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!
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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.
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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.
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The MRCEM and FRCEM Intermediate SBA exams are tough....
Success in these exams is a challenge and all Emergency Medicine doctors deserve credit for getting to this stage. Whether your passed or failed, here we'll offer some suggestions on what to do next:
I passed the MRCEM / FRCEM SBA exam
I didn't pass the MRCEM / FRCEM SBA exam
I passed the FRCEM / MRCEM SBA exam:
First things first, you deserve to celebrate and get some rest. No doubt you wherever you are, you are dealing with the coronavirus and will not be able to celebrate in the way that you would wish. But from us at IMG Connect, congratulations! Doctors who have attained full MRCEM and secured a job in the NHS tell us that the FRCEM SBA is a very tough examination, so well done! Your hard work has paid off.
Once you are feeling relaxed, this is a good time to think about what steps you need to take to complete full MRCEM. For most overseas doctors, this will mean taking the final MRCEM OSCE exam and whilst all OSCE centres are currently closed it takes most doctors at least six to nine months to prepare for the exam anyway.
So what is the MRCEM OSCE?
Like the intermediate exam, the MRCEM OSCE requires a considerable amount of revision and preparation. However, as you know the format is very different, so your preparation will change.
The MRCEM OSCE consists of 18 stations (16 patient encounters & 2 rest stations), each one lasting for about 7 minutes. The MRCEM OSCE exam will not only test your theoretical knowledge, but also your resus skills and communication skills. Even candidates who are working in an emergency medicine department (ED or ER) often find these OSCEs difficult. Even if you have strong background knowledge in Emergency Medicine the exams can still be tricky due to a heavy reliance on testing your communication skills and etiquette.
How to preparation for MRCEM OSCE?
Preparation is therefore vital for all doctors who intend to take the MRCEM OSCE exam. This can be broken down into the following:
Practical day-to-day work (colleague observations & feedback, peer groups, study groups)
Online revision resources (subscriptions, reading materials, tutorials, videos)
Courses (face to face, online)
In general, emergency medicine course tutors advise setting aside at least 2-3 months preparation in addition to your Emergency Medicine experience.
Resources, courses and revision materials:
We are often asked by Emergency Medicine doctors where they should look for resources, online revision materials, OSCE mock stations and preparation courses (online and face to face).
As such, we have compiled the best advice, tips, courses and resources suggested by Emergency Medicine doctors who have taken the MRCEM and FRCEM exams.
Where can I take the MRCEM OSCE exam?
Overseas doctors (IMGs) can sit the final MRCEM OSCE exam in three locations: the UK, India and Malaysia. However the Royal College has suspended all upcoming test dates and centres due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
I did not pass the FRCEM SBA exam:
If you did not pass the FRCEM intermediate exam - don't worry! The overall pass rate is 35% which is roughly half of the MRCEM OSCE pass rate. This is a tough exam so don't worry too much, take some time out to relax and enjoy life. These moments where you don't succeed at the first, or second time, will only make you stronger and a better doctor in the long run. As the British say, chin up and strong upper lip!
At IMG Connect we've taken the time to prepare and collate the best preparation resources for the FRCEM Intermediate Certificate exam - we would be delighted to share these with you. Click on the buttons below to register with the IMG Connect team so we can talk you through this or request the FRCEM Intermediate resources to help you pass the next time - without fail!
If you have any questions about how to secure an NHS job in Emergency Medicine or prepare for the FRCEM Intermediate exam or MRCEM OSCE (including advice on dates, fees, courses, resources, mock scenarios, online materials and revision books) then don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant.
IMG Connect is keeping a very close eye on the examination schedule and will keep all our IMGs informed as soon as the College publishes some updates. You can find the updated exam schedule here.
However, this does not mean you cannot use the time to prepare for your OSCE!
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Overseas Haematologists wanting to secure a role in the UK via the postgraduate qualificaiton route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or FRCPath in Haematology, a sub-specialty exam of FRCPath. FRCPath is the UK Royal College qualification and the recommended route for histopathologists looking to work in the UK as a specialist or consultant.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the sub-specialty FRCPath in Haemotology examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is FRCPATH in Haematology?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
FRCPath Haematology structure and format
FRCPATH in Haematology Part 1
FRCPATH in Haematology Part 2
As an overseas candidate where can I take the exams and how much will they cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available?
Passed? What next?
What is FRCPath in Haematology?
Set against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Haematology, the examinations are designed to assess a trainee’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in field of Haematology. The exams recognise haematologists close to the end of their training who can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and technique for independent practice. In other words, completion of the full set of exams (Part 1 & 2) demonstrates your ability to work at consultant level.FFRCPath, along with MRCP(UK), is a mandatory requirement for Specialist Registration in Haematology. You can read our overview on MRCP(UK) here.
The FRCPath exam is split into 2 parts:
Part 1 – two written papers sat on the same day, comprised of essay and multiple-choice questions.
Part 2 – held over three days, the exams comprise of three written components and one oral examination
Eligibility for FRCPath in Haematology:
Below we outline the eligibility for overseas doctors looking to sit both FRCPath Haematology exams. For international candidates, the eligibility criteria for FRCPath specialty examinations can be a little confusing when looking online so IMG Connect spoke to the Royal College directly to clarify this.
Time spent in haematology training is stated as a requirement of eligibilty. The Royal College do consider equivalents to NHS training programmes though there is no definitive list of countries with accepted or unaccepted training programmes. The royal college advises you should speak to your Educational Supervisor or Sponsor (if you have one) who can advise you if you are ready or eligible to sit the Examinations if you are unsure. Remember, there are many overseas doctors applying for all parts of the FRCPath exams so don’t be put off applying!
