Here we take a closer look at the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examinations (MRCP) for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medicine, including exam dates, 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)?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
MRCP(UK) Part 1
MRCP(UK) Part 2
MRCP(UK) PACES
How to prepare and what resources are available
How to apply
Fees
Venues
Dates of Exams
Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCP(UK)?
The MRCP examinations assess:
knowledge of basic medical sciences
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.
Completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.
MRCP is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCP would be the best route to take.
MRCP (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK.
The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:
MRCP Part 1 – two written papers
MRCP Part 2 – two written papers
MRCP PACES – practical assessment in a clinical setting
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
Part 1:
To be eligible you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
Part 2 & PACES:
To be eligible you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.
Whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so.
To support this, pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.
MRCP(UK) Part 1:
The entry-level examination is accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
It consists of:
one-day examination
two three-hour papers
200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions
no imagery
sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 1 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) Part 2
Part 2 can only be taken if you have passed Part 1 (building on the knowledge already assessed).
The format at a glance:
two papers taken on one day
papers last three hours
200 multiple choice questions
questions include images
sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 2 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) PACES:
PACES applicants must have passed MRCP Part 1. However, we echo the Royal College guidance and strongly advise our doctors to take both Parts 1 & 2 before taking PACES.
PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).
The format in brief:
half-day examination
takes place in a clinical setting (hospital or clinical skills centre)
assesses seven core skills
five stations
eight patient encounters
two independent examiners at each station
each candidate is assessed independently by a total of 10 examiners
A more detailed look at PACES can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
How do I prepare and what resources are available?
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. See below:
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 road map for your study plan.
MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here.
These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing.
Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES content: prepare and practice example questions on the topics and skills covered in the PACES exam
Preparation
Sample scenarios
PACES marksheets
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
How do I apply?
Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account.
You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.
Application videos from the Royal College can be found below:
Part 1 & 2
PACES
Please note, the application process is a little different for those looking to sit the exam in Hong Kong. Further information can be found on the Royal College website here.
Fees for 2019:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
Part 1
£419
£594 *
Part 2
£419
£594 *
PACES
£657
£1202 *
*the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres are different and applicants are encouraged to submit their application directly to the administration team for this centre.
Venues:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
Part 1
&
Part 2
Edinburgh
Glasgow
London
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Egypt
Ghana
Hong Kong
Iceland
India
Iraq
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Malaysia
Malta
Myanmar
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
West Indies
Zimbabwe
PACES
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Brunei
Egypt
Hong Kong
India
Kuwait
Malaysia
Myanmar
Malta
Oman
Qatar
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
United Arab Emirates
* Please note, exact locations change from each diet of PACES.
Dates of Exams:
Upcoming dates for the exams can be found using the following links:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) 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.
For further information on MRCP exams including structure, content, preparing, procedure, dates, locations and fees, see the following articles:
MRCP(UK) Part 1 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) Part 2 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) PACES – a closer look
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In this article we look in more detail at an alternative route for overseas Anaesthetists looking to work in the UK – the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC).
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the EDAIC examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is EDAIC?
Content and structure
Am I eligible?
Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations
How should I prepare and what resources are available?
Passed? What next?
What is EDAIC?
EDAIC is a multilingual, end-of-training, two-part examination covering the relevant basic sciences and clinical subjects appropriate for a specialist in anaesthesiology.
Doctors with full EDAIC will simply require a pass in IELTS or OET for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK.
The questions are set against the Syllabus for Anaesthetic and Intensive Care training, set by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).
The exams aim to assess your knowledge of the following:
Basic sciences relevant to anaesthesiology & intensive care
Clinical Anaesthesiology inc. obstetrics, anaesthesia & analgesia
Resuscitation & emergency medicine
Intensive care
Management of chronic pain
To find out what grade a successful completion of full EDAIC will allow you to work as in the UK contact your IMG consultant for more information.
Content and structure of EDAIC:
EDAIC comprises two mandatory components:
Part 1 – two multiple choice question papers
Part 2 – oral examination
In addition, there are two optional components:
On-line Assessment (OLA) – computer based online test
In-training Assessment (ITA) – multiple choice question paper
Part 1 Examination:
Pat 1 of EDAIC consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with sixty questions. Each paper is two hours in duration.
Paper A concentrates on the basic sciences of Anaesthesia.
Paper B concentrates on internal and emergency medicine, general, regional & special anaesthesia including pain and intensive care medicine.
Part 2 Examination:
Part 2 is held over one day and consists of four 25-minute oral examinations that each embrace the same range of basic sciences and clinical subjects covered in Part 1.
The oral examinations consist of ‘Guided Questions’ -where candidates are given a brief written presentation 10 minutes before meeting the examiners.
