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:
- What is the respiratory medicine SCE?
- Where does the SCE fit into my training?
- What is the structure of the respiratory medicine SCE?
- How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost?
- Where can I sit the exams as an overseas respiratory medicine doctor?
- How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG?
- I’ve passed? What’s next?
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 |
5 |
|
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:
- Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)
- Request a preferred test country and city
- Pay applicable examination fee
- Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email
- 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:
- American Thoracic Society
- British Thoracic Society
- European Respiratory Society
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
Journals
- American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
- CHEST
- European Respiratory Journal
- Thorax
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
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
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
- Specialisation in Respiratory Medicine
- Consultant experience
- Consultant experience
- Preferably MRCP
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
- Specialisation in Respiratory Medicine
- Consultant experience
- Consultant experience
- Preferably MRCP
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.
An opportunity for a Respiratory Medicine Consultant to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services. The Trust received a ‘Good’ overall rating from the CQC in 2019, with some key areas of outstanding practice.
This is a great opportunity for overseas Respiratory doctors who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced respiratory or pulmonary IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The trust is a dynamic and transforming Trust, committed to delivering the highest quality service to the communities it serves. The trust consists of 5 hospitals as well as a number of community locations across the population. The Trust offers a comprehensive range of acute services, with a bed-base of c500, to around 400,000 people in North Kent and South East London. The Trust is geographically located in the North of Kent with excellent transport links including major motorways and train lines to Kent, London and Europe.
Our Planned Care Centre at one of the hospitals (a multi-provider hospital site) provides a dedicated elective care service for a range of surgical services. It also provides both emergency and elective services and hosts a number of other providers offering the best possible local care to their population
The strategy for the next five years is focused on becoming a learning organisation with continuous improvement at the heart of its culture. The trust’s main aim. Is to improve from “Good” to “Outstanding” and to be recognised as a trust that promotes development of overseas doctors new to the NHS.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Respiratory Department is developing a Respiratory Outpatient Clinical area with dedicated facilities for 5 exclusive clinic rooms, a pleural procedure room, MDT/conferencing and training facilities, and two new lung function labs. We have created and are further developing our 6-bedded inpatient Respiratory Support Unit within the Respiratory Ward to provide monitored Level 1 care to patients with Respiratory failure.
With 2 lead consultants and 4 consultants in the department, the department provides extensive services for Lung Cancer, Pleural service, COPD, Respiratory Physiology, TB Service, Bronchiectasis, Interventional Pulmonology including Ambulatory and inpatient pleural service, bronchoscopy, EBUS TBNA, Medical Thoracoscopy & tunnelled indwelling pleural catheters.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
In this Trust, opportunities for clinical research exist. A great many projects are undertaken without the need for additional resources, but if funds are required for the purchase of special equipment or for temporary assistance with staff, financial support may sometimes be obtained locally. Alternatively, applications for research grants may be made to the Region through its Clinical Research and Health Service Research Advisory Committees for short-term projects not exceeding three years. The trust has a strong research governance structure.
The Trust is committed to ensuring that all staff and students have the right development at the right time to deliver the services today and develop the services of tomorrow. Throughout the Trust a variety of professional and subject matter experts provide formal and informal development activities to support statutory, mandatory, professional and quality training and development requirements. The Trust is committed to the development of all staff irrespective of band or occupation and staff are encouraged to seek development opportunities within the workplace that will enhance professional practice and lead to higher standards of patient care.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE SOUTH EAST?
Placed access to London and rural Kent where living and working in the area gives a great choice of places to live, and relax. London, Bromley, Canterbury, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells are all within easy commuting distance. The Trust sits in the Thames Gateway development area; several housing developments have been completed, but others are in the planning stage.
Kent offers an excellent range of primary and secondary schools. Kent continues to operate a grammar school system, with places allocated by an 11+ examination along with excellent independent schools in the area.
London is less than an hour away by rail or road. The choice of things to do and see is vast, with museums, national landmarks, cathedrals and ancient churches, theatres with international stage shows and musicals, shopping in the West End and Knightsbridge, Royal Gardens, Parks and Restaurants. The main road from London to Canterbury, the A2 is no more than five minutes away allowing easy access to London, the Kent Coast and the Continent. Just as close is the M25 motorway providing easy access to all the Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow airports, the Home Counties and the national motorway network.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Respiratory & Pulmonary Medicine
- European Specialist Qualification in Respiratory or Pulmonary Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCP or equivalent
- Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT