Respiratory Medicine SCE – a closer look 

  • April 06, 2023
 

Respiratory medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for respiratory medicine doctors.

It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates to prospective employers the achievement of a standard equivalent to UK specialist doctors. 

Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Respiratory Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in respiratory medicine. We cover the content of the exam, as well as fees and the eligibility criteria, all summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: 

 
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for. 

MRCP (UK) Respiratory Medicine SCE 

The respiratory medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in respiratory medicine for all UK trainees.  

The purpose of an SCE is to: 

  • ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants 
  • complement workplace-based assessments 
  • provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence 
  • offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America 

SCE as part of Training in Respiratory Medicine 

Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the respiratory medicine SCE allows physicians to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently at a consultant level. 

The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates); however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST6). UK trainees should have made at least one attempt by the time of their penultimate year assessment. 

For in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here

Exam Structure 

The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum. This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary: 

Topic 

Number of questions 

Airways disease 

35 

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) 

25 

Disorders of the pleura and mediastinum, including pneumothorax 

25 

Pulmonary infections 

35 

Pulmonary vascular disease 

20 

Sleep-related breathing disorders and hypoventilation 

Thoracic oncology 

35 

Other* 

20 

Total 

200 

*Other: Critical and high-dependency care of respiratory disease; Genetic and developmental lung disease; Lung transplantation; Pharmacology; Practical procedures; Statistics 

The questions in each category are distributed across both papers. 

All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally. 

Respiratory Medicine SCE Applications 

SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.  

The application process is as follows: 

  1. Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements) 
  2. Request a preferred test country and city 
  3. Pay applicable examination fee 
  4. Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email 
  5. Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date. 

The Royal College of Physicians has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here

Cost 

The cost of the SCE exams are as follows: 

  • UK centres: £665 
  • International centres: £833 

Exam Centres 

UK Centres 

Candidates who choose to sit the respiratory medicine SCE in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College of Physicians advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come first served basis. 

International Centres 

Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. The Royal College of Physicians will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres. 

Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE - attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application. 

The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here

Preparation and Resources for the Respiratory Medicine SCE 

It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision. This list should provide a good starting point for any international respiratory medicine doctors preparing to sit the SCE: 

Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Respiratory Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Respiratory Medicine Specialist Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.  

Guidelines - These tools are helpful for supplementing your knowledge: 

Journals 

Sample questions: It is a good idea to regularly assess your knowledge and progress using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here

For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation. 

I’ve passed? What’s next? 

First of all, congratulations - this is a massive achievement! With your MRCP(UK) and Respiratory Medicine SCE in hand, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Great stuff!  

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG medicine recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, respiratory medicine positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation. 


To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation. 

            

 

Relevant Jobs

£45,193 - 84,272

Discover an exciting opportunity as a Specialty Doctor in Acute & General Internal Medicine, you\'ll be a driving force in reshaping the future of acute care in the captivating region in Scotland! Embrace the chance to join a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to revolutionizing medical care. The hospital you will be assigned to proudly serves its community, offering essential emergency, acute, and elective services. Be a part of a team that champions local care, ensuring patients receive support within their familiar surroundings.

Delve into the Medicine Department\'s transformation and collaborate closely with the Emergency Department, backed by adept hospital management. Experience unwavering support within a contemporary, well-equipped environment. The department sits within a health board that stands as a pillar of healthcare excellence in Scotland, collaborating with national bodies to deliver quality care. With around 14,000 staff, it oversees clinical governance and provides specialized hospital services. It serves as a tertiary and teaching center, delivering specialized care to the North of Scotland.

It is located in a place that captivates with its landscapes. From coastal tranquility to fertile expanses, this region offers a soothing commute amid picturesque beauty. Navigate well-maintained roads with a tranquil pace, enjoying a connection with nature as you journey.

The opportunity extends to education, with advanced facilities and affiliations with institutions like the University of the Highlands and Islands. For IMGs seeking CESR, this is your pathway to growth.

Seize the chance for leadership, teaching, research, and continued professional development. Whether a new consultant or an experienced practitioner, you\'ll thrive within a supportive network of high-caliber professionals.

In summary, embark on a journey that combines medical excellence, natural allure, and career growth. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Acute & General internal Medicine
  • Board Certified Specialist in Acute & General internal Medicine

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • MRCP UK
  • Experience of working in Acute & General internal Medicine

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Acute & General internal Medicine
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
93,666 to £126,281

An outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic & determined Consultant in Respiratory Medicine to join a close-knit department that works together to provide the best quality of service to their patients. The department sits within the Integrated Adult Care Directorate and is part of the Cardiorespiratory Clinical Business Unit. The department is part of an NHS Trust that is busy, exciting and diverse place to work. This is a perfect chance for Consultants in Respiratory Medicine looking to grow their career in the NHS.

