Acute medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for acute medicine doctors.
It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates to prospective employers the achievement of a standard equivalent to UK specialist doctors.
Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Acute Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in acute medicine. We cover the content of the exam, as well as fees and the eligibility criteria, all summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is the acute medicine SCE?
Where does the SCE fit into my training?
What is the structure of the acute medicine SCE?
How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost?
Where can I sit the exams as an overseas acute medicine doctor?
How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG?
I’ve passed, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
MRCP (UK) Acute Medicine SCE
The acute medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in acute medicine for all UK trainees.
The purpose of an SCE is to:
ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants
complement workplace-based assessments
provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence
offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America
SCE as Part of Training in Acute Medicine
Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the acute medicine SCE allows physicians to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently at a consultant level.
The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates); however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST6). UK trainees should have made at least one attempt by the time of their penultimate year assessment.
For in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.
Exam Structure
The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum. This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary:
Topic
Number of questions
Cancer and palliative care and haematology
10
Cardiovascular medicine
20
Clinical pharmacology and poisoning
10
Critical care medicine
10
Diabetes and endocrine medicine
14
Gastroenterology and hepatology
20
Infectious diseases
14
Medicine in the elderly
18
Musculoskeletal system
12
Neurology and ophthalmology
20
Renal medicine
10
Respiratory medicine
20
Other*
22
Total
200
*Other: Allergy; Clinical genetics; Dermatology; Immunology; Patient safety and risk management; Psychiatry; Public health and health promotion
The questions in each category are distributed across both papers.
All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.
Acute Medicine SCE Applications
SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.
The application process is as follows:
Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)
Request a preferred test country and city
Pay applicable examination fee
Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email
Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.
The Royal College of Physicians has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.
Cost
The cost of the SCE exams are as follows:
UK centres: £665
International centres: £833
Exam Centres
UK Centres
Candidates who choose to sit the acute medicine SCE in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College of Physicians advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come first served basis.
International Centres
Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. The Royal College of Physicians will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.
Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE - attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.
The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here.
Preparation and Resources for the Acute Medicine SCE
It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision. This list should provide a good starting point for any international acute medicine doctors preparing to sit the SCE:
Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Acute Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Acute Medicine Specialist Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.
Guidelines - These tools are helpful for supplementing your knowledge:
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
The Society for Acute Medicine (SAM)
Textbooks
Oxford Textbook of Medicine (Eds David A. Warrell, Timothy M. Cox, John D. Firth. Published by Oxford University Press)
Oxford Handbook of Acute Medicine (Eds Punit Ramrakha, Kevin Moore, Amir Sam. Published by Oxford University Press)
Journals
Acute Medicine (Published by Rila)
Clinical Medicine (Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London)
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Sample questions: It is a good idea to regularly assess your knowledge and progress using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.
For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.
I’ve passed! What’s next?
First of all, congratulations - this is a massive achievement! With your MRCP(UK) and acute medicine SCE in hand, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Great stuff!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG medicine recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, acute medicine positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.
To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Many physicians trained in the USA can now register to work in the UK using their USMLE licensure. Whilst it is not a qualification, the GMC now accepts the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) as evidence of the appropriate skills and knowledge required to be granted registration with a license to practice.
In this blog we will outline some key points in this process, and briefly explain how to apply for full registration, including the following:
Are you eligible for GMC registration?
What are the requirements for GMC registration using the USMLE?
How to provide evidence of your Primary Medical Qualification
How to provide evidence of your internship
How to request evidence from the USMLE for the GMC
How to provide evidence of English language proficiency
How to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing
What other information will you need to provide?
Getting started
Please note, the full process is a lengthy one, so for detailed guidance on registering with the GMC using your USMLE, we suggest you get in touch with us to learn more.
Eligibility for GMC Registration
You are eligible for this application if you:
graduated from a medical school outside the UK or Switzerland
and you:
hold an acceptable primary medical qualification
have completed an internship
have passed the United States Medical Licensing Exam:
Step 1
Step 2 Clinical Knowledge AND
Step 2 Clinical Skills
Some important things to note:
Your pass for Step 2 Clinical Skills must be on or before 13 March 2020. This is because the in-person aspect of Step 2 Clinical Skills allows the USMLE to be comparable to the PLAB exam. Without this, the USMLE does not meet the GMC requirements for demonstration of skills and knowledge.
If you attained the USMLE before 16 April 2004, you may have passed the former ECFMG Clinical Skill Assessment (CSA). This will not be accepted by the GMC for registration. Whilst we understand there are a lot of similarities between the two assessments (CSA and Step 2 CS) - only the Step 2 CS will be accepted.
You must have passed each part of the exam including the knowledge tests and clinical skills components in four attempts or less.
If you have taken and failed PLAB Part 1 or 2 after you passed any component of an overseas registration exam, either a knowledge or clinical skills test, you will not be eligible for this application.
If your pass in the clinical skills component is more than two years old, you will need to have carried out medical practice for three of the last five years, including at least six out of the most recent 12 months before you submit your application. If your pass is over two years old and you haven’t completed this pattern of medical practice you will not be eligible to use the USMLE for GMC registration.
If you do not meet these criteria, your application may be rejected and you may need to find an alternative route to GMC registration. Depending on your specialty, you may have an overseas accepted qualification, or PLAB may be another alternative for you.
GMC Registration Requirements
To gain full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK, you must provide evidence of:
Evidence of skills and knowledge - this would be your full USMLE (Step 1, Step 2 - CK & CS)
AND
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
Certificate of good standing - the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
Evidence of Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)
As part of your application with the GMC, you’ll need to send a copy of your Primary Medical Qualification. Some overseas medical degrees are not accepted by the GMC – if you are not sure – take a read of our blog on accepted primary medical qualifications here.
Once you have checked your primary medical qualification meets the acceptability criteria, you’ll need to have it independently verified before you can be granted your registration with a licence to practise. You will need to do this if you qualified from a medical school outside the UK and are not already provisionally registered with the GMC.
Read our article on verifying your medical degree here – or for a full and detailed guide on the steps required, contact the team via email at info@imgconnect.co.uk
Evidence of an Acceptable Internship
An internship is formal training and experience after you've completed your primary medical qualification.
An acceptable internship must include at least 12 months' continuous medical practice in an approved training post in a public hospital. You must have done this either immediately before or after you graduated.
Your internship must have been at least 12 months in duration.
If your internship was completed over a 12 - 18-month period, it must have included at least three months in medicine and three months in surgery.
If your internship was completed in over 18 months, it must have included at least six months in medicine and six months in surgery.
