Changes to the NAC Examination due to COVID-19 FAQs
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves in Canada and abroad, we continue to ensure we are doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to be mindful of the impacts on the medical community and to ensure the safety of all involved in our exams.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way in which we deliver performance assessments such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). We have adjusted the NAC Examination so that we can still deliver a high-quality and psychometrically defensible exam in the face of COVID-19 challenges.
The following FAQs address the changes that will be implemented for the 2022 administration of the NAC Examination.
What changes are being made to the September 2022 NAC Exams?
The September 2022 NAC Examination will be an in-person exam. Below are the changes that will be made to the structure of the content, format and delivery of the exam. For example, we will be:
- Modifying physical examination stations (e.g., removing physical touching and having candidates tell the examiner what physical examination manoeuvers they would perform and what they are looking for)
- Applying physical distancing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) measures
- Removing exam day activities that require large groups to congregate
- Delivering candidate orientations and information online
How has the exam format changed?
As the September 2022 exam will be an in-person exam candidates will not be permitted to examine Standardized Participants (SP). Candidates will be required to verbally describe any physical exam manoeuvers that they would perform.
Will I be required to attend the orientation after registration during the exam?
Due to the physical distancing measures in place, candidate orientation will be offered online and not at specific exam centres. A link to the orientation will be included in your Entrance package that will be sent through your physiciansapply.ca account before the exam session. You are required to review the Candidate orientation module prior to exam day.
How will interactions with Standardised Participants (SPs) change with Covid-19?
Candidates will not be permitted to examine SPs and will instead need to verbalize their approach to physical examinations.
Do I still need to sanitize my hands now that candidates are not permitted to examine the patients?
Yes, candidates will be required to sanitize their hands upon entering every room, including stations with or without a verbalized physical examination.