FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 is the first exam in the FRCR postgraduate qualification. The completion of all the exams in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination suite leads to eligibility for GMC registration. The exams can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain criteria have been met. In this article, we’ll take a look at the following:  An overview of the FRCR (Oncology) exams A deep dive into FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 How is the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam structured? How is the exam marked? As an overseas oncologist, where can I sit the exam? How much will the exam cost? How do I apply for this exam? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for. An overview of FRCR (Oncology)  FRCR (Oncology) is the set of postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology.  The exams are as follows:  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  You can read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite here via our IMG Resources section.  Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB or other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, such as UMSLE or FRANZCR (radiation oncology) which you can find out more about here.  For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement for NHS locum consultant job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for Clinical or Radiation Oncology. The FRCR route allows senior candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.  A deep dive into FRCR (Oncology) Part 1  FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 is the first in the set of FRCR (Oncology) exams. The assessment expects that candidates have a broad knowledge of subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer.  This includes a good understanding of the sciences that underpin clinical oncology, including:   Radiobiology  Cancer biology (including molecular biology)  Physics (as applied to radiotherapy)  Pharmacology of systemic anti-cancer treatments  Medical statistics  You can find the full purpose of assessment for FRCR Part 1 on the Royal College website here.  FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 Structure  All three parts of the FRCR (Oncology) exam are assessed against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. A new curriculum has been implemented as of summer 2021, and all trainees are expected to have transferred to this curriculum by August 2022. For more information on this, visit the curriculum webpages.  The First FRCR (Oncology) exam comprises four modules of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions.  Candidates can enter any number of modules per sitting, though there is a limit of six sittings per candidate within which they must pass all four modules.  Each individual SBA question has a stem (a question or statement) and five answers, and candidates must decide which of the five best represents the answer to the stem question. Essentially, this is a multiple-choice exam.  Here is a breakdown of the exam:  Cancer Biology & Radiobiology - the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues  Clinical Pharmacology - the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer  Physics - with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer  Medical Statistics - the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection  A knowledge of SI units is also expected.  Marking  The exam is marked by a computer, with one mark given for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect answers. As the exam is not marked negatively, candidates are encouraged to provide an answer to all the questions. No marks are awarded where multiple answers have been selected or where answers are not sufficiently clear as the College does not interpret candidates’ answers.   Results and feedback  Candidates will receive details on scores and the level of performance required to pass each module. A further breakdown for each module will be provided, detailing incorrect questions numbers along with the corresponding syllabus section for each question.  For more information on the exam content and structure, read the guidance notes for candidates on the College website here.  Exam centres The current venues for the First FRCR (CO1) exam are:  Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and London. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, India and Malta.  The exam is typically held twice a year over two consecutive days, in February and either August or September.   For updates on exam dates, including the application window, keep an eye on the Royal College website here.  Exam cost First FRCR (CO1) exam cost (per module):  Members - £168 Non-members - £213  Applications UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by those who have had exams deferred over the last year due to cancellations. The remaining places are offered to all other candidates through a ballot system following the close of priority applications.  All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here.   FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 Preparation Although there are many online materials to aid in your preparation for FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, as always, we recommend you start your preparation on the Royal College website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus.  In using these as a blueprint for your preparation, you will ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.  Useful resources include:  Learning hub: available to members through the Royal College website and contains many useful learning resources and available here. Implementation Tools: a range of tools compiled by the RCR to support the implementation of the new curricular which all candidates should have transferred to by summer of 2022 at the latest. This can be found here. Sample Questions: sample SBA questions with answers which can be found here.  Examiners Reports: a guide for candidates for future sittings, based on the experiences of examiners with previous applicants, found here.  Speedwell instructional video: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found on the College YouTube channel.  Suggested reading list: a suggested list of core texts and additional reading put together by the College which is available here.  For other great resources including videos, courses, and flashcards, check out our blog on preparation for the First FRCR (Oncology) exam here.  #IMG Tips  Prepare early – the best way to avoid stress and last-minute cramming is to get started as soon as possible.  Get familiar with the exam content – during your study (at least to start off with), the curriculum should be your guide to the FRCR (Oncology) exams.  Join the conversation – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.   I’ve passed the First FRCR (Oncology) exam, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR (Oncology) in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR (Oncology), you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice.  The team at IMG Connect wish all First FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and IMGs the very best of luck with their exams!             

