Planning ahead is essential for the MCCQE Part I. Many candidates miss preferred sessions simply because they were not aware of when exam windows open or how scheduling works.

This article presents the mccqe 1 exam dates 2026 exactly as published, along with the official scheduling rules you need to know.

All exam dates and policies are set by the Medical Council of Canada.

Official MCCQE Part I Exam Sessions for 2026

For 2026, the MCCQE Part I will be administered across four exam sessions.

Confirmed 2026 Exam Windows

  • January 20 to February 17
  • April 22 to May 27
  • August 19 to September 16
  • October 1 to 21

These are the only published MCCQE Part I testing periods for 2026.

How MCCQE Part I Scheduling Works

Understanding scheduling rules is just as important as knowing the exam dates.

When You Can Schedule Your Exam

  • Appointments may be scheduled five months before the start of each exam session
  • Appointments are available only within the published exam sessions
  • Scheduling is first come first served
  • A specific test date within a session cannot be guaranteed

Application for the MCCQE Part I is accepted on an ongoing basis, but scheduling availability depends on seat capacity.

Eligibility and Account Confirmation

After submitting your application:

  1. Your application is reviewed
  2. You receive confirmation of eligibility through your physiciansapply.ca account
  3. Once eligible, you may book your exam within your allowed window

After scheduling with Prometric:

  • You will receive a 16 digit confirmation number
  • Additional instructions will be sent by email

Eligibility Window for Taking the Exam

Once your MCCQE Part I application is accepted:

  • You receive a 12-month eligibility window
  • You must schedule and sit the exam within that period

For Canadian medical students:

  • Applications may be submitted up to 15 months before expected graduation
  • You become eligible to write the exam within 12 months of graduation

Exam Results Timeline for 2026

Result release timing depends on the exam session.

  • Results are available four weeks after the last day of the January, August, and October sessions
  • Results are available five weeks after the last day of the April session

Results are issued through official MCC channels.

Important Notes About 2026 Exam Dates

  • Exam dates are subject to change
  • Seat availability is limited
  • Scheduling earlier improves your chance of securing a preferred date
  • No official session specific application deadlines have been published

There is no confirmed difference in scheduling policy between international medical graduates and Canadian medical graduates in the published sources.

Where to Verify Official Updates

Candidates must regularly monitor:

  • Their physiciansapply.ca account
  • Official Medical Council of Canada announcements

This article provides educational guidance only and does not replace official MCC communications.

Final Takeaway

If you are planning your MCCQE attempt, these are the confirmed mccqe 1 exam dates 2026:

  • January 20 to February 17
  • April 22 to May 27
  • August 19 to September 16
  • October 1 to 21

Scheduling opens five months before each session, seats are limited, and dates may change. Always confirm your eligibility and appointment details through your MCC account.

MedCognito will continue to provide structured updates to help candidates plan responsibly and avoid missed opportunities.