Top Tip: If you have the required months training in a recognised programme in your country for Haematology specifically, the chances are you will be eligible.
Eligibility for Part 1: You are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in haematology for a period of no less than two years.
Eligibility for Part 2: The Royal College expects you to have at least three years of specialty training specific to Haematology in your own country before applying. Furthermore, you cannot sit Part 2 examination until 12 months after successfully completing Part 1.
Structure of FRCPath Haematology:
The exam is split into 2 parts with 5 individual examinations in total. This makes it one of the more complex examinations
Structure and content for FRCPath Haematology Part 1:
The exam is split into 2 parts with 5 individual examinations in total.
Part 1 comprises two written papers, Paper 1 (Essay Paper) and Paper 2 (MCP Paper)
Part 2 comprises three written papers, and one Oral exam
Part 1, Paper 1 (essay paper) – four essay questions each addressing an important area of laboratory or clinical practice in one of the four areas:
Blood transfusion
General haematology
Haematological oncology
Haemostasis & thrombosis
Part 1, Paper 2 (MCP paper) – 125 questions of both multiple choice and extended matching format. 50 questions will be best from five whilst 75 are extended matching and examines knowledge of:
blood transfusion 25%
general haemotology 25%
haematological oncology 25%
haemostasis & thrombosis 25%
Most questions are structured around clinical or laboratory vignettes and are designed to assess clinical judgement and ability to apply, rather than just recall knowledge. Questions map to the Haematology training curriculum. The blueprint from which the questions are developed can be found on the Royal College website.
Structure and content for FRCPath Haematology Part 1:
3 written papers and 1 oral examination as below.
Morphology SAQs
Morphology, Long cases
1.5 hour
1.5 hour
12 short answer questions
3 questions long answer
Transfusion
2-hour
10 questions
Coagulation
2-hour
8 questions
Oral Examination
1 hour
8 topics
The exam is held simultaneously over 3 days in the UK only and evaluates your knowledge, skills and clinical judgement in important areas within the Haemotology. The questions in the written papers adopt a short answer format which requires you to provide a concise response, these answers can be given in short words, phrases or lists.
Top Tip: A series of questions may relate to ‘clinical vignette’ building on case information. Clinical vignettes are patient related cases and scenarios that have educational value for a wider audience.
Morphology - SAQs: This section is up to 12 questions answered in 1 hour 30 minutes. Each question requires you to examine 1-2 of either of the following:
microscope slides
flow cytometry plots
additional laboratory data
quality assurance
Morphology - Long cases: This sections comprises 3 questions answered in 1 hour 30 minutes. Each question will provide a case history and contains several parts which require either:
Interpretation of slides, lab results or other clinical investigations
Provide a report and make diagnosis
Recommend clinical investigations and interventions
Transfusion: This section consists of 10 questions answered in 2 hours. Each question will provide a case history or lab results requiring you to:
Interpret data
Make diagnosis
Recommend further investigation or treatment
Coagulation: This section consists of 8 questions answered in 2 hours. Each question will provide a case history or lab results requiring you to:
Interpret data
Make diagnosis
Recommend further investigation or treatment
Oral Examination: The oral examination assesses your ability to evaluate problems and demonstrate good clinical judgement whilst assessing your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. The exam covers 8 topics over 1 hour, with two 30-minute oral exams with two pairs of examiners.
First Exam - 2 topics in coagulation & 2 topics in transfusion medicine
Second Exam - 2 topics in general laboratory haematology & 2 topics in haematological oncology
Where can I take the exams and how much will they cost me?
FRCPath in Haematology - Part 1: In Spring 2021, the Part 1 examination will be offered using online delivery to candidates. This means you can take the exam remotely and will not need to travel overseas to sit the exam, or attend an examination centre. The College will deliver the written components of these examinations through a company called TestReach, the Oral components (including oral OSPE stations) will be delivered using a video-conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams and for the written examinations, candidates will be given the opportunity to trial the TestReach system to familiarise themselves with it ahead of the examination. You can read more about the new, remote examination process further here on our website. Previously, the Part 1 examination was sat in multiple overseas centres and once the pandemic is under better control globally, it is highly anticipated the Royal College will return to previous set-ups.
The FRCPath Part 1 exam costs £622. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website.
FRCPath in Haematology - Part 2: Haematology Part 2 is one of the few exams that can be sat overseas. Availability of overseas Part 2 examination centres will be indicated on the website and candidates should contact the Examinations Department to express their interest in taking the examination in the available centre. In 2021 no overseas Part 2 examinations will take place in the Spring session, and it is highly unlikely an overseas centre will be available for Haematology in 2021.
The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,308. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website.
How do I apply?
Applications must be made via the Royal College of Pathologists website, with applications only available once an application window is opened by the Royal College.
How to prepare and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with consultants the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
Curriculum: The content of the exam is set against the Haematology Training Curriculum. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Regulations and Guidelines: Before applying for FRCPath examinations, the Royal College recommends you read both the General & Specialty Specific regulations and guidelines:
General Regulations and Guidelines
Royal College - Haematology Regulations & Guidelines
Past papers: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Part 1 – six past papers
Part 2
MCQ/EMQ
Blueprint for MCQ Examination: The blueprint from which the MCQ questions are developed..
British Society of Haematology guidelines: Compulsory reading material for exams and day-to-day clinical practice. Make sure to read them, understand them and know the recommendations made in bold. Be aware that the guidelines are a few years old and imminently due for review.
British Society for Haematology educational resources: Click here for the British Society for Haematology edcuational resources. Morphology image bank, case reports, practice essay questions, EMQs, MCQs and tutorials. Signup and login required but you don’t need to be a member to make use of the BSH’s bank of essay questions, MCQs and EMQs
Blood Journal: How I treat articles: Click here for easy-to-read helpful overviews of most haematological conditions
Ihaematology.com: http://www.ihaematology.com/ is a great revision site created by previous candidates.
