciansapply.ca account.

  • If you do not already have an account, you must create one
  • The account is required to manage documents, verification, and exam applications

Step 2: Submit a Source Verification Request for Your Medical Degree

US medical graduates must submit a source verification request for their medical degree.

Key points include:

  • The request is submitted through your physiciansapply.ca account
  • You may proceed with the MCCQE Part I application as soon as the request is submitted and paid for
  • If you have already submitted your final medical degree diploma for source verification in a previous application, you do not need to resubmit it

Step 3: Prepare Identity Documents

If required, you must prepare acceptable identity documents.

Requirements include:

  • Primary identity documents must be certified according to certification requirements
  • New identity documents may be required if a previous identity validity period has expired

Candidates with a documented functional limitation may submit a request for test accommodations with supporting documentation.

Step 4: Submit the MCCQE Part I Application

Once your documents are ready, complete the application by following these steps:

  1. Log in to your physiciansapply.ca account
  2. Select Examinations from the main menu
  3. Click Apply for an exam
  4. Follow the instructions on each page to submit the application
  5. Uploadthe required documents as indicated
  6. Submit payment for the MCCQE Part I application fee

Your application is not complete until payment is submitted.

Application Review and Exam Scheduling

After submission, your application is reviewed.

Important points to note:

  • You cannot schedule an exam appointment until your application is approved
  • Scheduling becomes available only after the status of your medical degree is reviewed and accepted in your physiciansapply.ca account
  • Once approved, you will receive confirmation that your application is complete
  • At that time, you may schedule your exam appointment with Prometric

Key Differences Between US Medical Graduates and Canadian Graduates

There are clear distinctions between application pathways:

  • US medical graduates are required to submit a source verification request for their medical degree
  • Canadian medical students and graduates follow a separate application pathway that does not list this requirement in the same way
  • Application timelines related to Canadian residency matching differ between Canadian graduates and international applicant groups

Summary of the Application Process

To apply successfully as a US medical graduate:

  • Confirm your medical school meets eligibility requirements
  • Create a physiciansapply.ca account
  • Submit a source verification request for your medical degree
  • Prepare and upload required identity documents
  • Submit the MCCQE Part I application and payment
  • Wait for approval before scheduling the exam

All application steps and eligibility requirements are established by the Medical Council of Canada and apply to US medical graduates as outlined above.