In this blog we will explore PLAB 2 and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  We will take a broad look at the following topics: What is PLAB 2? What topics does the exam cover? What is the exam structure? Where and when can I book a place?  What does it cost? How do I register? How do I prepare for PLAB 2?  What resources are available? When will I receive my results? How many times can I sit the test?  Passed? What next?  Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for. A Recap of PLAB 2 PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE), you should already be familiar with this format from your own medical training. It will consist of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and will reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward. For a general overview of the PLAB examinations, click here.  Exam Content  The exam syllabus covers everything a UK trained doctor might expect to see on the first day of Foundation Year 2 (FY2 / F2) and tests your ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients. Marking of the scenarios relates to current best practice in the UK. You should approach them in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements. Names of drugs referred to in the exam are those contained in the most recent edition of the British National Formulary (BNF). Exam Structure The PLAB 2 exam will take approximately three hours and 10 minutes. You'll have one and a half minutes between test scenarios in order to read the instructions and patient information. There will be at least two rest stations, allowing you to take breaks. You will be marked against three key areas for each scenario: Data gathering, technical and assessment skills i.e. History taking, physical examination, practical procedures, investigations leading to a diagnosis Clinical management skills i.e. Formulating a diagnosis, explaining something to the patient, formulating a management plan Interpersonal skills i.e. How you approach the station: whether you establish a rapport with the patient, how you use open and closed questioning, involving the patient and demonstrating your professionalism and understanding of ethical principles When marking against the domains the examiner will assess your competency across a number of skill areas, these are:  Clinical Examination The examiner will assess you on your ability to conduct a physical examination of a simulated patient. This will usually be an actor who is trained to display signs when required, an anatomical model may also be used for certain examinations. Practical Skills The examiner will assess you on your ability to perform common practical procedures. Again, they may ask you to deal with a simulated patient or an anatomical model. These may include:  checking blood pressure performing venepuncture inserting a cannula into a peripheral vein calculating drug dosage giving intravenous injections mixing and injecting drugs into an intravenous bag giving intramuscular and subcutaneous injections basic cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (adult and child) suturing interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG), X-rays or results of other investigations interpreting basic respiratory function tests performing urinary catheterisation taking a cervical smear safe disposal of sharps. Interpersonal Skills The GMC test these skills by observing the interaction between you and another person, usually a simulated patient or occasionally the examiner. The examiner will assess your approach to the patient throughout the examination. This may include: explaining diagnosis, investigation and treatment involving the patient in the decision-making communicating with relatives communicating with health care professionals breaking bad news seeking informed consent/clarification for an invasive procedure or obtaining consent for a post-mortem dealing with anxious patients or relatives giving instructions on discharge from hospital giving advice on lifestyle, health promotion or risk factors.   Booking an Exam Space Part 2 can be taken in the UK only. When you book your PLAB 2 test place online, you will be able to see which venue is available for you. Currently, the main test venues are in Manchester. You can find more details here. You can book online using your GMC Online Account. You will be able to view available dates and venues and book under the ‘My Tests’ section.  Exam Cost The fee for Part 2 of the PAB test is currently £934. Preparation For PLAB 2, most IMGs advise that they have benefited from attending specific courses geared towards this test. It is also advisable to plan ahead for PLAB 2, so that you can ensure that you can complete everything within one Visitor Visa time period (6 months).  We have explored the UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 in more detail here, but let’s look briefly at booking PLAB 2 in more detail as you will have to arrange a UK Visitor Visa in order to sit the test.  Take some time to consider when you want to sit the PLAB 2 exam, it takes time to study for the test itself, but you also need to start the process of your Visa application. To apply for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete an online UK Visa application for PLAB. This takes two steps, online application, and submission of supporting documents in a Visa application centre.  Remember to plan ahead! Once you have applied for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete PLAB 2 within 6 months. Do I need to bring anything to the test?  You will need to bring identification and your booking confirmation  For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following. Passport the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number Don’t forget to dress as you would on the ward at work. Revision Resources We have discussed this question at length with IMGs and the GMC, and whilst there are many resources to choose from online, we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparations:  The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The Blueprint sets out clearly the required knowledge, skills and behaviours you are expected to demonstrate in the exam.  The Foundation Programme curriculum: The topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). You can find the Foundation Programme curriculum here Guidance and interactive tools: The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. During PLAB 2 you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice’ when you take the exam and when you practise as a doctor in the UK.   Test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using: Explanatory guidance Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool. You can also find several excellent videos online which provide you with helpful example scenarios.  Courses: For PLAB 2, IMGs usually advise that they have benefited from further study and attending PLAB 2 specific courses. We couldn’t agree more!  Remember that you will have done most of the clinical tasks before, and with real patients.  For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & GMC materials and courses, take a look at our blogs on Exam Tips and Revision  When will I receive my results?  When PLAB 2 results are available the GMC will email you to provide access to the results in the ‘My Tests’ section of the GMC online account. Exam Attempts For PLAB 2, you can take the test 4 times. To be eligible to take the test for an additional attempt if you have not passed after 4 attempts, you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.  Passed? What's next?  Once you have passed both parts (PLAB 1 and 2) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Your application must be approved within 2 years of passing part 2 of the test. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor 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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. 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:              

