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.
Competitive Stream (Medical Residency Stream Pilot)
The Province of British Columbia launched a new medical residency stream pilot in 2024 which offers up to 20 expanded residency opportunities to Canadian Medical Graduates and International Medical Graduates. To accommodate the Competitive Stream, as of 2023 the number of CAP positions has increased from 300 to 360. For more information about the Competitive Stream, please refer to the Ministry of Health website.
Program Overview
UBC’s Clinical Assessment Program will only be offered in the fall of each year. For applicants applying to a CAP position, a combination of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) Part 1 score, the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination score, and a comprehensive file review will be used to select candidates for a CAP position. All selected candidates will take the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) assessment in one weekend.
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 or more of the CanMEDS roles. At the end of the assessment a written evaluation will be submitted on the candidate’s behalf to CaRMS. CAP scores are valid for three years.
2025 Clinical Assessment Program Timeline
The CAP Timeline is established in response to the CaRMS deadlines and the Medical Council of Canada’s session dates for the MCCQE Part 1 and the NAC Examination.
Refer to the IMGBC Timeline page for 2025/26 key dates.
Apply to the Program
To apply for the Clinical Assessment Program in 2025, 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 the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1
Should you wish to apply to the Clinical Assessment Program as a B.C. resident, you will need to demonstrate your residency by submitting 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)