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.
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
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss anaesthetics 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.
There are several routes a psychiatrist can take to register with the GMC and practice psychiatry in the NHS.
Psychiatrists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before they can be fully registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and receive a license to practice in the NHS. For psychiatry, these criteria depend on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.
In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as an overseas psychiatrist. We’ll be covering the following:
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA Psychiatrist?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA Psychiatrist?
How can I demonstrate my English language skills?
What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one?
What do I need to register with the GMC?
Will I need a visa to work in the UK?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA Psychiatrists
For psychiatrists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are several options potentially available to you.
Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration, check the relevant GMC page here.
Basic Medical Training: If you have met the requirements for basic medical training, you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK, and would therefore not need to complete a Royal College postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.
Specialist Training / Residency: Not all European Specialist qualifications are accepted by the GMC. If you have met the GMC’s criteria pertaining to your county, then you should be eligible for Specialist Registration in oncology.
So as a psychiatrist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for psychiatry and can be appointed as a substantive psychiatrist in the NHS.
Please note, the criteria that is outlined on your country’s GMC registration page must be met. If your training was undertaken prior to the dates mentioned by the GMC – your qualifications will not be accepted.
For EEA psychiatrists, the main hurdle that you will face will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the NHS.
As a European psychiatrist, this is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice psychiatry in the UK.
If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB, or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for psychiatry (MRCPsych). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA Psychiatrists
If you qualified as a psychiatrist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Psychiatrists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA and must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For psychiatrists this can be done through three main routes:
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in psychiatry specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, psychiatrists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. psychiatry. Psychiatrists taking this route will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the NHS. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of psychiatry in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining MRCPsych will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK psychiatry. Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPsych to learn more.
GMC-recognised or Equivalent Qualifications
Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.
To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications
English Language Testing
Both EEA and non-EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Experience in English-speaking countries
For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.
If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.
GMC Registration
Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
AND
(EEA psychiatrists) Skills and knowledge – as an EEA psychiatrist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.
(Non-EEA psychiatrist) Skills and knowledge – as a non-EEA psychiatrist, this would either be PLAB, MRCPsych or a GMC-approved qualification.
To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
Visas
If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.
A Health & Care visa (Tier 2 visa) is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed.
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?
So, there you have it! Hopefully this helps to clarify any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a psychiatrist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the psychiatry job market, then get in touch with our team.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
There are several routes overseas paediatricians can take to GMC registration and securing an NHS paediatrics job.
Whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council (GMC) before beginning their journey in the NHS.
The criteria you need to meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.
Inside the EEA – click here
Outside the EEA – click here
“Doctors from countries around the world play a vital and significant role in our NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but is part of the continuous exchange of knowledge in healthcare and should be strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the NHS.”
Joint statement from the Royal College of Physicians
Inside the EEA
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.
If you qualified as a paediatrician inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you don’t need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK – you have already done this, and thanks to the EU your qualification is deemed equivalent. In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.
English Language Testing
Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language. You can do this by passing either of the following:
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
OET – Occupational English Test
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
GMC Registration
Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. For full GMC registration you must provide evidence of:
Evidence of English language capabilities (IELTS or OET)
AND
Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (your equivalent qualifications)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below: IMG resources - GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European paediatricians in the NHS is ever-increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for European doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of paediatrics jobs than are readily available online.
Our network extends to Paediatrics services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your dedicated consultant, with a speciality knowledge of paediatrics, will negotiate on your behalf ensuring you get the most competitive salary.
Our aim is to have a job offer on the table before your GMC registration is complete, giving you the peace of mind of having an agreed contract in place - leaving you to carefully plan your relocation to the UK. Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Resources – Relocation & UK Life
Outside of the EEA
If you qualified as a paediatrician outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge & skills and English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK. In addition, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
Here we summarise the requirements for paediatrics doctors, looking at the following:
English Language Testing
Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, MRCPCH or equivalents
Tier 2 Visas
Full GMC Registration
English Language Testing
Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language. You can do this by passing either of the following:
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
OET – Occupational English Test
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Paediatrics
Overseas paediatricians must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For paediatricians this can be done through three main routes:
PLAB
Royal College qualification of MRCPCH
GMC - recognised or equivalent qualifications
Route 1 - PLAB:
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in Paediatrics specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.
That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, paediatricians can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS.
Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB:
PLAB – a guide for overseas doctors
PLAB 1 – a closer look
PLAB 2 – a closer look
Route 2 - Royal College Qualification of MRCPCH:
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. Paediatrics. For senior paediatricians taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.
The Royal College of Paediatricians is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Paediatrics in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) is the full qualification attainable by examination.
For overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Paediatrics. Take a look at our complete guide on Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to understand more: MRCPCH – a guide for overseas doctors
Route 3 - GMC Recognised or Equivalent Qualifications:
Some overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This means to say these qualifications are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications. There are Paediatrics qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC.
Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC below: IMG Resources - Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications
Tier 2 Visa
If you are a doctor applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Applying as a doctor or nurse has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make. Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: IMG Resources - Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependant visa below: IMG Resources - Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK?
GMC Registration
With everything in place, you can apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. Remember, for full GMC registration you must provide evidence of:
Evidence of English language capabilities
AND
Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (PLAB, MRCPCH or equivalent)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below: IMG Resources - GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA paediatricians in the NHS is increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for overseas doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of jobs than is readily available online. Our network extends to paediatrics services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your 1-1 consultant, with a speciality knowledge of paediatrics, will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the most competitive salary. Giving you the peace of mind of agreeing your new contract, perhaps even before your GMC registration is complete.
Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK. Take a look here: IMG Resources – Relocation & UK Life
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS paediatrician 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.
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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Overseas doctors hoping to register with the GMC & find a job in the NHS will have to pass an English language test.
This will demonstrate that they have the right level of English to practice safely in the NHS, and in this article we will look at how to prepare for both IELTS and OET examinations.
To help you decide the best way to prepare, we have included the following topics:
The first thing to say – it isn’t easy!
What should I expect?
Can I just take the exam?
How can I prepare? Can I do all of this at home?
Where can I find training?
Knowing your level
What resources are available online to help with my preparation?
Steps to success in the English Language Tests
The first thing to say – it isn’t easy!
Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires you to learn a huge amount of vocabulary, write specific reports or essays, use a high level of grammar and structure, learn how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.
What should I expect?
Preparing for and sitting the exams is difficult, not least because of the overload of information that is out there, for example which sources do you trust? What is the best way to find information?
Passing the exams can take months, and in some cases years of hard work. And don’t forget that each exam costs money, with many also choosing private tuition – the money and time can soon add up.
Can I just take the exam?
The exams costs money each time and are very specific in format, with the answers requiring certain structures and techniques. A lot of IMGs don’t get the required marks at first attempt and as such, we don’t advise taking the exam without sound preparation.
Remember… failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.
In general, there are a few things that most IMGs tell us that they have improved on through preparing well:
Overall general level of English – this takes time
IMGs who passed have told us that this takes the longest, but it is time well spent…
Overall improvements in general English skills, including broadening your vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, will help you to achieve the best score possible. Try to make a little progress every day.
Refining your test skills – this takes practice
Each sub-test (reading, writing, speaking and listening) has a different style of question and answer, so each of them has a specific skill that you need to learn.
Knowing how the tests are marked – this takes guidance
To gain those valuable extra scores, get to know what the examiner wants and give it to them!
Remember, this skill alone won’t get you a pass, but combined with the above it will be a huge help to getting the score you want.
How can I prepare? Can I do all of this at home?
IMGs have shared many ways to practice for a pass and this doesn’t mean just repeating exam questions.
Here are a few of our favourite examples that you can do every day, for free!
Find a colleague at work, friend or family member, who you enjoy speaking English with and speak to them every day!
Read a wider range of topics online, both medical and general.
Find a regular news source you enjoy reading in English.
Tune into UK radio stations, available online, or, on your mobile phone. Put the radio on before and after work, rather than your usual local station.
Listen to Podcasts in English, there are thousands of topics to choose from.
Watch YouTube channels about medicine and life in the UK.
Watch movies and TV shows in English, both with and without subtitles.
Start writing, it is key that you practice, but this can sometimes be the hardest to practice in natural contexts. IMGs have suggested writing a blog or writing letters and emails (in English) to friends and family
Watch Ted Talks, that both do and don’t interest you!
Take practice tests at home, mark your answers and check how you improve.
Basically, find your passion and go for it!
Where can I find training?
There are excellent training sessions available, including face-face and online courses to help you to prepare. They can help you to build the skills you need to succeed in your exam.