If you have already read our overview on PLAB you will know that the second part of the test is held in the UK and you will need a UK Visitor Visa to sit the PLAB 2 examination. Here we put together the main information you will need as well as useful links to get you started and we will look at the following: How do I apply? Online application for UK Visa What supporting documents do I need to prepare and provide? What costs can I expect in the UK? What happens if my visa application is refused? The first thing to suggest, is that as soon as you receive your PLAB 1 results, start planning the date that you want to sit PLAB 2. This will not only help you prepare for the test itself, but also will ensure that when you apply for the Visitor Visa, you will be prepared for your Visa application and appointment, and able to visit the UK within the 6-month visa period. No matter the guidance and instructions, visa applications can prove different for everyone, so start working on the application early.  If you are not sure if you need a Visa – you can check here. You can apply for a ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ if you are a doctor and are coming to the UK to take the Professional Linguistic and Assessment Board (PLAB) test 2. The option you require is a “Work, Academic visit or Business” visa and the duration is less than six months.  How do I apply?  The UK Visa Application for PLAB 2 can be described in two parts:  Online application for the required type of visa. Submission of supporting documents and providing biometric data (photo, fingerprints) at a visa application centre.  Let’s take a look at each part in more detail.  Online Application for UK Visa As part of the online application, you will be required to book an appointment at a visa application centre, you can check the locations available here.  You can complete the application in stages; however we advise you prepare all the required documentation first, and the complete the online form and upload everything you need in one go.  A standard UK visa currently costs £100. Supporting Documents It is important to note that the required documents will vary from person to person, however two documents are necessary for every applicant:  Your valid Passport The email confirmation of your PLAB 2 You will then typically require the following:  Cover Letter If your trip is self-funded you will need: Salary certificate Bank Statements Letter of Support from your financial guarantor (if applicable) This is only required if your trip is financed by another person (i.e. family member). Affidavit affirming the declaration of the financial sponsorship This is done before a notary public. This will have to be translated into English.  Letter of recommendation  Any letter of recommendations will need to come from senior colleagues at your current workplace. Bank Statements Typically 6 months (yours / your sponsors). Monthly payslip A clear copy is needed with all information visible. Income/Salary Certificate (Yours/Sponsors)    Evidence of Home Address  Deeds or Nationality Certificate or Home electricity bill where the address is written. This will need to be translated and notarised. A ‘No Objection Letter’ issued by your employer A ‘No Objection Letter’ for visa is a legal certificate issued by your employer agreeing for you to take off the days for you visit to the UK. In addition, the letter states that you have contractual obligations to return to your country of residence at your workplace. Confirmation of your accommodation in the UK Or, invitation letter from friend or family of whom you will be staying with. You may also require a Council tax and utility bill of the accommodation address. If it’s a family that you’re staying with, you don’t need to worry about proving Sponsorship. If they are just providing accommodation (and your father or mother is your financial guarantor), a simple invitation letter stating your name, your passport number, duration and purpose of your stay is sufficient along with their contact details. The council tax and utility bill is just to prove that the address exists by their name.  Evidence of family members in your home country whilst you travel These would include Passport copies or National ID copies of your family members. Online Application Required Entries Your name.  Passport details. Your National ID number, if you have one. Your email. Travel information/plan: The date you will arrive in UK and the date you will leave from UK. The arrival date is more important. The itinerary in your cover letter should explain this in more detail.   Choose business, including sports and entertainment as the main reason for your visit. After answering No’s to organised group, travelling with partner, visiting a company or getting paid for business activities—Choose Take the PLAB or OSCE. In Give details, write down your full itinerary, taken from your cover letter in full sentences. Personal information: Your home address.  Parent details: Father’s and mother’s name, dates of birth.  Employment details. If you are employed and sponsoring yourself, then IMG recommend you arrange for two papers from your employer from the above list a) Salary Certificate b) No Objection Certificate.  Your own bank account details with bank statements (for the last six months).  How much money are you planning to spend on your visit. Details of who is covering the costs, if you don’t. UK accommodation details.  Travel histories in UK or other countries. Any details of visa refusals  Other histories regarding whether you have any criminal convictions. Any other relevant information you wish to provide, you can leave this blank.  Finally comes the declaration page which asks you to choose an appointment (date and time) with a visa application centre. Please note that you don’t have to choose immediately, especially if you don’t have all the supporting documents ready. Just save it there and a link will be sent to your email. But as above, at IMG Connect we recommend that you have all the supporting documents prepared before starting your UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 application.  UK Costs Whilst the exam is taken in one day, we advise for candidate to allow themselves a few days for acclimatisation and revision prior to the exam. When budgeting, make sure that you book flights, hotels and UK transport to and from the airport in advance to save money.   Once in the UK, a typical low-cost budget for a comfortable stay will include approximately:  £40 - £60 per night for accommodation depending on your test venue £15 - £30 for food per day £20 for transport per day £60 for Airport transfers (return journey)  *remember to consider flights & travel insurance costs in your total budget Always remember to use price comparison websites or Airbnb to find the best value for money and close to transport & test venues.  Visa Application Refusal You will receive a letter from the Home Office detailing the reasons for rejecting the application. Don’t worry, you can apply again. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor 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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. 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:              