The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE? 

The NHS Trust was formed in August 2010 through the integration of two health services. Currently the NHS Trust employs 3,600 that provides services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity. The NHS Trust strongly believe that their employees are their greatest asset and so through Listening into Action – the NHS Trust\'s way of engaging staff - they empower everyone at any level to initiate and bring about real improvements in their care.

The Trust provides integrated NHS services to care for people at home, in schools, and health clinics across the borough as well as at their two main hospitals. The NHS Trust provides more than 100 specialist services and is home to the borough’s only Emergency Department and 24/7 maternity services, including a labour ward, midwifery-led birth centre and the home birthing team. They also offer outpatient care, including diagnostic services, physiotherapy and ophthalmology services, alongside an onsite GP surgery.

This is a perfect time to join the NHS Trust they will provide a strong visible presence across the organisation, be a role model of good leadership and effective communication at individual, team, directorate and whole organisation level.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The Department of Respiratory Medicine is a team of five full time Consultants who are responsible for the delivery of COPD, Lung Cancer, Pleural and TB services in this Trust. The junior medical team comprise one Specialty Registrar, a Trust Grade registrar, one CMT Senior House Officer, one FY2, three FY1 doctors and a physician associate. The department has a dedicated chest x-ray facilities, and a lung function laboratory. They also have a state-of-the-art endoscopy suite that accommodates full diagnostic bronchoscopy and EBUS facilities.

The ward currently has 27 beds on one of their sites, including four negative pressure side rooms, and provides acute non-invasive ventilation (NIV). There are also 14 beds on another site. The in-patient work also involves reviewing ward referrals. The respiratory firm receives a large number of ward referrals (20-25 per week) from other medical teams. The TB caseload is 100 notifications per year. The TB team is well staffed by 4 WTE nurses & 0.6 WTE case worker to provide latent TB screening, screening for immunosuppressive therapies, direct-observed therapy, community outreach as well as inpatient support.

The post holder is expected to lead the development of an outpatient sleep and ventilation service. The post holder is expected to provide General Internal Medicine and specialist respiratory and TB medicine service; this includes all aspects of treatment and relevant management duties for the proper functioning of the department and the patient flow across the Directorate.

WHAT IS THE AREA LIKE?

Living in the area means that you will never be short of something to do! The area is a bustling area and offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, transport links and leisure facilities. The successful candidate can enjoy a jog in the local parks. There are a variety of pubs and clubs located in the town centre. Residents also have access to some excellent outdoors locations.

The area is a trendy, up-and-coming area on the road to becoming the golden town of London with the government dedicating a £5.7 billion regeneration budget to build new homes, hotels and public spaces including a new Westfield shopping centre. It’s a great place to visit and an even greater place to buy a home. Croydon is also part of London’s premier tram network. A unique way to explore the area as a visitor. Connecting to Wimbledon, Beckenham and Merton, as many as 30 million people use the tram every year.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The NHS Trust is a teaching hospital, and works in partnership with St Georges University of London to provide the highest possible quality of medical education. Involvement in high quality research & development is strongly encouraged at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, as this supports both the delivery of high quality clinical care. The undertaking of research within a job plan should be discussed during appraisal and as part of job planning activities. 

CUH offers newly appointed Consultants 4 free coaching/mentoring sessions. This is in line with the GMC’s recommendations for Good Medical Practice. The success of coaching and mentoring is aimed at establishing effective relationships with mentors based upon mutual respect, honesty and understanding, combined with structured questioning to enable the mentee to find their own solutions.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
UK based candidates:

  • Specialist register, or within 6-12 months of completing CESR
EEA candidates: 
  • Specialisation in Respiratory Medicine
  • Consultant experience
Non-EEA candidates:
  • Consultant experience
  • Preferably MRCP
88,364 - 119,133

Institution: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital: Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Location: Wrexham
Specialty: Respiratory Medicine
Grade: Consultant


An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Respiratory Medicine to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. This is the the perfect to time to join as the department is reconfiguring and strengthening their existing services on the wards and in outpatients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Respiratory Medicine holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade. 

Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed. 

WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE? 

