OET for Doctors in Canada: Provincial College Requirements

For international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to practice in Canada, proving English language proficiency is a crucial step in the licensing process. The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) does not license doctors; it restates the standard set by the provincial colleges, and the colleges of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta accept the OET Medicine version.

This guide explains how OET fits into the Canadian medical pathway.

The Canadian Medical Licensure Pathway

To practice medicine in Canada, IMGs must follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify that your medical degree is from an approved school.
2. Submit Credentials: Send credentials to MCC through physiciansapply.ca.
3. Pass Exams: Pass the MCCQE Part I and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination.
4. Language Proficiency: Prove English or French language proficiency.
5. Apply for Residency: Apply through CARMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service) or provincial practice ready assessment programs.

OET Medicine Score Requirements in Canada

While the MCCQE exams are national, language proficiency requirements are governed by individual Provincial Medical Regulatory Authorities (PMRAs). The Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta colleges accept OET Medicine with the following minimum in each sub-test, achieved in one sitting within 24 months. Sittings cannot be combined:

• Listening: 350 (Grade B)
• Reading: 350 (Grade B)
• Speaking: 350 (Grade B)
• Writing: 350 (Grade B)

The colleges we have checked are British Columbia (CPSBC), Alberta (CPSA) and Ontario (CPSO). For any other province, check the college’s own page.

Releasing OET Results to Canada

When booking your exam, make sure you configure your OET account portal settings to share your results directly with your target provincial college. This ensures verification is processed without delays.