Update on spring 2022 exams
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recognizes that all disciplines and jurisdictions across the country have been impacted by the pandemic in different ways. We have been closely monitoring the public health situation with the rise of the Omicron variant, and carefully assessing how best to deliver examinations.
After careful consultation with Royal College leadership and exam boards, the Royal College will proceed with the exams as scheduled, while also changing some of the planned behind-the-scenes aspects of its delivery to provide a reliable, secure and high-quality examination experience.
Safe and secure delivery of spring 2022 exams
Written and applied/oral exams will be delivered in 17 hotel sites across Canada. All candidates must present themselves at the exam centres to take their exams.
The Royal College has made extensive provisions to comply with local public health guidelines to ensure the safety of candidates, examiners and support staff. This includes:
- Providing individual hotel rooms in which candidates will take their exams
- Screening for symptoms at registration and attestation of vaccination
- Ensuring access to appropriate masks when needed by candidates
Contingency options available
- If a candidate has COVID or must self-isolate: Exams in most disciplines can be delivered remotely, albeit with the assumption of some added technical and procedural risks. Candidates can request to be converted to remote delivery if there is a need to isolate due to COVID, up to 24 hours before the start of an exam.
- For specialties with high-fidelity imaging requirements, exams can only be written in-person at one of the 17 Canadian sites. These specialties are: Anatomical Pathology, General Pathology, Hematological Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Neuropathology.
- If a candidate is experiencing stresses and challenges due to regional, specialty or personal factors, candidates may defer their exam to spring 2023.
NOTE: Royal College certification will not be conferred until successful completion of the entire exam and all required training is complete.
Deferrals and refunds
- Candidates can withdraw up to the start of the exam with a full refund.
- Candidates will not exhaust an attempt in withdrawing from an exam.
- For those who choose to defer, please contact your provincial regulatory authority for information on how this impacts licensing.
- Candidates who wish to defer are asked to contact us at candidates@royalcollege.ca.
Questions?
More information can be found in our What to Expect on Exam Day FAQs, on the Government of Canada’s Border Measures, or email us at candidates@royalcollege.ca.