The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations. They provide a full range of primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services across 3 district hospitals, 22 community hospitals and a network of over 90 health centres, clinics, community health team bases and mental health units.

The Health Board has a budget of  £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff, providing services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture. They also coordinate the work of 113 GP practices and the NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists across the region.

Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The respiratory team is based on two wards. The first ward is a 28 bedded respiratory ward, while the other is a 15 bedded respiratory high care unit. Three out of five respiratory consultants have inpatient responsibilities. Currently, three consultants work as one team, and the other two work as another, each consultant rotating on and off the wards every 2 months. Two other consultants have inpatient responsibilities as acute physicians on the acute medical team. Some of the chest physicians are may take up sessions with the acute team.

The Respiratory Medicine Department outpatient services include Asthma, ILD, Lung Function, Outreach Clinics, Outpatient IV Antibiotic Service & Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The department has also has sleep service, supported by a new 15 bedded respiratory high care and NIV unit which opened a year ago. This unit is situated adjacent to the intensive care department and provides care for patients needing acute NIV, acute CPAP, domiciliary NIV, and high flow oxygen.

The post holder is expected to deliver a consultant-led respiratory service at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for the diagnosis and management of both outpatients and inpatients. The post holder is expected to work within a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and managers to further develop local respiratory services, with focus on thoracic oncology and interventional pulmonology, or domiciliary NIV and sleep medicine. 

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE AREA?

North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.

For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.

You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT BCUHB?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD. 

Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
  • Board Certified Specialist in Respiratory Medicine

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
50 - 75K

An outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic & determined Consultant in Respiratory Medicine to join a close-knit department that works together to provide the best quality of service to their patients. The department sits within the Integrated Adult Care Directorate and is part of the Cardiorespiratory Clinical Business Unit. The department is part of an NHS Trust that is busy, exciting and diverse place to work. This is a perfect chance for Consultants in Respiratory Medicine looking to grow their career in the NHS.

The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE? 

The NHS Trust was formed in August 2010 through the integration of two health services. Currently the NHS Trust employs 3,600 that provides services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity. The NHS Trust strongly believe that their employees are their greatest asset and so through Listening into Action – the NHS Trust\'s way of engaging staff - they empower everyone at any level to initiate and bring about real improvements in their care.

The Trust provides integrated NHS services to care for people at home, in schools, and health clinics across the borough as well as at their two main hospitals. The NHS Trust provides more than 100 specialist services and is home to the borough’s only Emergency Department and 24/7 maternity services, including a labour ward, midwifery-led birth centre and the home birthing team. They also offer outpatient care, including diagnostic services, physiotherapy and ophthalmology services, alongside an onsite GP surgery.

This is a perfect time to join the NHS Trust they will provide a strong visible presence across the organisation, be a role model of good leadership and effective communication at individual, team, directorate and whole organisation level.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The Department of Respiratory Medicine is a team of five full time Consultants who are responsible for the delivery of COPD, Lung Cancer, Pleural and TB services in this Trust. The junior medical team comprise one Specialty Registrar, a Trust Grade registrar, one CMT Senior House Officer, one FY2, three FY1 doctors and a physician associate. The department has a dedicated chest x-ray facilities, and a lung function laboratory. They also have a state-of-the-art endoscopy suite that accommodates full diagnostic bronchoscopy and EBUS facilities.

The ward currently has 27 beds on one of their sites, including four negative pressure side rooms, and provides acute non-invasive ventilation (NIV). There are also 14 beds on another site. The in-patient work also involves reviewing ward referrals. The respiratory firm receives a large number of ward referrals (20-25 per week) from other medical teams. The TB caseload is 100 notifications per year. The TB team is well staffed by 4 WTE nurses & 0.6 WTE case worker to provide latent TB screening, screening for immunosuppressive therapies, direct-observed therapy, community outreach as well as inpatient support.

The post holder is expected to lead the development of an outpatient sleep and ventilation service. The post holder is expected to provide General Internal Medicine and specialist respiratory and TB medicine service; this includes all aspects of treatment and relevant management duties for the proper functioning of the department and the patient flow across the Directorate.

WHAT IS THE AREA LIKE?

Living in the area means that you will never be short of something to do! The area is a bustling area and offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, transport links and leisure facilities. The successful candidate can enjoy a jog in the local parks. There are a variety of pubs and clubs located in the town centre. Residents also have access to some excellent outdoors locations.

