Certifying Examination through the CCMG

  1. Certifying examinations for CCMG Clinical/Laboratory Biochemical Genetics, Cytogenetics*, Genetic and Genomic Diagnostics, and Molecular Genetics* candidates are organized and administered by the CCMG and held every two years, on even years (*will only be offered until 2026).
  2. Examinations include a General Knowledge Examination and a Specialty Examination consisting of both a Written component and an Objective Structured Laboratory/Practice Examination (OSLE) component.
  3. Candidates who are already fellows of the CCMG (FCCMG), or of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Medical Genetics and Genomics, and who are sitting another CCMG Specialty Examination, are exempt from writing the General Knowledge Examination.
  4. Candidates must undergo Credentialing and must Register for the Examination before being allowed to sit the examinations.
  5. Examinations will be made available in both official languages and candidates can respond in their preferred language.  Candidates must declare their preferred language at the time of examination registration.
  6. Applicants requesting special accommodations for the examinations must check the “Request for Special Accommodations” box on the application form and submit documentation according to the Accommodation for Examination Policy and Process to the CCMG Administrative Office () at least 6 months prior to the examination. Applicants requesting reasonable accommodations must submit their request, provide supporting documentation of their disability, and specify the extent to which the standard testing procedures need to be modified.
  7. Following registration, examinations may need to be deferred.  See Examination Deferral Process as well as the Credentialling and Examination Dates for additional information.
  8. Both sets of examinations (General and Specialty) must be passed within the candidate’s credentialled time limit, and the Credentials Committee must give final approval of the training program before admission into the CCMG as a Fellow is bestowed.
  9. Results of the examinations will be made available four weeks after the Specialty Examination.  Candidates will receive communication from the CCMG about their results and instructions regarding remaining eligibility for unsuccessful candidates.
  10. Candidates who are successful in passing only the General Examination or the Specialty Examination (requiring passing both components) are ONLY required to re-write the failed exam if allowable with their remaining credentialed time limit.
  11. Candidates unsuccessful in challenging a CCMG certifying examination can formally Request for Reconsideration / Appeal only on the grounds of significant irregularities in the conduct of the examination process.
  12. Dates and location for the next Exam cycle can be found on the CCMG Examination Information and Registration Form page.

General Knowledge Examination

The General Knowledge Examination is a multiple choice written examination, written by all candidates (see above for exemptions). Generally this is administered at your training site several weeks before the Specialty-specific examinations. The results of the General Knowledge Examination are not available until after the Specialty examinations are completed. See the Genetic Conditions List and CCMG General Knowledge Study Guide for guidance as to the scope of the examination.

Specialty Examination

The Specialty Examination has a written component and an Objective Structured Laboratory/Practice Examination (OSLE). The written component occurs the day following the General Examination at the nearest accredited training site. It is specific for each discipline (Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, Laboratory Biochemical Genetics, Clinical Biochemical Genetics, Genetic and Genomic Diagnostics). Both components of the examination are considered in determining the pass/fail status for the Specialty Examination. See the Training (menu item above) documents for each specialty for guidance as to the scope of the examination.

Certifying Examinations through the Royal College

  1. Certifying examinations for CCMG Clinical Genetics candidates are offered through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Medical Genetics and Genomics specialty) and held every year.
  2. Examinations include a Written and Applied component. See Format of the Examination in Medical Genetics and Genomics for additional information.
  3. Candidates are encouraged to visit the Royal College Exams website for additional information on their examination process.
  4. Candidates must undergo Credentialing with the CCMG and must communicate to the CCMG Office () their desire to sit the RC exam before their registration information is forwarded onto the Royal College.  Only candidates who have successfully credentialed with the CCMG will be allowed to sit the Royal College examinations.
  5. Examinations are offered in both English and French only.  Candidates must indicate at the time of registration for the examinations what their language of preference is for each component.
  6. Applicants requesting special accommodations for the examinations must contact the Royal College () and follow their requirements for Exam Accommodations.
  7. Following registration, examinations may need to be deferred.  See Refunds, withdrawals and deferrals on the Royal College Exam Days FAQs webpage for additional information.
  8. Both examinations (Written and Oral/Applied) must be passed and the Credentials Committee must give final approval of the training program before admission into the CCMG as a Fellow is bestowed.
  9. Results of the RC examinations will be made available through the RC on their secure, confidential server, and will also be forwarded onto the CCMG Administrative Office.  Candidates will receive communication from the CCMG about their results and instructions regarding remaining eligibility for unsuccessful candidates.
  10. Candidates must pass both Written and Applied components to pass overall. If a candidate is unsuccessful on the examination as a whole, all components of the examination must be repeated within the period of candidate eligibility.
  11. Candidates unsuccessful in challenging the RC examinations can request a Formal Review of Examinations only on the grounds of significant irregularities in the conduct of the examination process.