Following exam day rules for the MCCQE Part I is essential for a smooth check-in process and uninterrupted testing. These rules apply to both international and Canadian medical graduates and are enforced by Prometric under the authority of the Medical Council of Canada.
Understanding what to bring and what is prohibited helps avoid delays, security issues, or exam interruptions.
This article provides a clear checklist of MCCQE Part I, what to bring, and what is prohibited based strictly on official exam day guidance.
Exam Day Check In and Security Overview
Before the exam begins, all candidates complete a formal check-in process. This includes:
- Sign in procedures
- Security checks
- A room check for remotely proctored exams
- Viewing a test security video
Candidates are monitored by Prometric staff throughout the exam. Exam sessions may be video recorded with or without audio. Notices are posted at test centres where recording takes place.
What to Bring to the MCCQE Part I Exam
The Medical Council of Canada does not publish a single fixed list of required items. Candidates are instructed to consult the check in details and instructions for their selected exam modality.
Based on official guidance, candidates should ensure they have:
- All personal items required by the specific exam modality check-in instructions
Check-in instructions vary depending on whether the exam is taken at a test centre or through remote proctoring. These instructions outline what personal items are needed to complete the check-in process.
Access to Items During Breaks
During the exam, access to certain personal items is restricted but permitted during breaks.
During the optional forty-five-minute break, candidates:
- May access food
- May access beverages
- May access cell phones
- May access medication
Candidates may also take unscheduled breaks during the exam to access food, beverages, or medication.
For exam security reasons, candidates must exit the exam room during the optional forty five minute break in both exam modalities.
What Is Prohibited During the Exam
Strict rules apply once the exam session is in progress.
The following are prohibited during the exam:
- Access to any communication or transmitting devices including phones or tablets
- Any outside contact during the exam session
- Speaking to anyone other than Prometric staff
- Outside contact during unscheduled breaks
These rules apply for the full duration of the exam session.
Rules When Returning From Breaks
After any break, candidates must complete security procedures again before resuming the exam.
This includes:
- Allowing time for the security check-in process
- Completing the routine security scan
- Completing the sign-in process to re-enter the exam
Failure to follow these procedures may delay exam continuation.
Monitoring and Exam Security
Throughout the exam:
- Candidates are monitored by Prometric staff
- Security protocols are enforced consistently
- Exam invigilation may be video recorded
These measures apply equally to test centre and remotely proctored exams.
Summary of MCCQE Part I: What to Bring and What Is Prohibited
On exam day:
- Follow the modality-specific check-in instructions for required personal items
- Access to phones and other communication devices is not permitted during the exam
- Food, beverages, phones, and medication are accessible only during breaks
- All breaks require re-completion of security procedures
All exam day rules and procedures are set by the Medical Council of Canada and are enforced by Prometric.