MCCQE Part 1 Pass Rate: Statistics, Trends & What They Mean (2026)

"What's the pass rate?" is the first question every MCCQE candidate asks — and the hardest to get a straight answer on.

The MCC publishes some data, but it's scattered across reports, formatted for statisticians, and rarely explains what the numbers actually mean for your preparation. Add in the new 2026 exam format and a completely overhauled scoring system, and most candidates are confused before they even start studying.

Let's fix that. Here's everything you need to know about MCCQE Part 1 pass rates, broken down clearly.

The New MCCQE Part 1 Scoring System (2026)

Starting April 2025, the MCC introduced a new scoring scale. If you're seeing conflicting numbers online, this is why — older resources reference the previous system.

	Old System (Pre-April 2025)	New System (2026)
Score Range	100–400	300–600
Pass Score	226	439
Mean Score	~250	450
Standard Deviation	~40	30
Pass = Mean minus	~0.6 SD	~0.37 SD

What this means: The new pass score of 439 is statistically closer to the mean (450) than the old system's pass score was. In plain English, you need to perform just slightly below average to pass. This suggests the new system may result in slightly higher pass rates overall — but the MCC hasn't confirmed this officially yet.

MCCQE Part 1 Pass Rates by Candidate Type

The most important statistic: pass rates differ dramatically between Canadian/US medical graduates (CMGs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Historical Pass Rate Data (2023–2024)

Candidate Type	Pass Rate Range	Average
First-time CMGs	93–96%	~94%
First-time IMGs	47–64%	~58%
Repeat CMGs	Lower than first-time	Variable
Repeat IMGs	Lower than first-time	Variable

Source: Medical Council of Canada examination statistics

These numbers tell a clear story: the exam is designed to be passable for candidates trained in Canadian medical schools. For IMGs, the challenge is significantly greater — not because the exam is unfair, but because it tests Canadian-specific clinical knowledge that foreign training may not cover.

Pass Rates by Session (2023–2024)

Session	Overall Pass Rate
April	78.8%
August	62.1%
October	49.2%
January	63.3%

The April session consistently shows the highest pass rates. Why? Most Canadian MS4 students take the April exam immediately after clinical rotations — when their knowledge is freshest and most exam-relevant.

Later sessions tend to have higher proportions of IMGs and repeat candidates, which brings the overall rate down. This doesn't mean the exam itself is harder in October — the candidate mix is different.

What Affects Your Chances of Passing?

Forget averages for a moment. Here's what actually determines whether you pass:

1. Your Training Background

Background	Typical Readiness	Key Gap
Canadian MS4 (post-clerkship)	High	Stamina, not knowledge
Canadian resident	High	May be rusty on non-specialty topics
Recent IMG (< 2 years from graduation)	Moderate	Canadian guidelines, ethics, public health
Long-standing IMG (> 5 years)	Lower	Content currency, Canadian-specific content

2. Your Question Practice Volume

Candidates who complete 2,500–3,500+ practice questions pass at significantly higher rates than those who rely primarily on reading. Active recall through MCQ practice is the single most effective preparation method. See our MCCQE study plan for a structured approach.

3. Canadian Content Mastery

Questions on Canadian medical ethics (MAID, capacity, consent), CanMEDS roles, Canadian screening guidelines, and public health are where the international score gap is widest. These topics are straightforward to learn — but only if you specifically study them.

4. Test-Day Endurance

With 230 consecutive MCQs in the 2026 format, candidates who haven't trained their mental stamina consistently underperform in the final 50 questions. This is a trainable skill — full-length exam simulations build it.

What the 2026 Format Change Means for Pass Rates

The removal of the CDM section and shift to 100% MCQs could affect pass rates in several ways:

Factors that may increase pass rates:

Shorter exam (6.5 hours vs 9 hours) reduces fatigue-related mistakes
MCQ-only format is more familiar to most candidates
New scoring scale places the pass mark closer to the mean

Factors that may decrease pass rates:

MCQs are now more complex and nuanced to compensate for CDM removal
No partial credit — you either pick the right answer or you don't
Loss of the CDM "safety net" where basic clinical protocols earned reliable points

Net effect: Too early to determine definitively. The first full year of data under the new format (2025–2026 sessions) will tell the real story.

How to Beat the Statistics

If you're a CMG, the odds are in your favour — 94% of first-time test-takers pass. Don't get complacent, but also don't panic.

If you're an IMG, the 58% average doesn't define your outcome. Candidates who follow a structured study plan, use a comprehensive MCCQE question bank, and specifically target Canadian content consistently outperform that average.

Your preparation directly determines your pass probability. The statistics reflect population averages — not your ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do I need to pass the MCCQE Part 1 in 2026?

You need a score of 439 or higher on the new 300–600 scale. The mean score is set at 450 with a standard deviation of 30. Performing at or slightly below average is sufficient to pass. Your score report will show your total score and whether you passed or failed.

Is the MCCQE Part 1 harder than the USMLE?

They test different things. The MCCQE emphasizes Canadian clinical practice, ethics, and the CanMEDS framework. USMLE Step 2 CK integrates more basic science and US-specific guidelines. Many find the MCCQE's Canadian-specific content challenging if they haven't specifically studied it, while USMLE questions may feel more clinically complex. Neither is objectively "harder" — they're different exams for different systems.

Can I fail the MCCQE and retake it?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can retake the exam in any subsequent session after receiving your results. However, you must re-register and pay the exam fee each time. Results are typically released 8–12 weeks after the session ends.

What happens if I barely pass?

A pass is a pass. Your score is reported to medical regulatory authorities, but most residency programs and licensing bodies only check pass/fail status — they don't compare MCCQE scores between candidates. Focus on passing, not on score maximization.

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