| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 6 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Certification of Specialists
The Royal College certifies physicians in over 60 specialties (e.g., Cardiology, Surgery, Neurology, Psychiatry).
Physicians must complete Royal College-approved postgraduate medical education (residency) and pass the Royal College exam to become a certified specialist (Fellow).
Setting Standards
The college develops and maintains high national standards for medical specialist training, including curricula, assessment, and accreditation of residency programs across Canada.
Residency Accreditation
It works with Canadian universities and teaching hospitals to accredit residency training programs.
Ensures programs meet national and international quality benchmarks.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Through its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program, the Royal College supports ongoing learning and skill development for practicing specialists.
After certification, physicians earn the title FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada) or FRCSC (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada), depending on their field.
This is a prestigious designation, widely recognized in Canada and internationally.
IMGs who wish to practice as specialists in Canada must go through a credential assessment, often complete residency retraining, and pass the Royal College exams.
The process can vary by province and depends on prior qualifications and experience.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Internal Medicine and subspecialties (e.g., Cardiology, Gastroenterology)
Surgery and surgical specialties (e.g., Orthopedics, Neurosurgery)
Psychiatry
Pediatrics
Anesthesiology
Radiology
Pathology
Emergency Medicine
Medical Genetics
Neurology
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC): Regulates family doctors.
Medical Council of Canada (MCC): Handles licensing exams (like the MCCQE) for all physicians, including general practitioners and specialists.
Here’s what the Royal College provides in terms of professional medical training and development:
The Royal College certifies physicians in over 60 medical and surgical specialties after they complete:
An accredited residency program in Canada (or approved international equivalent)
The Royal College certification exam in their chosen specialty
Some of the specialties include:
Internal Medicine
General Surgery
Cardiology
Anesthesiology
Orthopedic Surgery
Psychiatry
Neurology
Radiology
Pediatrics
Pathology
Emergency Medicine
And many others
After a primary specialty, doctors may pursue further training in subspecialties such as:
Gastroenterology
Interventional Cardiology
Neonatology
Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
These also require additional fellowship training and another Royal College exam.
For certified physicians, the Royal College offers:
The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program
CPD activities including online learning, workshops, webinars, conferences
Physicians must earn CPD credits annually to maintain their license and stay current in their field
To become a Royal College-certified specialist:
Medical Degree (MD) – from Canada or an approved international school
Postgraduate Residency Training – in an accredited Canadian program
Royal College Exam – pass the specialty-specific examination
Certification – receive FRCPC or FRCSC designation
MOC/CPD – maintain certification through ongoing learning
The Royal College evaluates IMGs through:
Assessment of Training
Subspecialty recognition (if applicable)
Eligibility to challenge the Royal College exams if equivalency is established
Some IMGs may need to:
Complete additional residency or fellowship training in Canada
Pass Medical Council of Canada exams (e.g., MCCQE) as part of licensure
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is not a college or university that offers academic programs or degrees. Instead, it is the national professional body responsible for:
Setting standards for medical specialist education
Certifying physicians in over 60 specialties and subspecialties
Accrediting residency and fellowship training programs in Canada
Managing ongoing professional development for doctors
If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG) who wants to become a licensed medical specialist in Canada, the Royal College plays a key role in your journey.
International medical graduates who want to practice as specialist physicians or surgeons in Canada must go through the Royal College for certification in their specialty.
This applies to IMGs who wish to work in:
Internal Medicine
General Surgery
Cardiology
Anesthesiology
Psychiatry
Neurology
Pediatrics
And many other disciplines (except family medicine, which is handled by the College of Family Physicians of Canada)
Complete Medical School in your home country (recognized by the Medical Council of Canada).
Submit your credentials to the Royal College for an Assessment of Training.
They’ll compare your postgraduate education (residency/fellowship) to Canadian standards.
If deemed substantially equivalent, you may be allowed to:
Challenge the Royal College Certification Exam directly
Or, be asked to complete additional residency training in Canada
Once you pass the exam, you become a Fellow of the Royal College (FRCPC or FRCSC).
After certification, you can apply for licensure to practice in a Canadian province or territory.
The Royal College does not offer academic programs such as bachelor's, master's, or PhDs.
It does not admit students — it evaluates qualified doctors who have already completed postgraduate medical training.
To practice in Canada, you may also need to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) and meet provincial licensing requirements.
If you're a student wanting to study medicine in Canada, you'll need to apply to a Canadian medical school (e.g., University of Toronto, McGill, UBC). After completing your MD and residency in Canada, you’ll then interact with the Royal College for specialist certification.
