MCCQE Part I: What to Expect

Dr. Debra Pugh March 17, 2014

MCCQE Part I

• Based on MCC objectives• CanMEDs framework• 6 disciplines

– Medicine– Obstetrics and Gynecology– Pediatrics– Psychiatry– Surgery– PHELO (population health, ethical, legal, organizational

aspects of medicine)

MCCQE Part I

• 3 ½ hours, morning–196 MCQs

• 4 hours, afternoon–~80 CDMs

MCQ 75%

CDM 25%

MCQs

• 7 sections–28 MCQs in each –4 questions per discipline + 4 pilots–~ 30 minutes per section

• Computer-adaptive testing

Computer-adaptive testing

• Tailored to the ability of each candidate• Based on performance• Slightly easier or harder questions in next section

CDMs

• Not computer-adaptive• 45-55 case descriptions with 1 or more

questions–~80 questions in total–~ 3 minutes per question–Includes 10 pilot cases

CDMs – Short Menu

• ~10-40 options

• Follow directions closely–“Select one”–“Select up to 4”–“Select as many as appropriate”

CDMs – Write-in Questions

• Record only one answer per box provided–Score zero otherwise

• Be specific–“Hyperthyroidism” not “Thyroid

disease”• Use generic names for drugs, specify

dose and route if asked• Use single word or short phrases

DSM-V

• Where appropriate, Psychiatry questions will include both DSM-V and DSM-IV (in brackets) terminology

Depersonalization/derealization disorder (Depersonalization disorder)

Exam Strategy

• Manage your time• Answer all questions

– If you have to “guess” at an answer, try to eliminate as many incorrect answers as possible

• For CDMs–Follow directions (select up to 3 answers;

write in one answer)– If “select as many as appropriate” choose

only the answers that make sense • Penalized for selecting too many

unnecessary options

How to Prepare

• Study groups• Lectures (Back-to-Basics)• Review MCC objectives• Review exam demos • Practice examinations

Resources

Resources

• Many resources on MCC website (mcc.ca)– Complete list of objectives– Demos of instructions for CDMs and

MCQs– Examination demos– Self-administered exams ($)

Objectives

MCCQE Part I Demos

• Free demonstration available on MCC website

http://mcc.ca/→ Examinations→ Qualifying Examination Part I

→ Reference Materials and Resources

→ Examination demo

Exam Demos

Other Demos

• Instructional videos for the MCQ and CDM components – become familiar with the examination

interface and functionality– highly recommended that you review

(~ 40 minutes in total)

Self-administered examinations (MCC)• 96 MCQs• 4 “forms” available• Receive feedback on performance• ~ $68 per test

The Basics

• Know where you are going• Show up at least 30 minutes early with

your entrance card and ID• Arrive rested and well-fed• Relax!

–Everything you have learned in the past 4 years has prepared you for this

Questions?dpugh@toh.on.ca