Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$3,000 to CA$6,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
Not published
Issued by Provincial colleges of physicians and surgeons; Medical Council of Canada
Required to start: Practising medicine needs a licence from the provincial college of physicians and surgeons.
About
In Canada, you cannot practise medicine without a licence. The licence is granted by the college of physicians and surgeons in the province or territory where you want to work. The college's job is to protect the public by making sure doctors are qualified and fit to practise.
The Medical Council of Canada runs the national qualifying exams that most licensing bodies rely on. Passing them shows you have the knowledge and clinical skills expected of a new physician. A licence is needed in every medical career listed here, from family medicine to neonatology, oncology and clinical genetics. Specialists need the licence on top of their specialty training.
How to get it
Complete medical school
Earn a medical degree from a recognised medical school. Most applicants first finish a university undergraduate degree.
Pass the national qualifying exams
Sit the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exam and pass it. This proves your medical knowledge and your readiness for clinical practice.
Complete residency training
Finish a residency program in family medicine or a specialty. This supervised hospital and clinic training takes several years and is where you build your clinical skills.
Apply to the provincial college
Send your application to the college of physicians and surgeons in the province or territory where you plan to work. Include your degree, exam results, training records and identity documents.
Meet the college's other requirements
Provide references, a criminal record check and proof of good standing from any place you have practised before. You may also need to show proof of language ability or liability protection.
Receive your licence
Once the college approves your file, you are licensed and can legally practise medicine in that province or territory. You may start with a restricted licence and move to a full one later.
The exam
The Medical Council of Canada qualifying exam tests the medical knowledge and decision-making of new physicians. It includes a written exam made up of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Most candidates study for many months and use practice materials. Colleges may also expect passing results in specialty or family medicine certification exams as you progress.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory has its own college, so rules, forms and fees differ from place to place. A licence in one province does not automatically let you practise in another. Many colleges have agreements that make it easier to move between jurisdictions, but you still need to apply to the new college. Physicians trained outside Canada often face extra steps, such as exams, assessments or supervised practice.
Keeping it
Your licence must be renewed on a regular schedule, usually every year. You pay a renewal fee and confirm that you are still practising safely. Most colleges also require ongoing learning to keep your skills current. Failing to renew or to meet college rules can lead to restrictions or loss of your licence.