Taken from the CCFP website:

Short-answer management problems (SAMPs)

This short-answer management problem (SAMP) examination is intended to measure a candidate’s knowledge and problem-solving skills in the context of a clinical situation.

Candidates will receive basic information about the presentation of the patient and a series of questions will follow each scenario.

For the most part, each question will require a single word, short phrase or short list as a response. Where appropriate, the number of desired responses will be indicated for each question. No credit will be given for responses which exceed the number of requested responses.

As they work through the problems, it is imperative that candidates follow the directions carefully so that they receive full credit for responses. The examination is very clear about the manner in which candidates are expected to list or write responses. Deviation from instructions can result in lower scores.

Candidates should:

• Note that for each case, the setting of practice will be described if relevant
• Understand most questions can be answered in 10 words or less
• Submit only the number of answers required (i.e., if asked to provide three responses and five are submitted, only the first three will be scored)
• If directed to mention drugs, include dosages
• Give details about procedures only if directed to do so

Candidate Instructions:

For each SAMP, the setting is an Emergency Department with tertiary-care capability, unless the setting is otherwise described.

When answering questions in this examination please read the question carefully and provide only the information that is requested.

You can answer most questions in ten words or less.

Where appropriate, the number of desired responses will be indicated for each question. The corresponding number of answer fields will be provided. 

Write only one answer in each field. Subsequent answers in the same field will not be considered. No credit will be given for responses which exceed the number of requested responses.

When listing medications, the use of generic names or trade names will be accepted

When providing values or measures only Systeme Internationale (SI) units will be accepted

Avoid abbreviations which are not commonly used and which may not be clear to an examiner

If your answer to a question is “none”, please type “none”. Do not leave the answer box empty

When the phrase “Be Specific” is added to the end of a question, include ample detail. Provide pertinent descriptions of tests or investigations (e.g. CT with contrast re: pulmonary embolism is different from CT with contrast re: aortic dissection; abdominal ultrasound is different from ultrasound guided paracentesis), and include medication doses and routes