How to Become a Physician in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia to work as a physician in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“If you want to practise medicine in one of Canada’s 13 provinces or territories, you must first apply for medical registration with the medical regulatory authority (MRA) for that jurisdiction.”
From mcc.ca/credentials-and-services/pathways-to-licensure/application-f..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 5 steps (2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Annual fees
-
- Annual renewal fee: $2,300 (per calendar year)
Source
“Annual renewal fee: $2300 per calendar year”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Paper renewal: $150 (added to the Annual Renewal Fee)
Source
“Paper renewal: $150 per renewal (this fee is added to the Annual Renewal Fee)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Late fee for renewals: $575 (renewals received between December 1 to December 31)
Source
“Late fee for renewals received between December 1 to December 31: $575 (this fee is added to the Annual Renewal Fee)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Restoration fee for expired licences: $625 (physicians who have NOT provided notice prior to December 31)
Source
“Restoration fee for expired licences (expiry date December 31): $625 (this applies to physicians who have NOT provided the College with notice prior to December 31 that they would like to be removed from the Register)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Atlantic Registry licence fee: $500 (per calendar year for fully licensed physicians in an Atlantic province)
Source
“Licence fee: $500 per calendar year”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Sponsor-only oversight: Fee: $200
- Annual renewal fee: $2,300 (per calendar year)
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $200
-
Use the College's registration self-assessment tool to see which pathway to registration is right for you.
Source
“Use our registration self-assessment tool to see which pathway to registration is right for you.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... -
Applicants who hold a full unrestricted licence in another Canadian province complete a streamlined application and are exempt from application fees.
Source
“Applicants who hold a Full, unrestricted licence to practise in another Canadian province are exempt from application fees under the Patient Access to Care Act (PACA) and should complete a streamlined application”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees -
Physicians applying through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement may submit copies of their credentials instead of source-verified originals.
Source
“Physicians applying for registration through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement may submit copies of their credentials to the College.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/original-documentation
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $200 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 5 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Annual renewal fee: $2,300 (per calendar year)
Source
“Annual renewal fee: $2300 per calendar year”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Paper renewal: $150 (added to the Annual Renewal Fee)
Source
“Paper renewal: $150 per renewal (this fee is added to the Annual Renewal Fee)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Late fee for renewals: $575 (renewals received between December 1 to December 31)
Source
“Late fee for renewals received between December 1 to December 31: $575 (this fee is added to the Annual Renewal Fee)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Restoration fee for expired licences: $625 (physicians who have NOT provided notice prior to December 31)
Source
“Restoration fee for expired licences (expiry date December 31): $625 (this applies to physicians who have NOT provided the College with notice prior to December 31 that they would like to be removed from the Register)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Atlantic Registry licence fee: $500 (per calendar year for fully licensed physicians in an Atlantic province)
Source
“Licence fee: $500 per calendar year”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Sponsor-only oversight: Fee: $200
Trained outside Canada
0 of 5 done
- 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 3 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $200
- Listed time: 0 to 0.1 months (only 1 of 5 steps state a time)
-
Verify your medical degree, postgraduate training, and specialty certificates through physiciansapply.ca, the Federation Credentials Verification Service, or confirmation directly from the issuing institution.
Source
“Verify your medical degree, postgraduate training, and specialty certificates using one of the following:”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... -
Start the review by submitting an application for medical registration through physiciansapply.ca, then a Registration Agent requests documents and you receive a letter confirming your eligibility for licensure.
- Review of qualifications fee: $500 (applies only to applicants who do not have Canadian certification and the LMCC)
Source
“Review of qualifications fee: $500 per application - This fee is a preliminary assessment of qualifications for licensure and applies only to applicants who do not have Canadian certification and the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees
Source
“You start this review by submitting an ‘application for medical registration’ through physiciansapply.ca.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... - Review of qualifications fee: $500 (applies only to applicants who do not have Canadian certification and the LMCC)
-
Applicants who are not eligible for a Full licence may be assessed through a practice ready assessment conducted by PACE to determine whether they are ready for practice in Nova Scotia.
Source
“A practice ready assessment (PRA) is a practice-based assessment to determine whether the physician is ready for practice as the most responsible physician in Nova Scotia.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-conditional-... -
After receiving your eligibility letter, complete your application on physiciansapply.ca and submit required documents including references, criminal record checks, letter of intent, and certificates of professional conduct in the order given.