Haembase: Click here for Haembase. This is a general revision resource for those preparing for FRCPath examinations
Our on-the-day exam advice:
Part 2 – food and drink: With multiple exams taking place for Part 2 in one day bring supplies! It will be a long day and there may not be access to food.
Hiring a microscope: For Part 2 you will be required to sit examinations in the UK and will require a microscope. The examination centres will not provide equipment for any applicants so you will need to hire a microscope in advance. There are a few companies easily accessible through a web search, find a microscope and book well in advance of the exam. You can arrange for the company to drop off and pick up the microscope from the exam centre, don’t worry!
Top Tip: At IMG Connect we recommend speaking to anyone you know who has sat and passed the exam and get their personal hints and tips. We would also be happy to help you arrange anything you need for the exam day.
I passed the FRCPath Heamatology exams! What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of FRCPath Haematology 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 and given the high standards of the FRCPath Haematology examinations, you will most likely be eligible to practice as a consultant in the NHS.
Overseas Microbiologists wanting to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualificaiton route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or FRCPath in Medical Microbiology, a sub-specialty exam of FRCPath.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the sub-specialty FRCPath in Medical Microbiology examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is FRCPATH in Medical Microbiology?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
FRCPath in Medical Microbiology structure and format
FRCPath in Medical Microbiology: Part 1
FRCPath in Medical Microbiology: Part 2
As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam and how much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available
Passed? What next?
What is FRCPath in Medical Microbiology?
Set against the Medical Microbiology incorporating CIT curriculum, the examinations act as an early assessment of your understanding of the scientific basis of medical microbiology, virology and infectious diseases. The exams recognise microbiologists close to the end of their training who can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and technique for independent practice. In other words, completion of the full set of exams (Part 1 & 2) demonstrates your ability to work at consultant level.
The examinations are split into two parts:
Part 1 – single 3-hour paper with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Part 2 – four paper examination sat over two days
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
Below we outline the eligibility for overseas doctors looking to sit both FRCPath Microbiology exams. For international candidates, the eligibility criteria for FRCPath specialty examinations can be a little confusing when looking online so IMG Connect spoke to the Royal College directly to clarify this.
Time spent in microbiology training is stated as a requirement of eligibilty and the Royal College do consider equivalents to NHS training programmes though there is no list of countries with accepted or unaccepted training programmes. The royal college advises you should speak to your Educational Supervisor or Sponsor (if you have one) who can advise you if you are ready or eligible to sit the Examinations if you are unsure. Remember, there are many overseas doctors applying for all parts of the FRCPath exams so don’t be put off applying!
Top Tip: If you have the required months training in a recognised programme in your country for Histopathology specifically, the chances are you will be eligible.
Eligibility for Part 1: You are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in microbiology for a period of no less than 12 months.
Eligibility for Part 2: You must have passed the Part 1 examination and have had at least 3 years microbiology training in a recognised training programme in your country.
FRCPath Part 1 in Microbiology - structure and format:
The exam focuses in particular on the scientific basis of virology, microbiology and infection. The exam is set against both the medical microbiology and virology curriculum. It is a single three-hour objective MCQ examination, with computerised marking sat over one one day. Questions are in two formats:
One-best answer
Extended-matching-question
FRCPath Part 2 in Microbiology - structure and format:
Part 2 consists of four paper examinations sat over two days. The exam will be ‘closed book’ (i.e. NO textbooks, manuals, other written material or equipment
belonging to candidates may be used). Only reference material provided by the examiners may be used. These are as follows:
Paper 1 – two parts, 2.5 hours in total:
One essay from a choice of two questions, usually including laboratory management issues, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention or a combinatino of all.
One SAQ paper focused on clinical scenarios, infection prevention, laboratory practice and safety.
The essay is allocated one third of available marks for this paper. A closed marking scheme is used for the essay question.
Top Tip: A brief vignette with interpretation of clinical, laboratory or infection control data is a common format for SAQs.
Paper 2 - two parts, 2.5 hours in total:
Critical appraisal of a journal article
SAQ paper with similar content as Paper 1
The journal article is allocated one third of available marks for this paper
Paper 3 – one part in laboratory scenarios, 3 hours in total
Complex clinical and laboratory scenarios in microbiology and infection prevention.
Top Tip: Questions cover similar content to Paper 1&2 SAQs though the question format is longer, allowing for progression within each scenario to reflect evolving information encountered in clinical practice. Clinical and laboratory data and images may be presented, however there will be no practical manipulation of laboratory material.
Paper 4 – one part, 3 hours in total
Objective Structured Pathology Examination (OSPE) format.
Comprises of 15 stations, each of 9 minutes duration with variable rest stations.The exam allows for broad sampling of the curriculum and involves two face-to-face stations with a pair of examiners. The OSPE facilitates assessment of knowledge, application of knowledge, laboratory skills, and communication in scenarios encountered by microbiologists in clinical practice.
Pass criteria for FRCPath Microbiology Part 2 Exams:
In order to achieve an overall pass, you must achieve a pass in both combined scores for:
Papers 1+ 2
Papers 3 + 4
Failure of either of the two components will result in an overall fail. If you fail either of these two components, an overall fail result will be obtained and the entire examination will need to be taken at a future date. In other words, you cannot carry forward a pass in any part of the exam into subsequent sittings.
Where can I take the exams and how much will they cost me?
