Chart Your Course

Every physician's journey is different. Whether you're sitting SMLE, USMLE, MCCQE, or PLAB, we've mapped the route so you don't have to navigate alone.

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Exam Roadmaps

Pick a licensing exam to see the full route: eligibility, registration, preparation, and what comes after.

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Saudi Licensing Exam (SMLE)

The gateway to medical practice in Saudi Arabia. A computer-based, single-day exam administered by the Saudi Medical Licensing Commission (SMLC).

The SMLE is a 200-question MCQ exam covering all major clinical disciplines. It is required for all medical graduates — Saudi and international — wishing to practice medicine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Step-by-step roadmap

01
Verify Eligibility

Confirm your medical degree is recognised by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). International graduates must have their degree attested and evaluated.
02
Register with SCFHS

Create an account on the SCFHS portal (mumaris.com.sa). Submit your documents: degree certificate, transcript, national ID or passport, and good standing letter.
03
Pay Exam Fees

Pay the registration fee through the SCFHS portal. Fees are subject to change — check the official portal for current amounts.
04
Schedule Your Exam

Once approved, you will receive a scheduling permit. Book your exam slot at a Prometric testing centre in Saudi Arabia.
05
Prepare Strategically

Focus on high-yield clinical topics: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, OB/GYN, and Psychiatry. Use Qbanks (Amboss, UWorld), First Aid, and GUIDE MD resources.
06
Sit the Exam

200 MCQs over one session. Arrive early with valid ID. The exam is computer-based at Prometric centres across the Kingdom.
07
Receive Results & License

Results are released via the SCFHS portal. A passing score grants you a Saudi medical license, enabling you to apply for residency or clinical positions.

GUIDE MD tips

Start with a diagnostic Qbank session to identify your weak areas before committing to a study plan.
Amboss and UWorld are the gold-standard Qbanks — use timed, random mode to simulate exam conditions.
Dedicate the final 2 weeks to full-length practice exams and reviewing incorrects only.
Join the GUIDE MD Discord for SMLE study rooms, peer accountability, and shared resources.

Official resources

Study with peers

Join the GUIDE MD Discord for dedicated study rooms and exam prep channels.

Join the Discord

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United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE)

The three-step licensing pathway for physicians seeking to practice medicine in the United States.

The USMLE is a three-step examination series sponsored by the FSMB and NBME. For IMGs, the pathway also involves ECFMG certification before applying to US residency programs through ERAS.

Step-by-step roadmap

01
ECFMG Certification

International medical graduates must first obtain ECFMG certification. Apply through IWA (Interactive Web Applications) at ecfmg.org. Submit your medical school credentials for primary source verification.
02
USMLE Step 1

A one-day, 280-question exam testing foundational science knowledge. Now pass/fail. Focus on pathophysiology, pharmacology, and microbiology. Recommended resources: First Aid, Pathoma, Sketchy, Anki.
03
USMLE Step 2 CK

A one-day, 318-question exam testing clinical knowledge. Scored and heavily weighted in residency applications. Focus on clinical management, diagnosis, and treatment. Resources: UWorld, Amboss, OnlineMedEd.
04
Apply to Residency via ERAS

Submit your application through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). Includes personal statement, MSPE, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores. Match Day is in March.
05
NRMP Match

Rank your preferred programs through the National Resident Matching Program. Programs rank you in return. Match results are announced on Match Day.
06
USMLE Step 3

Taken during or after residency. A two-day exam covering clinical management and biostatistics. Required for full, unrestricted medical licensure in the US.

GUIDE MD tips

For IMGs, clinical experience in the US (observerships, externships) significantly strengthens your ERAS application.
Step 2 CK score is now the most important numerical metric for IMG residency applications — aim high.
Start ECFMG paperwork early — primary source verification can take months.
Build your letter-of-recommendation network during clinical rotations and observerships.

Official resources

Study with peers

Join the GUIDE MD Discord for dedicated study rooms and exam prep channels.

Join the Discord

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Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE)

The two-part licensing examination required for medical licensure in Canada.

The MCCQE is administered by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). IMGs must also complete the NAC Examination (National Assessment Collaboration) before applying to Canadian residency programs through CaRMS.