MRCP Part 2 is the second of three exams to attain full MRCP UK.  This article is written for overseas doctors taking the MRCP route to GMC registration, written to help you prepare fir & sit the Part 2 examination. We consider the following topics: What is MRCP Part 2? Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 2? What is the exam content & format? Where I can take the exam?  When is the exam sat and when can I apply? How much does it cost? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is MRCP Part 2? Building on the knowledge assessed in Part 1, the exam tests your acquisition of a representative sample of medical knowledge, skills and behavior as specified in the UK Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.  It is designed to test your application of clinical understanding and capacity to make clinical judgments, including: prioritisation of diagnostic or problem lists investigation planning selection of a plan for immediate management selection a plan for long-term management assessment prognosis Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 2? You are eligible if you have passed the MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination. A reminder that to be eligible for Part 1, you require 12 months experience and a recognised Primary Medical Qualification.  The Part 2 written examination moved to a single day format at the beginning of 2018. The new examination consists of two, three-hour papers each with 100 questions. What is the examination format and content? A good understanding of the examination format is a great foundation for your exam preparation, so below we have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 2 examination format and content. Format: The exam consists of two-papers, sat over the course of one day in an examination hall. Each paper is 3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice questions in ‘best of five’ format (200 questions in total). Composition of the papers are as follows: Specialty Number of questions * Cardiology  19 Dermatology  9 Endocrinology and metabolic medicine 19 Gastroenterology 19 Geriatric Medicine 9 Hematology 9 Infectious diseases and GUM 19 Neurology 17 Nephrology 19 Oncology and palliative medicine 9 Ophthalmology  3 Psychiatry  3 Respiratory Medicine 19 Rheumatology  9 Therapeutics and toxicology  18 Total 200 *This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary by up to 2%. A proportion of the questions will be on adolescent medicine. Question Content: Questions are centred on the diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis of a patient. They usually have a clinical scenario and may include results of investigations and images such as: clinical photographs pathology slides inheritance trees ECGs, X-rays, CT and MR scans and echocardiograms. In addition to testing core knowledge & comprehension, the exam assesses your ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems. Best of Five question format and marking: There will be five options: one correct answer and four alternatives to the correct answer.  The four distracters will be closely related to the preferred option but less correct, therefore acting as plausible alternatives.  Each correct answer is awarded one mark and there is no negative marking. A more detailed explanation of the marking system used can be found here on the exam pass mark page of the Royal College website in MRCP(UK) Regulations. Where can I take the exam?  MRCP(UK) Part 2 can be taken in the UK and overseas, see below: *Please note these differ slightly from MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination centers ** UK test centres dependent on availability Exam UK Test Centres  Overseas Test Centres   MRCP(UK) Part 2 Edinburgh Manchester Newcastle Glasgow Belfast Birmingham Cardiff London Bahrain (Manama) Bangladesh (Dhaka) Egypt (Cairo) Hong Kong Iceland (Reykjavik) India (Chennai, Kerela, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi) Iraq (Baghdad, Erbil) Jordan (Amman) Kenya (Nairobi) Kuwait (Kuwait City) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) Malta Myanmar (Yangon) Oman (Muscat) Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore) Qatar (Doha) Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh) Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan (Khartoum) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai) United States of America (New Jersey) West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad) When is the exam sat and when can I apply? Exam dates and their application periods can be found here. It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Application made outside the designated period will not be accepted. How much does the exam cost? UK applications cost £419 International applications cost £594* Please note, the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres differ. Applications should be made directly to the administration team for this centre. How can I prepare for the exam? 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 this as early as possible, 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, found herePart 2 sample questions 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. Passed? What next? Now you have passed your MRCP Part 2 you can apply to take PACES - the practical and final examination within the MRCP set of examinations.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live specialist medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK or Acute and General Medicine jobs here. 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 Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss specialist medicine job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Earlier in our Postgraduate Qualifications blog series, we took a general look at PLAB examinations and all its various parts as a whole. Now we’ll take a closer look at the first stage of your PLAB journey – PLAB 1. Here we consider everything that you need to know about the exam including syllabus, dates, fees and preparation by covering at the following topics: What is PLAB 1?  What's the format of PLAB 1? Where can I sit PLAB 1? How do I book? How much does it cost? How do I prepare and what resources are available? What can I expect on the day of the exam? When will I receive my results? Passed? What next? Overview of PLAB 1 PLAB 1 tests your ability to apply your knowledge for the care of patients at the house level, or Foundation year 2 in the UK (12 months of medical practice). Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely used in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements. Remember, this is an exam for entry into the UK Healthcare system.  The exam covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care.  Still unsure on PLAB as a whole? Take a look at a more general overview of the PLAB examinations.  PLAB 1 Format PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions, with the test lasting three hours in total. Each question starts with a short scenario followed by a question and five possible answers, from which you must choose the correct answer. The GMC has created a helpful guide setting out what the PLAB test covers, which you can download here.  