IMG Licensing and Recruitment

Approved Jurisdictions Route

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) recognizes the substantial equivalence of credentials from approved jurisdictions and qualifies these physicians for full licensure directly on the General Register.

PRA Route to Independence Practice

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from outside the CPSA list of approved jurisdictions, and Canadian graduates who fail a national exam, must pass a PRA before joining CPSA’s Provisional Register.


  1. Create a physicianapply.ca account


    ·         All physicians who want to practice in Canada must create and submit their qualifications through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) physician apply portal for credential verification.




  2. Pass the MCCQE Part 1 


    ·         The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 one-day, online summative assessment that is a national standard for all medical schools across Canada and is a requirement for IMGs applying for entry into a Canadian Residency Program and when applying for a Practice Readiness Assessment. It is offered four times/year. 




  3. Submit a qualifications review to CPSA 


    ·         After MCC has verified your credentials and you have completed your MCCQE1, request through your physician apply account to have your credentials verified by the CPSA. 


    ·         CPSA will confirm if you meet eligibility requirements and send an Eligibility Letter. 


    ·         If you are eligible for a practice readiness assessment, complete the CPSA’s full application 
      

  4. Apply for a Sponsorship Eligible Position on Dr. Jobs AB


    ·         Sponsorship is when an approved organization agrees to "sponsor" an IMG or resident who fails their exams, to support obtaining independent licensure through the CPSA assessment process. Sponsors are responsible for recruiting the physician. 


    ·         You may also contact a recruitment navigator for help with finding opportunities/asking questions prior to applying. 




  5. Organizational Recruitment Process


    ·         CV review, interview, reference checks, potential site visit. Discuss potential workforce incentives. Letter of offer if successful. 


    ·         Submission of the Practice Readiness Assessment (PRA) application 




  6. If you are a Family Physician, pass the Therapeutics Decision Making (TDM) Exam 


    ·         The MCC TDM Exam tests clinical skills. Held three times/year. CPSA determines eligibility  




  7. PRA Part A: Preliminary Clinical Assessment


    ·         Over 3 months, you’ll work under direct observation in the medical practice of a CPSA-approved assessor.  


    ·         The assessor is always the physician in charge of the practice and will oversee everything you do. 


    ·         They’ll review your clinical competence, chart management, and professionalism. 




  8. PRA Part B: Probationary Assessment


    ·         If recruited to a public health organization, complete the necessary Appointment and Privileging. 


    ·         Over 3 months, a CPSA-approved supervisor will assess you in independent practice where you are the physician in charge.  


    ·         During this phase, you can bill Alberta Health for your medical services.  


    ·         The supervisor will regularly review charts and collect feedback from your patients, colleagues and staff. 




  9. Transfer to CPSA Provisional Register


    ·         After successful completion of the PRA: Part A & Part B, you will be placed on the CPSA Provisional Register.


    ·         If you obtain your Canadian certification, you may become eligible for the General Register.


                      ·        Without Canadian certification, you will need to complete a competency assessment to become eligible for the General Register.