For the foreseeable future, including your 2023 Virtual SOO exam, the CFPC will be using the Practique software created by the United Kingdom-based company Fry-IT.
Here’s what you need to know about the new format.
Virtual SOO: What to Do (and Don’t)
DO
Be ready to be alone in the room for 2.5 hours +15 minutes for logging in
Have government ID ready: Current passport or driver’s licence
Have drinking water available - but only in a CLEAR container
PEE before your exam - You can use the bathroom for approximately 10 minutes during the short waiting period between SOO cases, but you must first notify the examiner. The examination timer will NOT stop during these breaks, and your next encounter will start immediately afterward.
Have a laptop or desktop computer that is equipped with a built-in webcam, speakers and microphone. Click here to run the necessary tests to make sure that your computer meets the requirements (scroll down to Chime Readiness Test, for example).
NEW FOR 2023: The CFPC has warned about using a checklist approach to FIFE in your Virtual SOO. Avoid being clumsy, robotic and scripted. Instead, work it into the conversation using the techniques we covered at The Review Course.
Remember the CFPC says the that even though the exam is delivered virtually, act as if you are in the same room as the patient - it is a test of medical care, not virtual care.
In the CCFP Exam Prep Facebook group, candidates have reported that proctors have given them a time time limit for washroom breaks.
See what the exam day software looks like by going to the demo site You can even log in and play around with it - use ID Candidate and the password is: thisisademo
Learn how to use the notepad on the exam day software. You can type notes, and they will show up on your screen but not the examiner's screen. This note box will clear between stations, but you can use your computer's clipboard to copy and paste.
WARNING: If you plan to access the exam software on a university or business network, candidates have reported that the connection to the exam servers can be blocked by the proxies. Be sure to test in advance!
DON’T
Move out of the examiner’s sight without approval
Have a second person enter the room
Have prohibited items such as books, notes, or additional electronic equipment
Have a phone in the examination room
Have multiple screens
Be in a location with personal or institutional firewalls
Have any pens & notepaper. They are NOT Permitted.
Worry about videotaping - the examinations are NOT recorded
What are the Next Steps?
KNOW the Basics
Review the CCFP Exam Virtual SOO Checklist - an infographic created by us at The Review Course to help you succeed. click image to view full size
REVIEW NEW Video Resources
WRITE DOWN THE EMERGENCY NUMBER
Call 1-800-387-6197 (choose option 1 for English or option 2 for French, then choose option 4 for examinations) and report your status.
More Questions?
Email the CFPC at ccfpexam@cfpc.ca
or ask The Review Course faculty in-person at The Review Course in Family Medicine or on Facebook