PLAB 1 Centres  You can sit the exam in both the UK and several overseas locations. PLAB 1 is run four times a year in the UK and overseas venues hosted by the British Council. Overseas venues are listed here with contact details. At IMG Connect we advise that you check the closing date for applications for the closest venue. Also, be sure to submit your application in advance as applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.  Booking PLAB 1 You can book your PLAB 1 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section. Before you book a PLAB exam you must have: an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.  a GMC Online account to book or cancel the exam. evidence of English competency – before you can book a test you will need to provide your English language test scores. If you've taken the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or the Occupational English Test (OET), you can complete this in the 'My Tests' section at GMC Online.  Due to a backlog in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to secure a place for the PLAB exams. On Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10 am (GMT) the GMC will release PLAB 1 places for the following dates across all locations: 10 August 2023 2 November 2023 You’ll need to access GMC Online by 10 am (GMT) using this link (rather than the usual link on the GMC Online web page). PLAB 1 Cost The PLAB 1 test costs £255. Preparation & Resources We have discussed this question at length with IMGs and the GMC, and whilst there are many resources to choose from online, we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparations. The PLAB Blueprint: This is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The Blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam.  Download the PLAB Blueprint here. The Foundation Programme curriculum: The topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). You can find the Foundation Programme curriculum here Guidance and interactive tools: The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. During PLAB 1 you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice’ when you take the exam and when you practise as a doctor in the UK.   You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools: Explanatory guidance Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool Sample questions: 30 sample questions along with their answers can be found on the GMC website here. Courses: You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass, but many candidates choose to do so. PLAB 1 can be passed under your own preparation, however PLAB 2 usually requires further study and courses.  There are many courses and materials out there. If you are unsure of how to approach your study preparations, don’t hesitate to ask an IMG Consultant for some recommendations or guidance on which course or resource to use. Remember, we speak to IMGs who've passed these exams on a daily basis and are more than happy to pass on their wisdom! What can I expect on the day of the exam?  First of all, once booked, the GMC will advise you on what time to arrive. You will likely be there for approximately four hours in total.  Do I need to bring anything to the test?  You will need to bring Identification, your booking confirmation and stationery:  For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following: Passport UK Immigration and Nationality Department identification document Home Office travel document If by accident you don't have one of the above you can take the exam but you'll need to provide your identification document later in the process. Booking confirmation: Bring the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number Stationery: You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener. Maximum Attempts for PLAB 1 For PLAB 1, you can take the test 4 times. If you have not passed after 4 attempts, to be eligible to take the test again you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.  Passed? What's next?  Once you have passed PLAB 1, you can take the PLAB 2 examination in the UK. Read our blog for more information on how to sit PLAB 2, which includes everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor 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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. 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:              

In this article we will explore the MRCP Part 1 exam in more detail, including advice on eligibility, dates, centres, preparation and fees.  Designed to help you prepare and sit the exams, we consider the following MRCP topics:  What is MRCP Part 1?  Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 1? What is the examination content & format? Where can I take the exam?  When is the exam sat and when can I apply? How much does the exam cost? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam?  Part 1 is the entry-level examination accessible to doctors with a minimum of 12 months' postgraduate experience in medical employment. It covers a broad range of topics appropriate to physicians at the beginning of postgraduate training. Part 1 is the first component of a sequence of assessments intended to match the progression of trainees undertaking the Core Medical Training programme in the UK, adding unique information and building on previous assessments Am I eligible to sit MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam? Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCP Part 1 Examination providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  As an overseas candidate you are eligible to sit MRCP Part 1 if you have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment. What is the examination content & format? At IMG Connect we advise that understanding the examination format is a great foundation for exam preparation. We have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 1 Examination format below:  The exam consists of two papers, sat over the course of one day in an examination hall. Each paper is 3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice questions in ‘best of five’ format. From the five options provided, one answer is correct. The other four are plausible however you will only score a point from the correct answer. There are no negative marks and questions do not include imagery.  MRCP (UK) Part 1 is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the clinical sciences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.  