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[ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Blog ](https://mdster.com/blog) 3. [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) 4. College of Family Physicians of Canada (Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine): Study Plan [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) College of Family Physicians of Canada (Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine): Study Plan ============================================================================================================ A practical CCFP(EM) preparation strategy for SAMPs, short-menu questions, MCQs, and structured oral stations. [ MDster Editorial Team ](https://mdster.com/about) · Jun 21, 2026 · 5 min read · 890 [ Reviewed by Dr. Ali Ragab, MBBCH, MSc, MCAI ](https://mdster.com/medical-reviewers/dr-ali-ragab) [Editorial Policy](https://mdster.com/editorial-policy) \| [Corrections Policy](https://mdster.com/corrections) [ Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=emergency-medicine) [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=study-tips) [ CCFP(EM) ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=ccfpem) [ CFPC Exam ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=cfpc-exam) ![College of Family Physicians of Canada (Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine): Study Plan](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/college-of-family-physicians-of-canada-examination-of-added-competence-in-emergency-medici.jpg) Share this article Share this post On this page 1. [ Start With the Actual Exam Blueprint ](#start-with-the-actual-exam-blueprint) 2. [ Adapt to the 2026 SAMP Transition ](#adapt-to-the-2026-samp-transition) 3. [ Study Schedule Template: 12 Weeks ](#study-schedule-template-12-weeks) 4. [ Train for the Structured Oral Like a Performance ](#train-for-the-structured-oral-like-a-performance) 5. [ Use Resources Efficiently ](#use-resources-efficiently) 6. [ Common Pitfalls to Avoid ](#common-pitfalls-to-avoid) 7. [ Key Takeaways ](#key-takeaways) 8. [ Frequently Asked Questions ](#blog-faqs) 9. [ References ](#references-heading) On this page 1. [ Start With the Actual Exam Blueprint ](#start-with-the-actual-exam-blueprint) 2. [ Adapt to the 2026 SAMP Transition ](#adapt-to-the-2026-samp-transition) 3. [ Study Schedule Template: 12 Weeks ](#study-schedule-template-12-weeks) 4. [ Train for the Structured Oral Like a Performance ](#train-for-the-structured-oral-like-a-performance) 5. [ Use Resources Efficiently ](#use-resources-efficiently) 6. [ Common Pitfalls to Avoid ](#common-pitfalls-to-avoid) 7. [ Key Takeaways ](#key-takeaways) 8. [ Frequently Asked Questions ](#blog-faqs) 9. [ References ](#references-heading) Many capable emergency physicians prepare for the CCFP(EM) exam by reading broadly, then feel exposed when a SAMP asks for the next three management steps or an oral examiner expects a clear, prioritized plan. This exam rewards emergency medicine thinking under time pressure, not encyclopedic recall. This guide is current as of June 2026. Start With the Actual Exam Blueprint ------------------------------------ The College of Family Physicians of Canada Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine has two required components: a written SAMP component and a structured oral component. The assessed content comes from CFPC Priority Topics in Emergency Medicine and CAEP ultrasound guidance, so your study plan should be organized around those domains rather than around a textbook table of contents. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Create a spreadsheet with the priority topics as rows. For each topic, add three columns: - Must-not-miss diagnoses - First 10 minutes of ED management - Disposition, consultation, and safety-netting Then practise answering in exam language. For example, for chest pain, do not simply review ACS; practise writing and saying: unstable features, ECG timing, troponin strategy, antiplatelet/anticoagulation considerations, alternate lethal diagnoses, and disposition. Adapt to the 2026 SAMP Transition --------------------------------- Starting April 2026, CFPC began transitioning SAMP cases from write-in answers toward MCQs and short-menu questions; the 2026 exam may include up to 25% of cases in MCQ or short-menu format, with all cases planned to use MCQ and short-menu questions in 2027. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") This means you need two parallel skills: 1. **Old-style SAMP precision:** concise, markable answers without long explanations. 2. **Recognition accuracy:** choosing the best option from plausible alternatives. For every case you study, produce both versions: - Write-in: list the exact management steps you would enter. - Short-menu: predict the options likely to appear and identify traps. - MCQ: explain why the best answer is better than the second-best answer. > **Pro Tip:** When reviewing a missed question, do not write “I forgot this.” Write “I failed to prioritize airway,” “I over-investigated before treating shock,” or “I missed disposition.” That turns mistakes into exam-ready corrections. Study Schedule Template: 12 Weeks --------------------------------- The written SAMP is computer-based, with a mandatory orientation, four hours of answering time, and an optional break that does not stop the exam clock. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") Train in timed blocks so your pacing is automatic. PhaseWeeksMain taskBuild1–4Cover priority topics and make one-page ED scriptsApply5–8Complete timed SAMP and MCQ/short-menu setsPerform9–10Do full written simulations and oral casesPolish11–12Fix weak topics, rehearse oral structure, review logistics Use this weekly rhythm: - 3 sessions: priority-topic cases, 60–90 minutes each - 1 session: timed SAMP block with strict marking - 1 session: structured oral practice with a partner - 1 short review: error log and high-risk differentials Train for the Structured Oral Like a Performance ------------------------------------------------ The structured oral component consists of four 12-minute virtual stations, assessed by four different examiners on four different topics. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") The candidate guide emphasizes that you must request specific information, verbalize your thinking, and justify requests as the examiner releases resources. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") Use the same opening framework every time: 1. State acuity and immediate concerns. 2. Ask for vitals and appearance. 3. Treat life threats before completing the history. 4. Request targeted tests and explain why. 5. Summarize diagnosis, management, disposition, and communication. Practise aloud. Silent knowledge does not score well in an oral station if the examiner cannot follow your reasoning. > **Pro Tip:** End each oral case with disposition. Say who is admitted, who is consulted, what monitoring continues, and what would make you escalate care. Use Resources Efficiently ------------------------- Prioritize resources that mirror the exam task: - CFPC sample SAMPs: learn answer style and scope. - Priority-topic checklist: prevent over-reading low-yield areas. - Canadian EM guidelines and review articles: update management details. - Question banks: build pattern recognition for MCQs and short-menu items. - Study group: run oral cases, not passive discussions. Avoid reading an entire emergency medicine textbook from start to finish unless it directly fixes a known weakness. Your goal is not to become broadly impressed with your notes; it is to produce safe, prioritized ED decisions quickly. Common Pitfalls to Avoid ------------------------ - Writing long SAMP answers that hide the markable action. - Treating stable and unstable patients with the same algorithm. - Forgetting pediatric doses, pregnancy implications, rural transfer realities, and airway backup plans. - Using oral practice as a knowledge quiz instead of a timed clinical performance. - Ignoring POCUS and procedure-adjacent decision-making. Remember: candidates must be successful on both the written and oral components to achieve the CCFP(EM) designation. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") Do not let a strong written score compensate psychologically for under-rehearsed orals. Key Takeaways ------------- - Build your plan from CFPC priority topics. - Practise every case in write-in, MCQ, and short-menu style. - Run weekly oral stations from week one. - Keep an error log organized by clinical reasoning failure. - Simulate four-hour written blocks before exam week. The CCFP(EM) exam is demanding because it tests how you manage uncertainty in real emergency care. Prepare in the format you will be assessed, speak your reasoning clearly, and make every study session look like the exam you are trying to pass. Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- ### How should I prepare differently for the 2026 SAMP format change? Practise each case three ways: a concise write-in answer, a short-menu selection, and an MCQ rationale explaining why the best answer beats close distractors. ### When should I start practising structured oral cases? Start in the first month of preparation. Oral performance improves through repeated timed rehearsal, especially with feedback on prioritization and verbal reasoning. ### What topics should I prioritize first? Begin with CFPC Priority Topics that involve unstable patients: airway, shock, chest pain, shortness of breath, toxicology, pediatric fever, trauma, and altered level of consciousness. ### Do I need a study group for this exam? A study group is especially useful for structured orals. Keep sessions case-based, timed, and feedback-focused rather than turning them into informal teaching rounds. References (5) ------------------ 1. 1. [ CFPC: Preparing for the Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine ](https://www.cfpc.ca/en/education-professional-development/examinations-and-certification/examination-of-added-competence-in-emergency-medic/preparing-for-the-examination-of-added-competence) [↩](#cite-ref-1-1 "Back to text") 2. 2. [ www.cfpc.ca/en/Education-Professional-Development/Examinations-and-Certification/Examination-of-Added-Competence-in-Emergency-Medic/FAQs ](https://www.cfpc.ca/en/Education-Professional-Development/Examinations-and-Certification/Examination-of-Added-Competence-in-Emergency-Medic/FAQs) [↩](#cite-ref-2-1 "Back to text") 3. 3. [ CFPC: EM Structured Orals Candidate Guide ](https://www.cfpc.ca/CFPC/media/Resources/Examinations/EM-Structured-Orals-Candidate-Guide.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-3-1 "Back to text") 4. 4. [ CFPC: FAQs for the Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine ](https://www.cfpc.ca/en/education-professional-development/examinations-and-certification/examination-of-added-competence-in-emergency-medic/faqs) 5. 5. [ CAEP: Recommendations for the use of point-of-care ultrasound by emergency physicians in Canada ](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/canadian-journal-of-emergency-medicine/article/recommendations-for-the-use-of-pointofcare-ultrasound-pocus-by-emergency-physicians-in-canada/84505C8AAE43049F237050899D19693C) Keep going Get faster at Emergency Medicine decision‑making -------------------------------------------------- - Rapid, exam‑style questions across core ED topics - High‑yield differentials and next‑step management - Target weak areas with smart review [ Start practicing ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) [ Explore Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine) [ View pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Explore features ](https://mdster.com/features) No credit card required. Full access to all features\*. No commitment. Cancel anytime. \*AI SOE Examiner is limited to 10 cases monthly for Advanced & Bundle subscribers. 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