On September 30, 2025, the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) officially released the results for the latest MCCQE Part I session — and thousands of candidates across Canada (and around the world) logged into their physiciansapply.ca accounts to see their scores.
For many, it’s a sigh of relief. For others, it’s a moment of frustration.
But beyond individual outcomes, these results carry extra weight. Since the April 2025 exam overhaul, the MCCQE1 has entered a new era: a new scoring scale, a tougher-sounding pass score, and a redesigned format.
This September release is only the second cycle under the updated system, giving us the clearest picture yet of how the new MCCQE1 really works.
So what changed, and what do this week’s results mean for current and future test-takers? Let’s break it down.
What’s New in the September 2025 Results
If you sat the exam, here’s what you’ll see when you log in:
- Scoring scale: Results are still reported on the 300–600 scale, introduced in April 2025.
- Pass score: The required pass mark remains 439, set during the July 2025 standard-setting exercise.
- Exam format: Multiple-choice questions only, no short-answer or write-in questions.
- Timing: More time per question, with a shorter overall exam appointment length.
Candidates are receiving two documents in their accounts:
- Statement of Results (SOR): Your official pass/fail outcome and total score.
- Supplemental Information Report (SIR): A breakdown of your performance by domain, with comparison data.
How Do These Results Compare to April 2025?
April 2025 was the first session under the new model, and many candidates (especially IMGs) noticed higher pass rates than expected. With September’s release, a similar trend is emerging:
- More candidates are passing, particularly those who adapted early to MCQ-only prep.
- Performance gaps are showing in areas like communication and psychosocial aspects, where time management is still a challenge.
- Consistency: The scoring scale and 439 pass mark are holding steady, giving this cycle a stronger sense of predictability.
In other words, if April felt like an experiment, September’s results confirm the new system is here to stay.
How MedCognito Students Performed
The September 2025 results are in, and once again, MedCognito students showed outstanding success on the MCCQE1. Dozens of our candidates crossed the 439 pass score benchmark, proving that focused, blueprint-driven prep makes the difference. Here’s a look at some of the real pass outcomes from this session.
To read more testimonials, click here.
What Your Score Really Means
On the new scale:
- 300–438 = Fail
- 439+ = Pass
But it’s not just about hitting 439. Your SIR report will show:
- Relative strengths and weaknesses across the eight MCCQE domains (e.g., acute care, chronic care, communication).
- How does your performance compare to the average candidate in this session?
- Whether time management or content gaps were the real reason behind a lower score.
Think of your score as more than a number — it’s a roadmap for what to do next.
If You Didn’t Pass: Your Next Steps
Missing the cutoff stings, especially after months of prep. But this is not the end. Here’s what you should do:
- Review your SIR carefully — it tells you exactly where you fell short.
- Plan your retake strategically — don’t rush back into another sitting without targeted prep.
- Focus on MCQ practice — older strategies built around write-ins won’t serve you anymore.
- Use updated prep resources — MedCognito’s MCCQE1 course, for example, was fully rebuilt around the April 2025 format, with adaptive drills and live support.
What This Means for Future Candidates
If you’re scheduled for a 2026 sitting (or even late 2025), here’s the bottom line:
- Prepare for the exam you’ll actually face, not the old version.
- Prioritize timed MCQs and blueprint-based study.
- Don’t obsess over “the curve.” The MCCQE1 is criterion-referenced, meaning you only need to meet the pass score, not outperform others.
The September results confirm that clarity and focus are paying off. Candidates who leaned into the new format and built test-taking stamina did significantly better.
Final Thoughts
The September 2025 MCCQE1 results are more than just a grade release they’re proof that the exam’s transformation is settling into place. With the new pass score of 439, a streamlined format, and clearer performance feedback, candidates now have both more transparency and more responsibility.
If you passed: congratulations, you’re one step closer to practicing medicine in Canada.
If you didn’t, you now have the data and the tools to turn things around.
Ready to align your prep with the new MCCQE1? Explore MedCognito’s updated MCCQE1 Prep Course — built for the 2025 exam and beyond.