Candidates will be tested on a wide range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the JRCPTB Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training and the composition of the papers is as below: Specialty Number of questions * Cardiology  15 Clinical haematology and oncology 15 Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology 16 Clinical sciences ** 25 Dermatology 8 Endocrinology 15 Geriatric medicine 4 Gastroenterology 15 Infectious diseases and GUM 15 Neurology 15 Nephrology 15 Ophthalmology 4 Psychiatry 8 Respiratory Medicine 15 Rheumatology 15 Total 200 *This should be taken as an indication of the likely numbers of questions – the actual number may vary ** The clinical sciences components comprises the following: Specialty Number of questions * Cell, molecular and membrane biology  2 Clinical anatomy 3 Clinical biochemistry and metabolism  4 Clinical physiology 4 Genetics 3 Immunology 4 Statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine 5 A detailed explanation of the marking system adopted for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination can be viewed in the MRCP(UK) Regulations. Where can I take the MRCP Part 1 exam? MRCP (UK) Part 1 can be taken in the UK and overseas as below:  Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres MRCP Part 1 Edinburgh Glasgow London Bahrain (Manama) Bangladesh (Dhaka) Egypt (Cairo) Ghana (Accra) Hong Kong Iceland (Reykjavic) India (Chennai, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi) Iraq (Baghdad) Jordan (Amman) Kenya (Nairobi) Kuwait (Kuwait City) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) Malta Myanmar Nepal (Kathmandu)   Oman (Muscat) Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore) Qatar (Doha) Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh) Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan (Khartoum) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) United States of America (New Jersey) West Indies (Jamaica, Trinidad) Zimbabwe (Harare) When is the exam sat and when can I apply? It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Applications made outside of the designated period will not be accepted. Exam dates and their application periods can be found here.  How much does the exam cost? UK applications cost £419 International applications cost £594* Please note, the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres differ. Applications should be made directly to the administration team for this centre. 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. The application video from the Royal College can be found below: Part 1 application video The Royal College of Physicians recommends making the first attempt at Part 1 within 1-2 years of your graduation. How can I prepare for the MRCP Part 1 exam?  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, 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 sample questions 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  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 we will explore MRCP (UK) Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor 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. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Passing PLAB helps the GMC ensure doctors have the knowledge & skills to practice in the UK. The PLAB test assesses an overseas doctor's ability to work safely in the NHS, showing the GMC they have skills necessary to work at senior house officer level (SHO). IMGs from any country in the world can sit the examinations provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with the following topics: What is the PLAB test? Who needs to take the PLAB test? How is the PLAB exam structured? What are the entry requirements? At what stage should I take the exam? Where and when can I sit the test? What does it cost? How do I book my test place? How do I prepare for PLAB? Do I need to bring anything to the test? How many times can I sit the test? Results Passed? What next? An Overview of PLAB PLAB is as a licensing examination to assess whether an International Medical Graduate (IMG) is eligible to obtain GMC registration.  The exam is designed to ensure that doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practise medicine in the UK. Whilst PLAB does not demonstrate proficiency in any particular specialty, it does prove that an IMG is at least as capable as an F2 or SHO. Who needs to take the PLAB test? If you graduated from a medical school outside the UK, EEA, or Switzerland, you probably need to sit the PLAB test or attain a recognised postgraduate qualification.  If you are an EEA doctor, and qualified at an EEA institution, then your postgraduate qualification will automatically satisfy the GMC skills and knowledge criteria and don’t need to sit PLAB.  PLAB Structure There are two parts to the PLAB test.  PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given. You can sit part 1 in a number of countries, as well as in the UK.  Take a closer look at PLAB 1 here. PLAB 2 is a practical objective structured clinical exam, known as an OSCE. It's made up of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and aims to reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward. Part 2 tests run throughout the year at the GMC’s own clinical assessment centre in the UK, only.  Take a closer look at PLAB 2 here. You need to pass both parts of the test before you can apply for registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK.   Eligibility To be eligible for the PLAB test you must meet the following criteria:  Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) must be awarded by an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Before starting the process, we recommend that you check that your Primary Medical Qualification is accepted in the UK.  You must also have taken and passed the English Language Test (IELTS or OET) with the relevant scores. For IELTS you must have attained a score of at least 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7.0 for all the four language skills. For OET you must have scored at least grade B in each testing area.  At least 12 months’ postgraduate clinical experience in a teaching hospital, or another hospital approved by the medical registration authorities in the appropriate country (the test can be taken without this experience, but the candidate will only be granted limited registration at the grade of House Officer – the grade occupied by new medical graduates). At what stage should I take the exam?  For IMGs we recommend that you apply for the PLAB exams after the completion of an internship or house job, as that makes you eligible for full GMC registration.  However, you can sit the PLAB at any time in your career, so long as you have a recognised Primary Medical Qualification. IMGs in our community advise the earlier the better!  Before you can sit the tests, you need to set up a GMC online account and show the GMC that your medical qualification and level of English are acceptable. Once you have done that you can sit Part 1 of the PLAB test. For further information visit the General Medical Council website. Test Centres Part 1 is run four times a year, both in the UK and in a number of overseas centres. A full list of dates, locations and contact details can be found here. Part 2 can be taken in the UK only. When you book your PLAB 2 test place online, you will be able to see which venue is available for you. Currently, the main test venues are in Manchester. You can find more details here. Cost The fee for Part 1 of the PLAB test is currently £255 The fee for Part 2 of the PLAB test is currently £934 Booking the PLAB Test You can book online using your GMC Online account. You will be able to view available dates and venues and book under the My Tests section.  Remember, before you book, you must have an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification and the necessary knowledge of English.  Preparation PLAB 1 can be taken under your own preparation, but for PLAB 2 most IMGs advise that they have benefited from attending specific courses geared at this test. It is also advisable to plan ahead for PLAB 2, so that you can ensure that you can complete everything within one Visitor Visa time period (6 months).  We have explored the UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 in more detail here, but let’s look briefly at booking PLAB 2 in some detail as you will have to arrange a UK Visitor Visa in order to sit the test.  