EPE exam overview and preparation strategies : The Road is Rocky to Climb but Doable.

Disclaimer:

The reader bears the sole responsibility for independently verifying the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information provided before taking any action based on it. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, up-to-date, and provided in good faith, no express or implied representations, warranties, or guarantees are made regarding its accuracy or completeness.

The Entry-to-Practice Exam (EPE), administered by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), is a critical milestone for individuals seeking to become Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). This guide outlines the essential components of the EPE, how it differs from academic programs like GDipICL, and offers expert advice for preparation and post-exam requirements.

EPE vs. Academic program: Key Differences

Criteria	Academic program	EPE
Duration	12 to 36 months to complete 9 courses	Few weeks to a few months of preparation
Purpose	Academic assessment	Professional licensing
Format	MCQs, short answers, case studies, written assignments (open/closed book)	135 MCQs (closed book), Exam duration: 180 mins
Passing Mark	70%	Undisclosed
Difficulty	Flexible, course-by-course	Higher; tests applied legal knowledge and critical thinking
Retake Policy	Retake failed course(s)	Retake the full exam only; modules are not separate

Financial and Administrative Requirements

EPE Application Fee: $75 (non-refundable)
Exam Fee: $425 (first attempt), $325 (subsequent attempts)
Deferral Fee: $75
No-show Fee: $150
Payment Terms: Credit card only, payable within 72 hours of invoice

(The above amounts and policies are subject to change. Please consult the CICC website for the most up-to-date information before taking any action.)

Competency Areas Covered in EPE

Foundational Knowledge
Case Management
Legal Research and Informatics
Business Management and Leadership
IRB and Administrative Tribunals
Professionalism
Cultural Competence
Communication, Counselling, and Advocacy
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Evidence-Based Practice

Reference link: https://college-ic.ca/licensee-obligations/standards-of-professional-conduct-and-competence/essential-competencies-for-rcic-practice?#essential-competencies-accordion_unit-9-critical-thinking-problem-solving-and-evidence-based-practice

Question distribution and scoring:

If you want to know about questions distribution by the competency areas and the details about scoring, please follow this link from college’s website.

Preparation Tips from an Experienced EPE Candidate

Sid, who successfully completed the EPE in December 2022 (currently a RCIC-IRB bearing the license no: R713190) and have been mentoring multiple exam batches till date, shares the following advice:

Study Hours:

3–4 hours of study with 100% focus daily if you plan to study for 5–6 weeks
5–6 hours of study with 100% focus daily if you plan to study for 3–4 weeks

(The lower the % of focus, the greater the number of study hours required in inverse proportion.)

Time Management Strategy for EPE exam:

Please try to attempt the questions as per the timing below:

1st Hour: 60 questions
2nd Hour: 50 questions
3rd Hour: 25 questions + review questions which were flagged during 1st & 2nd hour

Highly Recommended Knowledge Areas To Be Focused

Please note that CICC has not prioritized any one knowledge area over another. However, given the limited preparation time, it may not be realistic to review every single word and detail you have studied so far. To maximize your readiness, we recommend placing greater focus on the following areas to ensure you are thoroughly prepared and leave no critical topics overlooked.

CICC professional code of conducts
CICC regulations (please check the following paragraph** to know more about this part)
Inadmissibility
Conviction and Rehabilitation
FSWP, CEC, FSTP, PNP
Family sponsorship
Citizenship
IRB- Refugee law
SP, PGWP, OWP and restoration
LMIA and other close work permits
Visitor visa, Transit, eTA, Visitor record
Super visa

While purchasing paid materials is not mandatory—and none are endorsed by CICC—the flashcards and practice tests we provide are carefully designed to cover the key areas outlined above in a thoughtful and structured manner. Details of our materials and services can be found here.

**The CICC regulations cover an extensive range of topics. Outlined below are our recommended areas for focused study.

Highly Recommended:

Agents Regulation
Annual Fees, Other Fees, Fines and Penalties Regulation
Changes in Information Regulation
Client Account Regulation
Client File Management Regulation
Licensee Leave of Absence Regulation
Planned or Unplanned Absence Regulation
Retainer Agreement Regulation

Moderately Recommended:

Bankruptcy, Insolvency, Creditor Proposal and Garnishment Regulation
Compliance Audit Regulation
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulation for RCICs
Good Character and Good Conduct Regulation
RCIC Resignation Regulation

Access All Regulations Here

Support Programs:

ImmiMentor offers a flashcard-based EPE preparation program and Practice tests including bi-weekly drop-in sessions. Details can be found in this link.

You can also book a Book a Free 15-Min Consultation if you have any question or concern related to any of our materials and/or services.

After Passing the EPE

CICC Application Deadline: Submit full application within 120 days of results
Document Delay Allowance: Additional 180 days if documents (e.g., Police Clearance) are delayed
Membership Fees: $1,809.25+Tax/year (payable annually or quarterly)
Professional Liability Insurance: Approx. $200/year
Mentorship Program:
- Required after licensing
- Fee: $665 + Tax
- Must be completed upon CICC’s notification, cannot be enrolled before receiving the notification from CICC
PME Courses: 9 courses (3–6 hours each), to be completed in your first year as an RCIC
CPD Hours: 16 hours/year (cost: $200–$400 or discounted ($100+Tax) through Immilink / ImmiMentor)

(The above timeline, $ amount and policies are subject to change. Please consult the CICC website for the most up-to-date information before taking any action.)

Continuous Learning & Networking

Articles by RCICs: Access practical insights and case studies here: Immilink Knowledge Base

Final Thoughts

Success in the EPE depends on more than just memorization. You must demonstrate deep understanding, critical analysis, and professional judgment. With structured preparation and the right resources, aspiring RCICs can clear this milestone confidently.

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