PRA-BC PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

Pre-screening criteria are set out by PRA-BC and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC).

Important!

Effective April 15, 2026, PRA-BC will require all applicants to meet an English Language Proficiency (ELP) examination requirement.

As this is a program-level change, PRA-BC will no longer accept letters from medical schools or postgraduate training institutions as proof of English proficiency. However, we will continue to accept English language exam results that meet the CPSBC requirements.

Accepted Examinations and Minimum Scores: 

  • IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7 in each component  

  • OET Medicine: Minimum grade of B in each component  

  • CELPIP General: Minimum score of 9 in each component  

Please note that recently expired test results may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Combination of component scores from multiple test sittings will not be accepted. 

Eligibility Requirements: [Download the requirements checklist here.]

  1. A medical degree issued by a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

  2. Two years of postgraduate training in an international jurisdiction leading to registration or recognition as a general/family physician in that jurisdiction.

  3. Completion of 7 core rotations:

    • A minimum of 4 weeks of postgraduate training in each of: internal/general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and emergency medicine;

    • A minimum of 8 weeks of postgraduate training in family medicine.

  4. Completion of a minimum of 2 years of discipline-specific time in independent practice as a general or family practitioner in that or another jurisdiction.

  5. Academic credentials verification of medical degree, passport, and postgraduate training letters that confirm completion of the 7 core rotations through physiciansapply.ca

  6. Currency in practice – section 2-8 of the CPSBC bylaws – a of minimum of 24 weeks (960 hours) of clinical practice as a general/family practitioner in the preceding 3 years.

  7. A current CV that fully explains all activities, professional or otherwise.

  8. English Language Proficiency (ELP) through an approved exam, with minimum scores achieved in a single sitting.

    Accepted Examinations and Minimum Scores:

    • IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7 in each component

    • OET Medicine: Minimum grade of B in each component

    • CELPIP General: Minimum score of 9 in each component

      • Exception: Applicants with a current and valid medical license in any province or territory in Canada may be exempt from submitting ELP exam results.

    Please note: PRA-BC pre-screening requirements are subject to change at any time without notice.