My roadmap
Welcome! Your roadmap to medical practice in Canada.
This roadmap is for international medical graduates (IMGs) from French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. It outlines the main steps and how PLE supports you: adapt it to your profile and intended province.
Before you start: plan for a budget, time and support from your loved ones.
Progress1 of 6 steps completed
✓Get oriented✓ Completed
Understand the options open to you.
Overview
Based on your profile (training, specialty, experience, intended province), identify the pathway into medicine that suits you. Check that your medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (wdoms.org) and read the Medical Council of Canada’s information for international medical graduates (mcc.ca).
Checklist
Ticking a checklist does not establish eligibility to practise: only official bodies decide that.
PLE tip
Take time to compare pathways before committing money. Members recommend noting your intended province’s requirements right away.
Useful resources
Next action
Check my school on wdoms.org ↗2Open your account and build your file● In progress
Build a complete, compliant file.
Overview
Create your account on physiciansapply.ca (inscriptionmed.ca) and submit your credentials for source verification. Prepare certified true copies and, where required, translations that meet current requirements.
Checklist
Ticking a checklist does not establish eligibility to practise: only official bodies decide that.
Official requirement
Requirements for certified copies and translations are set by official bodies: check them on physiciansapply.ca before sending documents.
Useful resources
Next action
Get my copies certified →3Prepare for and take the MCCQE Part I (QE1)○ Not started
Prepare early and strategically.
Overview
The MCCQE Part I (QE1) assesses medical knowledge and clinical decision-making. Check mcc.ca for the current format, delivery options (including outside Canada or online), eligibility and how it relates to source verification before choosing your date.
Checklist
Ticking a checklist does not establish eligibility to practise: only official bodies decide that.
PLE tip
Members’ planning advice: set your date 8 to 12 months ahead so you can prepare without rushing.
Useful resources
- Toronto Notes★ Members
- Canada Qbank★ Members
Between steps 3 and 4
The PLE roadmap presents the MCCQE Part I and the NAC examination without a mandatory order: what matters is passing both before step 6. Confirm the requirements and deadlines for your pathway with official bodies.
4Prepare for and take the NAC examination○ Not started
Develop your clinical and communication skills.
Overview
The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) examination is an objective structured clinical examination: encounters with simulated patients assess history-taking, physical examination, communication and patient counselling. Check locations, format and available sessions on mcc.ca.
Checklist
Ticking a checklist does not establish eligibility to practise: only official bodies decide that.
PLE tip
Members’ experience: practise with a partner for about two months before the exam.
Useful resources
- CMPA and Ethics360Public
- Choosing Wisely CanadaPublic
Next action
Register for a clinical practice session →5Language, CV, references and motivation letters○ Not started
Build a strong, credible profile.
Overview
Depending on your intended province, a language proficiency test may be required. Build a distinctive CV: observerships, research, volunteering and community involvement. Request relevant reference letters and write motivation letters that highlight your journey and skills.
Checklist
Ticking a checklist does not establish eligibility to practise: only official bodies decide that.
PLE tip
Make a positive impression: community involvement and volunteering help tell your story.
Useful resources
- Pathway preparation workbook★ Members
Next action
Open the workbook CV checklist →6Residency and licence○ Not started
Several routes lead to medical practice.
Overview
CaRMS route: match, residency, then a licence from the province’s medical regulator (the CMQ in Quebec). The roadmap also cites other routes — CÉDIS, restrictive permits and externship — each with distinct eligibility requirements. These acronyms and terms must be verified with the regulator of your chosen province.
Checklist
Ticking a checklist does not establish eligibility to practise: only official bodies decide that.
Official requirement
Each route has its own conditions: check them with your chosen province’s regulator before planning.
Useful resources
- Specialty certificationPublic
- Family medicinePublic
Next action
Review CMQ routes →