Acceptable Alternatives to Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
This policy has been developed for those physicians who do not hold certification by the
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (the Royal College).
Introduction
The Medical Practitioner Regulations require that applicants for General Registration is be certified in a specific discipline of medicine by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or an organization, recognized by the Council, governing specific disciplines of medicine in another jurisdiction.
This Policy sets out the acceptable alternatives to certification by the Royal College, as determined by Council.
Policy
The following are acceptable alternatives to certification by the Royal College:
- Physicians whose postgraduate training was completed in the United States of America (USA), and who hold current certification with the American Board of Medical Specialties. Applicants holding current American Board certification who did not complete their postgraduate training in the USA may be eligible for general registration at the discretion of the Registrar.
- Physicians whose postgraduate training was completed and who hold current certification in a Royal College “approved jurisdiction” (approved jurisdictions are in the following countries, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Ireland). Applicants holding certification in a Royal College “approved jurisdiction” who did not complete their postgraduate training in an “approved jurisdiction” may be eligible for general registration at the discretion of the Registrar.
- Physicians who have successfully completed a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada subspeciality examination through the Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP).
Applicable Legislation
Medical Practitioners Regulations section 17. (5)(b)(i)
Document History
Approval Date: October 9, 2025