Eligibility

Candidates must meet all the eligibility requirements for the year in which the examination is taken.

Acceptance is on a first come, first served basis. If the exam reaches the maximum number of applicants, no further candidates will be accepted. Only three attempts at the exam will be allowed.

Confirmation of EMG Training

All candidates must submit confirmation of their EMG training, even if the training is incomplete. If training is still in progress, applicants must provide details on when the next block of EMG training is expected. This confirmation must be signed by the EMG rotation director.

Candidates must also complete a minimum of 400 studies, with at least 150 being of moderate to high complexity, covering a full range of neuromuscular diseases. The EMG rotation director must sign off on this requirement.

Failure to submit this form will result in an incomplete application.

Requirements

Documentation

  • Candidates must submit a signed Confirmation of EMG Training (Page 2 of the CSCN Examination Application) no later than .
    * Participation in the EMG Examination is contingent upon receipt of this signed document.

Specialty Certification Requirements

Candidates must have an FRCPC or equivalent certificate from the USA (or be senior residents in the 4th or 5th year of an approved training program leading to certification) in:

  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Neurology (adult or pediatric)

Candidates from overseas may be excused from the certification requirement if they are currently eligible to practice as a specialist in Canada in PM&R or Neurology, or if they are current fellows in a neuromuscular fellowship program in Canada.

Training Requirements

Before applying to write the CSCN certifying examination, the trainee must have....

  1. A minimum of 6 months training, where...
    • at least 3 months training was received within the last 5 years*,
    • the training consisted of either:
      1. One 3-month period of continuous full-time training, or
      2. Three 2-month periods of continuous full-time training.
  2. A minimum of 400 studies (where at least 150 are of moderate to high complexity) covering a full range of neuromuscular diseases performed during training.
  3. A supervising physician who is a current member of the CSCN or the ABEM.
  4. A well-maintained a study log, documenting their diagnosis's (including their complexity) and with confirmed by the supervising physician.
* If training took place more than 5 years ago, no fewer than 200 examinations must have been performed each year since training was completed.

Other Requirements

Candidates must have had no more than 2 unsuccessful attempts at the exam. After the 3rd unseccessful attempt, the candidate will be disqualified from all future applications, and no longer eligible to apply for this exam.

Average Pass Rates (2022–2024)

The pass rate table below includes average pass rates for exam candidates, including internationally trained candidates.

Year Number of Candidates Pass Rate
2022 40 85%
2023 37 86%
2024 35 89%