Multiple-choice questions | Medical Council of Canada
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Multiple-choice questions

Get familiar with the multiple-choice question type you will see on the MCCQE Part I.

Overview

The MCCQE Part I consists of 230 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into 2 sections. Each section contains 115 MCQs including pilot questions, also called pre-test items. The standard maximum time allotted for each section is 2 hours and 40 minutes.

The MCQs of the MCCQE Part I have a different number of options to choose from, for each question. The number of options will range from 3 to 5. The list of options will include one best answer and 2 to 4 incorrect options, known as distractors. You can select only one answer.

The MCQs are presented in 2 sections. You may navigate freely between all MCQs within a section. You may navigate freely between all MCQs. You can flag questions and return to those questions at any point during each MCQ section. Certain test items will have pictorial material, such as photographs, diagrams, radiographs, electrocardiograms, and graphic or tabulated material. If relevant to a question, you will be presented with the normal lab values directly in the question.

To select an option, click on the text of that option. You can change your answer by simply clicking on a different option. You can deselect an option by clicking on it a second time. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should always answer a question, even when you are unsure.

You can submit a section when you have completed all the questions, are ready to submit, or when the allotted time expires. Once you have submitted a section, you cannot return to review or change your answers.

MCQ example

Case
An otherwise healthy 36-year old man presents to your office with a 4-week history of a generalized, intensely pruritic papular rash. On examination, he has excoriated papules and vesicles on wrists, sides of fingers, arms, and buttocks. No other abnormalities are noted. His 9-year-old son has also had itching on fingers and wrists. 
Question
What is the most likely diagnosis?
   1.  Neurodermatitis
   2.  Impetigo
   3.  Pityriasis rosea
   4.  Shingles
   5.  Scabies
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