- Application for medical registration fee: $350 (applies to all applicants for a renewable independent practice licence)
Source
“Application for medical registration fee: $350 per application - This fee applies to all applicants for a renewable independent practice licence, including those who have paid a fee for a Review of Qualifications.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees
Source
“Your eligibility letter includes instructions on how to start your application on physiciansapply.ca.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... - Application for medical registration fee: $350 (applies to all applicants for a renewable independent practice licence)
-
Once all required documents are received, the file can be approved and the licence issued within 1–3 business days.
Time: 1 to 3 daysTime source
“once all required documents are received, your file can be approved and your licence issued within 1–3 business days.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...Source
“once all required documents are received, your file can be approved and your licence issued within 1–3 business days.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...
Listed fees for this route
2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $200 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 5 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Annual renewal fee: $2,300 (per calendar year)
Source
“Annual renewal fee: $2300 per calendar year”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Paper renewal: $150 (added to the Annual Renewal Fee)
Source
“Paper renewal: $150 per renewal (this fee is added to the Annual Renewal Fee)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Late fee for renewals: $575 (renewals received between December 1 to December 31)
Source
“Late fee for renewals received between December 1 to December 31: $575 (this fee is added to the Annual Renewal Fee)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Restoration fee for expired licences: $625 (physicians who have NOT provided notice prior to December 31)
Source
“Restoration fee for expired licences (expiry date December 31): $625 (this applies to physicians who have NOT provided the College with notice prior to December 31 that they would like to be removed from the Register)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Atlantic Registry licence fee: $500 (per calendar year for fully licensed physicians in an Atlantic province)
Source
“Licence fee: $500 per calendar year”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Sponsor-only oversight: Fee: $200
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- One-time registration fee (Temporary Locum licence): $300
Source
“One-time registration fee: $300”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Licence fee (Temporary Locum licence): $354 (per 30 days, up to 180 days)
Source
“PLUS licence fee: $354 per 30 days, up to 180 days”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Supervisor fee (Defined licence pathway): $6,000 (per 6 months, paid by the physician under supervision)
Source
“Supervisor fee: $6000 per 6 months”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - College supervision administration fee: $1,500
Source
“PLUS the College supervision administration fee: $1500”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - High level supervision supervisor fee: $200 (per hour plus expenses, paid when the period of supervision is complete)
Source
“Supervisor fee: $200 per hour plus expenses”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - High level supervision administration fee: $2,000 (per period of supervision, paid before the period starts)
Source
“PLUS the College supervision administration fee: $2000 per period of supervision”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Clinical Assistant licence fee: $2,300 (for licences issued between January 1 and June 30, after probation period)
Source
“for licences issued between January 1 and June 30: $2300”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Physician licences: licence fee for licences issued between July 1 and September 30: $1,150
Source
“for licences issued between July 1 and September 30: $1150”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Physician licences: licence fee for licences issued between October 1 and December 31: $295 (per calendar month)
Source
“for licences issued between October 1 and December 31: $295 per calendar month”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - High level supervision: College supervision administration fee: $2,000 (per period of supervision; the physician under supervision pays this fee to the College before the period of supervision starts)
Source
“PLUS the College supervision administration fee: $2000 per period of supervision (the physician under supervision pays this fee to the College before the period of supervision starts)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees - Customized supervision: Supervisor fee: $200 (per hour plus expenses; the physician under supervision pays this fee to the College when the period of supervision is complete)
Source
“Supervisor fee: $200 per hour plus expenses (the physician under supervision pays this fee to the College when the period of supervision is complete)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees
Requirements
Education
Applicants must have a recognized medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Source
“Applicants must have a recognized medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical School.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-conditional-...
Experience
Applicants must have completed a combination of postgraduate training and independent unsupervised licensed practice in their specialty area, such as 24 months of training plus 12 months of practice, or 12 months of training plus 24 months of practice.
Source
“24 months of internship or postgraduate training resulting in certification, registration or recognition in Family Medicine or General Practice and 12 months of independent unsupervised licensed practice in family medicine or general practice”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-licensure-fo...Applicants must have completed the required core training rotations during their internship or postgraduate training.
