The Bottom Line
- MCC describes the NAC as a half-day OSCE, typically offered twice yearly, with a standard format of 12 stations (including pilot stations) and fixed station timing.
- Treat NAC prep as “communication + prioritisation + safe management under time pressure,” not just clinical facts.
- Results timing matters: MCC indicates results are typically available ~8 weeks after the last day of the session — bake that into CaRMS planning.
NAC is an execution exam
Many competent clinicians underperform because they do not practise the OSCE mechanics: opening, agenda setting, focused history, targeted exam, differential + plan, counselling, and safe closure — all inside a strict time box.
The NAC preparation system (high yield)
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1) Learn the station rhythm
Train an 11-minute script: (0–1) introduction + agenda, (1–5) focused history, (5–7) targeted exam plan/verbalisation, (7–10) summary + differential + initial management, (10–11) safety-net + close.
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2) Build “presentation packs”
Create a shortlist of common OSCE presentations and drill them repeatedly: chest pain, SOB, abdo pain, headache, fever, mental health, red flags, paeds fever, pregnancy bleeding, back pain, trauma.
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3) Practise marking criteria behaviours
Explicitly demonstrate: empathy, structure, consent, privacy, risk assessment, appropriate escalation, and clear safety-netting.
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4) Simulate the exam conditions
Do full runs with timekeeping, transitions, and fatigue — half-day OSCEs test stamina and consistency.
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5) Plan around results release
MCC’s results timeline means you must sit in the correct session for your application year so scores arrive before file review deadlines.
NAC exam-day checklist
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Practice
Test your knowledge
Apply this concept immediately with a high-yield question block from the iatroX Q-Bank.