Two of the examinations will concentrate on basic sciences whilst the other two on clinical topics.
X-rays, CT Scans, MRI and Ultrasound images are also used during the oral examinations.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility for EDAIC Part 1 simply requires a medical degree.
Eligibility for Part 2 requires:
a pass in EDAIC Part 1
AND
certification in anaesthesia in any country
OR
Applicants to be in the final year of training in anaesthesiology, in one of the European member states of the World Health Organisation
Please note the following exceptions:
If you graduated as a specialist in Pakistan, you must have the FCPS or equivalent to be eligible for EDAIC Part 2.
Diplomas in anaesthesiology issued in Pakistan and with a curriculum of a shorter duration than FCPS (such as MCPS) can be accepted for EDAIC Part 1, not Part 2.
Holders of FCPS (or equivalent) are not exempt from EDAIC Part 1.
Holders of the FRCA or FCAI / FCARCSI are exempt from Part 1 examination.
Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations:
Examination
Fees
Exam Dates & Venues
EDAIC Part 1
€340 (inc. 1-year ESA membership)
*Part 1 reduced fee €150 (inc. 1-year ESA membership)
EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here
EDAIC Part 2
€550 first attempt
€340 following attempts
(€650 for Part 2 Brazil – Sao Paulo)
EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here
On-line Assessment
€50
EDAIC OLA – full list of dates, venues can be found here
In-training Assessment
€100
EDAIC ITA – full list of dates, venues can be found here
Authentication of EDAIC by external institution
€50
n/a
Total (at first attempt)
€1090
€900 reduced fee*
Part 1 registration fee will include a free 1-year ESA membership which starts on 1st January of the year following registration for Part 1 Exam.
Please note, those applying for Part 1 examination in a country where the exam is mandatory or has official recognition (Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey) AND who are registered on the national medical register of said country, are entitled to a reduced Part 1 fee.
This also includes 1-year free ESA membership.
How should I prepare for the examinations and what resources are available?
We have discussed this at length with IMGs who have recently passed the exam. With so much material available for free on the European Society of Anaesthesiology website we suggest the following as a great foundation for your preparations.
ESA offers several supporting tools to help candidates prepare for the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) Part I and Part II Examinations, including:
Syllabus
EDAIC aims at covering the Syllabus to Postgraduate Training Programme of the European Board of Anaesthesiology.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Diploma Guide
The EDAIC diploma guide includes information on regulations, structure and various sample examination papers and example report forms.
The Basic Sciences Anaesthetic Course (BSAC):
This is a 3-day course, aimed at improving your understanding of different areas of basic science. Register here.
ESA E-Learning Platform:
This includes helpful E-Learning modules to help you prepare for examinations, go to the ESA Academy to start your learning.
EDAIC Webinars:
The ESA have created a series of webinars to support your learning, these can be accessed on the eLearning platform.
On-line Assessment (OLA) and In-training Assessment (ITA):
You can use these helpful tools (On-Line Assessment (OLA) and In-Training Assessment (ITA)) to test your knowledge and identify which subjects require further study.
Sample questions:
The ESA have created sample questions in different languages to help you prepare for all sections of the EDAIC exams:
Part 1
Part 2
Please note, the links above provide these sample questions in English. All other languages can be found here.
Part 2 explainer video:
This is a useful sample exam video, helping you understand what to expect on the day so you can focus on the task at hand.
The ESA have also produced a guide to preparing for your exam and a recommended reading list to support the curriculum.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! Once you have passed both parts of your EDAIC examination 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 NHS anaesthetics jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
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
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Overseas paediatricians taking the postgraduate route to GMC Registration must attain full MRCPCH.
Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) can be sat by international doctors from any country in the world provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is MRCPCH?
Am I eligible?
Sponsors for the Clinical Exam
MRCPCH Theory - structure and content
MRCPCH Clinical – structure and content
Where and when can I take the exams? How much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available
Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Paediatrics throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCPCH?
Paediatricians become full members of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and achieve the designation MRCPCH once they have passed four separate postgraduate medical exams.
The MRCPCH examinations consist of 3 theory exams and 1 clinical exam:
Foundation of Practice (FOP) - theory examination (basic child health)
Theory and Science (TAS) - theory examination (basic scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles upon which clinical practice is based)
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) - theory examination (knowledge synthesis/evaluation, clinical decision-making and management)
MRCPCH Clinical examination - multi station OSCE
* Theory exams can be taken in any order of preference.
For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, the MRCPCH is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to take on more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that the MRCPCH would be the best route to securing their dream job in the NHS.
Am I eligible for the MRCPCH exams?
Theory Exams:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
MRCPCH Clinical:
You must pass the 3 theory exams in order to be eligible for the final MRCPCH clinical examination.