You'll need to send the GMC a certificate or letter of completion from your institution, which gives details of the dates and specialties of your rotations.
If you completed an internship in the UK, you’ll need to read the online guidance for moving from provisional registration to full registration.
I haven't competed an internship
If you didn't complete an internship, the GMC will accept evidence that you practised for two years continuously after you graduated.
The GMC will check that your experience:
was undertaken in a public hospital that meets the standards for regulation within its jurisdiction and has established supervision, safety and governance systems in place
includes at least three months of practising medicine, continuously and without interruption
includes at least least three months practising surgery, continuously and without interruption
was completed under supervision.
You'll need to provide a letter from the hospital on letter headed paper, which gives details of the dates and specialties of your practice.
Evidence of your pass in the USMLE
As part of your application, you'll need to:
Email the GMC to express your interest in applying for registration through this route at img@gmc-uk.org.
Complete the application form the GMC send you and return it by email.
Send them evidence which demonstrates you’ve passed an acceptable overseas registration exam. You can request this from the USMLE as per the instructions below.
Requesting evidence from USMLE for the GMC
First you should check that your college is listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) - this is likely if you've completed the USMLE
You can request and download a transcript from the Federation of State Medical Boards
You need to select General Medical Council (UK) from the drop-down list
If you are unable to access your account, call (817) 868-4041 or email transcripts@fsmb.org
Evidence of English Language Proficiency
All physicians, regardless of experience and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have sufficient grasp of the English language. This can be done by passing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS - a guide for overseas doctors
OET - a guide for overseas doctors
Experience in English-speaking countries
For doctors who have spent the last two years of their clinical experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer(s) over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when the GMC approves your application.
Other information you may need to provide
There are various other bits of information you will need to provide which includes your activities for the last five years, translations of any documents not in English, and any additional evidence the GMC may request when reviewing your application.
Often this is different, dependent on each case, so our advice is to start the application and respond to the GMC’s queries as and when they come.
Getting started
You will need to create a GMC Online account for the GMC to be able to send you an application form.
Once you've read and understood the evidence needed to support your application, you’re ready to apply. To start, contact the GMC where they will be able to check your eligibility and send you an application form to complete as mentioned above.
Once you've gathered all the required evidence and started the process to have your PMQ verified by the ECFMG, send your completed application form by email to img@gmc-uk.org. Once received, the GMC will ask you to call their contact centre to make payment.
If you are still unsure about the application process and wish to discuss your application with IMG Connect, feel free to get in touch. We understand the GMC registration process can be complicated, and IMG Connect are experts on the matter. Rest assured, we are always delighted to help overseas physicians through the GMC registration process and to find jobs in the NHS!
For regular news and updates on the UK, including GMC registration, the royal colleges and the NHS, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below.
Recognised postgraduate qualifications are essential to work in the NHS with full GMC registration.
The GMC must be satisfied you have sufficient knowledge and skills before it grants you a license to practice, and for international doctors there are various routes to be considered. Your experience and desired role in the NHS should help shape the route you take option for you. The following postgraduate routes are available to you:
PLAB
UK Postgraduate Qualification (Royal College Qualification)
Recognised or Equivalent Postgraduate Qualification
PLAB
The first and most popular route for more junior doctors is the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board or PLAB as its commonly known. It is a two-part exam, with Part 1 taken all over the world and the second part taken in the UK only. It is a quick and relatively simple set of examinations for overseas doctors to work in the NHS.
Have a read through our detailed and helpful blog series on the PLAB for more information.
UK Postgraduate Qualifications / Royal College Qualifications
One of the most popular routes for overseas doctors is to attain a UK Postgraduate Qualification through one of the UK's Royal Colleges.
There are twenty-four Royal Colleges in existence in the UK, and they are the professional bodies responsible for the individual medical specialties they cover. Among their many duties, their role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter their respective professions.
UK trainees will sit a series of examinations set by their Royal College depending on what medical specialty they have chosen and these generally are set to a higher level of specialism and training when compared to the PLAB examinations.
Attaining a Royal College Qualification will of course satisfy GMC postgraduate criteria for full registration and are often the route for more senior international candidates looking to work in the UK. Certainly, if you want to
Have a read through our Postgraduate Qualification section to find the qualification set against your specialty. The entire list of Royal College examinations can be found below.
Alternatively, have a look through our blog on PLAB v Royal College to help you decide.
CLICK ON THE QUALIFICATION BELOW TO READ A USEFUL GUIDE FOR IMGs.
Awarding Body
Qualification
Royal College of Anaesthetists
Primary FRCA examination
Royal College of Emergency Medicine
Membership of the College of Emergency Medicine
(MCEM/MRCEM)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
(MRCOG)
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Royal College of Pathologists
Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists
(FRCPath) by examination only
Haematology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
(FRCS Glasg Ophthalmology)
Royal College of Physicians London
Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians MRCP (UK)
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
(MRCPsych)
Royal College of Radiologists
Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR)
Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
(MRCS Ed Opthalmology)
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Any of the following:
Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - MRCS
Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS (ENT))
Collegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS)
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons - (following examination) (FRCS)
Recognised or Equivalent Postgraduate Qualifications
Another option is to attain a GMC recognised overseas qualification. These overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC as equivalent and will be accepted as evidence that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to apply for full registration with a licence to practise.
Have a read through our blog on GMC Recognised Postgraduate Qualifications to find out if your qualification is on the list and recognised by the GMC.
Please note, you must be granted full registration with a license to practice within three years of passing your postgraduate qualification.
Recognised Equivalent Qualifications
Country
Awarding Body
Qualification
America
American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics - General Pediatrics
American Board of Anaesthesiology
Certificate of the American Board of Anaesthesiology
The American Board of Radiology
The American Board of Radiology diagnostic radiology examination
Australia/New Zealand
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations
OR
FRACP Paediatrics or evidence of three years basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) awarded since January 2012
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Clinical Radiology)
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Radiation Oncology)
Bangladesh
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons
Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded since July 1999
Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - diagnostic radiology examination
Europe
European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology
European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care
Hong Kong
Hong Kong College of Physicians
Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians
Ireland
College of Anaesthetists of Ireland
Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
MRCP Medicine (Medicine of Childhood)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
MRCS (collegiate examination)
MRSCI (intercollegiate examination)
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Malaysia
Ministry of Health
Master of Medicine (MMED) Malaysia with MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010
This must include four years of clinical experience (required to complete MMED) plus two years of training
Pakistan
College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan
FCPS Paediatrics Pakistan
Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since1998
Singapore
National University of Singapore
Master of Medicine (Paediatrics)
Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) including MRCP (UK)
Joint Committee on Specialist Training Singapore
Master of Medicine (MMED) Singapore, plus MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010
South Africa
College of Anaesthetists of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa
FCA (SA)
Colleges of Medicine of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Radiologists of SA FC Rad Diag (SA) - Diag Rad awarded after 1 October 2013
Sri Lanka
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Doctor of Medicine or MD (Anaesthesiology)
Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Paediatrics)
Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017
Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017
West Africa
West African College of Physicians
Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (Paediatrics)
West Indies
University of the West Indies
Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded since September 2003
(Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care)
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Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for MRCPsych Paper A, particularly with the changes to the exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK applicants and trainees.
