MCCQE Part I: What to Expect

Dr. Isabelle DesjardinsMarch 16, 2015

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

CDMQ

MCQ

MCQs

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

• Computer-adaptive testing

MCQs

• Clinical stem• 5 options

– 1 correct answer– 4 distractors

• No penalty for incorrect answers• Once you’ve completed a section, you

can’t go back

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

• 2 types of questions – Short menu– Write-in (type in)

CDMs – Short Menu

• ~10-40 options

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

•Even if the question is worded in the plural, there may only be 1 correct answer

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

The importance of reading the questions carefully!!! • “List only X” or “Select only X”

– Score of 0 if you write more than X• “List up to X” or “Select up to X”

–Do not exceed X but don’t feel compelled to guess to build your answer up to X

–Choose options that you would do in the actual clinical situation

–Correct answer may be less than X–Some answers may lead to the

question being marked incorrect

The importance of reading the questions carefully!!! • “List as many as appropriate” or “Select

only as many as appropriate”–Choose options that you would do in

the actual clinical situation–Don’t provide an excessive number of

answers –Score 0 if you exceed the maximum

number of acceptable responses–Score 0 if you choose inappropriate

responses

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 (as mentioned previously)

How to Prepare

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

Resources

MCCQE Part 1

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• ~ $69 per test

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

Entrance Card and ID• Do not bring any electronic devices, phones,

calculators, notes, etc. • You may use the washroom

– You will be accompanied by an exam proctor– You cannot take any exam information with

you– You will not be given additional time to

complete the exam

The Basics

• Arrive rested and well-fed• Relax!

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

Questions?idesjardins@toh.on.ca