All MRCPCH clinical candidates must be proposed by 2 sponsors, who will certify that you have a good period of training in paediatrics and can be considered as ready to take the exam. You can take the exams at any stage in your career, however current advice is that in order to optimise your chances of success in the MRCPCH Clinical examination you should have:
completed a period of training lasting two and a half years
spent no less than 12 months in posts involving the care of emergency paediatric patients
spent six months of your first year after graduation as a house paediatrician; if not, an additional six months in a post involving the care of emergency paediatric patients.
Sponsors for the clinical exam:
As we mentioned above, candidates for the clinical examinations must have two sponsors who will declare you have covered the required amount of training in paediatrics which matches the exam syllabus and consider you ready to take the exam. You will be asked to provide each sponsors personal and work details, and they will be notified if you receive a poor mark.
The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the MRCPCH examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration.
What is the structure and content for MRCPCH examinations?
As above, the MRCPCH examinations consists of 4 parts:
3 theory exams
1 clinical exam
Theory exams:
Candidates will sit 3 theory examinations; each test is administered on a computer and the tests can be taken in any order.
There are usually 3 sittings for each exam per year.
Each exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, unless you have been allocated additional time.
Foundation of Practice (FOP) theory exam:
This exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and clinical decision-making. It aims to ensure that you have reached the same standard as someone entering core training (ST1 equivalent)
Questions are typically a combination of:
Single Best Answer Questions (SBAs) – 70 questions
Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) – 10 questions
Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) require you to choose the best option from a list of ten possible options, all are feasible, but only one is completely correct.
Theory and Science (TAS) theory exam:
This tests basic scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles of clinical and evidence-based practice.
It uses the same format for questioning as the FOP exam.
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP):
This tests your knowledge, understanding and clinical decision-making based on a standard of someone entering their core specialist training (ST1 equivalent).
The exam uses the format N of Many - giving two or three answers that are required from a longer list.
For example, there can be more than one answer from a scenario since there may be two equally important investigations that should be complete, or three abnormalities from a scan or x-ray.
When sitting the AKP using the format N of Many, remember that each question carries its own weighting – pay attention to how many marks each question is worth in the test and answer accordingly.
Clinical examination:
The MRCPCH clinical examination forms the final part of the exams. Remember, you must have passed all 3 theory tests in order to be eligible to sit this test.
This test will be taken in a hospital setting and you will follow a circuit of 12 scenarios. You should be familiar with this type of test (OSCE) from your medical training. Examiners will assess performance during each scenario, which will include actors (children, young people and adults).
The aim of the clinical examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed ST4 in the UK.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in:
communication
history taking and management planning
establishing rapport with both parents and children
physical examination
child development
clinical judgement
organisation of thoughts and actions
recognition of acute illness
knowledge of paediatrics and child health
professional behaviour
ethical practice
The Clinical Exam is guided by important educational principles while holding to the considerable standards of a clinical examination, including the examination of real children.
The Clinical Exam includes 10 objective assessments of each candidate. In most circumstances’ assessment is conducted by a different examiner at each clinical station, so performance at one station does not influence the next station. The test will include six ‘short case’ assessments, emphasising clinical examination. Stations are as follows:
Station 1: Child development – clinical assessment
Station 2 & 5: Communication skills
Station 3: History taking and management planning
Station 4: Clinical video scenarios
Station 6 – 10: Clinical examinations
The order in which candidates will take the circuit will vary. There are 4-minute breaks between stations, the entire circuit takes 152 minutes in total.
Where and when can I sit the exams? And how much do they cost?
Each country fee is different, please see below current exam fees (as of April 2019).
Theory exams:
Country
Theory Exams
Exam fee 2019
India, Malaysia, KSA, UAE, Oman, Myanmar, Sudan, Singapore, Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Trinidad
FOP - single paper
£390
TAS - single paper
£390
FOP and TAS - both papers
£653
AKP
£750
Egypt and Nepal
FOP - single paper
£363
TAS - single paper
£363
FOP and TAS - both papers
£589
AKP
£683
Hong Kong (HK)
FOP - single paper
TBC
TAS - single paper
TBC
FOP and TAS - both papers
TBC
AKP
TBC
*Not all countries will offer the exam at each sitting. If you would like to request an exam in another country, you can contact the MRCPCH
Clinical examinations:
Country
Fee
UK
£765
Egypt
£1,145
India
£1,428
KSA
£1,479
Malaysia
£1,255
Myanmar
£1,082
Oman
£1,479
Singapore (Conjoint MMED - MRCPCH Clinical fee)
£1,428
Sudan
£1,220
UAE
£1,479
Hong Kong
TBC
How do I apply for the exams?