It is always good to tailor your learning to your own needs, so whether you are new to the tests, or looking for support to help you to study or retake the exams, find a training programme that suits you.
Whilst not necessary, taking up an exam preparation course led by an experienced teacher or tutor who is knowledgeable on the test and the skills – is highly recommended
Knowing your level
Knowing your level is an essential part of the preparation for both IELTS and OET. Whether you decide to sign up for a course, or tutor, getting assessed and knowing your current level will help you identify your areas of weakness to focus on.
We would recommend getting your speaking and writing assessed by a qualified teacher. They can tell you what level you are at and areas for improvement.
Identify weaknesses, focus on these and get reassessed to check if you have improved.
You can find courses or individual teachers online who have been trained directly by the examining body, which can give you the boost you need. But, speak to colleagues and see if they can recommend a trusted course or teacher.
What resources are available online to help with my preparation?
The following sites will give you all the general information you need for your IELTS or OET exam preparation:
IELTS Official
British Council IELTS
IDP IELTS
OET
You can find video tutorials and support on YouTube, including official channels from both IELTS and OET:
YouTube - IELTS
YouTube - OET
You can find online practice papers at the following trusted sites:
British Council – free sample tests
IELTS Essentials – free sample tests
IDP – free sample test
OET – free sample tests
Consider working with an accredited tutor
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on english language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss
So, broken down, here are our steps to success in the English Language Tests:
Understand the test structure and format
Set yourself achievable learning goals
Get to know the marking criteria
Understand the various question types
Polish your exam skills
Improve your vocabulary
Take practice tests
Practice every day, and we mean every day!
Not essential depending on your level of English, but you can also find a tutor or online course.
Get assessed, identify weaknesses, work on these, get reassessed.
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Overseas doctors must verify their medical qualifications before making a GMC application.
In order to work in the NHS you need full registration with the GMC. This process requires independent verification of your primary medical degrees and any other qualifications or licensures you are using to join the register. Often this will be a Royal College Qualifcation, or another recognised postgraduate qualification, but can also include an accepted licensing exam such as USMLE, MCCQE or AMCCE. The process of verification is is done by the Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and applies if you:
Qualified at a medical school outside of the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland; OR
are an international medical graduate with a European medical qualification (not including UK qualifications) AND
do not already hold provisional registration.
Please note, only those with primary medical qualifications awarded outside of the UK and EU, and those who are not EU nationals but hold a primary medical qualification from the EU (but not the UK), need to use an Electric Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC).
Which qualifications will I need to verify?
When registering with the GMC there will likely be two certificates you will need to verify for your GMC registration. Depending on what route you take to registration, you will need to verify both of the following:
Postgraduate route: Medical Degree (PMQ) and Accepted Postgraduate Qualification
Relevant European Qualification (REQ) route: Medical Degree (PMQ)
Specialist European Qualification route: Medical Degree (PMQ) and Specialist European Qualification
MTI or Royal College Sponsorship route: Medical Degree (PMQ)
PLAB route: Medical Degree (PMQ)
Is my Medical Degree (PMQ) accepted by the GMC?
You must have completed an acceptable medical degree to register with the GMC. Check if you’re qualification is accepted via the GMC website here. Your medical degree is commonly known as your primary medical qualification (PMQ) and it will need to be independently verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) via their online portal, EPIC.
Please note, if you hold refugee status in the UK and are applying to the GMC for registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK, you may be able to get help with your EPIC fees. Contact the GMC before using EPIC.
Setting up an on-line account:
Once you have established the correct documents to be verified, set up an on-line account (EPIC Account) via ECFMG EPIC
The first step to start using EPIC is to complete a request to establish an account. The request requires you to submit some basic personal information, details about your medical education, and, if applicable, details about your postgraduate medical education.
EPIC will then send you an e-mail to confirm receipt of your request to establish an EPIC Account.
Once your account request has been processed, they will send you an e-mail containing your EPIC ID and instructions on how to complete the final step in the account establishment process, completion of the EPIC Identification Form (EIF) to confirm your identity.
The GMC's instructions for EPIC verification are here however this we have outlined the steps above, so things shoud be fairly clear already.
Before you start:
Before your start the verification process, there are a couple of important steps to consider:
Create a GMC online account if you haven't already and check whether the GMC accepts your primary medical qualification and/or postgraduate qualification.
