Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP) Designates: Requirements for Full Licensure
Preamble
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (the Royal College)1 offers a Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP)2 for subspecialists who have not successfully completed the certification examination in their primary specialty.
Upon successful completion of the Royal College subspecialty examination through this program, the physician can become a Subspecialist Affiliate with the Royal College.
Physicians with Royal College Subspecialist Affiliate status may be eligible for Full licensure.
Purpose
This policy outlines the eligibility criteria for Full licensure for physicians who hold Royal College Subspecialist Affiliate status.
Scope
This policy applies to physicians who are trained in a subspecialty and have successfully obtained Subspecialist Affiliate status with the Royal College.
Policy
Physicians with Subspecialist Affiliate status who otherwise qualify for licensure may qualify for a Full licence to practise the relevant subspecialty.
Candidates must not be prohibited or restricted from practising medicine through the decision of any adjudicating body or through voluntary agreement or otherwise (other than by conditions or restrictions imposed on a licence by a regulator).
Eligibility Criteria
1. Credentials
Candidates must have all of the following credentials:
| Credential | Description |
| Medical Degree | Medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools3. |
| Medical Council of Canada (MCC) | Be a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)4 or qualify for an Acceptable Alternative to the LMCC5. |
| Confirmation of Postgraduate Training | A certificate of completion of training or letter confirming completion of training. |
| Subspecialty Recognition | Must have Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Subspecialist Affiliate status through the Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP) |
2. Requirements of Licensure
- Letter of Offer or Confirmation of Privileges
Physicians who meet the above eligibility criteria must provide the College with a letter of offer OR confirmation of privileges with Nova Scotia Health or the IWK Health Centre in Nova Scotia before their licence will be issued.
- English Language as a Proficiency
In accordance with Section 39 of the Medical Practitioners Regulations, candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, in a manner prescribed by the Registrar.
All physicians must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, other professionals and the College as described in the College policy on English Language Proficiency6.
Resources
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Royal College Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program
- World Directory of Medical Schools
- Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada
- Acceptable Alternatives to the LMCC
- English Language Proficiency
| Applicable Legislation: | Section 5 Medical Act Section 5 of the Medical Practitioners Regulations |
| Approved by: | Registration Policy Committee & Council |
| Approval Date(s): | February 22, 2024 & March 22, 2024 |
| Review Date: | February 2027 |