To apply for the MRCPCH, you first need to register online for exams. You need an RCPCH online account (with an RCPCH number). Then you can complete a short registration form – you will require evidence of your primary medical qualification.
How do I register for exams?
You can register for exams at any time throughout the year. After your registration is accepted, you can apply for an exam but only during relevant open application periods. It takes at least 10 working days to process registration.During exam application periods the Royal College are not able to process registrations.
Register three to four weeks before exam application period opens to help ensure you do not miss your preferred exam diet. The best dates to register for exams are usually January, May and September.
How do I book an exam?
Log in to your RCPCH account
Go to My Account
From your dashboard, go to the Exams panel, and from your exam dashboard, follow links to apply
What do I need to bring to the exam?
You will need to bring one of the following forms of ID:
passport with photograph and signature - this must be current or no more than six months expired
valid driving license with photograph and signature
national identity card with photograph and signature.
Please note, only original documents will be accepted as proof of identification.
How can I prepare for the exams?
With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and 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. See below:
Theory Examination:
Theory Examination Syllabi: This document outlines the syllabus for MRCPCH theory examinations - MRCPCH Theory Examination Syllabi.
Theory exams structure and syllabus: Further information on FOP, TAS and AKP can be found in the theory exams structure and syllabus. This is to be read in combination with the Royal College’s Curriculum for Paediatrics. Within the Curriculum for Paediatrics you can read about the 11 domains and are able to download assessment strategy and generic syllabi for each training level.
Sample Papers: We recommend becoming familiar with the exam format and software, and you can practice with some sample papers here.
Clinical Examination:
Clinical Examination candidate guide: This is a comprehensive guide from the Royal College specifically covering the Clinical Examination. This includes station breakdowns, clinical video scenarios, general instructions and downloads among many other resources.
Anchor Statements: The Anchor Statements outline the expected standard for each station against which candidates are marked. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the criteria points for expected standards before sitting the exam.
Clinical Exam Technique: This guide covers the clinical examination in considerable depth, including:
examination technique
specifics on clinical areas
detail on short-cases
User guide for video station: A guide for Station 4: Clinical video scenarios can be downloaded here.
Clinical Exam: hints and tipsHints and tips specific to the clinical exam can be found on the MRCPCH clinical examination candidate guide (scroll down to find them).
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 practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all four parts of your MRCPCH examinations, 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 NHS paediatrics jobs
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 paediatrics job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
The GMC recognise some overseas qualifications as equivalent to Royal College qualifications.
Listed below are the overseas postgraduate qualifications currently accepted by the GMC. This means to say these qualifications meet the same standards as UK postgraduate qualifications, though please note, this does not mean they are the same in every way and they do not guarantee entry to the UK Specialty training.
If your qualification is not listed as equivalent, then you will be required to complete a Royal College Postgraduate Qualification or PLAB. You can use the GMC application finder to find the application that’s right for you.
Country
Awarding Body
Qualification
America
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
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO) awarded since January 2010
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) awarded since 2001
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of 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)
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) awarded since 1 January 2013
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) awarded since 1 January 2007
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Fellowship of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine (FDRHMNNZ) awarded since 1 January 2012
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) awarded since 1 January 2012
Bangladesh
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons
Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded between July 1999 and October 2019
Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Accreditation in Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Diagnostic Radiology examination
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) awarded since 1 January 2009
Europe
European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (previously the European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology)
Diplomate of European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DESAIC) (previously the Diplomate of European Academy of Anaesthesiology DEAA) or Diplomate of European Society of Anaesthesiology (DESA))
European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)
European Diploma of Intensive Care (EDIC) awarded since January 2015
Hong Kong
Hong Kong College of Physicians
Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians
Ireland
College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (previously Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland)
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in General Medicine, awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Paediatrics (Medicine of Childhood), awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM), awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Faculty of Public Medicine (MFPHMI), awarded after 1 January 2007
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
MRCS (collegiate examination)
MRSCI (intercollegiate examination)
MRSCI (ENT) (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
Fellowship of the Faculty of Radiologists in Clinical Radiology of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FFR RCSI)
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
Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since 1998
Singapore
National University of Singapore
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
College of Anaesthetists of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa FCA (SA)
South Africa
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
College of Family Physicians of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa (FCFP(SA)) awarded since 1 January 2007
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 (medicine) awarded after January 2017
Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017
West Indies
University of the West Indies
Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded between September 2003 and May 2014
(Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care))
One of the routes to GMC registration for an overseas anaesthetist is FRCA Primary.
IMGs from any country in the world can sit some, not all, of the FRCA examinations. Certain eligibility criteria must be met to sit primary whilst overseas doctors can only take the final part of the exams once they have started working in the NHS (UK). This is explained in further details below where we look at the following topics:
What is FRCA?