If you're already a doctor or specialist trained abroad, you can apply to the Royal College for assessment and certification based on your qualifications.
You must first complete your MD (Doctor of Medicine) or equivalent from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
You must complete specialty training (residency) in your home country or elsewhere. The Royal College will assess whether your residency training is substantially equivalent to Canadian standards.
Submit an application to the Royal College’s Office of Credentialing.
You’ll need:
Medical degree and residency certificates
Transcripts or training documents
Letters from your training program director or supervisors
A detailed breakdown of your postgraduate training
The Royal College will:
Review your training
Determine whether it is substantially equivalent to a Canadian program
Let you know if you're eligible to challenge the certification exam directly or need further training in Canada
If approved, you will be invited to take the Royal College exam in your specialty. This exam tests knowledge, clinical judgment, and decision-making.
If you pass, you earn the title:
FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada)
Or FRCSC (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada)
After certification, you can then apply for a provincial or territorial license to practice medicine in Canada. Each province has its own medical regulatory authority (College of Physicians and Surgeons).
You may be required to:
Complete additional residency training in Canada
Join a Canadian fellowship or bridging program
Gain supervised practice before you're eligible for certification
This process is for physicians, not students.
If you’re a student wanting to study medicine in Canada, you must apply to a Canadian medical school (e.g., UBC, U of T, McGill), not the Royal College.
The Royal College steps in after medical school and residency, when it’s time for certification.
There are no fixed academic intakes (like Fall, Winter, or Spring) because the Royal College:
Accepts applications year-round
Reviews eligibility for assessment and certification on an individual basis
Schedules certification exams in specific sessions (usually once or twice per year, depending on the specialty)
You can submit your documents and apply for assessment any time. If eligible, you’ll be invited to register for the next available Royal College exam in your specialty.
You must hold a medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
The degree must be verified through physiciansapply.ca.
You must have completed specialist residency training in a recognized institution (either in Canada or internationally).
Your training will be reviewed by the Royal College's assessment team to determine if it's substantially equivalent to a Canadian training program.
The Royal College itself doesn't assess language, but you may need to prove language proficiency when:
Applying for licensure with a provincial medical college
Registering with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
You must apply for an Assessment of Training via the Royal College’s International Office.
The Royal College will review your:
Residency program curriculum
Clinical experience
Letters from training directors
Credentials
If your training is approved, you’ll be allowed to challenge the Royal College Certification Exam in your specialty.
If not equivalent, you may be required to undergo:
Additional residency in Canada
A bridging program
Practice-ready assessment
Scholarship / Award Name |
Eligibility |
Approx. Value (CAD) |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Royal College International Development, Aid & Collaboration (IDAC) Grant |
International medical educators, researchers, or institutions |
Up to $10,000 |
Support for medical education or health system development projects |
|
Royal College Visiting Scholar Program |
International medical educators or leaders in specialist training |
Travel + honorarium |
To share knowledge and collaborate with Canadian institutions |
|
Dr. Thomas Dignan Indigenous Health Award |
Canadian physicians (including Indigenous physicians) |
$2,000 |
Recognizes leadership in Indigenous health |
|
Royal College Research Grants |
Fellows or residents involved in specialty education research |
$5,000 – $25,000 |
Supports studies that improve medical education |
|
Regional Professional Development Grants |
Physicians or Fellows (Canada and international) |
N/A |
For innovative continuing professional development (CPD) initiatives |
Facility Type |
Availability |
Details |
Accommodation Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Main Campus / Headquarters |
Ottawa, Ontario |
Administrative and examination offices only – no classroom or student campus |
— |
|
Student Housing / Dorms |
Not Available |
No on-campus housing provided |
— |
|
Exam Center Facilities |
(Occasional use) |
Used for certification exams; no permanent student accommodation |
— |
|
Nearby Off-Campus Housing |
Private options |
Hotels, Airbnb, or rental apartments for short-term stays (e.g., exam visits) |
CAD $800 – $1,800/month |
Student life, in the traditional sense, does not exist at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) because it is not an educational institution with students, classrooms, dorms, or campuses. Instead, it serves as the certifying body for medical specialists in Canada — a professional organization that oversees post-residency education, accreditation, and continuing development for licensed physicians.
That said, for medical professionals—especially international medical graduates (IMGs) or residents preparing for certification—the Royal College plays a significant and intense role in their professional journey. While there’s no student union or campus café, the experience of interacting with the Royal College is deeply connected to academic achievement, professional growth, and high-stakes preparation.
