How it works

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a vital part of practising medicine in Nova Scotia. We believe that ongoing learning supports your growth and strengthens your skills as a physician.

The Nova Scotia Medical Act states that all licensed physicians MUST participate in a program of continuing professional development through either of these programs:

• The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) MAINPRO Program 
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RSPSC) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.

Your participation

Whether you are obtaining your Nova Scotia medical licence for the first time or renewing it annually, you are required to do the following:

• provide evidence of your participation in the MAINPRO or MOC programs by completing the CPD Program Information Form 
• adhere with the minimum yearly requirements of the program
• comply with the cycle requirements of the program

The College monitors both physician enrollment and compliance within the MAINPRO and MOC CPD programs.

Not currently enrolled?

• Contact the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to enroll
• Upon enrolling, please email the CPD Program Information Form to the College at: registration@cpsns.ns.ca

CPD exemptions

You may be exempt from the College’s CPD requirements if:

• you hold a Nova Scotia medical licence but you live and work in the United States
• you participate in one of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs of a board (e.g., the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Family Medicine), which is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
• you live and work outside of North America

If you are doing fellowship training while holding a Defined or Academic licence, it is not mandatory to enroll in MAINPRO OR MOC. For more information please contact the College at registration@cpsns.ns.ca.