What is the structure and content of FRCA examinations?
As an overseas doctor am I eligible?
What is Temporary Exam Eligibility (TEE)?
What is the UK IAC?
As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam and how much will it cost me?
How to prepare and what resources are available?
Summary
The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Anaesthetics throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is FRCA?
Anaesthetists become full members of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and attain Fellowship of the Royal College, and the designation of FRCA, once they have passed the two separate exams: the Primary and Final Examinations. Each exam consists of two parts taken separately.
FRCA is one of the many routes an anaesthetist can take when looking to satisfy the GMC postgraduate criteria for full registration with a licence to practice. It is important to note that Primary FRCA will suffice for the purposes of full registration with a license to practice, and full FRCA is not essential though of course desirable.
What is the structure and content of FRCA examinations?
Primary FRCA examinations:
Multiple Choice Question Examination (MCQ)
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Structured Oral Examination (SOE)
Final FRCA examinations:
Final Written exam consisting of; Multiple Choice Question exam (MCQ) and a Short Answer Question (SAQ) exam
The Structured Oral Examination (SOE)
The FRCA examinations form an essential component of training for anaesthetists in the UK and doctors who wish to complete the FRCA route, will be required to complete the final exam after substantial experience working in the UK.
As an overseas doctor am I eligible?
It is important to note that each of the FRCA exams have different eligibility criteria.
To sit the FRCA Primary Exams, you must be a member of the College or apply for Temporary Exam Eligibility (TEE) – see below. TEE will apply to most overseas doctors.
Primary FRCA MCQ:
You are eligible to enter the Primary FRCA MCQ paper if you:
hold national registration with an overseas Medical Council;
AND
have successfully applied for Temporary Examination Eligibility (TEE) with the College 3 months prior to the date of the examination
Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE:
You are eligible to enter the Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE if you:
meet the above criteria for the Primary FRCA MCQ paper
have passed the Primary FRCA MCQ paper
have been awarded an overseas competency in anaesthetics which is comparable to the UK IAC (see below)
Final FRCA:
You are eligible to enter the Final FRCA paper if you have:
completed 30 months of training in anaesthesia
at least 18 months must be spent in approved posts in the UK or Republic of Ireland – for international doctors a maximum of 12 months of overseas training in anaesthesia combined with 6 months working in an approved UK post will be accepted;
Evidence of having completed the required training will be needed, Core Level Training Certificate
What is Temporary Exam Eligibility (TEE)?
Non-UK Trainee applicants do not qualify for any membership category of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. As such the Royal College has introduced the TEE to allow overseas anaesthetist doctors who do not work in the UK to apply for the FRCA Primary Examinations.
Applicants must submit a Temporary Examinations Eligibility form three months before any examinations are applied for.
How do I apply for TEE?
You can apply for TEE using this application form.
Documents required on your first application are:
Proof of registration with an overseas Medical Council
Proof of attendance at or completion of anaesthetic training, including foundation training (internship)
If you intend to take the OSCE/SOE exams, you will be asked to provide further documentation to prove you have an equivalent of the UK Initial Assessment of Competency Certificate in Anaesthesia.
The TEE application costs £90, paid by bank transfer. Once payment is confirmed you will receive a TEE number, which you will use to support your application to sit the FRCA examinations.
What is the UK IAC? And how do I demonstrate equivalence?
The initial assessment of competence (IAC) is the first anaesthesia training milestone for trainees in the Anaesthesia training programme (ACCS training for anaesthesia, acute medicine, emergency medicine and intensive care).
The purpose of the IAC is to signify that the trainee has achieved a basic understanding of anaesthesia and is able to give anaesthetics at a level of supervision matching with the individual trainee’s skills and clinical cases. The IAC is not a licence for independent anaesthetic practice. The key point is that trainees are still under the supervision of a named consultant anaesthetist.
To support an application to sit the FRCA exams you must demonstrate that you have been awarded an overseas anaesthetic competency in anaesthetics which is comparable to the UK IAC.
Overseas anaesthetic competency certificates must be provided on application and prove clinical competency comparable to the UK Initial Assessment of Competency in Anaesthetics. Certificates must be accompanied by a letter of authentication in English from a senior anaesthetic consultant or notary.
The final decision on comparability of overseas IAC certificates lies with the Chair of the Primary Examination.
How do I apply for the Primary FRCA examinations?
Applications are complete online, simply click here, register, and follow the instructions for submitting documents and completing your application.
Where can I sit the FRCA exams?
Unfortunately, IMGs cannot sit the FRCA exams overseas.