So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? We have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help you in your preparation for the Paper A exam. We will also address some changes to the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The topics we’ll cover are as follows:
What is MRCPsych Paper A?
How do I get started with my preparation?
What other resources are available?
How has the exam been affected by COVID-19?
#IMGTips
Passed? What’s next?
If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.
For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.
What is MRCPsych Paper A?
Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.
MRCPsych Paper A is a three-hour written exam which covers the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry
The paper comprises 150 questions and is worth 150 marks, with two thirds being multiple choice questions (MCQ) and the other third, extended matching item questions (EMI).
The breakdown of the sections is as follows:
For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper A exam here.
Preparation
It can be tough to know the best place to start, so we’ve spoken to some IMG psychiatrists and the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help candidates in their preparation for the exam. These include:
Syllabus: We always recommend this as the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics for a road map to your success in the exam. You can find this here.
Sample papers: These will help you perfect your exam techniques and are an effective way to benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. They will also help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.
Marking schemes: It’s always a good idea to understand how exams are marked so you can structure your revision accordingly, giving you the best chance of a pass. These are available here.
Sample exam: Samples of the exam are also helpful in fully understanding the format and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment, particularly as this is a more recent change to the exam. This is available here.
Online exam guidance: This guidance has been written specifically to help candidates to prepare for sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings that will be in place on the day. This will be more useful closer to the exam date. The guidance can be accessed here.
Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide: the Royal College suggest having a look through this guide, which is a helpful resource to help you to get over the first steps, available here.
What other resources are available?
IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper A exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.
The most highly recommended resources are the SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources. They are available in different formats depending on your revision needs:
SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.
SPMM Booster Mock Exams
These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.
Duration
N/A
Cost
£249
Next start date
On demand
Website
spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php
MRCPsychMentor Revision Course: unlimited access to a bank of over 2000 questions, including some from previous exams. These are delivered in the same format as will be in the exam (MCQs and EMIs), with practice timed tests you can complete as many times as you like. You can access the course here.
MRCPsychMentor Mock Exam
There are two three-hour long exams available here which simulates exam conditions with mock exam papers of questions not available in the question bank. They include a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.
Duration
6 weeks
Cost
£15 each
Next start date
On demand
Website
www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php
IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper A Crash Course
This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors.
The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration.
You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper A Study Course by joining the Facebook group here.
Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources:
BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.
TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper A exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.
How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?
As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych here.
The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.
#IMGTips
Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.
Divide your study time according to the marks percentage for each section – dividing your time in this way will ensure you’re putting most of your time towards what will gain you the most marks.
Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.
Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.
Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.
Passed? What next?
Great stuff, this is a fantastic achievement and you should take a well-deserved break!
Once you’re ready, you can apply to sit the Paper B exam (or CASC if you started with Paper B). For more information, take a look at our blog, where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about sitting the exam, including dates, results, fees and structure.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration must attain MRCEM.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the Royal College of Emergency Medicine examinations (MRCEM), provided certain eligibility criteria are met. FRCEM however can only be sat once practicing in the UK, so is not a suitable route for international doctors who have not yet practiced in the NHS. To help doctors understand the FRCEM and MRCEM exams the following guide will provide you with key information covering the exams, dates, fess, eligibility, preparation and application.
These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is FRCEM and what is MRCEM?
FRCEM Route
MRCEM Route
Eligibility for MRCEM
Eligibility for FRCEM
Where can I take the exam & how much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available
Should I take an MRCEM course?
Passed? What next?
What is the Royal College of Emergency Medicine?
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Emergency Medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession in the UK.
What is FRCEM and what is MRCEM?
Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components.
There have been a few changes to the MRCEM and FRCEM examination structure over the last few years, as such there are currently two routes to an accreditation in Emergency Medicine, both leading to RCEM Membership.
These two routes are:
Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM)
Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM)
MRCEM & FRCEM are one several routes an overseas emergency medicine doctor can take full GMC registration. Read our blogs on acceptable postgraduate qualifications and PLAB if you are unsure what route to take.
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCEM or FRCEM would be the best route to take.
MRCEM Examination Route
The alternative route, Membership by Examination (MRCEM), is offered to candidates who have passed all the following components:
FRCEM Primary or (MRCEM Part A)
One written paper, three-hours total
FRCEM Intermediate SAQ (replaces MRCEM Part B)
Short Answer Question paper - 3 hour paper comprised of 60, 3-mark questions
MRCEM OSCE
Practical examination setting with 18, seven-minute stations
FRCEM Examination Route
The Fellowship Examinations consists of the following components:
FRCEM Primary Examination
one, three-hour written paper
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
Short Answer Question Paper (SAQ)
Situations Judgement Paper (SJP)
FRCEM Final Examination
Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper)
Quality Improvement Project (QIP)
Clinical Short Answer Question Paper
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components, using either route above.
Eligibility for MRCEM Examinations
Eligibility for FRCEM Primary:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate:
To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016.
You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012.
Eligibility for MRCEM OSCE:
To be eligible to enter the MRCEM OSCE (Part C) you must meet the following requirements:
Hold a medical qualification approved by the GMC and
Have completed the UK Foundation Programme of equivalent (electronic evidence required at point of application) and
Have passed the FRCEM Primary examination after 1st August 2016 or
Have passed the MRCEM Part A examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31st July 2016 and
Have passed the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ after 1st August 2016 or
Have passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31 July 2016 and
Have 36 months experience including 6 months experience in Emergency Medicine at a level above Foundation Year 1 (post full registration)
Eligibility for FRCEM Examinations
Eligibility for FRCEM Primary:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate:
To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016.
You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012.
Eligibility for FRCEM Final Examination:
To be eligible you must have FRCEM Primary and FRCEM Intermediate Certificate, attained after 1st August 2016.
Where can I take the exams & how much will they cost me?
Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.
Please remember, applications made outside the application period will not be accepted.
