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: 226 (on 100-400 scale)
Test Format: 230 MCQs (6 hours)
Average Score - IMGs: 218.8-232.9
Average Score - CMGs: 250.1-258.4
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
MCCQE1 Scoring Details
- Pass mark determination: Criterion-referenced standard setting method (Modified Angoff and Borderline Group methods)
- Score scale range: 100-400 with the passing score set at approximately 226 (may vary slightly by session)
- Passing Score: 226
- Average scores by candidate type:
- First-time CMGs: 250.1 - 258.4
- First-time IMGs: 218.8 - 232.9
- Score validity period: Typically valid for 5 years for most regulatory purposes
- Results availability: Usually 6-8 weeks after the last exam day
MCCQE Part 1 Score Distribution
The horizontal box and whisker plot below illustrates the score distribution for different candidate groups, along with the passing threshold (approximately 226):
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 (approximately 226).
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
Data based on the 2023 MCCQE Part I Technical Report. Scores and pass rates may vary for future exam sessions.
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 having the highest IMG pass rate at 64.5%.
What is the passing score for MCCQE Part 1?
The MCCQE Part 1 passing score is approximately 226 on a scale of 100-400. This threshold is determined using criterion-referenced standard setting methods and may vary slightly between exam sessions based on exam difficulty.
How is the MCCQE Part 1 exam scored?
The MCCQE Part 1 uses a scoring scale of 100-400, with a passing threshold of approximately 226. Scores are determined using criterion-referenced methods (Modified Angoff and Borderline Group). The exam consists of about 230 multiple-choice questions, with 30 being pilot questions that don't count toward the final score.
What is the MCCQE Part 1 pass rate for IMGs?
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the MCCQE Part 1 pass rates for first-time test takers range from 47.7% to 64.5%, depending on the exam session. The highest pass rate for first-time IMGs was 64.5% in the August session. For repeat IMG test takers, pass rates range from 35.7% to 44.1%.
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