Exams are held in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast, Sheffield and Edinburgh. You can find up-to-date exam dates here.
How much do the exams cost?
Primary MCQ
£370
Primary OSCE & SOE
£685
Primary OSCE
£370
Primary SOE
£340
Final Written Exam
£545
Final SOE
£645
What is the syllabus?
The syllabus for both the primary and final exams are linked to the Training Curriculum.
The Primary FRCA Examinations are blue printed to the Core Level Training Curriculum.
The Final FRCA examinations are blue printed to both the Core Level Training Curriculum and the Intermediate Level Training Curriculum.
*both include Intensive Care Medicine
How do I prepare?
With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most successful IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
At IMG Connect we advise overseas candidates to be fully aware that questions used in the exam are drawn from the UK Anaesthetic Basic Level Training Curriculum. We suggest that you can use the curriculum as a road map to support your study plan.
Video series:
The exam run through video series is a useful tool to help familiarise yourself with what to expect on the exam day.
The Primary SOE support videos are designed to help trainees in preparation for exams.
The Primary FRCA examination videos also support with study for the MCQ.
More videos can be found at the College's YouTube Channel
eLearning Anaesthesia (e-LA):
The e-LA supports specialty training in anaesthesia. It provided materials for professional development of specialists seeking to refresh their knowledge.
Doctors working overseas can gain access to this resource via eIntegrity which provides a portal to all specialty e-Learning platforms.
If you are working outside the NHS, then modules are available for purchase via the eIntegrity website.
There are a number of modules available, of particular note for IMGs is Module 6: Exams Preparation.
e-LA also provides MCQ questions which are an accurate reflection of the questions included in the FRCA examinations.
Virtual Exam tours:
3D virtual exam tours have been created by the Royal College to provide a virtual experience to ensure that candidates are familiar with the process on the day.
OSCE exam floor
3D Tour
Successful IMGs have found practice questions are a valuable part of exam preparation. Remember these should be used in conjunction with other forms of research and studies.
I attained Primary FRCA, what next?
You will simply need to prove your English Language capabilities to satisfy GMC criteria for full registration.
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The Diploma in Child Health (DCH) recognises competence in the care of children in specialties allied to paediatrics.
In this blog we will provide an overview of the DCH and consider the following topics:
What is the DCH?
Who is it for?
Structure and content of DCH
Am I eligible?
Where can I take the exam & how much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How do I prepare and what resources are available?
Passed? What's next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
What is the DCH?
The DCH is reflective of current practice in the UK and covers a syllabus mapped by a wide range of medical professions, including paediatrics and GPs. The DCH (Diploma in Child Health) comprises two exams. You must achieve a pass mark in both in order to be awarded DCH.
The exams are as follows:
Foundation of Practice (FOP) theory exam - this is shared with the MRCPCH (membership exam)
DCH Clinical exam
Who is it for?
The Diploma is aimed at those practitioners who want to consolidate their knowledge and skills in paediatrics and gain a qualification at the same time. According to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the DCH is designed to give ‘recognition of competence in the care of children to general practitioner vocational trainees, staff grade doctors and senior house officers in paediatrics, and trainees in specialties allied to paediatrics’.
It not only helps to consolidate knowledge gained during paediatric training, but it also helps to focus and develop skills needed for the examination of children within primary and secondary care.
Candidates use the DCH as an opportunity for up-skilling, to drive learning and to gain an internationally recognised post graduate medical diploma.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recommend that all candidates complete a short period of training in paediatrics before attempting the DCH Clinical examination. The aim of the examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed General Practitioner who has completed a short period of training in paediatrics.
What does the syllabus cover?
It is important to note that the DCH has an independent syllabus from the MRCPCH. However, the theoretical elements of the Foundation of Practice theory exam are shared across both.
Before embarking on the diploma, we recommend IMGs take a detailed look at the DCH syllabus which outlines the competencies required in both knowledge and skills. It provides a summary list of topics which are covered, and specifies the depth of knowledge and skills required, as well as guidance for trainees on what they must be taught and learn.
Am I eligible to take DCH?
The Royal College for Paediatrics and Child Health recommend that overseas candidates have at least six months' paediatrics experience.
To be eligible, overseas candidates will simply need to hold a recognised medical qualification and be registered with the GMC.
You do not require a pass in English Language Tests to take the tests, however we have discussed this with several IMGs, and it is important to note that a high standard of English will be required in order to pass. Don’t forget that you will require a sufficient pass in an English Language Test in order to complete registration with the GMC.
Structure and content of DCH:
The Diploma consists of two exams, one theory (FOP) and one clinical exam. You can take the exams in any order, or during the same exam period.