FRCPath in Medical Microbiology - Part 1:
In Spring 2021, the Part 1 examination will be offered using online delivery to candidates. This means you can take the exam remotely and will not need to travel overseas to sit the exam, or attend an examination centre. The College will deliver the written components of these examinations through a company called TestReach, the Oral components (including oral OSPE stations) will be delivered using a video-conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams and for the written examinations, candidates will be given the opportunity to trial the TestReach system to familiarise themselves with it ahead of the examination. You can read more about the new, remote examination process further here on our website. Previously, the Part 1 examination was sat in multiple overseas centres and once the pandemic is under better control globally, it is highly anticipated the Royal College will return to previous set-ups.
The FRCPath Part 1 exam costs £622. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website.
FRCPath in Medical Microbiology - Part 2:
Currently it can only be sat in the UK. Availability of overseas Part 2 examination centres will be indicated on the website and candidates should contact the Examinations Department to express their interest in taking the examination in the available centre. In 2021 no overseas Part 2 examinations will take place in the Spring session, and it is highly unlikely an overseas centre will be available for Microbiology in 2021.
The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,308. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website.
How do I apply?
Applications must be made via the Royal College of Pathologists website, with applications only available once an application window is opened by the Royal College.
How to prepare and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with consultants the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
Below we have included resources available through the Royal College and a few other resources recommend by doctors that have passed.
Curriculum: The content of the exam is set against the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Medical Microbiology. This curriculum incorporates the Combined Infection Training developed in conjunction with the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board. Part A is set against both the medical microbiology and virology curriculum.
TOP TIP: We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan. This advice comes directly from one of the RCPath examiners/
Regulations and Guidelines: Before applying for FRCPath examinations, the Royal College recommends you read both the General & Specialty Specific regulations and guidelines:
General Regulations and Guidelines
Royal College - Medical Microbiology Regulations & Guidelines
Past papers: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College:
Medical Microbiology and Virology - Part 1 MCQ & EMQ
Medical Microbiology Part 2 – OSPE
Medical Microbiology Part SAQ
Medical Microbiology Part 2 – Paper 3
Medical Microbiology Part 2 – Essay
Medical Microbiology Part 2 - Journal
On-the-day Exam Advice:
Part 2 – food and drink: With multiple exams taking place for Part 2 in one day bring supplies! It will be a long day and there may not be access to food.
Hiring a microscope: For Part 2 you will be required to sit examinations in the UK and will require a microscope. The examination centres will not provide equipment for any applicants so you will need to hire a microscope in advance.
There are a few companies easily accessible through a web search, find a microscope and book well in advance of the exam. You can arrange for the company to drop off and pick up the microscope from the exam centre, don’t worry!
Top Tip: At IMG Connect we recommend speaking to anyone you know who has sat and passed the exam and get their personal hints and tips. We would also be happy to help you arrange anything you need for the exam day.
I passed the FRCPath Medical Microbiology exam! What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of FRCPath in Medical Microbiology you can apply for full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
Searching for Medical Microbiology & Virology jobs in the NHS could not be easier
If you want to find out more about the many different Microbiology roles available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas Medical Mircobiologists secure consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS jobs, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, FRCPath exams and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you!
Today is the day! The MRCEM OSCE results have been released...
IMG Connect wishes all emergency medicine specialists good luck with their results today - we hope you all achieve the result you deserve!
Whether your passed or failed, here we'll offer some suggestions on what to do next...
I passed the MRCEM OSCE
I didn't pass the MRCEM OSCE
I passed the MRCEM OSCE, what's next?
So, what next? First things first, you deserve to celebrate and get some relaxation in! Emergency Medicine doctors who have attained full MRCEM and secured a job in the NHS, all tell us that the MRCEM OSCE is a tough examination and it is an emotional moment when you pass. So much hard work goes into to reaching this stage, so book yourself a holiday! Or at least kick off your shoes and put your feet up :-)
You are now well on your way to being eligible to apply for an Emergency Medicine post in the UK. There are a few key steps before you're ready to go:
English language test
GMC registration
Apply for NHS jobs
English Language Test
You may be wondering whether you need to take an English exam now that you have passed MRCEM OSCE. This is a requirement for all overseas doctors and is needed for GMC registration. For doctors who have worked for at least 2 years in an English-speaking country, employer references for English can be used to demonstrate a suitable level of competence in English.
Passing your English language exams is an important next step for many Emergency Medicine doctors that pass their MRCEM. Take a look at these helpful blogs and articles from the IMG Library on OET, IELTS and preparing for English language exams, including a side-by-side comparison of the two tests.
English Language Tests - a library of all our helpful blogs and articles on English Language Testing, written specifically for international doctors.
OET - a series of blogs and articles relating to the Occupational English Test (OET)
IELTS - a library of articles and blogs and articles centered on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
GMC Registration
Armed with your complete MRCEM, you can now apply for full GMC registration with licence to practice. There are a few checks involved in the GMC registration process such as the verification of your medical license and obtaining a certificate of good standing, however, we are more than happy to talk you through the process with little to no worries or effort on your part. Once your application has been approved, you are eligible to work in the NHS. Nice one!
Apply for NHS Jobs
Now is also a good time to start thinking about the steps you should take in finding the right job for you in the NHS, or wherever you are considering your next role. There may be many questions running through your mind such as, do I need to take an English exam first? What grade will I be eligible for? Or perhaps most importantly, how do I find an A&E job in the UK?
To jumpstart your job search, click here for up-to-date NHS Emergency Medicine jobs.
As specialists in the recruitment of overseas MRCEM qualified A&E doctors, whether it's preparing your CV for professional representation or finding you a great role with a fantastic salary, IMG Connect is here to help.
Register your details with IMG Connect to receive a one-to-one personalised service from one of our Emergency Medicine Specialists. We have a team that helps specifically international Emergency Medicine doctors like yourself in securing work across the UK & Ireland. Register today and one of our team will get back to you immediately!
