Doctors looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS will be required to take either the OET or IELTS exam. Here we answer some FAQs about the OET exam. OET can be challenging and, without proper preparation, it is not uncommon for doctors to fail at their first attempt. So, to help make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam, we have answered the most common FAQs asked by an overseas doctor:  What is the OET? How is the OET different from IELTS? What regulatory bodies accept OET? What test should I take? Is OET a better option than IELTS? Is the OET recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC)? What results do I need for GMC registration? How much does it cost? Should I prepare for the exam? Should I spend money on preparing? Where can I find online study materials? How do I register? Where can I take the test? Can I change my test date? Can I take a re-sit? What is the OET?  OET stands for Occupational English Test. The OET is an English Language Test created specifically for healthcare professionals.  The OET exam assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in the UK, or other English-speaking countries.  It tests your English levels in four subtests: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.  How is the OET different from IELTS?  OET is a language assessment designed for healthcare professionals, testing your English Language skills in a medical context.   IELTS is not specific to the healthcare profession, it is taken by professionals from all industries. So, the topics covered are more general.  Both test four areas of English Language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. What regulatory bodies accept OET?  The good news is that if you choose the OET exam, recent changes to the rules as of the 1st October 2019, means that only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes. The OET exam is now accepted by both the GMC and the UK Home Office.   What test should I take?  Neither exam is easier than the other. Both IELTS and OET Medicine show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you!  You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice.  The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you.  Is OET a better option than IELTS?  There is no one option better than the other, both are recognised qualifications by the GMC. The most important thing to decide is which suits your needs the most.  Your decision may be based on factors such as: the format and content of the different tests regularity with which test sessions are held locations of test centres test fees regulatory bodies that accept the test for applications Is the OET recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC)? Yes, the GMC recognises OET for overseas-trained doctors for registration purposes. For the GMC to accept your OET certificate it must show that you took the medicine sub-tests. What results do I need for GMC registration?  For the GMC to accept your OET certificate it must show:  You took the medicine version of the test.  You attained at least a grade 'B' in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing) or 350 points in total.  What is the test format?  OET has four parts: Listening (45 minutes) Reading (60 minutes) Writing (45 minutes)  Speaking (20 minutes) The total test time is approximately 3 hours. How much does it cost?  Test fees are AUD $587 (approx. £329 based on November 2023 exchange rate).  Should I prepare for the exam?  Yes, exam preparation is crucial to scoring highly in the test. You might feel like you already have a good level of English, good enough to pass the tests.  But IMGs keep telling us that no matter what level of English they have, it is always better to prepare. The test consists of very specific content, so specific test skills are required.  Should I spend money on preparing?  Whilst not essential, we recommend that you seek further support. This could be via online tutorials, 1 - 1 teaching, or longer course-based learning. There are lots of OET tutors available online.  That said, there are also loads of ways that you can improve your English for free, at home and in your own time.    Where can I find online study materials? With thousands of useful websites available, it can be tricky to decide where to start. We recommend the OET Preparation Portal. Here you will discover official resources, some for free!  For example, you can expect to find:  sample practice tests masterclass videos with an OET preparation expert tips to improve your test performance online preparation Course practice books How do I register?  Register online here.  The OET have a portal for all applicants, called myOET. This lets you apply for tests, view your results, and create a profile. Where can I take the test?  OET is available at more than 115 locations in 40 countries, with 14 test dates per year. Be sure to choose the correct date and location when you apply. You can find a test date and venue here.  Can I change my test date?  Yes, you can change the test date any day prior to the original test date booked. Please note, no refund is available, and an administration fee will apply to book a new date. The cost of deferring depends on when you decide to defer: Administration cost before application closing date is $120 (approx. £67 at the point of writing)  Administration cost after applications closing date passes is $200 (approx. £110 at the point of writing)  No refund is available for cancellations.  Can I take a re-sit?  Yes, you can book a new test at any time, however this will be at further personal cost.  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. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:         

The General Medical Council’s medical register is a full list of all the doctors qualified to work in the UK. Within this, there are different types of registration which doctors must hold to work in different posts in the UK.  All practicing physicians must hold one of these types of registration with a license to practice.  In this article we will discuss the following:   Provisional Registration Full Registration Specialist Registration GP Registration IMG Tips 1. Provisional Registration The purpose of provisional registration is to allow medical graduates to complete an approved internship (FY1). After this, trainees will receive a certificate of experience with which they can apply for full registration.  Provisional registration can be held for a maximum of three years and 30 days (1,125 days) only, which would be enough time within which to complete a 12-month internship. This registration will expire after the allotted time, and you will be removed from the register, however, more time can be provided, and you can find out whether you will be eligible here.  What roles can I take with provisional registration?  With provisional registration, the only service post you are able to take is an FY1 service post, other than an approved UK FY1 programme.  Who can apply for provisional registration?  If you are eligible for full registration, you cannot apply for provisional registration.  Applications for provisional registration will be considered from:   UK medical graduate who completed their medical degree at a UK university  Doctors who graduated from outside the UK with an acceptable primary medical qualification (PMQ) and have passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), but have not completed an internship  Doctors who qualified within certain European countries but do not hold the accompanying certificate required to complete their relevant European qualification – you can see a full list of these countries here.  2. Full Registration Doctors require full registration to work in unsupervised medical practice in the NHS, UK private practice, or to move onto the second year of their internship (FY2) in an approved training programme require a full license to practice.  What roles can I take with full registration?  With full registration, doctors can take up any post aside from GP posts and substantive consultant posts.  Who can apply for full registration?  There are certain criteria you must meet before you are eligible for full registration:  1. Completed the first year (FY1) of the Foundation Programme in the UK  2. Be a Swiss or UK national (or benefit from enforceable community rights) and have either:  A formal qualification listed in The Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications; OR An acceptable primary medical qualification from outside the EEA (which has been recognised in Switzerland) with evidence of an acceptable pattern of experience  3. Be an international medical graduate (IMG) with an acceptable PMQ, and enough clinical experience to practice medicine in the UK – you can do this in one of 5 ways:  A pass in the PLAB test Sponsorship by a GMC approved sponsor An acceptable postgraduate qualification or overseas licensing exam Relevant European Qualification (REQ) Eligibility for entry onto the Specialist or GP register Full registration does not have a time limit, but doctors should note that they are required to go through a revalidation process every five years to avoid the license to practice being withdrawn.  You can read more about the routes to GMC Registration through our IMG Resources library.  3. Specialist Registration The specialist register is an online list of doctors who are eligible to work as fixed term, honorary or substantive consultants in the NHS, excluding foundation trusts.  If a doctor is on the Specialist Register, it will say so as part of their status on the register, and you will be able to see the specialties (and sub-specialties) they are qualified in, as well as the date they joined the specialist register in each specialty.  Types of Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  You can read more about Specialist Registration for IMGs here.  What roles can I take with Specialist registration?  Doctors who are on the Specialist Register can take up permanent or substantive consultant positions.   Who can apply for Specialist registration?  Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualifications and experience. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:   A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR   At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in   You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment. In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.    4. GP Registration GP Registration is a requirement for any doctor who wishes to be eligible for appointment to a general practitioner (GP) position in the UK.  Please note that unlike in many countries, GPs in the UK are family and community medicine specialists and if you are an IMG general physician, you would need to apply for full registration, not GP registration.  What roles can I take with GP registration?  Doctors who are on the GP Register can take up posts as General Practitioners in the UK. As well as being on the GP Register, you’ll need to complete a number of other processes before you can start work as a GP in the UK. You'll need to join a Performers List and an Induction or Returner Scheme. You can read more about this here.  Who can apply for GP registration?  Doctors may be eligible for entry onto the GP Register if you have a relevant European GP qualification. You can check which GP qualifications are accepted on the GMC’s evidence of qualifications page. You must also check your qualification is on the list of relevant European qualifications, and that:  The title of it is exactly the same as the one in the list  AND  The qualification was issued on or after the reference date listed.  #IMG Tips Use the GMC website – there are many useful resources on the GMC website, including a very helpful registration route finder to help you determine which registration you should apply for.  Research/ think about the types of evidence you will need and make a plan for your application, particularly if you will have to sit any exams.  If you want to contact our specialists use our Candidate Portal today! So there it is, the different types of GMC registration in a nutshell. This is important to understand, particularly for IMGs looking to relocate to the UK and find work in the NHS. If you have any further questions about GMC registration or your route to the UK, 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:                   

