Panama raises minimum passing score for medical certification exam

Future doctors in Panama will face a more rigorous medical certification process, as the minimum passing score for the exam has been raised. The Interinstitutional Council for Basic Certification in Medicine approved increasing the required score from 45% to 50%, a change set to take effect from the third exam in 2026.

This decision stems from a recommendation by the Ministry of Health (Minsa), which proposed a gradual increase in passing standards to enhance the training and evaluation of medical professionals. The plan includes further increments: the passing score will rise to 55% in the second quarter of 2026 and potentially to 61% by the third quarter of 2027, though these later increases are contingent on evaluating the results of the initial changes.

The minimum passing score will now be equivalent to 458 points, up from the previous 427 points, reflecting the new 50% threshold. This updated requirement will apply to the third examination of 2026.

Medical certification is a mandatory prerequisite for undertaking a medical internship and subsequently practicing within Panama's healthcare system. The examination has been administered since 2014 through a collaboration involving the University of Panama, the Interinstitutional Council for Basic Certification in Medicine, and the U.S. National Board of Medical Examiners.