Once a year, the Royal College examines candidates who have completed their postgraduate training and wish to be certified in their area of specialty by the Royal College. Most candidates take their certification examination in the final year of their postgraduate training program. However, those who have not completed a residency training program in Canada may use an alternate route to certification.
Candidates may sit Royal College examinations only after their postgraduate training has been assessed by the Royal College. This ensures that a candidate has met specialty-specific training requirements in a program that we have recognized and approved.
Examination schedule and registration deadlines
For specialty disciplines, certification exams take place in the spring (May-June) and for subspecialty disciplines, exams take place in the fall (September-October). Find details here.
The registration deadline for spring (specialty) examinations is February 1 of the year in which the exam takes place. The registration deadline for fall (subspecialty) examinations is May 15 of the year in which the exam takes place. Learn more about registration deadlines and fees.
If you miss a deadline
If you miss a deadline and are still eligible for the examination you wish to take, you will have to wait until the following year. We will send you a notice of registration via email. However it is your responsibility to adhere to the deadlines. If your eligibility has expired, please apply for renewal of eligibility via the Credentials Unit at: coa@royalcollege.ca before August 15 in the year the exam takes place.
We need up-to-date contact information
The Royal College must have your correct mailing address, e-mail and telephone number(s) at all times. It is important that you notify the Royal College by e-mail at: coa@royalcollege.ca or via fax transmission at: 613-730-3707 about any change to your contact information.
Please note the deadline dates indicated above, as we do not send individual reminders and there are no opportunities to register once the deadline has passed. We encourage you to visit our website frequently for up-to-date information.
