MCCQE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MCCQE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which ECG finding is most specific for right ventricular strain in acute pulmonary embolism? → S1Q3T3 pattern
2. A 55-year-old diabetic man presents with typical chest pain and troponin elevation. ECG shows no ST changes. Which diagnosis is most likely? → NSTEMI
3. What is the minimum passing score for the MCCQE Part I? → 226.
4. What does a 'borderline' score on the MCCQE Part II typically signify? → The candidate's performance is near but below the passing standard
5. At what age does the anterior fontanelle normally close? → 12–18 months
6. The MCC's own practice test (Physician Test Preparation, or PTP) is best used as: → A final simulation tool to gauge readiness close to exam day
7. A 3-year-old girl has a bone age of 5 years, elevated LH/FSH, and advanced pubertal staging. MRI of the brain is most likely to show: → Hypothalamic hamartoma
8. How does the MCCQE Part I scoring handle the written component (CDM cases) relative to the multiple-choice component? → CDM and MCQ scores are combined into a single total score
9. What happens if a candidate fails MCCQE Part I — how many attempts are allowed? → Candidates may retake with restrictions on number and timing per MCC policy
10. What prerequisite must a candidate fulfill before sitting for MCCQE Part II? → Passing MCCQE Part I
11. A candidate successfully passes MCCQE Part I. Which of the following steps is required before they can schedule their MCCQE Part II examination date? → Submission of proof of postgraduate training to the MCC
12. A patient presents with wide-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm. He is hemodynamically stable. Which drug is appropriate for acute management if VT is suspected? → Amiodarone IV
13. What type of scoring is used for the MCCQE Part I? → Criterion-referenced scoring.
14. How soon are results available after taking the MCCQE Part I? → Within six weeks.
15. A capable adult patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite life-threatening hemorrhage. What is the physician's ethical obligation? → Respect the refusal and provide alternative management
16. If a candidate disputes their MCCQE Part II fail result and requests a review, which aspect of their performance can typically be re-examined? → The accuracy of score transcription and aggregation from station records
17. Which of the following is the primary goal of primary prevention? → Preventing the occurrence of disease in healthy individuals
18. A patient with HFrEF (EF 30%) remains symptomatic on maximally tolerated ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker. What is the next best step? → Add sacubitril/valsartan replacing ACE inhibitor
19. Which of the following best describes the principle of non-maleficence in clinical practice? → Avoiding actions that cause unnecessary harm
20. What happens if a candidate fails the MCCQE Part I? → They can retake the exam after fulfilling requirements.
21. Which study material focuses on clinical decision-making for the MCCQE? → Toronto Notes.
22. How is the MCCQE Part I scored? → Criterion-referenced scoring.
23. Which Tanner stage describes the onset of breast development (thelarche) in females? → Tanner stage 2
24. A community-based intervention reduces hypertension prevalence by 5 percentage points (from 30% to 25%). What is the absolute risk reduction? → 5%
25. What is the primary reason the MCCQE uses an OSCE format for Part II rather than another written test? → OSCEs directly assess clinical and communication skills that written tests cannot measure
26. A medical student performing a supervised procedure causes harm due to a technical error. Who bears the primary legal responsibility? → The supervising physician and the institution
27. Which of the following gross motor skills is typically the last to be achieved in a developing child? → Walks up stairs with alternating feet
28. A patient receiving prolonged vancomycin therapy develops sensorineural hearing loss. This toxicity is most likely related to which pharmacokinetic parameter? → Renal insufficiency causing drug accumulation and high troughs
29. How does the MCC Learning Management System (LMS) assist candidates? → Provides access to tailored study materials.
30. In the MCCQE Part I, what does the term 'long menu' refer to? → A list of answer options longer than typical MCQs