The Foundation of Practice theory exam (FOP) is computer-based and takes place three times a year in the UK and overseas. See our MRCPCH overview for more information on where you can sit the FOP theory exam, dates, times and costs.
How much does the DCH clinical exam cost?
Fees vary depending on where you sit the exam. See below fees and centres for 2023.
UK & Ireland
Exam
Exam fee
Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper
£350
Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper
£350
FOP and TAS - both papers
£595
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)
£595
Overseas Centres
Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Trinidad currently only provide RCPCH theory exams.
Egypt, India, Malaysia, Nepal, KSA, UAE, Oman, Myanmar, Sudan and Singapore provide both theory and clinical exam test centres.
Overseas
Exam
Exam fee
Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper
£435
Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper
£435
FOP and TAS - both papers
£725
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)
£835
Hong Kong
Candidates in Hong Kong must submit payment to the Hong Kong College exam organiser in HKD via a bank draft, which you can learn more about here.
Hong Kong
Exam
Exam fee
Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper
4700 HKD
Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper
4700 HKD
FOP and TAS - both papers
7600 HKD
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)
8800 HKD
How do I apply for the exams?
To apply for the DCH (Diploma in Child Health), you first need to register online for exams. You just need to do this once.
You need an RCPCH online account (with an RCPCH number). Then you can complete a short registration form – you will require evidence of your primary medical qualification.
How do I register for exams?
You can register for exams at any time throughout the year. After your registration is accepted, you can apply for an exam but only during relevant open application periods.
It takes at least 10 working days to process registration.
During exam application periods we are not able to process registrations. Please register three to four weeks before exam application period opens to help ensure you do not miss your preferred exam diet. The best dates to register for exams are usually January, May and September.
How do I book an exam?
Log in to your RCPCH account
Go to My Account
From your dashboard, go to the Exams panel, and from your exam dashboard, follow links to apply
What do I need to know about the exam day?
Bring your ID:
You will need to bring one of the following forms of ID:
passport with photograph and signature - this must be current or no more than six months expired
valid driving license with photograph and signature
national identity card with photograph and signature
*Only original documents will be accepted.
For more information take a look at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website
How do I prepare?
With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and 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.
A good start is to take a look at Clinical Cases in Paediatrics: DCH Clinical Textbook. It will cost your £35 but is a logical foundation for a start to any revision.
Useful online revision courses include those run by PASTEST and the Institute of Child Health.
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 practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present.
Passed? What next?
If you pass both DCH Clinical and Foundation of Practice (FOP) exams, you will receive a Diploma certificate. This certifies you are a holder of the Diploma in Child Health (RCPCH).
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Here we take a quick look at the CESR route for overseas experienced specialty doctors & consultants hoping to find a senior doctor job in the NHS and qualify for the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR).
Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:
What is CESR?
How does CESR work?
Am I eligible?
I am eligible, what next?
Applications for CESR requires a lot of preparation and can seem quite daunting. This is the first in a series of articles aimed at helping doctors planning to engage in this process.
What is CESR?
The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) is the process by which doctors who have not trained in an approved programme can demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience are equivalent to that of the relevant CCT curriculum to join the GP or specialist registers.
How does CESR work?
The CESR is awarded by the GMC and applications are made directly to them.
The Royal College then assesses the evidence an applicant has submitted to the GMC.
The assessment is to assure the GMC that the applicant has gained the equivalent level of competence as a trainee (i.e. ST6) making application for CCT via the ARCP process (Annual Review of Competency Progression).
This means that the CESR applicant must demonstrate competence against all Intended Learning Outcomes in the curriculum of the specialty of their choice via the written evidence submitted.
Are you eligible?
There are different ways to apply for registration with a licence to practise in the UK. It depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.
To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:
a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in
OR
at least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in.
You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.
In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.
The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.
In most circumstances we can say that evidence must:
come from higher training equivalent
be less than 5years old
demonstrate higher level experience
map to the curriculum
be represented clearly
be current
be primary evidence
You can check the approved Royal College curricula for all 65 specialities and sub specialties here.
I am eligible, what happens next?
As an IMG, it is highly likely that you haven’t complete a UK based approved training programme but could be eligible for Specialist Registration via the CESR route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview for more information on how to apply and what to expect.
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Here we take a close look at the MRCS exam for overseas surgeons looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCS examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
The UK Royal Colleges of Surgery
What is MRCS?
What is the structure and content?
Am I eligible?
MRCS Part A - Written Examination
MRCS Part B - OSCE
How much will the exams cost me?
As an overseas doctor where can I take the exams?
How can I prepare and what resources are available?
Passed? What next?
The UK Royal Colleges of Surgery:
There are four Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the UK (Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland).
All four of these colleges are professional bodies responsible for the specialty of surgery throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, it is their role to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCS?