Guest blog, written by Dr Jon Turvey, Core Psychiatry Trainee, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust  Dreams of providing quality psychiatric care within the dynamic medical landscape of a job in the NHS, often lead overseas psychiatrists from healthcare systems around the world to embark on the journey towards Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).  As a crucial milestone on the path to a career in psychiatry within the UK, the MRCPsych examinations provide an internationally recognised credential that sets the bar for clinical excellence, comprehensive medical knowledge and training, and confident decision-making skills in the field.  In this blog, we’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the Paper A and B exams, as well as introducing you to PassMRCPsych, an online learning and resources platform for MRCPsych aspirants, summarised in the headings below:  Why does MRCPsych matter? An overview of MRCPsych Paper A Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B IMG Psychiatrists partners with PassMRCPsych Mapping your MRCPsych journey Using PassMRCPsych for exam success Why does MRCPsych Matter? The value of holding MRCPsych cannot be understated, serving as both a symbol of your medical competence as a psychiatrist and giving you a competitive edge in the NHS job market. Attaining full MRCPsych demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to patients.  MRCPsych also provides a steppingstone for further specialist training and can significantly enhance career prospects for international psychiatrists, more easily facilitating entry into more senior positions in the NHS, such as specialty doctor, the new specialist grade and consultant roles.   An overview of MRCPsych Paper A Paper A is a written exam comprising 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended-matching questions (EMQs), sat over 3 hours and now held online, through test centres. Paper A forms the foundation of the MRCPsych and focuses on the basic sciences that underline psychiatric practice. It touches on areas such as neurosciences, psychology, and social sciences, which are the cornerstone of psychiatry and set the scene for more advanced topics.  The average pass mark is typically around 60-70%, although this varies slightly depending on the difficulty of the paper for each diet. As per the latest statistics from the Royal College website, approximately 65% of candidates pass Paper A each diet.   You can find a detailed breakdown of the Paper A exam here.  Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B Similarly to Paper A, Paper B comprises 150 MCQs and EMQs sat over 3 hours through a remote test centre. Paper B requires an understanding of more nuanced clinical topics like psychopathology, treatment protocols, and management strategies for psychiatric disorders. It's about applying your foundational knowledge to real-world scenarios and demonstrating effective clinical decision-making.  For Paper B, the average pass mark usually ranges around 65-70%, with a pass rate of approximately 60%.  See here for an in-depth overview of the Paper B exam.  Partnering with PassMRCPsych As an exciting development in our provision of medical education, IMG Connect and PassMRCPsych have forged a partnership to offer extensive support to overseas doctors preparing for the MRCPsych exams. This collaboration aims to ensure your exam success through a series of exam-focused webinars and a continuously evolving and up-to-date revision resource to keep pace with the demands of the MRCPsych exams, along with discounts on revision course subscriptions.  Mapping Your Journey: A 4-Month Study Plan Navigating the MRCPsych exams is no easy feat. It demands rigorous and methodical preparation for UK trainees and IMGs alike. Here's a 4-month study plan for each exam to keep your preparation on track:  Month 1: Get to Grips with the Syllabus - Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and identify key areas that you need to focus on (these may be areas you are less familiar with or those not covered by your current practice). Use this month to dive into the revision notes on PassMRCPsych. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to Paper A and Paper B study courses to support your study alongside your PassMRCPsych resources.  Month 2: Deep Dive into Topics - In this month, start working on each topic systematically. Use the revision notes to ensure you cover every aspect and create your own short notes for quick revision closer to the exam date.  Month 3: Challenge Yourself - This is the month to test your knowledge. Attempt the MCQs in the question bank regularly. This will help you gauge your understanding and identify areas of weakness. Don’t forget to read the explanations when you get the answers wrong!  Month 4: Revise and Review - Revision is the key to retaining information. Revisit your short notes, attempt more MCQs, and make full use of the PassMRCPsych mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern. This final month should be dedicated to reinforcing your learning, particularly on topics which you need to keep in your short-term memory.  Remember, while this study plan serves as a roadmap, you should adapt it to suit your personal learning style and pace e.g., time available to prepare and external commitments. The aim is to ensure comprehensive understanding and effective retention of knowledge.  PassMRCPsych - Your Companion in Success The seemingly vast MRCPsych syllabus might appear intimidating, but with the right guidance and resources, passing Paper A and Paper B can transform from an uphill task into an achievable goal. Here's where PassMRCPsych comes into play.  The online platform is armed with resources tailored specifically to the MRCPsych syllabus, from comprehensive revision notes that decode every topic in the syllabus, to an MCQ question bank with over 5000 questions, and mock exams providing the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge under timed conditions.  Better still, PassMRCPsych can also be used through a mobile app (on both iOS and Android), ensuring that your study materials are just a tap away and facilitating the seamless switch from studying at your desk to revising on-the-go.   It’s important to acknowledge that the MRCPsych exams come with a not insignificant cost. Understanding the financial constraints that often accompany rigorous exam preparations, PassMRCPsych offers highly competitively priced subscriptions which ensure that every aspirant, regardless of their budget, has access to top-notch preparation resources.  Dr Aisha, a satisfied user, shared her experience:   "PassMRCPsych.com was instrumental in my MRCPsych journey. The meticulous revision notes, the challenging MCQs, and the realistic mock exams provided an unparalleled learning experience. The convenience of a mobile app made it possible for me to study anywhere, anytime. And the affordable subscription didn't put a dent in my pocket while offering unparalleled resources."  Your Future Awaits With your career goals within reach, embark on your journey towards conquering the MRCPsych exams by subscribing to PassMRCPsych for Paper A and Paper B. Utilise their exhaustive resources and mock exams, and watch your preparation transform into success!  For a walkthrough of the PassMRCPsych platform and resources, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the MRCPsych, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

The GMC is the public body that maintains the official register of medical professionals with the UK. Once a doctor has gained full GMC registration, there are a number of actions they may take to maintain their registration and keep their information up to date.   In this blog we will be looking at the how to manage your registration and the different options you have if you need to change your status on the register.  How do I maintain my registration? What is revalidation and who needs it? How do I give up my licence or registration? How do I restore my licence or registration? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Maintaining your Registration In order to manage and maintain your registration and licence to practise, you need to meet certain requirements and keep your information up to date.  The details you need to keep up to date include your address, email, designated body or suitable person (for revalidation purposes) and your direct debit details. This can all be managed through GMC Online.  To change your address, your name or your name and gender status, you will need to complete forms which can be found on the GMC website.   Please note that to change your name and gender status, there is an application process involved.  Revalidation All doctors on the GMC’s medical register with a licence to practise must go through a process called revalidation.   Revalidation allows you to demonstrate that you:  are keeping your knowledge up to date  provide a good level of care  are fit to practise and no concerns have been raised about you  The process of revalidation differs slightly, depending on your revalidation connection type, which you can check using the GMC’s connection tool.  Doctors with a connection – most doctors have a connection and will revalidate their registration and licence every five years, by having annual appraisals based on the GMC’s core guidance for doctors: Good medical practice. All doctors working in the UK must have a designated body and will be given a five yearly recommendation from their responsible officer or suitable person, based on which the GMC would make a decision.  Doctors without a connection – you may not have a connection for example because you are not practising in the UK. In this case, you would similarly revalidate through a process of annual appraisals based on Good medical practice, annual returns submitted to us as well as a five-yearly assessment. The GMC would make a revalidation decision based on the outcomes of these activities.  Doctors in training – these doctors would revalidate through meeting the requirements of their UK training programme and the GMC would make a decision based on a recommendation from the responsible officer of their training body.  Full details on revalidation can be found on the GMC website.  Please note, if you fail to comply with the requirements of registration, including appraisals, this puts your licence to practise at risk.   Changing your Status on the GMC Register If you're no longer practising medicine or enter into work that doesn’t require registration or a licence to practise, you can apply to give up your whole registration or just your licence.  You can choose to give up either your registration or just your licence. Which of the two options is best for you will depend on your circumstances and we will go into more details on this below.  Giving up your licence or registration is not final, and you can apply to restore it again when you're ready.  The table below will allow you to understand whether it would be better for you to relinquish your registration, your licence or both, based on some considerations you may have.  Relinquish your Registration If you give up your licence only, you will still be able to prove your good standing with the GMC to other organisations, but you will pay a reduced annual retention fee. You will not be able to practise medicine in the UK.  Relinquishing your registration (voluntary erasure) means that your name will remain on the GMC register but with the status ‘Not registered – Having relinquished registration’  You can request to give up your registration up to three months in advance, but if you hold full registration with a licence to practise, you will still need to take part in revalidation until your registration ends.   Providing Medical Services If you have provided medical services in the 5 years prior to giving up your registration, you will need to send the GMC a provision of medical services statement, from your employer to confirm you provided a medical service if you have used your medical knowledge and skills as part of your work.  The form can be downloaded from the GMC website and should be completed by the individual, body, or organisation where you most recently provided these services, anywhere in the world. This includes unpaid and voluntary work, or any other sort of arrangement, whether it be formal or informal.  Details of what should be accounted for in the form can be found here.  Fees There is a processing fee which applies when giving up your registration. If your application is received by the GMC:  before your annual retention fee (ARF) is due, you will be refunded any unused part of your ARF.  after your ARF is due, you will have to pay the outstanding balance before the GMC will end your registration.  The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.  Relinquish your Licence If you give up your registration, you will not have to pay an annual retention fee. You will not be able to practise medicine in the UK.  Giving up your licence but keeping your registration means you're able to prove your good standing with the GMC to other organisations. You will not however be able to practise medicine in the UK.  Some things to bear in mind if you give up your licence:  It’s your responsibility to establish that you do not need a licence for your work.  You’re still bound by the principles of Good medical practice if you keep your registration without a licence.  You must tell your employer and those who contract and use your services that you’ve given up your licence.  You can apply to give up your licence to practise through your GMC Online account, through the ‘My Registration’ section and you will not need to provide any evidence or documentation.  Full details of the documentation needed to reinstate your licence can be found here.    Fees There is a processing fee which applies when giving up your licence to practise. The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.  Restore your Licence to Practice If you were up-to-date with revalidation when you gave it up, it is relatively straightforward to have it restored.  From 2016 to 2017, it took on average 22 days for licence restoration, and you can apply for restoration up to three months in advance.  You'll need to send the GMC:  evidence to confirm your identity  statements from organisations you have most recently provided medical services to  certificates of good standing from any other regulators you’ve been registered with in the past five years  You might also be asked to attend an identity check, but the GMC will confirm this once your application has been granted and your licence restored.  Please note, if you were not up-to-date with revalidation when you relinquished your licence, you will be given a new revalidation submission date, and you will need to meet any requirements you failed to meet when you withdrew your licence.  You can apply to restore your licence to practise through your GMC Online account, through the ‘My Registration’ section, then ‘My Applications’.  Fees There is a processing fee which applies when restoring your licence to practise. The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.  