The National Assessment Collaboration-Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC-OSCE) is designed to evaluate the medical knowledge and clinical skills of applicants, including communication and patient management skills.
The exam is a part of the evaluation process used by Canadian residency programs to assess the readiness of IMGs and DOs to enter into postgraduate medical training programs in Canada. It is a critical step in the process of obtaining a residency training position in Canada.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and graduates of osteopathic medical schools in the United States (DOs) are required to take the NAC-OSCE exam if they intend to apply for Canadian residency programs.
Applying for the NAC-OSCE is conveniently accessible through the physiciansapply.ca portal, where you are requested to select three exam centres in order of preference.
Remember, you can take the NAC-OSCE exam only thrice, and it is conducted twice a year, in March and September.
Exam Locations
• Edmonton (English)
• Winnipeg (English)
• Ontario: London (English), Ottawa (English and French), Sudbury (English), Toronto (English)
• Saskatchewan: Saskatoon (English)
Future NAC Examination Centres
Centres:
• Alta. – Edmonton (English)
• Alta. – Calgary (English)
• Man.– Winnipeg (English)
• Ont. – London (English)
• Ont. – Ottawa (English)
• Ont. – Sudbury (English)
• Ont. – Toronto (English)
• Sask.– Saskatoon (English)
• N.S. – Halifax (English)
- Review Your Schedule: Ensure that the NAC-OSCE exam date fits your commitments.
- Preparation Status: Assess your readiness for the NAC-OSCE.
- Registration Deadlines: Don't miss crucial registration cutoffs.
- Travel and Accommodation: Plan logistics if the exam location is distant.
- Contingency Planning: Consider backup plans for unforeseen circumstances leading to the NAC-OSCE exam date.
- Financial Readiness: Check fees and budget for the exam.
- Support System: Evaluate your support network for the exam journey.
- Health and Well-being: Prioritize self-care leading up to the exam.
- Previous Exam Feedback: Learn from past experiences if applicable.
- Final Decision: Make a well-informed choice regarding the NAC-OSCE exam dates.
Personal Items:
Disclose all items at registration. Bring a small nut-free snack & clear water bottle in a lab coat pocket. Eating is only allowed before/after the exam & water is permitted during.
Registration:
You will receive an Entrance Card prior to the scheduled NAC-OSCE exam date. It is important to print this card and bring it with you for admission on exam day. Please arrive on time, as being more than 15 minutes late for registration may result in denial of entry to the examination.
Conduct and Behavior:
During the exam, speaking to anyone other than the site staff is prohibited. The use of communication devices, including cell phones or tablets, is not permitted. Additionally, you are not allowed to wear watches of any kind on exam day.
Confidentiality:
Maintaining exam confidentiality is crucial. Discussing exam content before, during, or after the exam, sharing it with colleagues or future candidates, or posting it online is strictly prohibited. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action and denial of exam results.
Reporting Incidents:
If you experience procedural irregularities or extenuating circumstances on the NAC-OSCE exam day, immediately notify the staff on site. You must also report these incidents to the Medical Council of Canada through your physiciansapply.ca account within seven days of your exam.
Moving Between Stations:
You will move from station to station during the exam. Instructions for each station will be posted next to the door and provided inside the room. Take the time to read the instructions carefully and prioritize tasks when necessary.
When you register for the NAC OSCE exam, you will be asked to select your centre preferences. You can select up to three centres, and the MCC will do its best to assign you to one of your preferred centres. However, keep in mind that the MCC cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to your preferred centre.
If you have a scheduling conflict with the NAC OSCE exam dates, you can contact the MCC to request a reschedule. To do this, you must submit a request in writing to the MCC at least four weeks before the exam date.
In your request, you must explain the reason for your scheduling conflict and provide documentation to support your request. For example, if you have a medical appointment that conflicts with the exam date, you must provide a letter from your doctor.
The latest day you can withdraw from the NAC OSCE exam is four weeks before the exam date. If you cancel after this date, you will forfeit your exam fee.
You can see the final schedule on the MCC website. The exam is held twice a year!
You will be considered absent if you do not show up for your NAC OSCE exam. Absentees are not eligible to reschedule the exam, and their exam fee will be forfeited.
NAC OSCE exam results are typically released within six weeks of the exam date. You can view your results by logging into your MCC account.
Abzi Academy offers a comprehensive review program designed to help you succeed in your NAC-OSCE. Our experienced instructors and customized study materials can give you the confidence you need to excel on test day.