I didn't pass the MRCEM OSCE
If you did not pass the MRCEM OSCE - don't worry! The overall pass rate for those that attempt a second time is extremely high (90%+) so your hard work and dedication will pay off very soon! Take some time out to relax and enjoy life and come back stronger. These moments will only make you stronger and a better doctor in the long run so as the British say, chin up and strong upper lip!
At IMG Connect we've taken the time to prepare and collate the best preparation resources for the OSCE - and we would be delighted to share these with you. Click on the buttons below to either register with the IMG Connect team, so we can talk you through this or request the MRCEM OSCE resources to help you pass the next time.
Getting started
If you have any questions about how to secure an NHS job in Emergency Medicine, please get in touch with us here.
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:
As an overseas doctor, preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires learning a huge amount.
IMGs have told us that one of the most effective ways to improve their general level of English, and help them on their journey to improving their test scores, is to study at home. So, we have put together a handy list of IMG tips for studying for the English Language Tests at home, enjoy!
1. Start devouring podcasts
If you don’t already listen to podcasts, you should! They are great! You can access these at home, or on your commute to work. On your laptop, or even better, on your phone. If you have an apple, simply open the podcast app already installed.
If you have Android, then try Stitcher, RadioPublic, Podbean or Pocket Casts.
Here are a few of the IMG Connect Team favourites:
There is no such thing as fish
In our time, science
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Today in Focus
Happy Place
Woman’s Hour
Ted Talks Health
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Thinking Allowed
BBC Inside Science
The Guardian’s Science Hour
Ted Talks Science and Medicine
Discovery
2. Speak to native English speakers
There really can be no substitute for regularly speaking to native English speakers. In most cities across the world there will be a community of English speakers, seek them out online or go say hello!
The IMG team are always happy to have a chat with you, so if you can’t find anyone, then give us a ring!
3. Speak to everyone!
We know that sometimes in this modern world, people would rather turn to their computers, but to learn English is to share English! Whether a colleague at work, a fellow student, a friend or family member, speaking English about a range of topics, medical and general, will help you to practice what you learn. Be sure to apply your recent learning of vocabulary and grammar.
It is widely known that students who speak and listen to people every day, learn quicker.
4. Get down with the kids… and watch YouTube!
There are millions of videos on YouTube, with thousands of great channels and shows to subscribe to. And of course, they are mostly all free! But don’t get stuck watching cute cats and dogs, stick to the task at hand – learning English!
IELTS and OET have their own official channels, full of useful resources.
Instead of randomly watching topics, think about your exams and search YouTube for suitable resources.
At IMG Connect we have found a few great suggestions to search for:
OET
Medical lectures
Nobel Lectures
Oxford University lectures – medical
Cambridge University medical lectures
IELTS
Parliamentary debates, UK
BBC, Sky, Channel four News
National geographic
Ted Talks
But don’t take our word for it, search for your own topics of interest.
5. Binge on your favourite movies (in English)
What could be better than sitting back after a day at work and watching a movie? Well, watching a movie and learning English at the same time! The rule here is to not just sit back and relax, you have to do some work too, put the subtitles on, and follow the dialogue. If you don’t understand, then pause, rewind and watch again.
Try to choose the right type of films, with lots of dialogue, so apologies to all those blockbuster fans, you may have to watch something else. Documentaries are excellent, with topics for everyone!
Listen to the way that words are said, how the actors or narrators stress the sounds. And copy it!
Even better, take a note of all new vocabulary, and when the film is finished, find out what they mean.
6. An article a day gets the doctor to the UK!
This doesn’t have to be test related, you can choose something that you really are interested in. It can’t all be boring!
Blogs, news outlets, organisations – you choose.
Reading an article a day, short or long, can dramatically improve your confidence.
7. Tweet, tweet, twooo!
Twitter isn’t just about a tweet, but there are plenty fantastic articles and up-to-date topics that are shared daily.
Find someone you are interested in and follow their articles.
Many news groups share excellent articles daily.
But remember don’t just read the headline!
8. Write as much as you can, to anyone you can.
Practicing writing English in different contexts will help you to cement your learning and get you into the habit of writing to a high level of structure and grammar.
You could write a blog online for your colleagues, this is free on WordPress. It is your blog, so you choose the topic!
Of course, you should practice writing the essays for the tests, but if you know anyone that reads English why not also write to them…in English of course!
9. 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.
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.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
To work as a doctor in the NHS (UK) you will need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC).
The GMC is the public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners within the United Kingdom and attaining full registration is a multistep process involving a number of different documents. The purpose of this article is to help guide overseas doctors through the various stages of GMC Registration by considering the following topics:
Why do I need GMC Registration?
How much will it cost me?
What are the requirements for GMC Registration?
What is the process?
Recognised GMC qualifications
English language capabilities
Registration and licensing history
Certificates of good standing
Knowledge and skill tests
ID Check
TOP TIP: Before you start the process, we always recommend that It is worth having a read of the GMC website page on required documents. These can change, as the GMC adapts to changes in healthcare, and current issues like the coronavirus. Of course, if you have any questions have a chat with your IMG Consultant and we can help you to clear up any uncertainties.
Why do I need GMC Registration?
The GMC's main responsibility is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public and one way in which it does this is by carefully controlling entry to the register. Any doctor that wants to work in the UK must be fully registered with a license to practice with the GMC, whether working as a locum or permanent member of staff.
How much will it cost me?
Generally, GMC Registration will cost £420 but this may change depending on your circumstance. Once you are registered, you must pay an annual retention fee of £390 (which can be paid quarterly, monthly or in one lump sum). A full list of GMC Fees can be found here.
What are the requirements for GMC Registration?
