Eligibility and application
Learn about the eligibility requirements and applying to take the TDM Examination through PRA programs.
In fall 2026, the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) will implement a new application process for the Therapeutics Decision-Making (TDM) Examination. Starting with the September 2026 exam session, candidates will apply for the TDM Examination directly through the MCC, and no longer through the Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programs. PRA programs’ approval will not be required to take the exam.
Before applying for the TDM Examination for admission to a PRA program, it is important to review the program’s requirements to determine your eligibility.
For more information about the changes coming into effect in September 2026, see New application model and eligibility criteria for the TDM Examination.
If you have not already done so, we recommend submitting your medical degree for source verification and ensuring your identity validity period is not expired in your physiciansapply.ca account as early as possible. This will help ensure timely processing of your exam application once the application period opens. If you do not have a physiciansapply.ca account, you will need to create one. Details on how to apply for the September 2026 exam will be added to this webpage in early June.
Application for the TDM Examination offered on September 23, 2026 is expected to open on June 8 and close on June 28. If you plan to take the exam in September 2026, you can sign up to receive a notification when the application period opens.
Application for the September 2026 exam will open on June 8, 2026. You can sign up using the button on this page to receive a notification when the application period opens. Scheduling an exam appointment with Prometric will start at the end of July and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have not already done so, you can submit a source verification request for your medical degree and a copy of your acceptable identity document(s) in your physiciansapply.ca account as early as possible. This will help ensure timely processing of your application when the application period for the September 2026 TDM Examination opens.
No. The required documentation must be approved and the status of your medical degree must be “reviewed and accepted” in your physiciansapply.ca account for your exam application to be complete.
More information about the application process for the September 23 exam will be added to our website in early June. Applications will be accepted from June 8 to June 28, 2026.
Most PRA programs in family medicine require passing the TDM Examination as part of their eligibility criteria. However, it is important to review the requirements of the PRA program of your interest to determine your eligibility to the program and confirm if passing the TDM Examination is part of their criteria.
You may also consult our eBook Physician Licensing in Canada that provides a summarized list of requirements from the medical regulatory authorities and PRA programs to apply for the practice-ready assessment pathway. The eBook includes a comparison table (p.35) that allows you to review the different requirements across all family medicine PRA programs.
The application fee is listed on our Examination and service fees page.
Since candidates will apply for the TDM Examination directly with the MCC, approval from a PRA program will not be required. PRA eligibility is assessed separately by each provincial program.
Passing the TDM Examination alone does not confer eligibility for a PRA program; applicants must meet all program-specific criteria. Before applying to the TDM Examination, it is important to review the requirements of the PRA program you are interested in to confirm your eligibility.
No. If you wish to participate in a PRA program, you must apply to the provincial PRA program you are interested in. The MCC only manages applications for the TDM Examination.
Eligibility to take the exam is determined by the individual provincial Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programs. Contact your PRA program directly for further information.
You must apply for the Therapeutics Decision-Making (TDM) Examination through your PRA program. Once your application is approved, and prior to the scheduling period opening, you will receive a message through your physiciansapply.ca account with scheduling details. Scheduling will be done online directly with Prometric and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Candidates have a maximum of 4 TDM Examination attempts, which includes a maximum of 2 pass results.
Candidates who receive a fail result are ineligible to apply to the consecutive examination session. For example:
If you have a documented functional limitation and associated accommodation need, you may be able to receive test accommodations to take the TDM Examination (e.g., additional testing time, break time, access to assistive equipment, medication, breast pump, food). To request a test accommodation, you must identify it during your exam application with your program and write to [email protected].