Sources https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/information-for-doctors-on-the-register/maintain-your-registration  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/information-for-doctors-on-the-register/revalidation  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/restoration-to-the-register  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/giving-up-your-licence-to-practise  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/giving-up-your-registration-and-licence-to-practise   Getting started We hope this article gives you a clearer picture of the different ways you can manage your GMC registration.   If you are looking to restore your registration or licence, get in touch with our team for support in finding your perfect role in the NHS and relocating to the UK – we’re always happy to help.  Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Many junior doctors applying for Specialty Training in the UK will need to take the MSRA or Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment.   The MSRA plays an important role in the shortlisting and assessment process for entry into postgraduate training in several specialties for ST1 and CT1 level jobs, by assessing essential competencies.  In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the assessment, focusing on some key questions summarised below:  Who needs to sit the MSRA? How is the assessment formatted? What is the structure of the MSRA? Where can I take the MSRA and how much does the assessment cost? How can I prepare for the assessment? #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  MSRA Specialties At present, the MSRA is being used within the following specialties:  ACCS-Emergency Medicine  Anaesthetics  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  Clinical Radiology  Community Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare  Core Psychiatry Training  Core Surgical Training  General Practice  Neurosurgery  Nuclear Medicine  Obstetrics and Gynaecology  Ophthalmology  Not every specialty uses the MSRA in the same way, however on the whole, candidates’ scores from the MSRA are used as part of CT and ST recruitment to shortlist for interviews and selection centres, as well as making up part of your overall ranking (with the rest coming from interviews selection centres).   For example in 2023, GP, CAMHS, and Core Psychiatry Training will not have any interviews or selection centres and 100% of your rank will be determined by your MSRA scores. Core Surgical Training will also be using the MSRA in shortlisting for the first time this year.  MSRA Format The MSRA is a single computer-based exam comprising two papers: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS). As an exam used across many specialties for entry into Specialty Training, the MSRA assesses a foundation level of competence.  There is an optional five-minute break between the two papers. If candidates choose to take a longer break, the extra time will be subtracted from the time available to complete the CPS paper.  A combination of question types is used within the assessment, primarily extended matching questions (EMQ) and single best answer (SBA) questions, however the assessment may also include multiple best answer (MBA) questions: up to 3 correct answers, picture questions: may include skin lesions, blood reports, ECGs etc., and algorithm questions – drag boxes to the right part of the algorithm or select the correct answer from a list.  Structure of the MSRA The MSRA last 170 minutes and is divided into two sections: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS).  Professional Dilemmas (PD)  The Professional Dilemmas (PD) paper is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) which measures how a candidate’s judgement regarding challenging professional dilemmas they may face.  The PD paper is not a test of knowledge of problem-solving ability or knowledge specific to specialty training within any specialty, but aims to assess professional attributes which are considered important for successful progression through training and performance in one’s clinical role.   Time: 95 minutes  Number of questions: 50  Context: the PD component is set within the context of Foundation Training with the candidate assuming the role of an F2 doctor. There is also a mixture of settings such as a hospital (across a variety of wards or placements), general practice and out-of-hours clinics.  Core competencies: professional integrity, coping with pressure, empathy and sensitivity (you can find more information on the behavioural indicators linked to these competencies here).  Clinical Problem Solving (CPS)  The Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) paper assesses a candidate’s ability to apply clinical knowledge and make clinical decisions in everyday practice.  Again, the CPS scenarios are based on Foundation level clinical practice. They test a candidate’s ability to synthesise and apply medical knowledge (not just knowledge recall).  Questions may relate to the investigation, diagnosis or management of common and important diseases as well as rare presentations.  Time: 75 minutes  Number of questions: 86  Context: the CPS covers 12 clinical topic areas relevant to general medicine. Each test paper includes a balance of scenarios which cover all 12 topics, including:   Cardiovascular   Dermatology / ENT / Eyes  Endocrinology / Metabolic  Gastroenterology / Nutrition  Infectious disease / Haematology / Immunology / Allergies / Genetics  Musculoskeletal   Paediatrics   Pharmacology and therapeutics  Psychiatry / Neurology   Renal / Urology   Reproductive   Respiratory  Core competencies: investigation, diagnosis, emergency, prescribing, management (you can find more information on these domains here).  Exam Centres for the MSRA The MSRA is held remotely and is delivered in partnership with Work Psychology Group and Pearson VUE. Candidates will need to register for an account with Pearson VUE and once invited, they can book an assessment at a centre, date and time of your choosing (subject to availability).  The MSRA is delivered globally on several consecutive days in many Pearson VUE Computer Testing Centres. You can find your nearest Pearson VUE assessment centre by visiting the Pearson VUE website.  The exam itself is free to sit, but depending on the centre you choose, there may be additional travel and accommodation costs. It’s therefore advisable to book your seat as soon as possible for the best chance of securing a nearby centre.  Preparation for the MSRA On the whole, your previous (and current) experience working as a junior doctor will have prepared you for most of the questions and scenarios within the MSRA, although to different extents, depending on where you have gained your experience.   However, as your MSRA scores are often added to the interview score to determine overall rank, or even to exempt you from interview, it may be advantageous to attempt to score as highly as possible.  Blueprint: First and foremost, you should use the MSRA blueprint to better understand the target domains.  Sample questions: Sample questions for both papers are available on the Health Education England Medical Education Hub. You can access these here.  Commercial resources: Exam revision courses, books and online question banks are available, although these are not officially endorsed, and you can find some of the most popular providers below:  Medibuddy  Passtest  eMedica  Passmedicine  4,000 Question bank and mock tests  1,950 Question bank and mock tests  2,200 Question bank and mock tests  2,500 Question bank and mock tests  £30 - £50  £35 - £55  £49 - £119  £25 - £30   #IMG Tips Start early – Once you have decided to sit the test, plan well in advance to give yourself enough time to prepare and score as highly as possible.  Take a test tutorial – You can take a practice test to familiarise yourself with the controls and screen layouts in advance – see Pearson VUE or Oriel for details.  Negative marking - One mark is given for each correct answer and negative marking is not used within the assessment, so try to answer all questions, even when unsure.  Read carefully - Read the instructions and questions carefully – you may often be looking for the most suitable answer, rather than the only correct one.  Sources https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/what_x0027_s-in-the-msra/structure-of-the-msra   https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/taking-the-msra   https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/a-guide-to-the-multi-specialty-recruitment-assessment-msra-   https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/msra_test_blueprint_information_nov_2019.pdf   The MSRA is a key examination for many IMGs developing their careers by entering Specialty Training. UK training programmes are very competitive and particularly for overseas doctors unfamiliar with the NHS system, taking the time for extensive preparation for the MSRA can greatly impact your chances of being successful in joining a training programme.  Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for the PLAB exams, particularly with so many online resources available with varying reviews and price points.   So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international doctors? We have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help you in your preparation for the PLAB 2 exam.   The topics we will cover are as follows:  What is the PLAB 2 exam? What do I need in preparation for the PLAB 2 exam? What resources are available? Tips for tackling PLAB 2 Passed? What’s next? For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  A Recap of PLAB 2 Let’s begin with a quick recap of the final exam in the PLAB examination suite.   PLAB 2 covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and most importantly a trainee’s ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients.  Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and you’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to practices within your local arrangements. There are three domains across which trainees will be assessed:  Data gathering, technical and assessment skills  Clinical management skills  Interpersonal skills  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the PLAB 2 exam here.  Preparation The PLAB 2 exam is held at two assessment centres in Manchester in the UK only. Which of the two centres your exam will be held in will be contained in your booking confirmation, including the address.  You can book your PLAB 2 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section – you will already have created an account for the PLAB 1 exam.  Before you can book a space for PLAB 2, you must already have passed PLAB 1.  Resources for PLAB 2 There are many resources to choose from online in starting your preparation for PLAB 2, however we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparation.  The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam. Download the PLAB Blueprint here.  MLA Content Map: the GMC will be introducing the UKMLA in 2024 and in anticipation of this, the content map should also be used during preparation. The questions and stations in PLAB 2 will remain the same. The content map is available here.  The Foundation Programme curriculum: the topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). The curriculum can be found here.  Guidance and interactive tools: the GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. In the exam you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice'.  You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools:  Explanatory guidance  Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool  Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool  Avoiding common PLAB 2 errors: You can read the GMC’s examiners’ top tips on how to avoid common errors in the part 2 exam here.  Top tips from an examiner: You can find a list of top tips for PLAB from the perspective of an examiner here.  Sample OSCE station: you can find an example of what you will experience in your PLAB 2 stations here.  Getting Started  Below is some of our best advice for IMGs preparing to sit PLAB 2.   1. Apply for your visa well in advance The application process consists of two parts: the online application and the submission of supporting documents. You can find a detailed guide to the application process here.  2. Consider other essentials for the exam You will need evidence of English language proficiency as well as a GMC online account and these (particularly your English exam) will need to be prepared in advance.  3. Start your revision early Starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.   4. Familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam day The GMC have produced a handy guide of what you will encounter when you go to sit the exam. You can find this here.  5. Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision Consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage. You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass PLAB 2 and can be passed under your own preparation - if you choose to do so, please be thorough in assessing different providers.  6. Try to form a study group Team up with other like-minded doctors or colleagues preparing for PLAB 2 to allow you to share resources and support.  7. Try to take some time off work before the exam You’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Passed? What next?  Once you have passed PLAB 2, you are eligible for GMC registration with license to practise. Great stuff!   You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive job postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and location, sign up for our NHS job alerts.  For more useful articles on registrations and career and relocation support for your journey to the UK, take a look at our IMG library.              

