Everything you need to know

Fishboard covers three areas: exam preparation, language preparation, and immigration counselling — all under one bilingual, officially authorized center. The exact list of programs we currently run is kept up to date on the homepage, since new programs are added regularly.

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I (MCCQE Part I) — known as EACMC Partie I in French — is a one-day, computer-based examination assessing medical knowledge and clinical decision-making. It consists of 230 multiple-choice questions in two timed sections, scored on a 300–600 scale with a passing score of 439. It is a standalone written exam; the clinical skills component (NAC OSCE / ECOS) is a separate examination.

The National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) — known as ECOS in French — assesses the clinical skills and readiness of international medical graduates for postgraduate training in Canada. The exam consists of 12 clinical stations, each lasting 11 minutes, covering history-taking, physical examination, communication, and clinical decision-making. It is required for most Canadian residency programs alongside MCCQE Part I.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 assesses whether medical students and graduates understand and can apply foundational science concepts essential for clinical practice. It consists of 280 multiple-choice questions in seven blocks of 40. Since January 2022, Step 1 is reported as pass/fail only — no numeric score. Passing Step 1 is required before sitting Step 2 CK.

The USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) examination assesses the medical knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide patient care under supervision. It consists of 318 multiple-choice questions in nine blocks, taken over approximately nine hours. Unlike Step 1, Step 2 CK still reports a 3-digit numeric score. Strong Step 2 CK scores have become increasingly important for residency applications since Step 1 moved to pass/fail.

The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) is the process by which medical graduates are matched to residency training positions across Canada. Applicants submit personal letters, reference letters, CVs, and academic transcripts; programs rank their preferred applicants; a computerized algorithm then pairs candidates with their best available match. The main match (R-1) runs annually with results announced in March. International medical graduates compete alongside Canadian graduates, and successful MCCQE Part I and NAC OSCE results are typically required.

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is the main route by which international medical graduates demonstrate they have the skills and knowledge to practise medicine in the UK and obtain GMC registration. PLAB 1 is a written exam of 180 single best answer questions (3 hours), testing applied medical knowledge in a clinical context. PLAB 2 is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with 18 stations of 8 minutes each, assessing practical clinical and communication skills.

Fishboard prepares candidates for three internationally recognized language proficiency tests. IELTS Academic is required for medical registration in most English-speaking countries — most regulators require an overall band of 7.0 or higher. TCF Canada is accepted by IRCC for French-language immigration pathways to Canada. OET (Occupational English Test) is a healthcare-specific English test accepted by medical regulators in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and several other countries — typically requiring Grade B or above in all sub-tests.

Yes. Fishboard SARL is an officially authorized vocational training center, recognized by the Cameroonian Ministry of Professional Training (ARRÊTÉ No 000166/MINEFOP), with NIU registration M102217658936A.

Both options are available. Fishboard's digital platform is fully online — question bank, corrections, and the Barbillard analytics dashboard are accessible from anywhere. Guided cohort programs include live online sessions with ECFMG-certified tutors, with in-person options at our Yaoundé center.

It depends on the program and format you choose. Guided cohort programs follow a structured weekly schedule with live sessions over several months; self-paced preparation depends on your starting level and target exam. Exact duration and pricing for each program are listed on the homepage.

Yes. Beyond exam and language preparation, Fishboard offers immigration advisory for health professionals seeking pathways to Canada, the UK, the United States, or other destinations — from initial guidance to complete application follow-up.