The Intercollegiate Membership exam of the Royal College of Surgeons tests the knowledge, experience and clinical competence expected of a doctor at the end of their core surgical training (ST2 level) and can be taken through any of the Royal Colleges mentioned above.
The MRCS examination syllabus and the format & content of this examination are common to all four colleges (Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland).
Candidates can enter any part of the examination through any college, but may enter with only one college at each sitting. Completion of MRCS will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.
Upon successful completion of all parts of the examination, candidates will be elected as members of the college for which they have passed Part B of the exam. MRCS is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCS would be the best route to take and full MRCS is a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go onto a specialist training post as a surgeon in the UK.
What is the structure and content?
The MRCS exam is split into two parts:
MRCS Part A – written examination
MRCS Part B – Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Am I eligible?
Part A:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
Part B OSCE:
You must pass Part A before applying for Part B. You can attempt Part A of the exam six times, and Part B four times.
MRCS Part A - Written Examination:
The content is designed to test your knowledge of both applied basic science and the principles of surgery in general to a level of a UK trainee with two to three years of postgraduate experience.
Part A of the Intercollegiate MRCS is a five-hour multiple choice question exam with two papers sat in one day. The questions are in single best answer format. The morning paper is 3 hours long and the afternoon paper is 2 hours long.
MRCS Part B – OSCE:
The OSCE is set in a practical setting and tests your ability to integrate knowledge and experience in the following two areas:
Knowledge - Your understanding of anatomy, surgical pathology, applied surgical science & critical care
Skills – your application of clinical, procedural and communication skills in a practical setting.
The OSCE consists of 18 examined stations, each 9 minutes in duration, broadly divided into the two components above – knowledge and skills. Each station reflects elements of day-to-day clinical practice.
The knowledge component makes up eight of the stations. The skills component makes up ten of the stations. Candidates must pass both the knowledge and skills components to pass Part B.
How much will the exams cost me?
Part A of the Intercollegiate MRCS is £539 in the UK
Overseas centres will cost upwards of £539 and can include a local administration fee.
Part B of the Intercollegiate MRCS is £977.
Please note, fees can vary dependent on location.
As an overseas doctor, where can I take the exams?
Part A & B of the exams can be taken in several countries across the world, with locations in the UK, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Central Asia and Europe.
Should you require a visa in order to sit your examinations, the College will provide support letters after the closing date and when an application has been checked and the candidate is eligible. Requests for a Visa support letter must be made in writing.
The full list of countries is below:
Exam
UK
Country – Asia
Country – Middle East, Europe & Central Asia
Africa
MRCS Part 1 & 2 (OSCE)
Belfast
Bangladesh
Philippines
Afghanistan
Kuwait
Botswana
Nigeria
Cardiff
Burma
Singapore
Azerbaijan
Lebanon
Cameroon
Senegal
Coventry
Hong Kong
South Korea
Bahrain
Oman
Egypt
Sierra Leone
Dublin
India
Sri Lanka
Cyprus
Palestine
Ghana
Sudan
Edinburgh
Malaysia
Thailand
Iraq
Qatar
Kenya
Tunisia
London
Nepal
Vietnam
Jordan
Saudi Arabia
Morocco
Zambia
Manchester
Pakistan
Israel
United Arab Emirates
Namibia
Newcastle
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Nottingham
Stirling
How can I prepare and what resources are available?
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. See below:
Syllabus:
The complete MRCS syllabus is contained within the General Medical Council approved curriculum for the Early Years of Surgical Training in the United Kingdom. It reflects the Core Surgical Training Syllabus of the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme.
At IMG Connect we recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Module Guidance:
Parts A&B both examine 10 modules and the specification for each module is detailed in the Guide to the Intercollegiate MRCS examination - published by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Royal College of England recommended courses:
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Part A guidance notes:
Candidate guidance notes that cover all four colleges, including information on examination procedure, admittance.
Content Guide:
The Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE) produced this guide to the Intercollegiate MRCS examination which contains:
List of recommended textbooks and resources
Topics and skills that may be examined
Information and sample questions for both Part A & B
Intercollegiate MRCS Regulations:
Make sure to read through and familiarise yourself with the regulations for Membership Examinations. They are unilateral across all four colleges, you can find them here.
RCS Library resources:
The RCS Library contains excellent resources particularly useful for the MRCS examinations – they are available to affiliate members. Resources include Atlases, EBooks & Online Journals.
The Funky Professor:
These anatomy video lectures are available from the RCS. Each video is accompanied with a detailed slideshow, plus a test on content.
As ever at IMG Connect, we stronlgy believe in the right 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 with examiners present.
Passed? What next?
Once you have passed both parts of your MRCS examinations 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.
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