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCPCH for paediatricians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors PLAB for GMC Registration MRCPCH for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCPCH? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.  There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:  PLAB  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination  Relevant European Qualification  Sponsorship / MTI  CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR  Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.  Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.  For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.  The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCPCH - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Paediatricians The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.  For paediatrics, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of paediatrics in the UK, and MRCPCH is the full qualification attained through these examinations.  Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPCH to learn more.  PLAB vs MRCPCH Both MRCPCH and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS It would be difficult for an overseas paediatrician to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCPCH, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Training To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCPCH.  Time PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCPCH has four stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 30 months of postgraduate experience with at least 12 months involving the care of emergency paediatric patients and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost MRCPCH has varying costs depending on whether you sit the exams in the UK or overseas. If sitting the exam in the UK, the exams can cost around £1,985, whereas sitting the exams overseas can cost up to £3,235.   PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.  So for both MRCPCH and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s also important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.  Summary PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO, does not assess ability in paediatrics specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., paediatrics.  PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  MRCPCH involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCPCH will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK paediatrics than PLAB.  #IMG Tips Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Sources https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/education-careers/examinations/mrcpch-about https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application Getting started Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCPCH, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCPCH.   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:              

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for PLAB, particularly with so many online resources available with varying reviews and price points.   So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international doctors? We have compiled some of the best resources and courses to help you in your preparation for the PLAB 1 exam.   The topics we will cover are as follows:  What is the PLAB 1 exam? What do I need in preparation for the PLAB 1 exam? How do I get started with my revision? What other resources are available? #IMGTips Passed? What’s next? For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  A Recap of PLAB 1 Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the PLAB examination suite.   PLAB 1 covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care.  Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely used in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to practices within your local arrangements. Remember, this is an exam for entry into the UK healthcare system.  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the PLAB 1 exam here.  Preparation You can book your PLAB 1 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section.  Before you book a PLAB exam you must have:  an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.   a GMC Online account to book or cancel the exam.  evidence of English competency – before you can book a test you will need to provide your English language test scores.   On Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10am (GMT) the GMC will release PLAB 1 places here for the following dates across all locations:  10 August 2023  2 November 2023  Getting Started There are many resources to choose from online in starting your preparation for PLAB 1, however we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparation.  The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam. Download the PLAB Blueprint here.  The Foundation Programme curriculum: the topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). The curriculum can be found here.  Guidance and interactive tools:  The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. In the exam you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice'.  You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools:  Explanatory guidance  Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool  Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool  Sample questions: 30 sample questions along with their answers can be found on the GMC website here.  What other resources are available? You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass PLAB 1 and can be passed under your own preparation, but many candidates choose to do so.   Below are additional resources which can be used to aid your preparation.  PLABABLE Question Banks  Limited access (3 – 5 months) to a bank of over 2,500 questions with explanations for the exam, including practice by categories, timed mock practices, revision guides and dedicated study groups. You can access the course here.  MedRevisions Question Bank  An online question bank consisting of more than 4000 questions based on important PLAB 1 topics. The questions are lengthier and slightly more challenging compared to other question banks. There are also customisable mock exams which you can find here.  PLABverse Notes  Compact and organised notes with illustrations and comparisons. Around 300 pages with clinchers and hot notes at the end of each chapter and one-time full access to all chapters. You can choose from 3 plans of 3 months, 6 months or 1 year here.  PLABABLE Revision Course  A 4-day revision course, shooters, giving you the best chance to class club one. In this course you will find expert teachers who developed and wrote the question bank, high-level topics which are frequently asked in the exam and interactive and detailed lectures based on the most recent UK guidelines. Further information about the course can be found here.  PLABABLE Big Mock Exam   The ‘big mock’ features 180 high yield questions, not found in the PLABABLE question bank. The mock is available for six months from purchase, and you will find a mix of topics that will give you a more accurate prediction of where you stand in your preparation. The mock can be found here.  PLAB 1 Keys  PLAB 1 Keys offers an online subscription containing simplified and updated notes (provided as key points) that are required to pass PLAB 1. These are exam explanations compiled and converted into key points with diagrams and flow charts which makes it easier to understand. The subscriptions can be accessed here.  #IMGTips Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Consider other essentials for the exam – you will need evidence of English language proficiency as well as a GMC online account and these (particularly your English exam) will need to be prepared in advance.   Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.  Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Passed? What's next? Once you have passed PLAB 1, you can take the PLAB 2 examination in the UK. Read our blog for more information on how to sit PLAB 2, which includes everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Resources For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.  Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch via email or using the 'Ask a Question' button above to discuss job options in the NHS and the best locations for you, CESR and a typical salary in the UK. 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:              

There are several routes a microbiologist can take to register with the GMC and practice in the UK.  Microbiologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before to be eligible for GMC registration, which is a requirement to work in the UK. This generally depends on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.  In this blog, we’ll be giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to begin your journey to the UK as an overseas microbiologist. We’ll be covering the following:  What is the GMC? What are the requirements for GMC registration? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA microbiologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA microbiologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? How do I register with the GMC? Will I need a visa to work in the UK? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The General Medical Council The GMC is the body in the UK which is responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor. Therefore, for every doctor practicing in the UK, GMC registration is essential – you cannot practice in the UK without full GMC registration with a license to practise.  The primary responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’ in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK.  Requirements for GMC Registration Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings, actions and documents. For full GMC registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   Skills & Knowledge for EEA Microbiologists For microbiologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), you may be able to use your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or specialist qualification to register with the GMC.   Basic Medical Training If you meet the requirements for basic medical training, you would be eligible for full registration.  You will not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would therefore not need to complete any additional skills and knowledge tests to register for a license to practice.   Specialist Training / Residency If you meet the criteria for entry onto the Specialist Register, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in microbiology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS.   Therefore, for European microbiologists, using your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or specialist qualification is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice microbiology in the UK.  To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration; check the relevant GMC page here.  If your training does not meet the GMC requirements for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration as listed below.   Skills & Knowledge for non-EEA Microbiologists If you qualified as a microbiologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  IMG microbiologists can demonstrate skills and knowledge through three main routes:  PLAB PLAB or the Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in microbiology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.   That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, microbiologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.  FRCPath Microbiology The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of microbiology in the UK, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the full qualification attainable by examination.  For overseas doctors, attaining FRCPath will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK pathology. Take a look at IMG Resources library for a complete guide to FRCPath to learn more.  GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes.   To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: GMC-accepted postgraduate qualifications.  English Language Testing Both EEA and non-EEA microbiologists, regardless of experience and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors  OET – a guide for overseas doctors  Exemption from English tests For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.  Certificate of Good Standing All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.  The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.  Applying for GMC Registration Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer   AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing  AND  (EEA microbiologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA microbiologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification  OR  (Non-EEA microbiologist) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA microbiologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCPath or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas IMGs relocating to the UK will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.  A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.  Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed.  Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?  There you have it! Hopefully this clarifies any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a microbiologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or wish to know more about the microbiology job market, then get in touch with our team.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things pathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