Examination
Location
Fees
FRCEM Primary
Short Answer Question Paper
UK
£310
Iceland, Malaysia, Oman, India
£390
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
SAQ
UK
£305
Iceland, Malaysia, Oman
£385
FRCEM Intermediate Cert.
(SJP)
UK
£200
Kuala Lumpur
£200
MRCEM
OSCE
UK
£450
India
£450
FRCEM Final
Clinical SAQ
UK
£300
FRCEM Final
Critical Appraisal SAQ
UK
£240
FRCEM Final
QIP
N/A
£150
FRCEM Final
OSCE
London
£420
How can I apply?
All applications are made online and links to all application forms and windows are available here. It is worth noting, the application can take some time to complete, so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines.
Please remember, applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.
How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, such as FRCEM Success, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
Curriculum:
Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Information Packs:
These provide detailed information for the relevant examination components so that you can best prepare for your studies and what to expect on the day:
FRCEM Primary
FRCEM Intermediate
FRCEM Final Examination
MRCEM OSCE
SAQ Blueprint:
The blueprint for the new Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here.
SJP Blueprint:
A blueprint of the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here.
Sample questions:
Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Primary – sample questions
Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions
Final – successful QIP
Reducing referral rates of paediatric patients to plastic surgery
Management of fractured neck of femurs in the ED
Final – unsuccessful QIP
Critical Appraisal Questions – Advice to Candidates
Critical Appraisal – Most Frequently Offered Answers
Glossary of Terms:
The royal college uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions used in this guide. Candidates are expected to be rigorous in their use of these terms.
Glossary of terms used in RCEM exams.
Examination Report:
The Royal College recently began to publish reports on the performance of those sitting FRCEM examinations. Below is the first report published and helps to break down results for those in training and those out of training.
2018 Examination report.
Online resources:
There are lots of resources online, such as videos on YouTube, FRCEM courses and useful reading materials. We think that these are a great addition to your study plan, just be sure to check your sources.
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.
As ever at IMG Connect we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practice your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present.
Should I take a course to prepare for the OSCE?
Whilst it is not essential to take a course when preparing for the MRCEM or FRCEM OSCEs - there is no doubt it will help your preparations both technically and mentally, and should be considered an investment towards your future career plans. Have a read of our blog on recommended MRCEM courses for Emergency Medicine doctors.
You can find a full range of articles covering MRCEM and FRCEM examinatins to help you to make a success of your preparations here.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of FRCEM or MRCEM you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding, CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS job & hospital locations for you.
For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
The Medical Oncology SCE is a postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a higher specialist qualification for medical oncologists. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates achievement of a high standard (equivalent to UK specialist trainees) to prospective employers.
Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Medical Oncology Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in medical oncology. We cover the exam content, fees and eligibility, summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is the medical oncology SCE?
Where does the SCE fit into my oncology training?
What is the structure of the SCE?
How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost?
Where can I sit the exams as an overseas medical oncologist?
How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG?
I’ve passed? What’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
MRCP (UK) Medical Oncology SCE
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK.
The medical oncology specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in medical oncology for all UK trainees.
The purpose of an SCE is to:
ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants
complement workplace-based assessments
provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence
offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America
For in-depth information on each of the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.
Medical Oncology SCE as Part of Training in Oncology
As the MRCP exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (CT1-CT3), an SCE allows medical oncologists to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently.
The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates), however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST5).
To find out more about the medical oncology training pathway in the UK, see our blog on this topic here.
Exam Structure
The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum:
Topic
Number of questions
Breast cancer
14
Colorectal and anal cancer
14
Lung and thoracic cancer
14
Carcinoma of unknown origin
7
Ovarian cancer
7
Germ cell tumours
7
Oesophagogastric cancer
6
Lymphoma
3
Uterine cancer
3
Hepatobiliary cancer
5
Skin cancer
5
Sarcoma
5
Leukaemia
1
Prostate cancer
3
Urothelial cancer
3
Cervical cancer
3
Head and neck cancer
2
CNS cancer
2
Renal cell cancer
3
Endocrine cancer
2
Scientific basis of malignancy
18
Professional skills
14
Acute oncology
20
Clinical research, ethics and economics
8
Systemic anticancer therapy
18
Supportive therapies and palliative care
10
Standard operating procedures
3
Total
200
All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.
Medical Oncology SCE Applications
SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.
The application process is as follows:
Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)
Request a preferred test country and city
Pay applicable examination fee
Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email
Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.
The Royal College has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.
Cost
The cost of the MRCP exams are as follows:
UK centres: £665
International centres: £833
Exam Centres
UK Centres
Candidates choosing to sit the exam in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come, first served basis.
International Centres
Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. MRCP (UK) will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.
Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE, and attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.
The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here.
Preparation and resources for the Medical Oncology SCE
With lots of resources available online, it can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision. This list should provide a good starting point for any international medical oncologists preparing to sit the SCE:
Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Medical Oncology as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a roadmap for your study.
Guidelines - These resources are helpful for supplementing your knowledge:
British Journal of Cancer 2009 March 100 (5) 684–692 Jones et al. – guidelines for Herceptin modification
British Thoracic Society (BTS) - pleural disease guidelines
International Prognostic Index score for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) - guidelines for follicular lymphoma
NHS Cancer Screening – guidelines for bowel and other cancers
Books
Candidates can find information on genetics and some basic science in the Oxford Desk Reference of Oncology 2011.
Sample questions
It is a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge by testing your knowledge and progress throughout your preparation using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.
For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connect's Top Tips for exam preparation.
IMG Oncologists
Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncology SCE aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
I’ve passed? What’s next?
First, congratulations - this is a fantastic achievement! Armed with your MRCP and medical oncology SCE qualifications, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Nice one!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG oncology recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, oncology positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things oncology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Overseas histopathologists wanting to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in Histopathology or FRCPath in Histopathology, a sub-specialty exam of FRCPath. FRCPath is the UK qualification and a GMC-recognised postgraduate route.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the sub-specialty FRCPath in Histopathology examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is FRCPath in Histopathology?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
FRCPath in Histopathology structure and format
FRCPath in Histopathology: Part 1 - MCQ/EMQ
FRCPath in Histopathology: Part 2 - Practical Examination
As an overseas candidate where can I take the exams and how much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available?
Passed? What next?
What is FRCPath in Histopathology?
Set against the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology, the examinations are designed to recognise histopathologists close to the end of their training who can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and technique for independent practice. In other words, completion of the full set of exams (Part 1 & 2) demonstrates your ability to work at consultant level.
