The Therapeutics Decision-Making (TDM) Examination assesses therapeutic knowledge and clinical decision-making at the level expected of a family physician practising independently and safely in Canada. It is developed and administered by the Medical Council of Canada, and most provincial Practice-Ready Assessment programs use it to select applicants.
At a glance
- Questions
- 55 cases, roughly 110 to 140 questionsMultiple-choice and short-menu questions
- Time
- A four-hour computer-based appointmentTwo sections of an hour and a half, with an optional 20-minute break
- Content
- Four dimensions of careHealth promotion and prevention, acute care, chronic care, and safety or adverse effects
- Interventions
- Roughly 70% pharmacologic and 30% non-pharmacologic
- Sittings
- Multiple times a yearIn English and French
- Where to book
- Prometric centres in Canada and worldwide
- Used by
- Most provincial Practice-Ready Assessment programs, to select applicantsFor many PRA candidates it is the single gating exam.
- Dates and source
- Deadline Radarmcc.caConfirm on mcc.ca before booking anything.
TDM questions, each with its official source: IMG FAQ Center.
Also explained: The MCCQE · The NAC OSCE
In detail
What it tests
It is a therapy exam: diagnosis is usually given, and the question is what you do about it, at what dose of caution, in a Canadian practice context.
Where it fits in the PRA route
Provincial PRA programs list the TDM among their eligibility requirements, alongside currency of practice and language evidence. The provincial pages on this site name it wherever it applies. Start from the program comparison or check your own file against every program with the free eligibility screener. Sitting windows are tracked on the Deadline Radar.
From the Path to Practice Series
Independent explainer, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Medical Council of Canada; formats, fees and dates change, so confirm on mcc.ca before booking, and read the disclaimer.