FRCR Part 1 or CR1 is the first exam in the FRCR postgraduate qualification. The completion of all the exams in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination suite leads to eligibility for GMC registration. The exams can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain criteria have been met. In this article, we’ll take a look at the following:  An overview of FRCR exams A deep dive into FRCR Part 1 How is the exam marked? Am I eligible for the exam? As an overseas radiologist, where can I sit the exam? How much will the exam cost and how do I apply? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCR Part 1 exam, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR FRCR is the set of postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  The exams are as follows:  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  You can read an overview of the full FRCR examination suite via our IMG Resources library.  For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement for NHS locum consultant job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for radiology. The FRCR route allows senior candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.  FRCR Part 1 - Anatomy & Physics FRCR Part 1 is the first in the set of FRCR exams. This exam expects candidates to have gained knowledge of the physical principles that underpin diagnostic medical imaging and of the anatomy needed to perform and interpret radiological studies.  The exam is designed to assess whether candidates have an appropriate knowledge of the anatomy that underpins all radiological imaging including radiography, fluoroscopy, angiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  The two components of the exam are Anatomy and Physics. Anatomy The exam features an electronic image viewing session, mimicking what radiologists would encounter in clinical practice in order to be valid, thus the questions consist of radiological images on a computer screen as this is the normal medium, as opposed to film or printed on paper.  The exam includes 100 questions - most of these are quite straightforward with an arrow indicating a specific anatomical structure as shown by a specific modality. These are typically “name the arrowed structure” questions, with space provided for a free text answer.   The exam lasts 90 minutes and individual modalities are given roughly equal weight as follows:  cross-sectional  plain radiographs  contrast studies  Different body parts are also given roughly equal weight covering the following areas:   head, neck and spine  chest and cardiovascular  abdomen and pelvis  musculoskeletal  Recognising a radiological anatomical structure and unprompted recall of its precise name is a key aspect of the everyday work of clinical radiologists, and doing so in a timely manner without routine recourse to reference material reflects real-life clinical practice.  Physics The purpose of the physics exam is to assess whether candidates understand the underlying principles that underpin the generation of images in the various modalities, such that they:   select the most appropriate imaging technique for a clinical scenario from the intrinsic properties of the method of image generation  understand the risk, safety and quality consideration that are inherent in image generation to allow an informed choice of the appropriate modality and any alteration in technique  demonstrate the requirements of legislation that require the use of those techniques that require ionising radiation to be justified by a professional had been met  This exam lasts two hours and comprises 40 questions. Each question includes a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers). The answers must be marked true or false and it is possible for all five items to be true or for all to be false.  The question distribution of the physics paper is as follows:  matter and radiation – 3  radiography & fluoroscopy – 6  radionuclide imaging – 6  radiation safety – 6  computed tomography – 6  magnetic resonance imaging – 6  ultrasound – 6  other – 1  Marking  Both exams are marked by a delivery platform which is programmed with the correct answers.  Marks are awarded for each exam as follows:  The anatomy examination is marked out of 200, and answers are marked as follows:  full accuracy = 2 marks  less accuracy, but still correct (e.g. omits ‘left’ or ‘right’ for a paired structure) = 1 mark  incorrect = 0 marks  The physics examination is marked out of 40, and answers are marked as follows:  correct = 1 mark  incorrect = 0 marks  The standard for success is determined based on the difficulty of the questions in each sitting and may therefore vary between sittings and sets of images.  For more information on the exam content and structure, read the guidance notes for candidates on the College website.  Eligibility The eligibility criteria for FRCR Part 1 is: holding a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. holding a formal clinical radiology post in which they are actively receiving clinical radiology training.  no minimum period of clinical experience or training is required to enter the exams Exam Centres The current venues for the First FRCR (CR1) exam are:  Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Plymouth. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Egypt and Malta.  The exam is typically held three times a year over two consecutive days. 2023 exam dates are as follows:  February 2023 Physics – Thursday 9 February  Anatomy – Friday 10 February  June 2023 Physics – Thursday 8 June  Anatomy – Friday 9 June  September 2023 Physics – Thursday 14 September  Anatomy – Friday 15 September  For updates on exam dates, including the application window, keep an eye on the Royal College website here.  Applications & Cost First FRCR (CR1) 2023 exam cost:  Members - £319  Non-members - £406  Please note that these costs vary slightly for some overseas centres. UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by members of the Royal College and finally non-members. Each window lasts around a week and all candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here.   Preparation Although there are many online materials to aid in your preparation for FRCR Part 1, as always, we recommend you start your preparation on the Royal College website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. In using these as a blueprint for your preparation, you will ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.   Instructional video and demonstration site: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found here for the physics component and here for anatomy.   Anatomy module guidance: advice for the anatomy module has been compiled by the College here.  Specimen questions: sample questions and answers have been put together by the College and are available here.  #IMG Tips Prepare early – the best way to avoid stress and last-minute cramming is to get started as soon as possible.  Get familiar with the exam content – during your study (at least to start off with), the curriculum should be your guide to the FRCR exams.  Practise, practise, practise – go through as many practice questions as you can and regularly review your progress using mock exams. Sources https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-1-radiology-cr1  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr1_anatomy_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr1_physics_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf   https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_radiology_curriculum_2020.pdf   I’ve passed the First FRCR exam, what’s next? Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR CR2A and CR2B exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR, you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once you’ve passed FRCR.  For the latest news and updates on all things radiology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it might be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCEM for emergency medicine physicians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors PLAB for GMC Registration MRCEM for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCEM? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.  There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:  PLAB  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination  Relevant European Qualification  Sponsorship / MTI  CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR  Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.  Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.  For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.  PLAB - Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.  The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCEM - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Emergency Medicine The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.  For emergency medicine, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of emergency medicine in the UK, and Membership of the College of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) is the full qualification attained through these examinations.  Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCEM to learn more.  You can also read our interview with Dr Behzad Rashid to learn about the experience of an IMG Emergency Medicine resident going through MRCEM.  PLAB vs MRCEM Both MRCEM and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS It would be difficult for an overseas emergency medicine doctor to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCEM, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Training To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCEM.  Due to the more specialised nature of MRCEM, we advise emergency medicine doctors to complete MRCEM, as many NHS Trusts will list MRCEM as a requirement on job descriptions. MRCEM also allows IMGs access to more senior roles and competitive salaries.   Time PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCEM has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 24 months of postgraduate experience with at least 6 months in emergency medicine and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost MRCEM costs £1,115 for the three exams. Whilst the Primary and Intermediate SBA exams are delivered worldwide via computer-based testing company, the OSCE is delivered in London (UK), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kochi (India), so there may be the added expense of international travel.   PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.  So for both MRCEM and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s also important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.  Summary PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO, does not assess ability in emergency medicine specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., emergency medicine.  PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  MRCEM involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCEM will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCEM will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK emergency medicine than PLAB.  #IMG Tips Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Sources https://rcem.ac.uk/exam-mrcem/  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application  Getting started Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCEM, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCEM.   For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

FRCR CR2A and CR2B and the final exams in the FRCR qualification.  Completions of all three parts of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification results in eligibility for GMC registration, once the English language component has also been met.  The FRCR examinations are key to an international oncologist being able to secure senior oncology jobs in the NHS and can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. In this article, we take a closer look at the following:  An overview of FRCR How are the Final FRCR exams structured? How are marks awarded for CR2A and CR2B? Am I eligible to sit Final FRCR? Where can I sit the exams and how much do they cost? How do I apply for the exams? What is the best way to prepare for FRCR CR2A and CR2B? I’ve passed the FRCR Radiology exams, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR Radiology FRCR Radiology is the set of three postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test candidates’ knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  The exams within the exam suite are as follows:  You can read an overview of the full FRCR Radiology examination suite via our IMG Resources library.  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, which you can find out more about here.  A Deep Dive into FRCR Part 2A & 2B Final FRCR Part A  The Final FRCR Part A examination assesses knowledge of the sciences that underpin clinical radiology including physics as applied to imaging including molecular biology, medical statistics, radiological findings in pathological and normal conditions together with their differential diagnosis, management pathways, and radiological interventions.  The examination comprises two single best answer papers, each containing 120 questions and covering a broad range of the core curriculum. Exams are 3 hours for each sitting.  The paper comprises a mix of questions from across a wide range of the curriculum:  Cardiothoracic and Vascular  Musculoskeletal and Trauma  Gastro-intestinal  Genito-urinary, Adrenal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Breast Paediatric   Central Nervous and Head & Neck   Final FRCR Part B The Final FRCR Part B examination assesses different aspects of a candidate’s radiological skills, all of which are considered necessary for safe and effective radiological practice.  The exam has three components:   reporting (long cases) – 6 cases in 75 minutes rapid reporting – 30 plain radiographs in 35 minutes oral exam – 2 x 30-minutes vivas The stations are broken down in more detail below.  Reporting Station This component is built on the fact that A&E department is a large part a radiologist’s workload.   The station tests candidates’ ability to rapidly decide if an image is normal or abnormal and the provision of a diagnosis for the abnormality.  The images are all radiographs with the balance of normals within the images about 45-50%. Trauma cases are the majority, but some chest and abdominal radiographs are included as they would be in a typical session of A&E reporting in the workplace. Each abnormal case shows one significant diagnosable abnormality.  This part of the examination reproduces the situation of plain film reporting as a safe radiologist needs to be able to identify abnormalities when present and confidently exclude them when they aren’t.   Rapid Reporting Station The reporting component centres around the understanding that radiologists largely communicate their findings through written reports.   This element tests the ability of the candidate to make observations, distinguish the relevance of these findings, deduce a list of differential diagnoses, suggest the most likely diagnosis and discuss further management including further imaging where appropriate.  This part of the examination mirrors a mixed list of cross-sectional and fluoroscopic imaging, and a short, structured reporting sheet is provided. Each case can include any type of radiological imaging and often involves more than one e.g. plain film, CT and isotope study.   This written element of the examination aims to test the candidate’s ability to assess and interpret a variety of clinical cases across all modalities safely, and to accurately communicate their findings, conclusions and recommendations.  Oral Examination This mirrors the day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings, which form an integral part of a radiologist’s workload.  The oral component further assesses the candidate’s powers of observation and interpretation, but in addition allows assessment of the candidate’s ability to discuss wide-ranging aspects of patient care as influenced by the radiological findings.   Candidates are expected to be able to integrate their observations with emerging clinical information to help refine their differential diagnosis. It also tests their ability to communicate effectively, their analytical and decision-making skills, and allows searching questions to explore their depth of knowledge and ensure that their practice supports patient safety.   This oral element aims to explore the candidates’ depth of knowledge and to test higher cognitive skills. The format allows for flexibility and for complexity to be built into the examiner’s questioning.  In total, the Final FRCR exam lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes.  Scoring Final FRCR Part A The examination is marked by the examination software Speedwell and the marking system shown below is used:   For each item correctly answered: +1 mark   For each item incorrectly answered: 0 marks   The examination is not negatively marked and therefore you are encouraged to provide an answer to all the questions.   You can find full information on the scoring system for the CR2A exam here.  Final FRCR Part B Reporting Eight marks are available for each case, with a maximum of 48 marks available. Candidate response  Mark  Excellent: a perfect answer, clear and confident  8  Good Pass: additional relevant material included in a "pass" grade answer  7  Pass: most observations made correctly; principal diagnoses correct  6  Borderline: appropriate for cases with two main diagnoses, but only one is mentioned; some observations missed  5  Fail: significant observations missed; correct diagnosis not made  4  No answer offered  3  Half marks may also be awarded.  Following the marking exercise each candidate will have a score between 18-48. An overall reporting mark is then awarded on the basis of total marks achieved using the scale below:  Total marks  Overall mark  18 - 25  4  25½ - 28  4½   28½ - 31  5  31½ - 34  5½   34½ - 37  6  37½ - 40  6½   40½ - 43  7  43½ - 46  7½   46½ - 48  8    Rapid reporting One mark is available per image, with a maximum of 30 marks available.  Image type  Candidate response  Mark  Normal Image    Correctly classified  +1  Incorrectly classified (appropriate false positive)  +½   No answer given  0  Abnormal Image        Correctly classified and correctly identified  +1  Correctly classified but incorrectly identified  0  Incorrectly classified (false negative)  0  No answer given  0    Following this, each candidate will have a score between 0-30. An overall rapid reporting mark is then awarded on the basis of total marks achieved using the scale below:  Total marks  Overall mark  0 - 24  4  24½   4½   25 - 25½   5  26 - 26½   5½   27  6  27½ - 28  6½   28½ - 29  7  29½   7½   30  8    Oral  Candidates are shown images by two pairs of examiners and can score a maximum of eight marks from each pair.  Performance description  Comments  Score  Very Poor Answer  Key findings missed even with help  Wrong or dangerous diagnosis  4  Poor Answer  Slow to spot abnormality  Poor differential diagnosis  Needed help to get correct answer  5  Principal findings seen  Some abnormalities seen with help  Principal diagnosis correct  Limited differential  6  Good Answer  Key findings spotted quickly  Correct deductions made and correct diagnosis Good differential offered  7  Excellent answer – all findings seen  Correct diagnosis and deductions  No errors  Succinct/accurate report  Excellent differential  8    Overall Pass Mark Once the marks have been combined, each candidate will have a score of 4-8 in each component of the examination (two orals, the reporting session and the rapid reporting session).  The pass mark in each component is 6, making the overall pass mark 24.   In addition, candidates must obtain a mark of 6 or above in a minimum of two of the four components. If a candidate scores less than 6 in three or more components, they fail the examination even if they have achieved a score of at least 24 overall.   You can find full information on the scoring system for the CR2B exam here.  Eligibility for Final FRCR Final FRCR Part A - to be eligible you must:  have passed FRCR Part 1  Final FRCR Part B - to be eligible you must:  have passed FRCR Part 1  have passed FRCR Part 2A  have acquired 34 months in a formal clinical radiology training post by the month of the examination (your training supervisor must provide confirmation that you have completed the required duration of training and received instruction covering the examination syllabus)  Exam Fees & Venues Part 2A The Part 2A exam is held twice a year, normally in spring and autumn.   You can see a breakdown of the fees for all UK and overseas centres below:  UK  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Belfast, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Plymouth  £427  £545  Global  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Egypt  £427  £545  Hong Kong  £427  £545  India  £505  £643  Pakistan  £427  £545  Singapore  £493  £628    Part 2B The Part 2B exam is now held four times a year.  You can see a breakdown of the fees for all UK and overseas centres below:  UK  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Belfast, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Plymouth  £597  £759  Global  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Egypt  £427  £545  India  £505  £643    Applications Applications are normally open for a few weeks, several months before the exam. Please refer to the examinations page for up-to-date information on application dates.  UK trainees (members) are given priority for examination places, followed by other member bookings and finally non-members. The window for each group is usually open for around a week before it opens to the next group.   All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here for Part 2A and here for Part 2B. More detailed information can also be found here in relation to preparation for the application.  Preparation There are many resources available online to aid in preparation for the FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. We always recommend that the best place to start your preparation is the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  Using this as a blueprint for your preparation is the best way to ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.   Other useful resources to aid your studies include:  Instructional video: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Guidance notes for Part 2A: a guidance document on key elements of the exam, found here.  Guidance notes for Part 2B: important information on the three sections of the exam, available here.  Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for the exams have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.  Candidate reference sheet: a reference list of abbreviations and normal ranges for use during Part 2A, found here.  Examiners’ reports for Part 2B: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Understand the SBA format and how to approach questions: this document also provides questions that have been used previously in the Final FRCR (Part A) Examination. You can find this here.  TNM Staging guidance - this document explains the knowledge required to answer questions related to this topic, available here.  Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Scoring system for Part 2B: key information on how each part of the exam is marked, found here.  For a detailed guide to the best guidance preparation and courses for the exams, see our blog here.  Sources https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2a-radiology-cr2a  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr2a_purpose_of_assessment_statement_jan_22.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2b-radiology-cr2b  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr2b_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr2a_guidance_notes._jan_22.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/docs/radiology/pdf/CR2B_scoring_system.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/exams/5faf80dd-7d45-e911-a977-002248072781/dates-fees  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/exams/a91e7f01-7e45-e911-a977-002248072781/dates-fees  I’ve passed the FRCR exams! What’s next? Firstly, congratulations – attaining full FRCR is a massive achievement!  With all parts of the FRCR complete, you have completed the biggest component of the requirements for GMC registration. Once you have completed the English language component, you will be eligible for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once you’ve passed FRCR.  For the latest news and updates on all things radiology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

The UKMLA or MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment) is a new assessment being introduced by the GMC to replace PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) for international medical graduates (IMGs) and UK medical students.  The UKMLA will be the new standard test of the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to practise safely in the UK.  In this blog we will be taking a closer look at the assessment and the transition from PLAB, focusing on some key questions:  Why is the MLA being introduced? Who will need to take the UKMLA? What is the timeline for the transition? How will the UKMLA be structured? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Introducing the UKMLA Currently, PLAB is the assessment used to ensure doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practise medicine in the UK. Once an IMG has completed both parts of PLAB, they are eligible for full GMC registration.  For UK trainees however, full registration is gained on moving to the second year of the Foundation Programme (F2/ FY2) in an approved training programme.  There is therefore no standard used for both UK medical graduates and international doctors, so the GMC has created the MLA with the stated aim of setting a common threshold for safe practice in the UK, regardless of where a doctor was educated or trained.  UKMLA Candidates From 2024, all IMGs who would have sat the PLAB test will take the MLA if they’re applying for registration with a licence to practise in the UK. This means that if you are an overseas doctor taking another route to GMC registration, this is still available to you if you are eligible.  UK medical students graduating in the academic year 2024-25 will also need to pass the MLA as part of their medical school degree, before they can join the medical register.  You can find more information about your possible routes to the UK as an international doctor in our detailed guide here.  Transitioning from PLAB to MLA Until 2024, IMGs will still be able to apply for PLAB in order to gain GMC registration. As overseas doctors wanting to come to the UK through this route will be in different stages of the process, the GMC has laid out the following guidelines which will be in place during the transition to the UKMLA:  I have passed both parts of PLAB I have passed PLAB 1, but not yet attempted PLAB 2 I have attempted PLAB 1, but not yet passed it I have passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2, but not yet passed it Passed both parts of PLAB There will be no changes here: you will still have up to two years from the date that you passed PLAB to apply for full GMC registration with a licence to practise.  Passed PLAB 1, but not attempted PLAB 2 As long as you passed PLAB 1 within the past two years, you won't need to take the AKT. However, instead of PLAB 2, you will take the CPSA.  Once you pass the CPSA, you'll be able to apply for full registration with a licence to practise (this must be within two years of passing the CPSA).  Attempted PLAB 1, but not passed it You will sit the AKT.  There will be a maximum number of attempts and any previous attempts at PLAB 1 will count towards this maximum number. The GMC is currently still finalising that maximum number.  After passing the AKT, you will need to take the CPSA within two years.  Passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2, but not passed As long as you passed PLAB 1 within the past two years, you won't need to take the AKT.  Instead of PLAB 2, you will take the CPSA.   There will be a maximum number of attempts and any previous attempts at PLAB 2 will count towards this maximum number. The GMC is currently still finalising that maximum number.  Once you pass the CPSA, you'll be able to apply for full registration with a licence to practise (this must be within two years of passing the CPSA).  Structure & Format of the UKMLA The UKMLA will be composed of two parts: the applied knowledge test (AKT) and the clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). Both components will assess a range of things, all of which are outlined in the MLA learning outcomes. The main purpose of the MLA is to assess the knowledge and competencies related to safe medical practice in the UK.  1. The applied knowledge test (AKT) This is planned to be an on-screen exam, with multiple choice questions. It will test your ability to apply medical knowledge to different scenarios. The AKT will be similar to the current PLAB 1 exam.  The AKT for overseas doctors will be set by the GMC, whereas for UK medical students, the exam will be run by medical schools. Information from the UK exams will be used to ensure that the assessment is comparable and consistent, where appropriate.   The test is expected to be held four times a year for international candidates, at a number of locations worldwide.  You will need to pass the AKT before you can take the CPSA.   2. The clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA) The CPSA for international doctors will be held at the GMC’s clinical assessment centre in Manchester. The CPSA will be similar to the current PLAB 2 exam.  For UK medical students, the CPSA will be set and run by their medical school. Each UK medical school calls the CPSA something different e.g. an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), however the GMC will set requirements that all CPSAs must meet.  Exam Structure The MLA content map tells you more about the topics and areas that your AKT and CPSA assessments could cover.  The MLA has three overarching themes: readiness for safe practice, managing uncertainty, and delivering person-centred care; and six sections, called domains.  Areas of clinical practice, such as mental health and surgery  Areas of professional knowledge, such as biomedical sciences and medical ethics and law  Clinical and professional capabilities, such as assessing and managing risk and safeguarding vulnerable patients  Practical skills and procedures, as set out in the list of practical skills and procedures that supplements the GMC’s Outcomes for graduates (2018)  Patient presentations, which relates to signs, symptoms, investigation results and other relevant patient-related issues typically seen by doctors in a first appointment within the UK Foundation Programme e.g. a chronic rash or breast lump  Conditions, which are pathophysiological diseases or clinical diagnoses typically seen by doctors in a first appointment within the UK Foundation Programme e.g. asthma and eating disorders  In the future, sample questions will be provided by the GMC for the AKT so that you can get a better feel for the test.  Other Key Information Cost Similarly to PLAB, you will have to pay a fee to sit the UKMLA as an IMG. The fees have yet to be set by the GMC, but will be published once determined.   EEA Graduates Decisions about whether EEA graduates will need to sit the MLA from 2024 will be informed by government-led agreements and trade deals. The GMC will provide an update on this situation once there is more information about future arrangements.  English Language Requirements The MLA won't change the GMC’s English language requirements for registration. You must still prove that you have the necessary knowledge of English to practise safely in the UK.  Sources https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment   https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment/uk-students-guide-to-the-mla  The introduction of the UKMLA is a significant change to one of the most popular routes taken by IMGs wanting to work in the NHS. Despite the change, there are always several options available to overseas doctors wanting to relocate to the UK. Feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your options.  Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.              

