Medical Licensing
Doctors from the UK, Ireland, Australia, United States and South Africa have received an exemption from exams certification in Canada.
Physicians can apply through the Medical Council of Canada on www.physicianapply.ca to have their credentials evaluated and certified. This process will take at least three weeks if all of your documents are submitted. If the documents are delayed, the process for verification will take longer.
Once this is completed family physicians can apply to the College of family physicians of Canada for certification. With this certification, the physician can then apply to each individual province for a license to practice. In Ontario for example, the physician can apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) for medical license to practice in the province of Ontario.
Summary
Step 1
Medical Council of Canada: www.physicianapply.ca
Step 2
College of Family Physicians of Canada Application
![](https://doctorstocanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/logo-cfpc.png"){kind=logo}
Step 3
Provincial Licensing Approval:
College of Physician and Surgeons of Ontario / Alberta/ BC/ Nova Scotia
![](https://doctorstocanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CPSO_Logo_white.jpg"){kind=logo}
Medical licensing in Canada is a structured process that ensures physicians meet the necessary standards to practice safely and competently across the country. The steps to obtaining a medical license can vary slightly depending on the province, but the process generally includes the following key stages:
1. Educational Requirements
Candidates must complete a medical degree from an accredited institution. If a graduate completed their medical education outside of Canada, they must go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) process, which includes credential verification and assessments.
2. Examinations
Physicians must pass the MCC Evaluating Examination (MCCEE), or other equivalent exams like the MCC Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 and Part 2, which test the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for medical practice in Canada.
3. Certification by Royal College or College of Family Physicians
In addition to the MCC exams, candidates wishing to specialize must be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), while those pursuing family medicine must be certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
4. Residency Training
Foreign-trained physicians or graduates must often complete a period of residency training in Canada, though some may be eligible for a shorter residency based on their previous experience.
5. Licensing in a Province
Once exams and residency are completed, physicians can apply for licensure through the relevant provincial or territorial medical regulatory authority, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). They may also need to fulfill specific provincial requirements, such as language proficiency or additional exams.
6. Ongoing Professional Development
Once licensed, physicians are required to maintain their skills through continuous professional development and to comply with provincial laws, ethical guidelines, and medical practice standards.
Navigating the licensing process can be complex, but with proper guidance and support, physicians can successfully transition into practicing in Canada, benefiting from a well-established healthcare system and a high standard of living.