Source
“Applicants must have successfully completed the following core rotations\* during their internship or postgraduate training”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-licensure-fo...Academic licence applicants must complete at least 450 hours of clinical practice in their intended scope of practice within the three years preceding their start date in Nova Scotia.
Source
“Complete at least 450 hours of clinical practice in the scope of practice you intend to practice in Nova Scotia within the three years preceding your start date in Nova Scotia.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...
Good character
Applicants must provide documents to show their character, competence, and ability to practise medicine in Nova Scotia.
Source
“you will need to provide documents to show your character, competence, and ability to practise medicine in Nova Scotia.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...
Other
Candidates must have fewer than two previous unsuccessful attempts in a Canadian practice ready assessment program.
Source
“candidates must have fewer than two previous unsuccessful attempts in a Canadian practice ready assessment program.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-conditional-...Applicants must meet the currency of practice requirements and provide an explanation for any gaps in practice.
Source
“All candidates must provide an explanation for any gaps in practice.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-conditional-...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Applicants who hold a full unrestricted licence in another Canadian province are exempt from application fees under the Patient Access to Care Act and complete a streamlined application, and may submit copies of their credentials under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Source
“Applicants who hold a Full, unrestricted licence to practise in another Canadian province are exempt from application fees under the Patient Access to Care Act (PACA)”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees
Complete streamlined application
Source
“Applicants who hold a Full, unrestricted licence to practise in another Canadian province are exempt from application fees under the Patient Access to Care Act (PACA) and should complete a streamlined application”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-feesSubmit credential copies
Source
“Physicians applying for registration through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement may submit copies of their credentials to the College.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/original-documentation
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
Credential assessment
Review of Qualifications
review and verify credentials to confirm eligibility for licensure
Source
“The purpose of a Review of Qualifications is to review and verify your credentials to confirm your eligibility for licensure.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...
Exams
-
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I
Source
“Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...Which provinces ask for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I
-
College of Family Physicians of Canada certification examinations (written and oral)
Source
“College of Family Physicians of Canada certification examinations (written and oral)”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... -
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certification examinations (written and oral)
Source
“Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certification examinations (written and oral)”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... -
practice ready assessment (PRA)
Source
“A practice ready assessment (PRA) is a practice-based assessment to determine whether the physician is ready for practice as the most responsible physician in Nova Scotia.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-conditional-...
Language tests
| Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | CLB | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS – Academic | — | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | — | Source“IELTS\* – Academic taken within the 24 months prior to applying, with a minimum score of 7 on each component”cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... |
| CELPIP – General | — | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | — | Source“CELPIP\* – General taken within the 24 months prior to applying, with a minimum score of 9 on each component”cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... |
Canadian experience
Academic licence applicants must complete at least 450 hours of clinical practice in their intended scope within the three years before their start date in Nova Scotia. Source
“Complete at least 450 hours of clinical practice in the scope of practice you intend to practice in Nova Scotia within the three years preceding your start date in Nova Scotia.”
cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li...
Supervised practice
Required
Physicians practising under a Defined licence must pay supervision or sponsor-only oversight fees, and conditional licensure may include supervision under a licensing agreement with the College. Source
“All physicians practicing under a Defined licence must pay either supervision or sponsor-only oversight fees.”
cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $75,058 | $187,135 | $345,667 | Very good (5 of 5) |
| Canada | $90,826 | $232,227 | $435,240 | — |
Physicians in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Application for medical registration | Medical Council of Canada mcc.ca/credentials-and-services/pathways-to-licensure/application-f... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Temporary licence (locum) | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Licensing and other fees | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/your-practice/licensing-fees · fetched October 10, 2026
- Original documentation | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/original-documentation · fetched October 10, 2026
- Academic licence | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia cpsns.ns.ca/apply-for-licensure/physicians/licensing-information/li... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Pathway to conditional licensure for internationally trained physicians via a practice ready assessment: hospitalist medicine | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-conditional-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Pathway to conditional licensure for internationally trained physicians via a practice ready assessment - office-based primary care | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia cpsns.ns.ca/registrants/physicians/policies/pathway-to-licensure-fo... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a physician in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia is required to practise in Nova Scotia.
Which exams are required?
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I, College of Family Physicians of Canada certification examinations (written and oral), Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certification examinations (written and oral), practice ready assessment (PRA).
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