It can be quite difficult to juggle the demands of everyday life such as clinical work and family commitments with preparing for the Royal College exams. This is particularly the case for IMGs who may be completing these exams alongside training and exams in their own country.  In this blog, we will share some great tips we’ve recommended by overseas doctors we’ve worked through after passing their UK postgraduate exams.  1. Plan ahead  It is important to set feasible targets when taking on postgraduate study, so carefully consider your personal circumstances and set a goal for when you are going to take the examinations.  You should try to avoid any major life events at the time of the events e.g. weddings, moving house etc.  2. Use the curriculum  The blueprint for the Royal College exams is the curriculum used in the training programme for each specialty, and we always recommend this as the best place to start.  UK trainees will be familiar with this as part of their training and continued assessment, so international doctors should familiarise themselves with the curriculum and any syllabus as soon as possible.  Curriculum for MRCP, MRCEM, MRCPsych, FRCPath, FRCR, FRCR (Oncology), MRCPCH, MRCOG and MRCS.  3. Familiarise yourself with the exam structure and format  It is important to know exactly what you can expect from the exam, such as whether the exam will be remote or what different topics the exam comprises. This will help you to create a structures and comprehensive plan as you begin your revision.  You can find a detailed overview of the Royal College exams in our IMG Resources library.  4. Create your own study programme  Create a manageable and realistic study plan based on the time you have until the exam. Be sure to build in suitable breaks and time off to allow you to proceed with your study at a steady pace.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision.  5. Find the best study materials to suit your needs  There are many online resources available from commercial courses to question banks and notes, which daunting for IMGs. We recommend looking at what seems to be most popular among other IMGs, such as the Bromley courses for MRCEM, SPMM mock exams and notes for MRCPsych or Pathology Online Hub courses for FRCPath Histopathology.  Where there is a large cost associated with the resources, perhaps you can see if any colleagues would like to split the expense or has copies they can lend to you.   Also, don’t be afraid to tailor these resources to suit your study needs – make notes or mind maps to aid learning and revision.  6. Build on your existing knowledge base and experience  You will likely be familiar with many of the concepts in the exam from your own clinical experience – take advantage of this is your study. Use your knowledge and experience from your own country and training as the foundation for your revision.  7. Try to maintain a balance between work and personal life  As much as possible, try not to overload yourself with study and make time for study breaks where you can focus on your personal life and having some downtime.  8. Practise, practise, practise...in the expected exam format  Crucially, you must practice exam-style questions as much as possible within the time you have. This not only helps you to understand where you have any deficits in your knowledge, but also shows you what to expect in the types of questions asked and how they may be phrased.  It is also important to reinforce memory by revising and by practising recall.  For clinical exams such as an OSCE or CASC, you should practise these with others and observe others practising too in order to obtain feedback.  9. Join a community of like-minded doctors  Belonging to a study group may help you reduce your workload of finding information and enable you to share experience and provide support to each other. Study groups also aid reflection on progress.  IMG Connect host two fantastic Facebook groups for overseas psychiatry and pathology doctors where we share guidance, resources and study courses. You can join our communities here: IMG Psychiatrists and IMG Histopathologists.   We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you the best of luck with your exams. Don't forget to share your successes with us on social media using the hashtag #imgstories  To receive the latest news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.                Get in touch  Have you completed the Royal College exams? Get in touch with one of our dedicated recruitment specialists to discuss your next steps towards GMC registration, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK. 

Doctors from any country can apply for Specialist Registration in the UK, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria, though there are different routes available based on the doctor’s training and qualifications.  In this blog we’ll be exploring Specialist Registration in medical oncology for overseas medical oncologists more closely. We’ll look at all aspects of Specialist Registration, focusing more closely on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), including the application process, costs, and eligibility criteria, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is Specialist Registration? What route is best for me as an overseas oncologist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need MRCP (UK) for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in medical oncology? How much does CESR cost? How long is the CESR application process? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration  Holding Specialist Registration in any CCT specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (or permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All medical oncologists who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience equivalent to a CCT in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   For oncologists, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a medical oncology consultant in the NHS.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a medical oncologist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for Specialist Registration, and the type of certificate you receive depends on the training route you followed.  CCT for UK-trained Oncologists  For doctors who have completed a GMC-approved training programme, an application must be made to the GMC for a CCT in their specialty within 12 months of their completion date in order to qualify. After this point, they will be required to use the CESR route to apply directly to the GMC if they wish to attain Specialist Registration.  CCT for EEA-trained Oncologists  Doctors who have trained outside the UK or Switzerland, but within an EEA country, will be awarded CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) after a successful specialist registration application. Specialist Certifications from across the EU are deemed as equivalent by the GMC, and therefore a straightforward application can be made. You can read more about this in the Specialist Registration section under your country on the GMC website here.  CESR-CP for Oncologists who have complete part of a GMC-approved training programme  CESR(CP) is a simplified route to Specialist Registration for doctors who joined their specialty training programme after ST1, and therefore do not meet the requirement of 4 years duration in GMC-approved training on completion, as they began their training overseas and completed it in the UK.  CESR for Overseas Oncologists  For overseas doctors who have completed their full training outside a GMC-approved training programme, CESR is the route they will usually take towards attaining Specialist Registration. This route does not require further training, rather the submission of an application.   You can read a detailed breakdown of Specialist Registration in the UK in our IMG Resources library.  Medical Oncology Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for senior oncology roles in the NHS, such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, CESR is not required by overseas doctors before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  In these senior NHS roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. Within these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK medical oncology curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Get in touch with us to find out more about senior positions in the NHS with CESR support.  MRCP (UK) for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCP (UK), particularly for doctors who have trained outside of the UK or an EEA country, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the Medical Oncology curriculum are the MRCP (UK) exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.  MRCP (UK) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  The structure of the programme is an indicative two years in Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS), followed by an indicative four years of training in Medical Oncology. Therefore, applicants need to demonstrate the appropriate level of acute medicine expertise as well as competencies in medical oncology.  You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current medical oncology training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.  The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:  training and/or competence  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Physicians will assess each application against the relevant curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.  Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.  Evidence Requirements for CESR in Medical Oncology  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Medical Oncology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your medical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  Audit and Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle  Currency of evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.   The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.  As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800 - 1000 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:  Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills, and performance  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Domain 3 – Communication, partnership, and teamwork  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.  The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.  CESR Application Cost  All oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. As of 1st April 2022, for CESR, this fee is £1,727. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.  How long does it take to complete an application for CESR in Medical Oncology?  The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.  It is worth noting that more senior oncologists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.  The indicative period of training for a CCT in medical oncology is six years, so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior oncologists.  #IMG Tips  Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.   Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.   Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the Medical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Medical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.  Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).  Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Sources  https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/certificate-eligibility-specialist-registration   https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---medical-oncology---dc2310_pdf-48455474.pdf   Getting started  Many oncology IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR route. Take a look at our guide to CESR applications for medical oncology for more information on how to apply and what to expect.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, 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:              

Are you an overseas emergency medicine doctor taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCEM exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future?  As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you Dr Behzad Rashid, an emergency medicine doctor who has recently sat and passed the MRCEM Primary exam. Dr Rashid will be sharing with you his experiences of the first of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCEM aspirants.  Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Behzad Rashid?  I am a Resident Emergency Medicine Physician, currently working in Pakistan and have worked in A&E since completing my internship. I started off as a medical officer, and then began an A&E residency programme in my country. I would say a combination of hard work and fate are the reason why I am where I am today.  What motivated you to sit the MRCEM exams?  I had booked a space on the PLAB 1 exam, however, due to COVID, it was unfortunately cancelled (three times in fact). By the third time, I’d had enough. I decided to progress my career in Pakistan because I felt I wasn’t getting anywhere with the exam bookings, and everything was very uncertain at that time.  Even though time felt like it had stopped, it was actually flying by. I therefore decided to sit the residency exam in Pakistan. I worked in A&E at the time and had heard about the MRCEM exams from my colleagues. Due to the lockdown, they had just announced that the exam could now be taken online, even within the comfort of your own home. I was ready to go all in and grind my way through both exams, so I studied and succeeded in clearing both PLAB 1 and MRCEM Primary.  At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCEM Primary exam?  There wasn’t anything in particular that made me realise that I was ready to sit this exam, besides the fact that COVID had been ruining my plans. I was going through a difficult time, and A&E was something I dearly wanted to pursue. I saw an opportunity, and I took it.  Applications can be frustrating… how did you find the application process for the exam?  The whole process took me about 30-45 minutes to complete.  The details of application and exam are available on the website, and whilst a bit tedious, it is a straightforward process. Based on the RCEM’s eligibility criteria for the first exam, you only need to have graduated with an approved medical degree in order to sit the exam.   Since I was planning to sit the exam in my own country, I was provided with some options for exam centres. There were multiple private exam centres nearby, and I did not want to sit the exam at home and risk the internet issues others had experienced. I booked my exam for 8 am, because that's when I function best, and I would recommend that everyone books whatever time of day you think you would perform best.  How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCEM Primary?  