Competency By Design (CBD) FAQ

Will residency training still be 5 years in length? 

  • Almost certainly, yes. While time is considered a resource, not a requirement, training will almost certainly remain 5 years in length given volumes required to meet competence requirements. 

Will there be an exam for CBD residents?

  • Yes, however the timing will change only for those in CBD (no changes will be made to residents who entered the program prior to July 1, 2022). The first exams will be scheduled as follows:

  • Multiple Choice (MCQ) & Short Answer (SAQ, formerly OSCE) – fall of PGY5 (2026 for the incoming PGY1s)
  • Applied component (formerly ORAL) – spring of PGY5 (2027 for incoming PGY1s)