The area is a trendy, up-and-coming area on the road to becoming the golden town of London with the government dedicating a £5.7 billion regeneration budget to build new homes, hotels and public spaces including a new Westfield shopping centre. It’s a great place to visit and an even greater place to buy a home. Croydon is also part of London’s premier tram network. A unique way to explore the area as a visitor. Connecting to Wimbledon, Beckenham and Merton, as many as 30 million people use the tram every year.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The NHS Trust is a teaching hospital, and works in partnership with St Georges University of London to provide the highest possible quality of medical education. Involvement in high quality research & development is strongly encouraged at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, as this supports both the delivery of high quality clinical care. The undertaking of research within a job plan should be discussed during appraisal and as part of job planning activities. 

CUH offers newly appointed Consultants 4 free coaching/mentoring sessions. This is in line with the GMC’s recommendations for Good Medical Practice. The success of coaching and mentoring is aimed at establishing effective relationships with mentors based upon mutual respect, honesty and understanding, combined with structured questioning to enable the mentee to find their own solutions.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
UK based candidates:

  • Specialist register, or within 6-12 months of completing CESR
EEA candidates: 
  • Specialisation in Respiratory Medicine
  • Consultant experience
Non-EEA candidates:
  • Consultant experience
  • Preferably MRCP
88,364 - 119,133

We are recruiting for an experienced and motivated Consultant Physician in Respiratory & General Medicine to join a friendly and enthusiastic team in the North West of England. 
This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are interested in securing CESR within 1 - 2 years. The post involves out-patient and in-patient duties and a regular commitment to both in-reach into the medical admissions unit and on-call for general medicine.

What is the trust like?

The Trust was formed on 1 October 2019 with the merger of two large tertiary trusts partnering with wider areas of the North West of England to become one of the first 14 areas nationally to be confirmed as an Integrated Care System. The trust services to a half a million people. We’re responsible for delivering over 70 services across 15 main locations and we employ over 6500 members of staff.

What is the department like? 

The department consists of 5 consultants along with 3 full time nurse specialists, 2 part time sleep nurse specialists, 1 registrar, 2 trainees and 4 FY doctors in the department. The ward is a 23-bedded unit typically ranging 5-8 patients per days. The hospitals is a modern 27 bedded unit for both Respiratory and general medical patients usually shared by 2-3 consultants in the department.

The service has had a significant modernisation in the last few years expanding junior doctors into subspecialties like Lung Cancer focussing more on EBUS with lymph node aspirate and biopsy, a dedicated plural procedures room, improved thoracoscopy business cases, 10 brand new non-invasive ventilation machines, Participation in the regional asthma network / MDT, Participation in the regional Interstitial Lung Disease Network.

CESR
International candidates are welcome and CESR will be supported. Direct input will be provided on a regular basis from the Clinical Director, with opportunity for shadowing, lists and portfolio building built into the job plan.
The team has recent experience of supporting IMGs with the CESR process, benefiting any newly appointed candidate. 
The remainder of the appointee’s professional time will be deployed flexibly on other clinical duties, administration, teaching, research, clinical audit and continuing medical education. The Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development as laid down by the Royal College of Physicians and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.


Career Development and Opportunties available 

The posts represent a fantastic career opportunity for clinicians with drive and commitment to completing CESR and securing a permanent consultant post. The opportunity to work closely with an experienced consultant and management structure is excellent.This is an opportunity to join an organisation in which Clinicians are at the forefront of management. 

The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop any particular interest she or he has and a timetable will be agreed in advance, to reflect the particular interests of the applicant, the specialist interests of the existing Consultants, and the needs of the Trust.There is considerable opportunity for an appointee to develop sub-specialist services

Life in the area

This is an opportunity to develop your career in supportive and friendly town in the North West of England, set in fantastic scenery. The local are is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with national parks on your doorstep. 
Cost of living in this area is excellent, making this a brilliant location to settle & buy property. The area provides excellent educational, cultural and sporting facilities, making this a fantastic location for families.

Am I eligible for this role?

To be eligible for this vacancy you will need the following: 

EEA candidates: 

  • Recognised European Medical Degree
  • European Specialist Qualification in Respiratory or Pulmonary Medicine
  • IELTS or OET

Non-EEA candidates: 

  • MRCP(UK) 
  • GMC Recognised Qualifications
  • IELTS or OET 

UK-based candidates: 

  • Within six months of CCT or CCT Holder

Overseas respiratory medicine physicians with experience in sub-specialty areas such as lung cancer, EBUS, Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology are encouraged to apply! The department will support any CESR applications to enable IMGs to apply for specialist registration in Respiratory and / or General Medicine.

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