For those preparing for the Royal College certification exam, life can resemble the most demanding parts of graduate school. Physicians must master a wide array of medical knowledge, complete hands-on clinical training (usually during residency), and pass rigorous written and sometimes oral examinations. During this time, many candidates engage in study groups, attend exam prep workshops, or even travel to Canada to take part in simulations and mock exams organized by peers or institutions affiliated with the Royal College.
While there’s no traditional student life, the Royal College supports a vibrant community of medical professionals, especially through:
Conferences like the International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE), where residents, fellows, and faculty from around the world gather to discuss innovations in training
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events, webinars, and workshops
Online portals and networks for certified specialists to connect and share resources
These events can feel like academic seminars or graduate-level symposiums, offering a sense of belonging and intellectual exchange—especially valuable for those new to the Canadian medical landscape.
For medical graduates completing their residency training in Canada, the “student life” experience is shaped by the hospital or university where the residency takes place—not by the Royal College itself. During residency, trainees rotate through different departments, take call shifts, and participate in real-time medical care—all under supervision. This is where camaraderie forms, long nights are spent in hospital lounges, and real-life medical learning happens. The Royal College oversees the quality and accreditation of these programs, but is not involved in the daily student or resident life.
If you’re an international medical graduate pursuing Royal College certification, your journey is more solitary and self-directed. You may not have classmates in the traditional sense, but you’ll be connected to others preparing for the same exam, perhaps through study groups, online communities, or prep courses. Many IMGs say this period feels like a mix between job preparation and final board exams—with a professional support network in the background rather than a traditional campus community.
Certifies medical specialists (e.g., anesthesiologists, cardiologists, surgeons) after they complete residency and pass the Royal College exams.
Accredits residency and fellowship training programs in Canada, which are run by Canadian universities and hospitals.
Sets standards for postgraduate medical education, ensuring graduates are job-ready for the healthcare system.
Offers continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for career advancement.
Does not offer job placement services or internships.
Does not run medical school, residency, or fellowship programs.
Does not provide employment or job matching for certified specialists.
After Royal College certification, job placement or employment typically occurs through:
Provincial health authorities (e.g., Ontario Health, Alberta Health Services)
Hospitals and health networks (e.g., University Health Network, Fraser Health)
Private clinics or group practices
Recruitment firms specializing in healthcare
Postgraduate medical education offices at Canadian universities (during residency)
Physicians seeking employment in Canada must also:
Be licensed by the medical regulatory authority in the province or territory where they wish to work
Be registered on the Canadian Medical Register after Royal College certification
If you are an IMG:
You must go through an assessment of your training by the Royal College
If approved, and after passing the exam, you can then pursue provincial licensure
Only then can you legally work as a medical specialist in Canada
Job opportunities open up after certification, not before
The Royal College is not a job placement agency
It plays a key role in qualifying physicians for practice through certification
Residency training and provincial licensing bodies handle actual placements and employment
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) does not have a formal “acceptance rate” like a university or college because it is not an academic institution that admits students. Instead, it is a professional body that:
Assesses and certifies medical specialists
Oversees postgraduate medical training standards
Administers specialty certification exams in Canada
However, for international medical graduates (IMGs) and Canadian-trained physicians, there is a form of "eligibility process" that determines whether you can challenge the Royal College exam. This process can feel similar to an "admission" decision.
If you’re an international physician seeking Royal College certification, you must apply for an Assessment of Training. The outcome of this assessment determines whether you are:
Eligible to take the certification exam
Partially eligible (with conditions such as extra training required)
Ineligible (training not equivalent to Canadian standards)
Although official statistics are not published publicly, physician forums and expert advisors estimate:
Around 30–50% of IMG applications are approved to challenge the exam directly
Many others are asked to complete additional training (residency, fellowship, or practice-ready assessments)
Canadian medical graduates who complete accredited residency programs are automatically eligible
There is no set “acceptance rate” because each application is assessed individually.
Eligibility depends on:
The country and quality of your medical education and residency
Whether your specialty training matches Canadian standards
Documentation and support from your training institutions
The Royal College’s decision is based on training equivalency, not competition or limited seats
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Address:
774 Echo Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Postal Code: K1S 5N8
Country: Canada
Administrative headquarters
Offices for certification, assessment, and continuing professional development (CPD)
Examination support services (note: exams are often conducted in various locations or virtually)
Meeting spaces for training programs, workshops, and research-related events