If your medical school is included on the list below then you should contact the GMC before starting the verification process.
on the GMC’s list of qualifications that are not acceptable
on the GMC’s list of qualifications that may be acceptable
not in the list of medical schools on GMC Online
General advice from IMG Connect
Start early: At IMG Connect we strongly advise that you complete this part of the process as soon as possible. There are several factors that contribute to the length of the verification process, ncluding the time it takes for the medical school to verify your qualification(s). It does not expire, so there is no reason to delay! Also consider the GMC will close your application after 90 days if you cannot submit it, so by starting EPIC too late you may cause your GMC application to be closed.
Prepare and save yourself some time: As always, at IMG Connect we advise it is best to gather your documents prior to starting any application. If you do, it should only take about 15 minutes to complete.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following available:
a full-colour photograph (passport style)
a scanned, full-colour copy of the photograph page of your current, unexpired passport
information about your medical education, including your medical school identification number (if applicable) and attendance and degree issue dates
your medical licensure information (if applicable), including any identification numbers
your ECFMG/USMLE Identification Number (if you have one)
your ECFMG International Credentials Services (EICS) Identification Number (if you have one)
Make sure you select the General Medical Council as you upload each qualification. By doing so, the GMC will automatically receive an update when your qualification has been verified. If you don’t do this, it could cause a delay.
How much does EPIC verification cost?
The fees are charged in USD and you’ll need to pay ECFMG directly. Full payment is due at the time you submit your request to establish an EPIC Account. Setting up an account currently costs $125 and as of recently, the fee to verify a credential through EPIC increased to US$90 per credential. For more information on fees and payment, see the fees section of the EPIC website.
I've got my PMQ verified, what next?
Submit your application for registration to the GMC and provide your EPIC ID to the GMC.
You won’t be able to submit your application to the GMC until you have confirmation that your PMQ has been sent for verification. ECFMG will send you confirmation via e-mail. You can also check the status by logging in to your EPIC Account. If you prefer, you can wait until after the qualification has been verified to submit your application, as it can take some time for the verification to be completed.
Once verification of a qualification has been received from the issuing institution and ECFMG has confirmed that the qualification is authentic, ECFMG will confirm this with the GMC. ECFMG will also notify you by e-mail that your qualification has been verified.
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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In order to apply for GMC Registration and/or take the PLAB tests, IMGs must hold a primary medical qualification acceptable to the GMC for the purpose of registration with a licence to practise.
If your primary medical qualification is from outside of the UK or EEA, the GMC will need to check that it is acceptable.
How can I check my overseas qualification is recognised by the GMC?
Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) must be awarded by an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical School.
There are some qualifications that the GMC already do not accept. These are listed on their website. You should check whether your qualification meets the relevant criteria before you start an application.
As part of the GMC application, overseas doctors from outside of the EEA will need to send a copy of their primary medical qualification to the GMC.
If your primary medical qualification meets the GMC criteria, you will need to have it independently verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) before registration with a license to practice can be complete.
How do I verify my Primary Medical Qualification?
Verification is completed online and is a simple process. You will set up an online EPIC account (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials), confirm your identity and upload your qualification for verification. This is then assessed by ECFMG who will communicate directly with your awarding body to confirm authenticity.
What next?
Once assessed the ECFMG will confirm the outcome with the GMC. You will receive and EPIC ID, which will be required when completing the GMC application.
At IMG we recommend that you check your primary medical qualification and start the verification process as early as possible, so that you will have your verified qualification before applying.
Once you have checked that you have a suitable overseas qualification, and your overseas primary medical qualification has been independently verified, you can complete the GMC registration online.
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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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English Language Tests are hard, it is common for overseas doctors to fail on the first or second attempt.
You have just got the results and sadly, you didn’t get the target score of 7.5 average for IELTS or four B’s for OET. What do you do? First things first, we would recommend a short outburst, a quintessentially polite British rant about how things are not fair, and then pick yourself up, and plan!
Unlike other tests in education where you only get one chance to pass, the same is not true for English Language Tests like IELTS and OET. That said, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about preparing, this could waste your time, and more importantly, your money! Another re-sit will cost you.
Don’t forget, learning a new language is challenging, complex and takes time. Just because you didn’t get the results the first time, if you are organised, patient and increase your practical work you will get there!
Learn from your mistakes
Initially, it is only natural to be disappointed because you didn’t pass. This is normal, so take your time to process the results and give yourself an opportunity to clear your head ready to determine what went wrong, and do something about it.
A lot of IMGs don’t get the required marks on the first go, some take a long time to get there, so don’t worry, you are not alone. The main thing to remember, is that it is very important to know where you went wrong, and how to improve.
Here are a few steps to help you if you don’t get the results you wanted:
1. Review your score in each area.
Identify the area where you struggled the most. Did you pass all areas except one? Or did you get the desired results in two areas, and fail the others? This tells you which area to focus on, where you may need further training or practice.
2. Count the marks
How far off was your score from passing? This is vital for you to establish which parts of the test to focus on so you can gain points in these areas for your resit. Think about the areas you struggled in, or left blank. Take your time to review and then practice these areas of the test and watch your score go up!
3. Expand your horizons
Using each English language skill in practice is essential to helping you get the desired outcome in each test. If you failed in one or two areas, then turn your focus on these and get practical!
Simply put, speak, listen, read & write more! Don’t forget to keep it interesting. See our top tips for learning at home to help you be more engaged in applying your learning on a daily basis.
4. Consider working with an accredited tutor
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss.
4. Get rid of the nerves
Most international doctors will have found speaking with the examiner daunting and nerve wracking. This is natural, called test anxiety. Which probably means that you will not have spoken as fluently as you could. What can you do? Try speaking English with someone you don’t usually speak with, or even better somebody you don’t know, in a situation you don’t usually find yourself. Being able to speak fluently, under pressure, whilst sounding natural, is one of the most important criteria of the test. This will ease your anxiety.
5. Plan for the next test
Some IMGs might wonder why they should make a plan, it takes time and some think that it might not be necessary. In fact, a good study plan will save you time, help you pace out your learning, cover more topics and keep you organised. As you will know what areas you need to focus on, it will help you to check you are covering all the areas of weakness, and keep track of improvements. Try to include daily and weekly targets.
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A fitness to practice is required for overseas doctors who want to register with the GMC.
This blog will break down what the rules are, and what evidence you will need to prepare and provide by looking at the following:
What is evidence of your fitness to practice?
Declaration of your fitness to practice
Supporting evidence
Certificate of good standing
How do I request a certificate of good standing?
Remember, at IMG Connect we always advise IMGs to prepare all documents before starting applications, it will save you time, and stress!
What is evidence of your fitness to practice?
As part of your GMC application, the GMC require you to provide evidence of your fitness to practice. This is broken down into two areas from your online application:
A declaration of your fitness to practice
Your supporting evidence
Declaration of fitness to practice:
As part of your online GMC application to join the register you must complete a declaration of fitness to practice. This declaration is only valid for 3 months, so ensure you get the timing right with your application, otherwise the GMC will ask you to complete a new one.
When completing your application online, you will be asked 12 questions in the fitness to practice character declaration section. You should complete the declaration by choosing YES or NO for each question.
These cover a range of fitness to practice topics, including previous convictions, disciplinary actions, conduct and so on.
It is important to say that you should always be honest in your answers.
Supporting evidence:
The GMC will ask you to provide supporting evidence of your fitness to practice, these are broken down into the following:
details of all postgraduate medical experience for the last five years or since you graduated
details of all postgraduate non-medical experience for the last five years or since you graduated*
details of all certain other activities for the last five years or since you graduated
a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority you've been registered or licensed with
*If you have worked in a non-medical capacity it is also likely that you will be asked for employer references to cover this non-medical work.
Certificate of good standing
As above, you will require a certificate from your regulatory body to be sent to the GMC to confirm your good standing with them. The GMC will need a certificate of good standing from all of the countries you've been registered with in that time, even if you haven't been practising there. You can register for a certificate of good standing from your regulatory body in your home country, which they will send directly to the GMC.
Certificates of good standing and employer references are only valid for three months from the date that they are issued and must be valid on the date your application to the GMC is approved.
What is a certificate of good standing?
A certificate of good standing will show any restrictions on your practice, your registration history, including current license status, identity information and any current proceedings. It should be issued in English.
In the European Union these documents are known as certificates of current professional status.
How do I request a certificate?
You will need to contact your regulatory body and request this from them directly. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact using the Certificate of good standing database.
References:
When writing this article we have taken our information from the following sources:
https://www.gmc-uk.org
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Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.