A successful NAC Examination delivery
In October 2021 over 1,300 candidates completed the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination at nine centres and with physical distancing and other personal protective measures, as per the guidelines set by local public health authorities. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation in ensuring the safe administration of this exam. The health and safety of our candidates and all involved in our exams remains our priority during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NWhat is the NAC Examination
The NAC Examination is a one-day exam that assesses your readiness to enter a Canadian residency program. It is a national, standardized examination that tests the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for entrance into postgraduate training in Canada.
OSCE station description
The NAC Examination is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). For a given administration, all candidates rotate through the same series of stations. Each station is 11 minutes long with two minutes between stations.
At each station, a brief written statement introduces a clinical problem and outlines your tasks (e.g., take a history, describe a physical examination, etc.). In each station, there is at least one Standardized Participant (SP) and a Physician Examiner (PE).
An OSCE includes a series of stations where you are presented with typical clinical scenarios. It includes problems in:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health
You are assessed by physician examiners on up to seven different competencies per station. These competencies include:
- History taking
- Diagnosis
- Management
- Communication skills
- Physical examination
- Investigations
- Data interpretation
Click here for the full definition of each of these competencies.
You can take the NAC Examination in English or French at designated centres.
To find out how to prepare for the NAC Examination, including common mistakes that candidates make, and to learn more about the exam objectives, visit our NAC Examination preparation resources page.
Why should I take the NAC Examination?
The NAC Examination is required to apply to a Canadian residency program. The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) accepts NAC Examination results as part of match application packages.
The NAC Examination is not required to obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, and a pass does not guarantee a residency training position in Canada.
How do I take the NAC Examination?
You can apply to the NAC Examination during designated application periods through your physiciansapply.ca account. Your results will be accepted by residency programs directors regardless of where you take the exam. You do not have to take the examination in the province where you will be applying for residency.