Exam format
Six assessed active stations, one pre-test station, and at least one rest station per track. Each station lasts 25 minutes: 2 minutes reading, 15 minutes standardized-patient interaction, 4 minutes topic-related oral questions, and 4 minutes emergency management oral questions. Exam time is approximately 3.5–4 hours; plan approximately 5–6 hours onsite.
Assessed domains and blueprint weightings
46–53%
22–28%
15–21%
6–12%
Records Management is not assessed in this OSCE. Eleven score criteria cover informed consent, history, physical examination, diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, therapeutic planning, safe procedures, emergency management, collaboration, the therapeutic relationship, and professional conduct.
Seven topic areas
- Physical Examination I — Head and Neck
- Physical Examination II — Chest and Abdomen
- Differential Diagnosis I — General
- Differential Diagnosis II — Musculoskeletal
- Manipulation
- Acupuncture
- Emergency Management and Preparedness — integrated oral questions at stations, not a standalone station
Scoring
Official examiners consider criterion-specific performance, an overall station assessment, and red-flag patient-safety behaviours. The official exam uses a compensatory overall scoring model; there is no station-level pass/fail. BoardQBank checklists are formative study feedback only.
Exam day preparation
Bring valid government photo ID with matching registered name. Review the handbook’s equipment requirements: otoscope and disposable specula, ophthalmoscope and visual acuity chart, stethoscope, thermometer with probes, reflex hammer, tuning forks, blood-pressure cuff, and penlight. Wear clinical-appropriate clothing. Personal electronics, study materials and recording devices are prohibited. Accommodations and assistive devices may require advance approval.
Practical safety
For manipulation, the handbook instructs candidates to mime a slow thrust without thrusting or passing the point of tension. For acupuncture, one selected point is demonstrated on artificial skin. Safety, consent, professional boundaries and infection prevention matter throughout.
How to practice
Use each original scenario with a timer and spoken handover. Ask another student or qualified instructor to observe, apply a checklist, and discuss any unsafe decisions. Record your feedback for study planning; do not interpret practice scores as an official readiness prediction.
Source: CANRA-QE Practical Examination (OSCE) Candidate Handbook, Fall 2026, pages 4–28. © CANRA 2026. This page paraphrases selected provisions without reproducing the handbook.