Take some time to consider when you want to sit the PLAB 2 exam, it takes time to study for the test itself, but you also need to start the process of your Visa application. To apply for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete an online UK visa application for PLAB. This takes two steps, online application, and submission of supporting documents in a Visa application centre.  Remember to plan ahead! Once you have applied for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete PLAB 2 within 6 months. Do I need to bring anything to the test?  You will need to bring Identification, your booking confirmation and stationary.  For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following. Passport UK Immigration and Nationality Department identification document Home Office travel document Booking confirmation Bring the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number For stationery You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener. PLAB Attempts For PLAB 1, you can take the test 4 times. If you have not passed after 4 attempts, to be eligible to take the test again you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.  You can only apply for PLAB 2 after the results for PLAB 1 are issued. You must pass PLAB 2 within 2 years of the date you passed PLAB 1.  Results PLAB 1 results are available around 6 weeks after you have taken the exam.  When PLAB 2 results are available the GMC will email you to provide access to the results in the ‘My Tests’ section of the GMC online account. Passed? What next? Once you have passed both parts of your PLAB examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Your application must be approved within 2 years of passing part 2 of the test. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor 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.             

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 IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor 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. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

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.             

Passing any exam is not easy, passing the MRCEM OSCE examination, even more so. In speaking with IMGs about their journey through the MRCEM OSCE exams, we have heard many thoughts about what it takes to pass. To help IMGs preparing to take the test, here we share some tips from past examinees and OSCE course tutors.  Firstly, it is good to know that every IMG taking the test is in the same position as you, perhaps anxious about how to prepare and worried about the exam day. We are told that the exam is just an ordinary day on the ward, so why then do so many excellent practicing EM physicians struggle to pass at first attempt? It is perhaps important to say that we felt it was important to give advice from not just those IMGs who passed first time, but from those who had to learn from their mistakes and take the test a second or even third time.  In this article we take a broad look at some of the main reasons that good candidates have cited as contributing to their failure to pass.  The most common thing that we hear is that IMGs must adapt their skill set to the requirements of the NHS system as well as changing their mindset to be able to work under intense observation.  IMGs have told us that the main reasons they struggle are:  Nerves Lack of practice Lack of familiarisation with the test Lack of understanding of the curriculum  Not being able to communicate effectively  Reading and deciphering the instructions  Anxiety Experiencing anxiety during exams is completely natural and the fact that the OSCE stations are only 7 minutes adds to this in the Part C. The only way to combat exam anxiety is to accept that is both natural and inevitable. The best way to prepare and suppress the adrenergic surge is with practice, practice and more practice. The best way to practice is under exam conditions and if possible, this should be timed and observed by different examiners. We are not of the opinion that this practice should be done last minute in the week before the exam, instead, your practice should start long before this point. Ask your senior colleagues in the ED to observe and comment upon your history taking and examination skills. If you can get into a routine of doing this with 3 to 5 patients per day you will be able to run through nearly all the most likely scenarios in only 12 shifts. Another great strategy is to teach OSCEs to the more junior doctors within the department. Teaching can be a powerful learning tool and has helped many aspirants with their revision. Lack of practice Make no mistake – the exam is very tough. Over 50% of candidates failed the 2016 sitting. Unless you are freakishly good at cramming you will need to set aside at least 3 months to prepare. IMGs will all study in different ways. Remember you have been through many exams all on your own. Whatever revision method works for you, stick to it. Once you know that you are going to study, make a revision plan and stick to it.  Practice in any way that you can. As above, be sure to ask senior colleagues to observe and offer feedback to you on a regular basis on the EM ward.  To practice out of work, form a small group of colleagues who are also taking the test and run through role plays, taking turns to be patient, doctor or examiner.  Pay careful attention to time keeping as it is very common for candidates to run out of time, particularly in history taking and communication skills stations. Lack of familiarisation with curriculum If you don’t know what you could be tested on, you won’t know what to prepare. The MRCEM OSCE is mapped to the competences of Year 1-3 of the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum which is available on the 2015 Curriculum page. You should familiarise yourself with the Year 1-3 competences in preparation for sitting this examination.   Not being able to communicate effectively  Many IMGs have made the mistake of thinking that communication is only about what you say, not considering how you say it, and what you look like when you are saying it. Of course, you may be anxious, which can make you behave differently and say things differently. So, if you have practiced as above, make sure you incorporate practicing communicating not just focusing on what you say, but also your body language when saying it. Remember that between 70% of our communication is non-verbal! Try to speak audibly and clearly and if at all possible, sit at the same level as the patient with an open posture. Attempt to make a connection with the patient, maintain good eye contact and give them your undivided attention. Treat actors and mannequins as if they are real patients, interact with them in the same way that you would on the EM ward. Be direct and to the point but deliver any bad news in a sensitive and empathetic manner. Always check whether the patient has understood what you have said and ask if they have any questions. Reading and deciphering the instructions  It is vitally important to read the instructions very carefully before entering a station. Easy marks are frequently lost by nervous or over-confident candidates that have overlooked key information or made assumptions by misreading. This is a mistake many IMGs have made, so learn from their mistakes and be sure to read everything carefully. Once read, make a plan of how you will approach the scenario. Once your minute is up… deep breath and smile!  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to 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.