Step-by-step roadmap

01
MCC Account & Eligibility

Create an account at mcc.ca. IMGs must have their medical degree verified through the Medical Council of Canada's credential review process.
02
NAC Examination

The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) OSCE assesses clinical skills and is required for IMGs before CaRMS. It tests history-taking, physical examination, and clinical reasoning through standardised patient encounters.
03
MCCQE Part I

A computer-based exam with 210 MCQs and 38 clinical decision-making (CDM) cases. Tests clinical knowledge across all disciplines. Recommended resources: Toronto Notes, CanadaQBank, Amboss Canada.
04
Apply to Residency via CaRMS

The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) is Canada's equivalent of ERAS. Submit your application including personal statement, reference letters, and exam scores.
05
CaRMS Match

Programs and applicants submit rank-order lists. Match results are released in March. IMGs compete in the second iteration if unmatched in the first.
06
MCCQE Part II

An OSCE-format exam taken after completing residency. Tests clinical and procedural skills through standardised patient encounters. Required for full licensure.

GUIDE MD tips

Toronto Notes is the cornerstone resource for MCCQE Part I — read it cover to cover at least once.
The NAC OSCE is highly competitive for IMGs — practise with a partner using real station scripts.
Canadian clinical experience (observerships, electives) is extremely valuable for CaRMS applications.
Understand the difference between first and second CaRMS iterations — have a backup plan ready.

Official resources

Study with peers

Join the GUIDE MD Discord for dedicated study rooms and exam prep channels.

Join the Discord

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Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

The primary route for international medical graduates to demonstrate they meet the standards required to practise medicine in the UK.

PLAB is administered by the General Medical Council (GMC). It consists of two parts and, upon passing, allows IMGs to apply for GMC registration and work as a doctor in the UK.

Step-by-step roadmap

01
English Language Proficiency

Pass IELTS Academic (minimum 7.5 overall, 7.0 in each component) or OET Medicine (minimum Grade B in all four skills). This is required before applying for PLAB.
02
PLAB 1

A 180-question, single-best-answer MCQ exam held at British Council centres worldwide. Tests clinical knowledge across all major specialties. Recommended resources: Oxford Handbook, Plabable, Passmedicine.
03
PLAB 2

An OSCE held in Manchester, UK only. 18 clinical stations testing history-taking, examination, communication, and procedural skills with simulated patients. Must travel to the UK to sit this exam.
04
GMC Registration

After passing PLAB 2, apply for GMC registration with a licence to practise. Submit your documents including degree certificate, PLAB results, and identity documents.
05
Find a Job in the UK

Apply for NHS Foundation Trust jobs via NHS Jobs or specialty training via Oriel. Many IMGs start with Trust Grade or Clinical Fellow posts before entering formal training programmes.

GUIDE MD tips

Plabable is the most popular PLAB 1 Qbank — use it alongside Passmedicine for maximum coverage.
Book PLAB 2 as early as possible — slots in Manchester fill up months in advance.
For PLAB 2, practise with a partner using real GMC marking criteria — communication is heavily weighted.
Join UK-based IMG WhatsApp and Discord groups for job leads, accommodation tips, and peer support.

Official resources

Study with peers

Join the GUIDE MD Discord for dedicated study rooms and exam prep channels.

Join the Discord

OSCE Circuit

Live, peer-run mock OSCEs inside the Hub's voice stations. A trained mentor grades you against the same rubric used in the real exam, then gives you the feedback nobody has time for on a busy ward.

Information Gathering Clinical Communication Clinical Reasoning Time Management

Find Your Guide

Connect with physicians and senior trainees who have walked the same path. Our mentors have sat the exams, navigated the applications, and survived the first post, and they're here to help you do the same.

Exam Mentors

Physicians who have recently passed SMLE, USMLE, MCCQE, or PLAB and can guide your preparation strategy.

Pathway Mentors

Doctors who have successfully navigated residency applications in Saudi Arabia, USA, Canada, or the UK.

Ward Survival Mentors

Senior residents and consultants who can help you build clinical confidence and ward communication skills.

IMG Transition Mentors

Physicians who have relocated internationally and can advise on licensing, culture, and career planning.

Mentor matching is facilitated through our Discord community. Join the server and navigate to the #mentor-matching channel to submit your request.

Join the Discord