These will depend on a number of factors which can be broken down into the following:
Your nationality
Where you gained your primary medical qualification
Whether or not you have completed a postgraduate training or internship
What is the process?
The registration process can be broken down into these six steps:
Check your primary medical qualification is GMC recognised
Evidence of English language capabilities
Registration and licensing history
Certificates of good standing
Knowledge and skills tests
ID checks
Recognised GMC qualifications:
If your primary medical qualification (PMQ) is from outside the UK or EEA, you need to make sure it is eligible for GMC registration. Check here to see if your PMQ is recognised or have a read through our blog on accetable overseas qualifications.
You will be required to have your PMQ independently verified before your license to practice is granted.
This is carried out by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) through their online EPIC system. For more information on verifying your PMQ and the EPIC system take a look at our blog here.
English language capabilities:
If English is not your native language, then you will need to pass an English Language Test (ELT), you can take either one of the following:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Registration and licensing history:
You must provide all details for any registrations or medical licenses held in the last five years.
Certificates of good standing:
From each of your listed medical establishments, you’ll need to provide a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS). It is worth applying for these early on as they can take some time!
Knowledge and skill tests:
If you attained your Primary Medical Degree from a country outside the EEA region you'll need to demonstrate you have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice in the UK. This can be through a number of routes:
Passing the PLAB test
Providing evidence of an acceptable postgraduate qualification
Being eligible for entry onto the Specialist Register or GP Register
Gaining sponsorship by an approved sponsor
Take a look at our IMG Library, in particular our sections on Postgraduate Qualifications, PLAB and CESR for further reading. Of course, we'd be delighted to talk you through your options so either give us a call or request a call back and we'll get in touch very shortly.
To reaffirm, if you have attained your medical degree from a recognised institution from a country inside the EEA region you will not need to demonstrate evidence of appropriate knowledge or skills.
ID Check:
Once all requested information is submitted, you will need to book an ID check with the GMC. This will require you to attend in person, at the London office. At this point your IMG Consultant will always make an effort to meet you in person & buy you a coffee. We always believe it is better to put a face to a name!
However, please note at this time of uncertainty and disruption caused by the coronavirus ID checks are not necessary. You can currently be granted a full license to practice without having shown your ID to the GMC first, however this is only a temporary measure.
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Overseas paediatricians taking the postgraduate route to GMC Registration must attain full MRCPCH.
Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) can be sat by international doctors from any country in the world provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is MRCPCH?
Am I eligible?
Sponsors for the Clinical Exam
MRCPCH Theory - structure and content
MRCPCH Clinical – structure and content
Where and when can I take the exams? How much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available
Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Paediatrics throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCPCH?
Paediatricians become full members of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and achieve the designation MRCPCH once they have passed four separate postgraduate medical exams.
The MRCPCH examinations consist of 3 theory exams and 1 clinical exam:
Foundation of Practice (FOP) - theory examination (basic child health)
Theory and Science (TAS) - theory examination (basic scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles upon which clinical practice is based)
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) - theory examination (knowledge synthesis/evaluation, clinical decision-making and management)
MRCPCH Clinical examination - multi station OSCE
* Theory exams can be taken in any order of preference.
For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, the MRCPCH is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to take on more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that the MRCPCH would be the best route to securing their dream job in the NHS.
Am I eligible for the MRCPCH exams?
Theory Exams:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
MRCPCH Clinical:
You must pass the 3 theory exams in order to be eligible for the final MRCPCH clinical examination.
All MRCPCH clinical candidates must be proposed by 2 sponsors, who will certify that you have a good period of training in paediatrics and can be considered as ready to take the exam. You can take the exams at any stage in your career, however current advice is that in order to optimise your chances of success in the MRCPCH Clinical examination you should have:
completed a period of training lasting two and a half years
spent no less than 12 months in posts involving the care of emergency paediatric patients
spent six months of your first year after graduation as a house paediatrician; if not, an additional six months in a post involving the care of emergency paediatric patients.
Sponsors for the clinical exam:
As we mentioned above, candidates for the clinical examinations must have two sponsors who will declare you have covered the required amount of training in paediatrics which matches the exam syllabus and consider you ready to take the exam. You will be asked to provide each sponsors personal and work details, and they will be notified if you receive a poor mark.
The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the MRCPCH examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration.
What is the structure and content for MRCPCH examinations?
As above, the MRCPCH examinations consists of 4 parts:
3 theory exams
1 clinical exam
Theory exams:
Candidates will sit 3 theory examinations; each test is administered on a computer and the tests can be taken in any order.
There are usually 3 sittings for each exam per year.
Each exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, unless you have been allocated additional time.
Foundation of Practice (FOP) theory exam:
This exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and clinical decision-making. It aims to ensure that you have reached the same standard as someone entering core training (ST1 equivalent)
Questions are typically a combination of:
Single Best Answer Questions (SBAs) – 70 questions
Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) – 10 questions
Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) require you to choose the best option from a list of ten possible options, all are feasible, but only one is completely correct.
Theory and Science (TAS) theory exam:
This tests basic scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles of clinical and evidence-based practice.
It uses the same format for questioning as the FOP exam.
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP):
This tests your knowledge, understanding and clinical decision-making based on a standard of someone entering their core specialist training (ST1 equivalent).
The exam uses the format N of Many - giving two or three answers that are required from a longer list.
For example, there can be more than one answer from a scenario since there may be two equally important investigations that should be complete, or three abnormalities from a scan or x-ray.
When sitting the AKP using the format N of Many, remember that each question carries its own weighting – pay attention to how many marks each question is worth in the test and answer accordingly.
Clinical examination:
The MRCPCH clinical examination forms the final part of the exams. Remember, you must have passed all 3 theory tests in order to be eligible to sit this test.
