About the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

Is the MCC a "for-profit" organization?
How many examinations does the MCC offer?
Why take the MCC examinations?
Does the MCC have eligibility requirements for each examination?
Does the MCC offer any financial assistance for taking the examinations?
Does the MCC provide licensure to practise medicine?
Can the MCC register or certify me as a specialist?
How can I obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)?

Is the MCC a "for-profit" organization?

The MCC is a non-profit organization. Its funds are primary derived from the fees paid by candidates who use the MCC’s physician credentials repository (PCRC) and who take MCC examinations. The MCC has on occasion received government funding to pursue special projects and initiatives. It also receives income from an endowment that allows it to invest in assessment research and development.

How many examinations does the MCC offer?

The MCC offers three different examinations that lead candidates to obtaining its qualification, the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. These three examinations are:

The MCC, through the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC), also coordinates a clinical examination known as the NAC objective structured clinical examination (NAC OSCE). The NAC OSCE is offered to international medical graduates competing for Canadian residency positions. The MCC centrally co-ordinates this examination but it is delivered regionally through the provincial international medical graduate assessment programs.

Why take the MCC examinations?

Upon successful completion of the MCCQE Part I and MCCQE Part II, the candidate receives the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), and is included in the Canadian Medical Register. The LMCC is a prerequisite that provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities require for a licence to practise medicine in their jurisdiction.

Does the MCC have eligibility requirements for each examination?

There are different eligibility requirements for each examination. Information regarding eligibility requirements is available here:

Does the MCC offer any financial assistance for taking the examinations?

The Medical Council of Canada is a non-profit organization and, as such, does not have funds available for loans or grants, nor any information on where to obtain financial assistance.

Does the MCC provide licensure to practise medicine?

The MCC does not confer licensure to practise medicine; in Canada, this role is performed by provincial and territorial, medical regulatory authorities. When a candidate has satisfied the various requirements imposed by the medical regulatory authority, the final step towards licensure to practise is to submit an application to the Registrar of that medical regulatory authority. All inquiries regarding licensure requirements and opportunities, including special programs for international medical graduates, should be directed to the appropriate regulatory authority.

Can the MCC register or certify me as a specialist?

The MCC has no role in the certification or registration of physicians as specialists. Information concerning provincial medical licensing policies should be sought from the Registrar of the appropriate medical regulatory authority. Candidates are also encouraged to contact the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

How can I obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)?

In accordance with MCC bylaws, a medical graduate can be registered in the Canadian Medical Register and is provided the LMCC if he or she falls under one of the following two categories:

Candidates who have successfully completed the MCCQE prior to Jan. 1, 1992, upon submitting evidence in the form determined by the Executive Director confirming satisfactory completion of at least 12 months of acceptable postgraduate clinical medical training.

After Jan. 1, 1992, candidates who have successfully completed the MCCQE Part I and II.