MCCQE Part 1 Exam Dates 2026-2027: All Sessions and Deadlines

The MCCQE Part 1 runs four sessions per year. Registration opens five months before each session, and it's first-come, first-served. If you miss a window, you wait months for the next one.

The Medical Council of Canada has confirmed all eight exam sessions through 2027. This page has every date, registration window, cost, and result timeline in one place. Bookmark it.

Key Takeaways

• The MCCQE Part 1 has 4 sessions per year in 2026 and 4 in 2027 (MCC, 2026)
• Registration opens ~5 months before each session on a first-come, first-served basis
• The exam costs CAD $1,500 (non-refundable). Withdrawal fee is $750
• The October session is the shortest (21 days) and fills up fastest
• Results take 8-10 weeks after your session ends

2026 MCCQE Part 1 Exam Dates

The MCC offers four testing windows in 2026 (MCC Scheduling, 2026). Two sessions have already passed. Two remain open for new registrations.

If you're reading this in mid-2026, Session 3 (August-September) is your next option. Session 4 (October) is the shortest window at just 21 days, so seats fill faster.

The exam is administered at Prometric test centers worldwide. You pick your date and location within the session window when you schedule your appointment.

Worth noting: The April-May session gives you the longest testing window (36 days), which means more flexibility to pick a convenient date. October is the opposite: 21 days, fewer slots, less room to reschedule if something comes up.

For a full breakdown of what's on the exam, read our MCCQE Part 1 guide.

2027 MCCQE Part 1 Exam Dates

The MCC has published all four 2027 session dates (MCC Scheduling, 2026). No other blog covers these yet.

Compared to 2026, the 2027 sessions shifted slightly. Session 1 (January) is five days shorter. Session 2 (April-June) remains the longest window. Session 4 (October) gained one extra day.

If you're planning to take the exam in 2027, mark your calendar for August 2026. That's when Session 1 registration opens.

How to Register for the MCCQE Part 1

Registration isn't instant. The full process takes weeks, sometimes months, depending on how fast your medical school responds. Here's the sequence:

Step 1: Create your physiciansapply.ca account. This is the MCC's central portal. All exam registration, score reports, and eligibility tracking happens here.

Step 2: Request source verification. Your medical school must confirm your enrollment or graduation directly to the MCC. This step is the bottleneck. Some schools take 4-6 weeks.

Step 3: Receive eligibility confirmation. The MCC reviews your file and grants a 12-month eligibility window. You must schedule and sit within that window, or it expires.

Step 4: Schedule your appointment. When registration opens for your target session (approximately 5 months before), log in and book your date and Prometric center. Slots are first-come, first-served.

From AllQbanks users: Several students have told us they started the source verification process too late and missed their target session entirely. Start the process at least 6 months before your preferred exam date. Don't wait for registration to open.

If you're an IMG and wondering whether you qualify, check our MCCQE eligibility guide.

When Do MCCQE Part 1 Results Come Out?

The MCC releases scores 8-10 weeks after each session ends (MCC, 2026). Results appear in your physiciansapply.ca portal. There is no email notification for some candidates, so check the portal directly.

Here are the estimated result dates for 2026:

If you're planning around CaRMS deadlines, the April-May session gives you results by late July. That's early enough to include your score in your CaRMS application. The October session cuts it close: results in late December leave almost no buffer.

For help understanding your score once it arrives, read our MCCQE scoring guide. The exam uses a 300-600 scale with a pass score of 439.

How Much Does the MCCQE Part 1 Cost?

The exam application fee is CAD $1,500, and it's non-refundable (MCC, 2026).

If you withdraw after scheduling, the MCC charges a $750 withdrawal fee. That means you get back $750 of your $1,500. If you simply don't show up, you lose the full amount.

Additional costs to budget for:

• Prometric center fee: Varies by location (usually included in the $1,500 for Canadian centers)
• Travel and accommodation: If your nearest Prometric center is in another city
• Study materials: Qbanks, review courses, textbooks

International candidates pay the same $1,500 fee. There's no discount for IMGs or candidates outside Canada.

For a more detailed cost breakdown including study material costs and travel estimates, see our MCCQE cost guide.

Which MCCQE Session Should You Pick?

This depends on your situation. There's no single best session, but there is a best session for you.

If you have 3+ months to study: Pick the next available session. Longer preparation timelines don't always mean better scores. At some point, you're just reviewing the same material and losing sharpness. Our 3-month MCCQE study plan is built around this timeline.

If you have less than 3 months: Skip the next session and target the one after. Rushing into the exam unprepared wastes $1,500 and costs you 3 months of waiting before you can retake.

If you're an IMG applying to CaRMS: Target the April or August session. You'll get results by July or November, both early enough for CaRMS applications. Avoid October unless you've already matched or the CaRMS timeline doesn't affect you.

If you've failed before: You must wait at least 3 months between attempts. The MCC counts from your exam date, not your result date. Plan your retake around the next available session after the 3-month waiting period.

If you want the most scheduling flexibility: Go with April-May (36 days) or August-September (29 days). The October window is only 21 days, which gives you fewer backup dates if you need to reschedule.

What AllQbanks users report: Students who target the April session tend to study during the quieter winter months (January-March) with fewer distractions. Those targeting October often overlap with residency orientation or CaRMS prep, which splits their focus.

For tips on passing on your first attempt, read our first-attempt strategy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is the MCCQE Part 1 offered?

Four times per year: January, April, August, and October. Each session runs for 3-5 weeks at Prometric centers worldwide. The MCC has confirmed this schedule through 2027 (MCC, 2026).

Can I reschedule my MCCQE Part 1 exam?

Yes, but only within your session window and only if seats are available. If you need to reschedule after your session closes, the MCC charges a $750 withdrawal fee. You then have to register for a future session and pay the full $1,500 again.

How long is my MCCQE Part 1 eligibility valid?

Your eligibility lasts 12 months from the date the MCC confirms it. You must schedule and complete the exam within that window, or you'll need to reapply. The 12-month clock starts when your source verification is approved, not when you register.

Is the MCCQE Part 1 offered outside Canada?

Yes. The exam is available at Prometric test centers in over 160 countries. The fee is the same regardless of location. International candidates follow the same registration process through physiciansapply.ca.

What format is the MCCQE Part 1 in 2026?

Since April 2025, the exam is 230 multiple-choice questions with no CDM component. The test is split into two blocks of 115 questions with one optional 45-minute break. For details on the format change, see our 2026 format guide.

Start Preparing for Your Session

Pick your target session from the tables above and count backward. Three to six months of focused preparation is the sweet spot for most candidates.

If you're starting now, try our free MCCQE practice questions to gauge where you stand. Then build a study schedule around your session with our 3-month MCCQE study plan.

The exam dates aren't going to move. The only variable is how ready you'll be when yours arrives.