NAC examination reference materials and resources

The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is an examination that assesses the competence of international medical graduate candidates; specifically, the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for entrance into postgraduate training in Canada.

Examination duration and required materials
The duration of the examination itself is approximately four hours, and candidates should allow for five and a half to six hours for the administration of the exam. For security reasons, however, some candidates in certain cities may be required to remain on-site until a designated time following or prior to the examination. All candidates are required to function in a simulated clinical situation and must bring with them a plain white lab coat, a stethoscope and a reflex hammer.

Orientation presentation
Prior to the examination, candidates will receive a detailed orientation of the examination process on the day of the examination. Candidates who are not familiar with an OSCE examination may wish to review the following Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II (MCCQE Part II) orientation presentation as a general example of what is expected during a typical OSCE: http://www.mcc.ca/en/video/QEII-Orientation/index.html

MCC reference documents
While the NAC OSCE is a distinct examination, its general approach and its format are similar to that of the MCCQE Part II. To become familiar with the OSCE format, NAC OSCE candidates are encouraged to read the following documents pertaining to the MCCQE Part II:

Objectives for the Qualifying Examination
Using the Objectives for the Qualifying Examination as a study guide may be helpful for candidates taking the NAC OSCE. The Objectives serve as the basis for the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination and the MCCQE Part I and Part II. These Objectives also serve as a general overview of possible test material that may appear on the NAC OSCE. Note that the Objectives are organized in terms of clinical presentations. Under each clinical presentation is a set of learning objectives that are exactly what you, as an candidate, have to know for any of the MCC examinations.

When studying for an examination, systematically go through each clinical presentation and carefully read the related objectives. If you feel that your knowledge and skills related to a given objective are weak, then you know that this objective needs further study and will require you to consult a medical reference/textbook.

Reference books
Prior to the examination, individuals who are unfamiliar with disease management practices in North America may wish to consult Therapeutic Choices edited by Jean Gray, published by the Canadian Pharmacists Association, as a source of general information.

General IMG information
IMGs can also visit our Information for international medical graduates page for general information on beginning the process of obtaining a licence to practise medicine in Canada.


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