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
Below we outline the eligibility for overseas doctors looking to sit both FRCPath Histopathology exams. For international candidates, the eligibility criteria for FRCPath specialty examinations can be a little confusing when looking online so IMG Connect spoke to the Royal College directly in an effort to clarify this.
Time spent in histopathology training is stated as a requirement of eligibility and the Royal College do consider equivalents to NHS training programmes though there is no list of countries with accepted or unaccepted training programmes. The royal college advises you should speak to your Educational Supervisor or Sponsor (if you have one) who can advise you if you are ready or eligible to sit the Examinations if you are unsure. Remember, there are many overseas doctors applying for all parts of the FRCPath exams so don’t be put off applying!
Top Tip: If you have the required months training in a recognised programme in your country for Histopathology specifically, the chances are you will be eligible.
Eligibility for Part 1:You are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in Histopathology for a period of no less than 12 months.
Did you know? Candidates who have passed the FRCPath Part 1 examination in Histopathology who, after appropriate training, can attempt the Part 2 examination in one of the following: Forensic Pathology, Neuropathology or Paediatric Pathology.
Eligibility for Part 2: The Royal College expects you to have at least three years of specialty training specific to Histopathology in your own country. Furthermore, the Royal College strongly advises candidates to attempt Part 2 at least 12 months after passing Part 1.
FRCPath in Histopathology structure and format:
The FRCPath examinations consist of two parts:
Part 1 – One paper comprised of 125 multiple choice questions (SBAs and EMQs)
Part 2 – six-part practical examination held over two consecutive days.
Part 1 examination:
FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 One comprises of 125 multiple choice questions in both single-best-answer (SBAs) and extended-matching-questions (EMQs).
The exam is orientated towards assessing your overall knowledge and understanding of:
histopathology/ cytopathology
basic science underpinning pathology (inc. molecular biology)
full range of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital
Part 2 Practical Examinations:
The exams consists of six components taken over two days, summarised below:
Part 2 Practical examinations
Surgical history
20 cases in 20-minute slots
Cytopathology
8 cases in 20-minute slots
Macroscopic pathology
4 cases with 20-minute reviews followed by 20-minute discussions
OSPEs
2 20-minute stations
Long cases
4 20-minute stations
Frozen sections
6 cases in 2, 20-minute stations.
One meeting with examiners in separate 20-minute station.
Surgical history: 20 cases are provided in 10 pairs of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3-hours 20 minutes of the second morning. The cases will represent a range of difficulties, with some proving complex cases requiring detailed description, differential diagnosis and special techniques or cases not diagnosable on a single H&E.
Cytopathology: Held on the first morning of the exam. Eight non-gynaecological cytology cases will be provided in pairs in 20-minute slots.
Macroscopic Pathology: This part is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in the context of the RCPath Minimum Datasets. Four cases provided in the form of photographs of gross pathology specimens. Two 20-minute slots will be provided for 2 cases, followed by 20-minute discussions with 2 examiners.
OSPEs: 2 x 20-minute stations. One of which is conducted face-to-face with 2 examiners while the other is a written exercise only. Possible topics can include management/clinical governance type and MDT type cases.
Long Cases: 4 x 20-minutes stations provided on the first afternoon including cases which cannot conventionally be covered in a single H&E stained section.
Frozen Sections: 6 cases viewed in 2 x 20-minutes stations (3 cases per station) before meeting with a pair of examiners in a 20-minute station. You need to take notes and be able to provide the examiners with a bottom-line diagnosis only, to form basis for discussion in face to face meetings.
Where can I take the exams and how much will they cost me?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption to Royal College exams across all specialties, and unfortunately the RCPath exams have been affected also. For the most up-to-date news on the RCPath examinations please refer to their website here.
FRCPath Part 1 (current COVID-19 arrangements): In 2022, the Part 1 examination will be offered using online delivery to candidates. This means you can take the exam remotely and will not need to travel overseas to sit the exam, or attend an examination centre. The College will deliver the written components of these examinations through a company called TestReach, the Oral components (including oral OSPE stations) will be delivered using a video-conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams and for the written examinations, candidates will be given the opportunity to trial the TestReach system to familiarise themselves with it ahead of the examination. You can read more about the new, remote examination process further here on our website.
Previously, the Part 1 examination was sat in multiple overseas centres and once the pandemic is under better control globally, it is highly anticipated the Royal College will return to previous set-ups.
The FRCPath Part 1 exam costs £622. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website.
FRCPath Part 2 (current COVID-19 arrangements): Part 2 exams will be held in person in the UK in 2022. There will be no online delivery for the exam.
Keep an eye on the RCPath website for the most up-to-date news on the exams.
The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,308. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website.
How do I apply?
Applications must be made via the Royal College of Pathologists website, with applications only available once an application window is opened by the Royal College. This is usually twice a year, in SPrin and in Autumn.
How do I prepare for RCPath exams and what study resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with consultants the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
Curriculum: Questions are set against the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Regulations and Guidelines: Before applying for FRCPath examinations, the Royal College recommends you read both the General & Specialty Specific regulations and guidelines:
General Regulations and Guidelines
Royal College - Histopathology Regulations & Guidelines
Sample Questions:Testing yourself against previous exam questions is always a recommended way to prepare. Histopathology Part 1 sample questions
Cancer Datasets and Tissue Pathways: The College’s datasets for Histopathological Reporting on cancers have been written to help pathologists work towards a consistent approach for the reporting of the more common cancers and to define acceptable practices in handling pathology specimens. Whilst these are not specific to FRCPath examinations they are certainly relevant to the wider practice in histopathology.
IMG Connect advice:
Part 2 – food and drink:With multiple exams taking place for Part 2 in one day bring supplies! It will be a long day and there may not be access to food.
Hiring a microscope: For Part 2 you will be required to sit examinations in the UK and will require a microscope. The examination centres will not provide equipment for any applicants so you will need to hire a microscope in advance. There are a few companies easily accessible through a web search, find a microscope and book well in advance of the exam. You can arrange for the company to drop off and pick up the microscope from the exam centre, don’t worry!
I passed the FRCPath exams! What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed both parts of FRCPath in Histopathology you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a histopathologist in the UK.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in Histopathology, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.
The Royal College makes it clear that individuals who reach the standard required to pass the FRCPath examination in their chosen specialty are deemed to have the necessary professional competence to practice unsupervised. FRCPath also greatly contributes to the Certificate Confirming Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), the alternative route to the Specialist Register for doctors who do not complete their training in an approved UK training programme.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future?
As part of IMG Stories, we're introducing Dr Bilal Zafar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper A exam. Bilal will be sharing his experiences of the first of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants.