Many overseas doctors preparing for their FRCEM or MRCEM Emergency Medicine examinations wonder if they should take a course as part of their preparation. In short, we advise that all IMGs should attend as many courses as possible. The knowledge gained on an MRCEM or FRCEM course goes well beyond the exam.  One issue is of course that courses cost a considerable amount of money, but if you consider that taking a course increases your chances exponentially of passing the examinations first time, the cost is offset by not having to pay to re-sit. Finding courses can be tricky, so take some time to work out what you specifically need help with and the stage you are at in the process. Search online to find the course that will suit your needs the most. Speak to your peers, some may have attended a course that they felt had a positive impact on the learning and preparation.  Once you think you have found a course that suits your needs, such as an MRCEM OSCE course, check reviews posted by other IMGs to be sure of the quality of the tutoring.  When purchasing the Emergency Medicine course, if you have found a course that suits your needs, has good reviews recommendations from your peers, then it will likely be worth the investment. As a direct result, you will likely pass the exams much quicker, helping you to secure the Emergency Medicine job that you want in the NHS.  If you need some advice on choosing an Emergency Medicine MRCEM or FRCEM course to help you on your journey to securing a job in the NHS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with IMG Connect.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to 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.

Here we’ll take a closer look at the second stage of your FRCEM success in the examinations – FRCEM Intermediate SAQ. We’ll consider its purpose, structure and content, eligibility, dates, exam centers and provide some revision tips to give you the best chance of passing first time and moving closer towards full Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM). Designed to help you prepare and sit the exam, we consider the following topics: What is FRCEM Intermediate Certificate? Am I eligible? Exemptions & equivalent examinations  Where can I take the exam? How much will it cost me? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ? The FRCEM Intermediate Certificate is the second examination in a series of three and is mapped to the Competencies of Year 1-3 of the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum (ACCS Plus). The FRCEM Intermediate SAQ comprises of a 3-hour paper of 60, 3-mark questions. A full break down of the blueprint is found on the FRCEM Intermediate Regulations & Information Pack. A summarised blueprint for the SAQ can be found below. Curriculum Category Questions Common Competences 7 Clinical Presentations – Core Major & Acute Presentations  18 Anaesthetic Competences CT1&2 4 ICM within ACCS 2 Acute Presentations – Additional Adult ST3 6 Paediatric Presentations – Makor & Acute Presentations  11 Practical Procedures (ACCS) 12 Total  60 Am I eligible? To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme (Internship?) 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. MRCEM Part B in place of FRCEM Intermediate SAQ MRCEM Part B passes obtained prior to August 2012 are deemed time expired, therefore you are required to pass the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination.  If you passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1 August 2012 you are deemed to have passed an equivalent examination to the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination. Where and when can I take the exam? And how much will it cost me? Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here. Venues and Fees for both intermediate examinations are below: Examination Location Fees FRCEM Intermediate Certificate SAQ UK £305 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman £385 How can I apply? All applications are made online. Please note, the application can take some time to complete so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines. Applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.  Links to all application forms and application windows are available here. How do I prepare for each exam 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 Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015. The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the FRCEM examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration. 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.  You can download this here: FRCEM Intermediate SAQ Blueprint: The blueprint for the Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here. SJP Blueprint: The blueprint for the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 of the 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: Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions Glossary of Terms:  The Royal College uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions using 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.  Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed FRCEM Intermediate you can apply to sit the Final Examination. Take a look at our article on FRCEM Final Examination where we explore everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, fees, results and preparation.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.