Many candidates who do not pass on their first attempt worry about what happens next. Questions about limits, waiting periods, and reapplying are common. This article explains the MCCQE1 retake rules clearly and factually, based only on published policies.

All retake rules are set and enforced by the Medical Council of Canada.

Maximum Number of MCCQE Part I Attempts

You may take the MCCQE Part I up to a maximum of four times.

Important clarifications:

  • Exam attempts made before 2018 do not count toward the four attempt limit
  • A pass result ends eligibility, and you cannot retake the exam
  • A No Standing does not count as an attempt
  • A failed result or a Denied Standing does count as an attempt
  • The limited attempts policy applies to all candidates equally

Once you begin the exam, that sitting counts as an attempt.

Mandatory Waiting Period After Multiple Attempts

There is a specific waiting rule that applies after repeated attempts.

  • After your third attempt, you must wait one year from the date you receive your result before reapplying for a fourth attempt
  • This one-year waiting period cannot be shortened or waived

No other waiting periods are explicitly stated in the published rules.

Reapplying After an Unsuccessful Attempt

You must reapply before scheduling another exam.

Application and Scheduling Rules

  • You cannot schedule an exam until your application is accepted
  • After acceptance, you receive a 12-month eligibility window
  • You must schedule and write the exam within that window
  • Scheduling for each session opens approximately five months before the session start date

Unless extended, your eligibility window ends when one of the following happens:

  1. Twelve months pass
  2. You write the exam
  3. You withdraw from the exam
  4. You are absent from the exam

Fees When Retaking the MCCQE Part I

When reapplying for another attempt, candidates must:

  • Submit payment for the MCCQE Part I application fee

No specific fee amounts are stated in the published rules.

Documentation Requirements When Reapplying

Documentation requirements depend on your status at the time of reapplication.

International Medical Students

  • If your expected graduation date has changed since your original Student Attestation Form, you must submit a new form

Students Who Become Graduates

  • You must submit a source verification request for your medical degree through your physiciansapply.ca account

Medical Graduates

  • If your final medical degree diploma was already submitted and verified, you do not need to resubmit it

Identity Documents

  • You may need to provide new acceptable identity documents if your previous identity documents have expired

Account Notifications and Confirmation

After reapplying:

  • You will receive a message in your physiciansapply.ca account once your application is accepted
  • This message confirms that you may schedule your exam with Prometric

For international medical graduates, scheduling becomes available once all documents are reviewed and accepted in the account.

Important Reminder

MCCQE Part I retake policies may change. Candidates must always verify current rules, eligibility status, and documentation requirements through their physiciansapply.ca account and official Medical Council of Canada guidance.

This article is for educational clarity and does not guarantee eligibility, scheduling availability, or exam outcomes.

Final Takeaway

If you are reviewing MCCQE1 retake rules, the key points are:

  • A maximum of four attempts is allowed
  • A one-year waiting period applies after the third attempt
  • Passing the exam ends retake eligibility
  • Reapplication and documentation review are required for each attempt
  • Scheduling depends on eligibility approval and session availability

For structured explanations and planning support, you may explore MedCognito MCCQE Part I resources designed for both international and Canadian medical graduates.