1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Bilal Zafar?
My name is Dr. Bilal Zafar and I'm from Karachi, Pakistan. I graduated from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in 2018 and cleared my FCPS residency entrance exam from College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan. Currently, I'm working as a psychiatry resident at Liaquat National Hospital in Pakistan. I am also Editor in-chief at MEDizzy UK, Global Executive Member at Oli Health Magazine Turkey, and an i-act manager for mental health certified by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK. I served as an ambassador for Banja Luka International Medical Congress (BLIMC) 2019, the 25th Scientific Congress of Hellenic Medical Students and the 13th International Forum for Medical Students and Junior Doctors from Pakistan.
More recently in 2022, I excelled in the MRCPsych Paper A examination by Royal College of Psychiatrists.
2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams?
When I started my residency, I was originally convinced to aim for PLAB, however during my practice, I watched one of my supervisors clear all the Royal College exams. This inspired me to switch to my focus to MRCPsych.
3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper A exam?
I took the MRCPsych Paper A exam in December 2021. For me, the timing was appropriate as I was in the second year of my residency, therefore more aware of the fundamentals. By this point, I had built enough thorough clinical experience to tackle Paper A.
4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and how much time did you spend on revision?
I started studying for MRCPsych Paper A soon after clearing my FCPS entrance exam. I had initially allocated 2 hours of studying daily, but as I was at the beginning of my residency so my dedicated study time fluctuated. However, I did my best to adhere to my study plan. When I was around 6 months away from the MRCPsych Paper A exam date, I started aggressive preparation. This is what I recommend to everyone; you will never feel ready for the exam. Book a place, start your preparation and take the exam!
5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates?
I was grateful to find very professional, concerned and co-operative senior colleagues. Their thorough guidance and support provided me with the strategy and study materials for this exam. Around 6 weeks before the exam, I joined a study group of IMGs (which I found through IMG Connect) where I found an amazing study partner. She had more than 5 years' experience in clinical psychiatry, and together we solved MCQs and discussed concepts - her experience benefited me a lot!
6. You are one of the creators of the fantastic MEDizzy UK Journal. How has this impacted your study and practice as a psychiatrist?
MEDizzy is the world's fastest growing medical learning communities. I joined the community 4 years ago. Back then, I was doing my internship and preparing for the residency entrance exam. For me, MEDizzy is a door to non-stop medical exposure, and I've learned a lot from the app and journal. MEDizzy journal was launched in 2020 and since then I've served as Editor-in-Chief. We serve the global medical community with the latest news, medical cases, medical technology, inspirational interviews and much more. I must say, sometimes it becomes difficult to maintain a work and study balance and there's no perfect formula for this. I would say my studies have made me what I am today and MEDizzy polished me.
7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)?
Sometimes I don't know, myself! After booking my exam, I created a study plan. At the same time, I had to juggle my residency, medical writing on Fiverr, MEDizzy projects and, most importantly, my wedding. It was scheduled for the day after my MRCPsych Paper A exam. I was tangled in multiple commitments and you can only imagine the difficulty. Fortunately, I could manage my personal life, residency and exam and passed the exam on my first attempt, despite the odds. The key is to remain calm and believe that nothing in this world is impossible.
8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper A exam?
I relied on SPMM notes, SPMM high yield MCQs and mock exams. For my MRCPsych Paper A, I used a retro approach to studying. In this technique, I first solved the MCQs of any topic and studied the same topic later from the SPMM notes. I practiced mock exam questions 6 times. Always remember - revision is the key. You may cover a long list of topics but if you don’t revise what you studied earlier you won’t retain this information. While practicing questions, read them carefully and memorise the explanations. Lastly, I also used the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry and Kaplan Neuroanatomy.
9. What is the single best resource you would recommend for IMGs to use when preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and why?
SPMM and SPMM only. The mock exams and practice questions are similar to real exam questions. Take the mock exams 6 weeks prior to the actual exam and solve them in the provided time. This will give you real insight about your time management and retention and recall power.
10. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax?
Nobody should study on the day of exam. This makes you more anxious. For me, I was getting married the very next day and I had so much going around at home and in my mind. My exam was at 12pm, so I woke up at 7am, took a shower, got dressed, and left for the examination centre at 10:00 am.
11. What was your experience like on the day?
My experience was overwhelmingly amazing! It was an online exam at a local examination centre. In the exam there were 3 sections of 50 questions each. We had an option to take a break after completing each section, but I didn’t take any breaks as I thought it might disturb my continuity. Most of the questions were doable for me as I had practiced mock questions. However, there were some entirely new questions as well. In every section, I gave a reasonable amount of time to at least 5 questions. The rest of them didn’t take much time. Therefore, I completed the exam in 2 hours.
12. What was the most challenging part of the exam?
The most challenging part of the exam was the EMIs. They took a fair amount of time and I had to recall my basic concepts and put them together to solve these questions.
13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?
After the exam, I was confident about my performance. I thought I'd taken a good approach to the exam and ws confident in the results.
14. What nuggets of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper A aspirants?
I would recommend that you not wait for the ‘right time' or a time when you're ‘fully prepared'. There is neither a right time nor any point when you're completely prepared. Book the test, make full use of the question banks, take mock exams, start studying and sit your exam.
15. What did you do to celebrate passing the exam?
On the day the exam results were to be released, I was at home, and my wife and I were anxiously waiting for the email from the Royal College. The moment we saw “PASS” in the email, my wife literally shouted “You did it, Bilal!”. It was a priceless moment. Later that night, we arranged a gathering of close friends and family to celebrate my achievement.
16. What are your plans going forward?
So far, I am a candidate for FCPS (Psych) and MRCPsych. My plan is to take the intermediate module of FCPS in August 2022 and then take MRCPsych Paper B in September 2022. I aim to complete MRCPsych by next year. As far as MEDizzy is concerned, we aim to expand the community by initiating new projects such as the ambassador program and advancing MEDizzy Inspire where we interview the most deserving personalities from the world of medicine who can become inspiration for young healthcare professionals.
Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants.
For news and updates on all things psychiatry, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
For many overseas psychiatrists, as well as UK based trainees, the MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming. Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?
To help a little, in this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper A and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:
An overview of MRCPsych
What is MRCPsych Paper A?
How is the exam structured and marked?
Am I eligible to sit this exam?
As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam?
Where and how do I apply?
How much will the exam cost?
What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych A?
#IMG Tips
Passed? What next?
If you know what you're looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section!
An overview of MRCPsych
The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.
Full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration for international psychiatrists taking this route towards working in the UK.
The exams within the series are as follows:
MRCPsych Paper A
MRCPsych Paper B
MRCPsych CASC
For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.
MRCPsych Paper A
Paper A is a three-hour written exam covering the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry.
The exam, comprised of 150 questions, is worth 150 marks:
two-thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ), and
one-third extended matching item questions (EMI)
Exam structure and marking
Paper A covers the following sections of the current syllabus:
The percentage split and marks allocation on the 150-mark exam is broken down as follows:
Section
Percentage
Marks
Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry
16.67%
25 marks
Human Development
16.67%
25 marks
Basic Neurosciences
25%
37 - 38 marks
Clinical Psychopharmacology
25%
37 - 38 marks
Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry
16.67%
25 marks
Eligibility
Trainee psychiatrists from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.
You are eligible to sit Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner.
Exam locations and dates
We have good news – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online! This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website.
This change makes it immensely easier for international doctors to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.
Examination dates (at the time of writing) are as follows:
Examination Date
Application Period
Results Publication Date
1 December 2022
26 September - 7 October 2022
15 February 2023
Exams are usually held twice a year – and we will regularly check the Royal College website for updates and changes.
Applications
To apply, you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. This form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut off, your application will not be considered.
For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.
You will need to provide the following:
Personal details
Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration
Training
Written paper selection
Fees
At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.
Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.
See below for MRCPsych Paper A fees for 2021:
PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £486
Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £539
Preparation
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with our IMG Psychiatry Community the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. We’ve collated these below:
Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can access this here.
Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques and are a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. In addition, sample questions will help you work quickly on the day, you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.
Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked, so you can maximise your exam skills and give yourself the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.
Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.
Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.
#IMG Tips
Start early – preparation is key and the best way to avoid last-minutes stress and cramming.
Use the Royal College website – this should be your best friend...or at least one of them. There are so many useful resources on these – what better place to start your revision?
Join our online support community - for all things psychiatry, including access to a community of likeminded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.
Passed? What next?
If you are completing the papers in order, the next step will be to apply for Paper B. For more information take a look at our blog where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
For more useful blogs & articles on the MRCPsych exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.
Good luck in your MRCPsych Paper A exam!
In response to the high number of inquiries we've had from overseas pathologists about the arrangements for the Autumn sitting of the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we've been in contact with the Royal College of Pathologists and have summarised these updates under the headings below.
When will the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam be held?
The publicised dates for the exam are Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October 2022, although these are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The withdrawal deadline for the exams is Friday 15 July 2022.
Can I sit the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam in Autumn 2022?
The RCPath guidance which asks candidates to wait to sit the Part 2 exam the year after passing the Part 1 exam was in place to avoid overwhelming the limited capacity of the exam centres. Those who were successful in the Spring 2021 Part 1 exam are able to sit the Part 2 exam in Spring 2022. If the College needs to prioritise bookings, it will be done in the same way as previously. Therefore, if there is a requirement for candidates who have passed in Spring 2022 to wait until Spring 2023 to apply, a notice will be put on the News section of the examinations page around the end of May/ beginning of June.
It is therefore important to check regularly for updates to the examinations page, which you can do here.
Where can I sit the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam in Autumn 2022?
Details on the Autumn 2022 sitting of FRCPath Part 2 have yet to be finalised, however, unlike Spring 2022, it may be possible to arrange to sit the exam in Irbid (Jordan), Dubai (UAE) or Cairo (Egypt) if there are sufficient applicants. The availability of FRCPath Part 2 examination centres outside the UK will be indicated on the Royal College website (when the application window opens for Autumn 2022 at the end of May) and candidates should contact the Examinations Department to express their interest in taking the exam in the available centre when they make their application.
We therefore advise that you keep an eye on the RCPath application page here.
Will the College have any microscopes available for me to use for the exam?
The College's overall policy is that the College and centres have no obligation to provide microscopes. Candidates can bring their own as this is equipment they are familiar with, or can hire a microscope. Some overseas centres may be more able to provide microscopes and if that is the case it would be stated on the letter sent to candidates with their centre confirmation.
If you would like to borrow a microscope for your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we advise that you check well in advance what the options are for your chosen centre, or are available to you online.
If you have any further questions about the FRCPath exams, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, the NHS or relocating to the UK, please get in touch with us here.
We'd also like to invite you to join the IMG Histopathologists online community - as well as support on Royal College exams, our Facebook group of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
IMGs often have questions about the best ways to prepare for the MRCPsych Paper B exam, particularly with a new exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK trainees and applicants.
So, what study materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? Here we have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help in your preparation for the Paper B exam. We will also address some of the changes in the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The topics we’ll cover are as follows:
What is MRCPsych Paper B?
How do I get started with my preparation?
What other resources are available?
How has the exam been affected by COVID-19?
#IMG Tips
Passed? What’s next?
If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.
If you’d like an overview of the entire examination series, take a look at the article published in our IMG Resources library here.
MRCPsych Paper B
Let’s begin with a quick recap of the second exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.
MRCPsych Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.
The 150-mark paper comprises It is made up of around two-thirds multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and one-third extended matching item questions (EMI). One third of the paper covers critical review, with the other two thirds covering clinical topics.
The breakdown of the sections is as follows:
For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper B exam here.
Preparation
It can be tough to know the best place to start, and after talking with some psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees), the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants to prepare for the exam. See below:
Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.
Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B, candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B critical review - evidence-based practice syllabic content, available here.
Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here.
Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.
Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.
Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.
Other resources
IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper B exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.
Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources. These include:
SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.
SPMM Video Lectures: A course covering the most important questions pertaining to clinical and critical appraisal topics. This is delivered through 19 hours of viewing - 10.5 hours of clinical topics and 8.5 hours of critical appraisal. Also provided is a PDF of Q-Bank to print and practice. These are available for 3 months from the date of purchase for the price of £199 and can be found here.
Brainscape Flashcards: Sets of web and mobile flashcards with hundreds of questions across all of the syllabus covered in the MRCPsych Paper B exam. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is available here.
Superego Café Question Bank: This question bank provides over 500 multiple choice questions to help you prepare for your examination. The question bank includes constantly updated revision questions and is available as a mixed variety to reflect the MRCPsych Paper B examination. This can be accessed here.
BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.
Get Through MRCPsych Paper B: Written by authors with recent exam success, the book provides candidates with realistic and up to date MCQ and EMIs, closely matched to themes appearing most often in the Paper B exam. This can be found here.
TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper B exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.
Courses
The SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources are the most highly recommended by IMG psychiatrists we have spoken to and are available in different formats depending on your revision needs.
