International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are a diverse group from medical schools around the world. Every person’s unique story reflects a broad range of experience, from years of practice to no patient experience at all. As medical education varies widely among IMGs, prior to gaining access to residency in Canada, all IMGs must complete a series of standardized assessments to ensure they meet the minimum Canadian medical education standards and have the required skills to start residency training.
IMGs seeking to be matched to a residency position in British Columbia are required to participate in UBC’s Clinical Assessment Program (CAP). The CAP provides a transparent and equitable process designed to support UBC residency programs’ assessment of candidates’ past clinical experience as both a learner and a practitioner, and to evaluate their potential for success in residency training and suitability for working in communities across B.C. Since 2017, the number of CAP positions has tripled from 100 to 300.
Program Overview
UBC’s Clinical Assessment Program will only be offered in the fall of each year. All 300 selected candidates will take the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) assessment in one weekend. For applicants applying to a 2022 CAP position, a combination of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCCQE1) score, the National Assessment Collaboration Examination (NAC OSCE) score, and a comprehensive file review will be used to select candidates for a CAP position.
Over the course of the one-day assessment using the MMI format, candidates will participate in a series of structured oral interviews, with each interview assessing their competence relative to one of more of the CanMEDS roles.
At the end of the assessment a written evaluation will be submitted on the candidate’s behalf to CaRMS.
In 2017, CAP was streamlined from four weeks to a one-day, mandatory evaluation. Completion of this standardized assessment is mandatory for all IMGs applying to UBC residency positions. Please note that if you participated in the previous four-week CAP, you will need to take part in the new one-day assessment in order to apply to a UBC residency position.
Medical Council of Canada Examinations and the Clinical Assessment Program eligibility
As a result of the elimination of the MCC Evaluating Examination by the Medical Council of Canada, beginning in 2019, IMGs will be required to take the MCCQE Part I to apply to a residency position in B.C.
To apply for the 2022 CAP cycle, you must complete the MCCQE Part 1 and the NAC OSCE no later than September 2022.
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1:
For the 2022 CAP cycle, the last MCCQE Part 1 session accepted by CAP is September 21, 2022.Taking the MCCQE Part 1 in the Oct-Nov session will not allow enough time for you to receive your results and to apply to CAP. As the results are made available by the MCC approximately eight weeks after the last day of the session, results from the Oct-Nov session will not be provided in time for CAP File Review and MMI Candidate selection in late November.
Please note: If you have taken CAP in 2018 and have a valid CAP Letter, you may take the Oct-Nov session to apply to the 2023 R-1 CaRMS Match.
NAC Examination (NAC OSCE):
For the 2022 CAP cycle, the last NAC OSCE session accepted by CAP is September 18, 2022. The September 2022 NAC OSCE will be an in-person exam. The NAC results are scheduled for release approximately eight weeks after the last day of the examination session.
For information on any changes to the NAC Examination, please visit the NAC Examination FAQ page.
2022 Clinical Assessment Program Timeline
Refer to the IMGBC Timeline page for 2022/23 key dates.
Apply to the Program
To apply for the Clinical Assessment Program, you will need to demonstrate:
- You are a final-year medical student or graduate from a medical school listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools by the application deadline.
- You are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- You have passed your Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1)
- You have passed your NAC Examination (NAC OSCE)
Should you wish to apply to the Clinical Assessment Program as a B.C. resident, you will need to demonstrate your residency. You will be asked to submit your Personal Health Number found on your BC Services or BC Care Card. The coverage must be valid through the entire application cycle and will be checked. The IMGBC Office may ask for additional documentation if required to clarify residency status.
You are considered a B.C. resident if:
- You hold current BC medical coverage (MSP)