This test will be taken in a hospital setting and you will follow a circuit of 12 scenarios. You should be familiar with this type of test (OSCE) from your medical training. Examiners will assess performance during each scenario, which will include actors (children, young people and adults).
The aim of the clinical examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed ST4 in the UK.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in:
communication
history taking and management planning
establishing rapport with both parents and children
physical examination
child development
clinical judgement
organisation of thoughts and actions
recognition of acute illness
knowledge of paediatrics and child health
professional behaviour
ethical practice
The Clinical Exam is guided by important educational principles while holding to the considerable standards of a clinical examination, including the examination of real children.
The Clinical Exam includes 10 objective assessments of each candidate. In most circumstances’ assessment is conducted by a different examiner at each clinical station, so performance at one station does not influence the next station. The test will include six ‘short case’ assessments, emphasising clinical examination. Stations are as follows:
Station 1: Child development – clinical assessment
Station 2 & 5: Communication skills
Station 3: History taking and management planning
Station 4: Clinical video scenarios
Station 6 – 10: Clinical examinations
The order in which candidates will take the circuit will vary. There are 4-minute breaks between stations, the entire circuit takes 152 minutes in total.
Where and when can I sit the exams? And how much do they cost?
Each country fee is different, please see below current exam fees (as of April 2019).
Theory exams:
Country
Theory Exams
Exam fee 2019
India, Malaysia, KSA, UAE, Oman, Myanmar, Sudan, Singapore, Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Trinidad
FOP - single paper
£390
TAS - single paper
£390
FOP and TAS - both papers
£653
AKP
£750
Egypt and Nepal
FOP - single paper
£363
TAS - single paper
£363
FOP and TAS - both papers
£589
AKP
£683
Hong Kong (HK)
FOP - single paper
TBC
TAS - single paper
TBC
FOP and TAS - both papers
TBC
AKP
TBC
*Not all countries will offer the exam at each sitting. If you would like to request an exam in another country, you can contact the MRCPCH
Clinical examinations:
Country
Fee
UK
£765
Egypt
£1,145
India
£1,428
KSA
£1,479
Malaysia
£1,255
Myanmar
£1,082
Oman
£1,479
Singapore (Conjoint MMED - MRCPCH Clinical fee)
£1,428
Sudan
£1,220
UAE
£1,479
Hong Kong
TBC
How do I apply for the exams?
To apply for the MRCPCH, you first need to register online for exams. You need an RCPCH online account (with an RCPCH number). Then you can complete a short registration form – you will require evidence of your primary medical qualification.
How do I register for exams?
You can register for exams at any time throughout the year. After your registration is accepted, you can apply for an exam but only during relevant open application periods. It takes at least 10 working days to process registration.During exam application periods the Royal College are not able to process registrations.
Register three to four weeks before exam application period opens to help ensure you do not miss your preferred exam diet. The best dates to register for exams are usually January, May and September.
How do I book an exam?
Log in to your RCPCH account
Go to My Account
From your dashboard, go to the Exams panel, and from your exam dashboard, follow links to apply
What do I need to bring to the exam?
You will need to bring one of the following forms of ID:
passport with photograph and signature - this must be current or no more than six months expired
valid driving license with photograph and signature
national identity card with photograph and signature.
Please note, only original documents will be accepted as proof of identification.
How can I prepare for the exams?
With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Theory Examination:
Theory Examination Syllabi: This document outlines the syllabus for MRCPCH theory examinations - MRCPCH Theory Examination Syllabi.
Theory exams structure and syllabus: Further information on FOP, TAS and AKP can be found in the theory exams structure and syllabus. This is to be read in combination with the Royal College’s Curriculum for Paediatrics. Within the Curriculum for Paediatrics you can read about the 11 domains and are able to download assessment strategy and generic syllabi for each training level.
Sample Papers: We recommend becoming familiar with the exam format and software, and you can practice with some sample papers here.
Clinical Examination:
Clinical Examination candidate guide: This is a comprehensive guide from the Royal College specifically covering the Clinical Examination. This includes station breakdowns, clinical video scenarios, general instructions and downloads among many other resources.
Anchor Statements: The Anchor Statements outline the expected standard for each station against which candidates are marked. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the criteria points for expected standards before sitting the exam.
Clinical Exam Technique: This guide covers the clinical examination in considerable depth, including:
examination technique
specifics on clinical areas
detail on short-cases
User guide for video station: A guide for Station 4: Clinical video scenarios can be downloaded here.
Clinical Exam: hints and tipsHints and tips specific to the clinical exam can be found on the MRCPCH clinical examination candidate guide (scroll down to find them).
As ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all four parts of your MRCPCH examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS paediatrics jobs
IMG Resources
In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss paediatrics job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
We have put together the most common FAQs asked by IMGs.
IELTS can be challenging and, without proper preparation, it is not uncommon for doctors to fail at their first attempt, so we will answer the following important questions:
What is the IELTS?
Do I need to sit an English Language Test?
Does the GMC accept IELTS?
Can I use my IELTS to support my Visa application?
Which version should I take? Academic, Academic UKVI or General?
Can I take the IELTS test a few times and combine my score?
What is the test format?
Where can I sit the exam?
When can I take IELTS?
Should I sit the paper or electronic version?
Can I cancel my application?
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
When will I receive my results?
If I don’t pass, can I re-sit?
Do I need to take a study course?
Should I study?
Where can I find study materials?
What is the IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English language skills worldwide.
The exam tests your ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Do I need to sit an English Language Test?
Yes, IELTS is chosen by different regulatory bodies to ensure that doctors and other healthcare professionals have the correct level of English to communicate at a high level with patients and colleagues, so as to provide safe and effective care.
Does the GMC accept IELTS?