MRCPsych Mentor Mock Exam
A three-hour long exam which simulates exam conditions with a mock exam paper comprising new questions not available in the question bank. It includes a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.
Duration
6 weeks
Cost
£15
Next start date
On demand
Website
www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php
SPMM Booster Mock Exams
These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.
Duration
N/A
Cost
£249
Next start date
On demand
Website
spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php
IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper B Crash Course
This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors.
The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration.
You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper B Study Course by joining the Facebook group here.
How the exam has been affected by COVID-19
As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. Applicants from Singapore and Hong Kong who intended to sit exams in local centres are also invited to apply for the online sitting of the exam. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych in the blog we've written here.
The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.
#IMG Tips
Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.
Build on your existing knowledge and experience – you’re being tested on things which you’ll likely be familiar; take your experiences and use that to bolster any new information you learn through your revision.
Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage; take what’s available online and maximise their impact on your preparation.
Maintain a work-life balance – whilst you should dedicate time to study for the exam, it’s important to avoid burnout by setting aside time away from work and revision to reset and clear your mind.
Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Passed? What next?
Great stuff, this is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up for a while! After a well-earned break, you can apply to sit the CASC exam, which you are eligible for once you’ve passed the MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B exams. For more information, take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Overseas medical oncologists looking to register with the GMC through the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK).
Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) examinations for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medical oncology, including a breakdown of each exam, fees and eligibility.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is MRCP (UK)?
Where does MRCP fit into my oncology training?
How are the MRCP exams structured?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost?
Where can I sit the exams as an overseas medical oncologist?
How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG?
I’ve passed, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
What is MRCP(UK)?
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
As medical oncology comes under the umbrella of medicine, the postgraduate exams for medical oncologists are set and delivered by the Royal College of Physicians. For clinical oncologists, the Royal College of Radiologists are the overseeing body for training and exams. You can learn more about the clinical oncology postgraduate route here.
The MRCP examinations assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences, as well as clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease. The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.
Therefore, completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward, with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.
MRCP (as a postgraduate qualification) is one of the two main routes an overseas doctor can take to gain full GMC registration, the other being the PLAB route. For in-depth information on each of the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.
MRCP as Part of Training in Oncology
Full MRCP (UK) is a requirement for all oncologists wishing to go on to a specialty training post in the UK.
For doctors who wish to find more senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice and experience, IMG Connect advise that MRCP (UK) would be the best route to take to GMC registration.
MRCP (UK) Exams Structure
The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:
MRCP (UK) Part 1
The first exam in the MRCP exam suite tests a sample of medical knowledge skills and behavior are specified in the UK specialty training curriculum for core medical training / internal medicine training.
The first examine that MRCP suite is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the clinical silences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.
The examination has a two-paper format - each paper is 3 hours long and contains 100 multiple choice questions in a ‘best of five’ format. The paper both tests core knowledge and comprehension as well as a candidate's ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems.
Each question has five options: one correct answer and four alternatives to the correct answer.
The exam is also designed to help prepare candidates for the more challenging Part 2 written and PACES exam.
Specialty
Number of questions
Cardiology
14
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
15
Clinical sciences
25
Dermatology
8
Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic medicine
14
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
14
Geriatric medicine
8
Haematology
14
Infectious diseases
14
Neurology
14
Oncology
5
Medical ophthalmology
4
Palliative medicine and end of life care
4
Psychiatry
9
Renal medicine
14
Respiratory medicine
14
Rheumatology
14
Total
200
For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.
MRCP (UK) Part 2
The second exam in the exam suite builds on the knowledge assessed in Part 1 and again tests the acquisition of a representative sample of medical knowledge skills and behavior.
The questions will usually have a clinical scenario, may include the results of investigations and may be illustrated with images such as clinical photographs, pathology slides, inheritance trees ECGs, X-rays, CT and MR scans and echocardiograms.
Questions are asked about the diagnosis investigation management and prognosis of patients using multiple choice questions in a ‘best of five’ format.
Specialty
Number of questions
Cardiology
19
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
18
Dermatology
9
Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic medicine
19
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
19
Geriatric medicine
9
Haematology
9
Infectious diseases
19
Medical ophthalmology
3
Neurology
17
Oncology, Palliative medicine & end-of-life care
9
Psychiatry
3
Renal medicine
19
Respiratory medicine
19
Rheumatology
9
Total
200
For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.
MRCP (UK) PACES
The MRCP (UK) Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) assesses a candidate’s ability to carry out essential clinical skills.
There are five clinical stations where there are either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates). At each station, there are two independent examiners who will observe and evaluate the candidates' performance.
PACES Carousel
For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.
Eligibility for Overseas Medical Oncologists
Part 1
To be eligible for MRCP (UK) Part 1, you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum of 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
Part 2 & PACES
To be eligible for MRCP (UK) Part 2 & PACES, you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.
Please note, whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so, as pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.
Applications
Applications for all MRCP exams are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, via the Royal College website. You will need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.
The cost of the MRCP exams are as follows:
Candidate
Part 1
Part 2
PACES
UK
£460
£460
£657
International
£616
£616
£1,202
Exam Centres
The MRCP exams are held 4 times a year and can be sat in several locations around the world, including the UK, Manama, Dhaka, Cairo, Accra, Hong Kong, Reykjavik, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Erbil, Amman, Nairobi, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Malta, Kathmandu, Muscat, Karachi, Lahore, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Khartoum, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New Jersey, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Harare.
Please note that the number of sittings for each exam varies between countries – you can find the full list of cities and dates here.
The Part 1 and Part 2 exams are held online in the UK for candidates within the UK and Republic of Ireland.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited availability of spaces for the PACES exam, and whilst every effort will be made to provide as many places as possible, if the number of applications for the exam exceeds the places available, candidates in UK training will be prioritised.
Preparation and Resources
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. These include:
Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a roadmap for your study.
Sample questions for Part 1 & Part 2: It is a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge by testing yourself using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College see below:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES scenarios: To familiarise yourself with the format of the PACES exam, take a look at sample scenarios from the stations. You can find these here.
IMG Oncologists
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.
For more information on the MRCP exams including structure, preparation, dates and a content drill down, see the blogs we’ve written on each part of the examination suite:
MRCP (UK) Part 1
MRCP (UK) Part 2
MRCP (UK) PACES
I’ve passed, what’s next?
First of all, congratulations! This is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up after all that hard work. With full MRCP, you can now apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice (once you’ve passed an English language exam). Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Nice one!
Get in touch
Don’t hesitate to contact an IMG oncology recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, oncology positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below: