MCCQE Part 1: Scoring & Pass Rates
MCCQE Part 1 Key Facts
IMG Pass Rates: 47.7-64.5% (first attempt)
CMG Pass Rates: 87.9-96.2% (first attempt)
Passing Score: 439 (on 300-600 scale)
Test Format: 230 MCQs (6 hours)
Score scale: 300–600
Mean (SD): 450 (30)
MCCQE Part 1 Overview
The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I is a crucial step for medical licensure in Canada. This computer-based test assesses the critical medical knowledge and clinical decision-making ability of candidates at the level of a medical student completing their medical degree.
The MCCQE Part I consists of single best-answer multiple-choice questions that evaluate your knowledge of medicine and clinical reasoning skills.
MCCQE Part 1 Pass Rates
Pass rates vary significantly by candidate type and exam session:
MCCQE Part 1 Pass Rates for IMGs (International Medical Graduates)
| Candidate Type | Pass Rate Range |
|---|---|
| First-time IMG test takers | 47.7% - 64.5% |
| Repeat IMG test takers | 35.7% - 44.1% |
MCCQE Part 1 Pass Rates for CMGs (Canadian/US Medical Graduates)
| Candidate Type | Pass Rate Range |
|---|---|
| First-time CMG test takers | 87.9% - 96.2% |
| Repeat CMG test takers | 75.5% - 84.9% |
Overall MCCQE Part 1 Pass Rates by Session (2023/24)
| Session | Pass Rate | Test Takers |
|---|---|---|
| April | 78.8% | 3,888 |
| August | 62.1% | 1,550 |
| October | 49.2% | 923 |
| January | 63.3% | 1,276 |
MCCQE Part 1 Scoring System
Scoring details
- Pass mark determination: Criterion-referenced standard setting method (Modified Angoff and Borderline Group methods)
- Score scale range: 300-600 with the passing score set at 439
- Passing Score: 439
- Mean (SD): 450 (30)
- Guidance: Compare scores by how far they are from the pass score (in SD units). Small differences should not be overinterpreted; total scores are most precise near the pass score. Use total score rather than subscores.
- Results availability: Usually 6-8 weeks after the last exam day
Score distribution by candidate group
The horizontal box and whisker plot below illustrates the score distribution for different candidate groups, along with the pass threshold (439).
Note: The box plots show the score distribution for each group. The box represents the interquartile range (25th to 75th percentile), the line inside the box is the median, and the whiskers extend to the minimum and maximum values. The vertical orange line indicates the passing threshold (439).
MCCQE Part 1 Exam Format
- Question count: Approximately 230 single best-answer multiple-choice questions (including 30 pilot questions not counted toward your score)
- Test duration: 6 hours total (includes a 45-minute optional break, split between two 3-hour MCQ sections)
- Content areas: Tests knowledge across diverse clinical domains including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine
Use total scores for decision-making; small score differences should not be overinterpreted. Subscores are less reliable and are intended for formative feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate for MCCQE Part 1?
The overall MCCQE Part 1 pass rate varies by session and candidate type. For Canadian/US medical graduates (CMGs), first-time pass rates range from 87.9% to 96.2%. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), first-time pass rates range from 47.7% to 64.5%, with the August session historically having the highest IMG pass rate.
What is the passing score for MCCQE Part 1?
The pass score is 439 on a score scale of 300-600. This criterion-referenced standard supports consistent pass/fail decisions across sessions.
How is the MCCQE Part 1 exam scored?
Scores are reported on a 300-600 scale, with a pass score of 439. The exam uses criterion-referenced methods (e.g., Modified Angoff and Borderline Group), with equating/linking to account for form difficulty. Total scores are most precise near the pass score; use total scores rather than subscores for comparisons.
How should I compare scores across years?
Because scales can change over time, compare scores by how far they are from the pass score (in SD units) rather than raw points. For example, 469 is 1 SD above the pass score of 439.
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