Apply

Step 1: Register with the Royal College

If you’re a new candidate, complete the registration form. Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email with your Royal College ID number.

If you’re an existing candidate who has a Royal College ID number, please go to Step 2.

Step 2: Register with our Credentials Registration System

You will need to identify what certification route applies to you in order to register through our credentials system at https://booking.royalcollege.ca/. (Note: Please use Google Chrome as your browser. This link takes you to an external site, and the initial set up may take a few minutes. If you’re an existing candidate who has a Royal College ID number and has never logged into the system, you can click on “Reset your password” or “Forgot your ID” if necessary. Please read the instructions beforehand. As well, we have recently launched our credentials registration system. As it is a new system, minor errors may occur. Please contact us at credentials@royalcollege.ca if you have questions or to resolve any issues. We thank you for your patience and understanding.)

Has your discipline transitioned to competency-based medical education? Check out our Competence by Design Launch Schedule.

For residents who are completing training in a Canadian program or a U.S. program accredited by the ACGME and International Medical Graduates

Apply and pay for assessment of exam eligibility

Get ruling letter

Register and pay for exams

Receive certification & join Royal College

• For all candidates, exam eligibility is granted for a five-year period following your assessment.
• If your training and/or practice meets the requirements and the eligibility criteria are met, you are eligible to take a Royal College exam. It may take from six to eight months to receive your letter of eligibility.
• Once your eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to register and pay for your exam.
• Exams take place in the spring and in the fall depending on your specialty or subspecialty.

PER / PRA candidates

If you are an international medical graduate who is already licensed and practising as a specialist in Canada or have practice experience outside of Canada, you can apply for an assessment by applying through our Practice Eligibility Route (PER).

For specialists who have been nominated for a Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) by their Medical Regulatory Authority, an application may be submitted to the Royal College for exam eligibility.

Apply and pay for assessment of exam eligibility

Get ruling letter

Register and pay for exams

Complete certification requirements

Receive certification & join Royal College

Each step in the process has specific deadlines and fees. Please visit the web sections listed below to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

• Training and/ or practice assessment (Application & Fee)
• Exam eligibility granted
• Register for exams
• Take exam
• Certification (*If applicable and once all conditions are met, including completion of training)
• Become a Royal College Fellow

Policies and Procedures for Certification and Fellowship: a detailed policies and procedures manual that outlines the process leading to certification by the Royal College for time-based training programs and international medical graduates.

Policies for Certification in a Competence by Design Model of Residency Training: a detailed policies and procedures manual that outlines the process leading to certification by the Royal College for competency-based training programs.

After you pass your exam, you are eligible to become certified or recognized by the Royal College. Following your certification, you are invited to join the Royal College as a Fellow.

Learn about the benefits of being a Fellow.