Yes, as part of the GMC registration, the GMC require all doctors to demonstrate their level of English making them eligible to receive a license to practice in the UK, subsequently practicing medicine safely.
IELTS is one of two options accepted by the GMC, the other being the OET.
What score do I need?
For the GMC to accept your IELTS certificate you must achieve an overall score of 7.5 across all four areas, with no less than a 7.0 in each testing area.
Can I use my IELTS to support my Visa application?
Yes, the pass score for a Tier 2 General Visa is 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills. This does not change the requirements for GMC Registration, see above.
IELTS Academic UKVI is acceptable for both GMC and Tier 2 Visa applications, and for this reason can be an attractive route towards registration.
Not only will this save on fees, but also will ensure that only one test is taken.
Which version should I take? Academic, Academic UKVI or General?
You should take the Academic UKVI version;
IELTS Academic will only satisfy the GMC, but IELTS UKVI will satisfy both GMC registration and your visa application.
Can I take the IELTS test a few times and combine my score?
No, you must achieve your results in one sitting, and this must be your most recent sitting of the test.
What is the test format?
IELTS has four parts:
Listening (30 minutes)
Reading (60 minutes)
Writing (60 minutes)
Speaking (11–14 minutes)
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Where can I sit the exam?
IELTS is currently offered in over 120 countries, with more than 500 centres available.
When can I take IELTS?
IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month, depending on your locality.
Should I sit the paper or electronic version?
It is up to you, but your choice will change the venues that are open to you, check the IELTS website for more information on booking a test.
The paper-based test requires you to sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the reading, listening and writing tests.
The computer-based test requires you to sit the reading, listening and writing tests in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen.
Can I cancel my application?
If you cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason.
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
This depends on your test centre. The listening, reading and writing components of the test are always completed one after the other, with no break. The speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date. Check with your test centre for more details.
When will I receive my results?
The test report will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service, check with your centre for more information.
Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy and you will need it later!
If I don’t pass, can I re-sit?
You can sit the test as many times as necessary.
However, this will cost you more money, so at IMG Connect we advise that you prepare as best you can for every test. If you don’t pass the test, then do additional study before taking the test again.
Do I need to take a study course?
No, you don’t need to take a course. However, it is highly advisable to attend a course, and/or language classes.
Most IMGs advise that they improved by attending specific IELTS courses, and this also helps you to get used to the test format and timings.
Should I study?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you start preparing for the exams as far in advance as you possibly can.
Establish your level of English, and work out what areas of weakness you will need to focus on. Set goals for yourself, and plan a revision timetable.
Where can I find study materials?
To prepare for the tests, there are lots of online resources and practice materials available. A good start is the IELTS and British Council websites.
You can also find practice papers online.
We also recommend joining an IMG Community to share ideas and questions with doctors also taking the tests.
Don’t forget! You must select the Academic UKVI version of the test, this is the only version accepted to support your GMC and Visa applications.
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The GMC recognise some overseas qualifications as equivalent to Royal College qualifications.
Listed below are the overseas postgraduate qualifications currently accepted by the GMC. This means to say these qualifications meet the same standards as UK postgraduate qualifications, though please note, this does not mean they are the same in every way and they do not guarantee entry to the UK Specialty training.
If your qualification is not listed as equivalent, then you will be required to complete a Royal College Postgraduate Qualification or PLAB. You can use the GMC application finder to find the application that’s right for you.
Country
Awarding Body
Qualification
America
American Board of Anaesthesiology
Certificate of the American Board of Anaesthesiology
The American Board of Radiology
The American Board of Radiology diagnostic radiology examination
Australia/New Zealand
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO) awarded since January 2010
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) awarded since 2001
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) awarded since January 2012
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Clinical Radiology)
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Radiation Oncology)
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) awarded since 1 January 2013
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) awarded since 1 January 2007
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Fellowship of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine (FDRHMNNZ) awarded since 1 January 2012
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) awarded since 1 January 2012
Bangladesh
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons
Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded between July 1999 and October 2019
Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Accreditation in Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Diagnostic Radiology examination
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) awarded since 1 January 2009
Europe
European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (previously the European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology)
Diplomate of European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DESAIC) (previously the Diplomate of European Academy of Anaesthesiology DEAA) or Diplomate of European Society of Anaesthesiology (DESA))
European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)
European Diploma of Intensive Care (EDIC) awarded since January 2015
Hong Kong
Hong Kong College of Physicians
Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians
Ireland
College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (previously Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland)
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in General Medicine, awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Paediatrics (Medicine of Childhood), awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (MFOM), awarded after 1 January 2007
Membership of the Faculty of Public Medicine (MFPHMI), awarded after 1 January 2007
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
MRCS (collegiate examination)
MRSCI (intercollegiate examination)
MRSCI (ENT) (intercollegiate examination)
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Fellowship of the Faculty of Radiologists in Clinical Radiology of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FFR RCSI)
Malaysia
Ministry of Health
Master of Medicine (MMED) Malaysia with MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010
This must include four years of clinical experience (required to complete MMED) plus two years of training
Pakistan
College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan
Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since 1998
Singapore
National University of Singapore
Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) including MRCP (UK)
Joint Committee on Specialist Training Singapore
Master of Medicine (MMED) Singapore, plus MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010
College of Anaesthetists of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa FCA (SA)
South Africa
Colleges of Medicine of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Radiologists of SA FC Rad Diag (SA) - Diag Rad awarded after 1 October 2013
College of Family Physicians of South Africa
Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa (FCFP(SA)) awarded since 1 January 2007
Sri Lanka
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Doctor of Medicine or MD (Anaesthesiology)
Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017
Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017
West Indies
University of the West Indies
Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded between September 2003 and May 2014
(Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care))