I booked the exam 4 months in advance (around the end of October, with the exam in Dec). Everyone has their own method of studying, and for some, this may not be enough time, so whatever schedule has worked for you in the past - stick to it. In my opinion this exam requires about 3-4 months of studying if you are unemployed or have any daily commitments, and about 5-6 months if you are working or have a very busy schedule.   Often IMGs are a bit at a loss to get support... did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates?  I was in touch with a few individuals who had already sat the exam. They guided me through the application process and resources I could use to prepare. They were also the ones who entertained my idea in preparing for both exams at once, and they believed that I could succeed in both.   You don’t need a lot of friends, just the right ones who will push and support you in your journey.   You were preparing for PLAB at the same time as the Royal College exams...how do you feel studying for PLAB 1 compares to your experience of MRCEM Primary?  PLAB 1 and MRCEM Primary are completely different exams.  PLAB 1 focuses on the application of medical knowledge in common day-to-day scenarios that a doctor would encounter in the UK. MRCEM Primary is more of a theoretical assessment of the basics i.e. anatomy and physiology of emergency related scenarios. This became even more apparent after I’d gone over the curriculum provided by the GMC and RCEM, which is honestly the best part of the exams. I would not say that one is easier than the other – they assess different things.  I focused on the blueprint/curriculum for each exam and made sure to get in as many MCQs as possible. That gave me a better overview of what I would actually be tested on.  Emergency medicine doctors are notoriously busy...in the months leading up to the exam, how much time did you spend a week on preparation?  In my case, I had to appear for the MRCEM Primary first, and then a week later for the Pakistan Residency (FCPS I) exam. Since work was extremely hectic, and I felt that I was not able to set aside much time to prepare for both, I quit my job to study for the exams and managed my time throughout the day to study and prepare for both (around 12 hours each day).  It goes without saying that any goal without a plan is just a wish. I divided my day into 2 halves where I would wake up at 5am, and study till 12pm, take a break (which included sleeping, eating or working out), then start off again at 5pm and go at it till 10pm. The first half would be MCQS and making Anki flash cards, second half would be to review the cards I had pending for that day. I would throw in a mock exam every week to see where I stood at that point, correct my mistakes and make cards on those as well. I stuck to this routine for 3 months and by the end of the 3 months, I had a deck of about 2000 Anki flash cards, divided into two groups for the 2 exams, and that is all I would review because I was confident that is all they would test me on.  How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)?  During COVID, I was pretty much stranded by myself in Pakistan. My family lived in a different country, and I had limited interactions with the family I did have around me. This bizarre period of isolation and confusion gave me ample time to prepare for my exams. Being alone did get frustrating at times, and anxiety would creep up on me, but the hunger to clear my exams and progress my career gave me tunnel vision and cancelled out all the other noise.  The preparation for 2 examinations was an enlightening and humbling experience. My goal is to reach out to students and help them understand what works best for them. I’d be more than happy to provide students with any resources (Including my Anki flash cards) they need. However, there isn’t a cookie cutter plan that will suit everyone - I did what was best for me in my circumstances, and you must do the same.  What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCEM Primary exam?  I used the curriculum provided by the MRCEM on their website which you will find here.  Along with that I was using the MRCEM Success question bank, which I have to say is an excellent resource. The actual exam was very close to the MCQs provided, which is why I would highly recommend it.  I am also an avid user of Anki. It has helped me ace exams in med school, the MRCEM primary, FCPS I and even the PLAB 1. I have never made any notes from any textbooks, and I honestly think hardcovers will eventually become obsolete. I would highly recommend making your own cards since that allows you to work at your own pace and address any weak points. I would love to share my own deck of Anki cards as well, which covers everything provided in the MRCEM curriculum. Feel free to add more to this deck and pay it forward.  Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax?  I woke up early and decided not to go over any cards. I’m the type of exam-taker who enjoys working out and listening to music before an exam. At that point, I know what I know, and that is all I know. So I drank a nice cup of coffee and got some cardio done while listening to music.   What was your experience like on the day?  My exam was around 8:30am, so the drive was about 5 minutes to the exam hall and I got there around 30 minutes before it started. The invigilator was friendly and after leaving my personal belongings in a small locker, they provided a sheet of paper and stationary at the centre. The computer prompted me to start once the invigilator asked me to, and everything after that went smoothly. The invigilators are ready to help you with your queries if you experience any problems during the exam as well.  What was the most challenging part of the exam?  In my honest opinion, I did not come across anything that would throw me off. After going over the curriculum, and having a plan, I just stuck to that plan and followed it till the end.  In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?  I was already taking the most extreme measures by preparing for multiple exams and taking time off work, given everything was shut down during COVID. I have no regrets and cannot think of anything I’d have done differently.  What nuggets of advice would you give to any MRCEM Primary aspirants?  The best thing about the Royal College exams is that they provide a curriculum of what you should know, and they would never ask anything more than that. I would highly recommend you go over that and familiarise yourself with the content you will be tested on. Question banks might provide extra information to give you a different perspective of the subject, however the real exam sticks to its curriculum. If you know what you are required to know, preparation for the exam becomes easier.  What are your plans going forward?  I'm planning on appearing for the PLAB 2 and the MRCEM Intermediate soon. I have already started preparing my Anki deck for the intermediate as well, so wish me luck and stay tuned for that as well.   To learn more about the RCEM exams, see our IMG Resources library. For news and updates on all things emergency medicine, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

Overseas radiologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. With so much online content geared towards UK trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.  Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help overseas radiologists prepare for their Royal College (RCR) exams. We’ll also address some of the changes to the exam, both the format, administration and availability of the exam for IMGs.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  A recap of FRCR CR2A and CR2B What resources are available for IMGs?  Royal College Resources Courses Books #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR CR2A and CR2B As a quick reminder, Final FRCR refers to the final two exams in the Royal College of Radiologists examination suite for clinical and diagnostic radiologists. The full series - Part 1, Part 2A and 2B – is required by overseas radiologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.  FRCR CR2A assesses knowledge of the pathology, imaging techniques, congenital abnormalities and radiological findings that underpin clinical radiology practice.   The FRCR 2A exam consists of 2 papers sat on the same day; each paper containing 120 single-best-answer questions (240 questions in total). Each paper lasts 3 hours.  CR2B is not an exit exam but is a key step in a trainee's progress towards independent reporting. The exam assesses several aspects of the candidate's radiological skills, all of which are considered necessary for safe and effective radiological practise.  Part 2B has 3 separate sections as below:  Rapid reporting - 30 plain radiographs in 35 minutes  Reporting (long cases) - 6 cases in 75 minutes  Oral (viva) - 2 x 30-minute vivas  In total, the exam lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes.  For a full overview of the FRCR exam series, see our blog here. Preparation & Revision Resources After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.  Curriculum: The FRCR exams are based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. As a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.  Royal College Resources Instructional video: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Guidance notes for Part 2A: a guidance document on key elements of the exam, found here.  Guidance notes for Part 2B: important information on the three sections of the exam, available here.  Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for the exams have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.  Candidate reference sheet: a reference list of abbreviations and normal ranges for use during Part 2A, found here.  Examiners’ reports for Part 2B: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Understand the SBA format and how to approach questions: this document also provides questions that have been used previously in the Final FRCR (Part A) Examination. You can find this here.  TNM Staging guidance - this document explains the knowledge required to answer questions related to this topic, available here.  Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Scoring system for Part 2B: key information on how each part of the exam is marked, found here.  Courses There are several online courses which provide preparation for the exams, including mock exams and insight into exam technique. As with all courses, we advise that you register your interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as they are in very high demand.  Please note these courses are subject to change and candidates are advised to book early (up to one year in advance in some cases), as spaces are often limited. Places may become available at the last minute, so make sure you add your name to a waiting list if possible.  Midlands FRCR 2A Review Course This is an in-person revision course for the FRCR Part 2A exam held in Leicester. The course provides a refresher course covering a range of important topics, an interactive lecture-based course delivered in a ‘single best answer format’ and tips and tricks from trainees with recent experience of the exam. Duration - 3 days Cost - £350 London Heathrow FRCR 2B Preparation Course This is a two-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CR2B. The course offers a minimum of 4 viva sets, 4 long case sets along with 4 rapid reporting packets. A further 2 lectures would also be included during the 2 days.  The course is delivered live virtually.  Duration - 2 days Cost - £500 Red Dot Radiology Courses These are in-person revision courses for Part 2B which cover rapid reporting as well as focused days on chest x-rays. The courses are live online via an interactive video and are led by FRCR qualified UK-based radiologists.   Duration - 1 day Cost - £165 Aunt Minnie Courses This is an online two-day course that runs twice a year and concentrates on Aunt Minnie cases that you may encounter in your FRCR 2B exam. The course is split into mini tests, workshops and exam tips to ensure candidates remain refreshed and stimulated.   Duration - 2 days Cost - £350 Books FRCR CR2A  Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology  Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology - Brant & Helms  Primer of Diagnostic Imaging - Weissleder  Radiology Review Manual - Wolfgang Dahnert  Crack the Core Exam – Prometheus Lionhart  Fundamentals of Skeletal Radiology – Clyde A. Helms  Get Through Final FRCR 2A: SBAs - Teck Yew Chin, Susan Cheng Shelmerdine  RSBAs for the FRCR Part 2A - Richard Lindsay    FRCR CR2B  Rapid Review of Radiology - Shahid Hussain, Sherif Latif, Adrian Hall  Top 3 Differentials in Radiology - William O'Brien  Long Cases for the Final FRCR 2B - Rebecca Hanlon  Aunt Minnie's Atlas and Imaging-specific Diagnosis - Thomas Pope  Final FRCR Part B Viva: 100 Cases - Richard White, Robin Proctor, Ian Zealley  Chapman & Nakielny's Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis – Stephen Davies  #IMG Tips  Familiarise yourself with the exam content – the best way to do this is through the syllabus and curriculum  Prepare early – the earlier you begin your revision, the more structured and relaxed the entire process can be and the more likely you are to pass!  Invest in the right resources and courses – many resources from books to courses come at a cost – think about your own preferred style of learning and choose the resources that best suit you! Have any colleagues going through the exams or already passed? See if you can borrow or split the cost of resources.  Practise, practise, practise – this is of course a given...practise makes perfect and getting used to the format and being able to go through many sample questions will set you up well for the exam!  Sources  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2a-radiology-cr2a   https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2b-radiology-cr2b  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_radiology_curriculum_2020.pdf  Getting started  We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal College, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS.             

The identity checks (ID) usually required for GMC registration were paused earlier in the pandemic to comply with government guidance on safe workplaces and social distancing. ID checks have now resumed and are again necessary for all doctors as part of the registration process in the UK.  The GMC has partnered with Digidentity to allow doctors to complete their GMC identity check using a secure app.  In this blog we will be looking at the process of verifying your ID with the GMC to complete the final step in the registration process.  Who needs to complete an ID check?  All doctors joining applying for registration with the GMC must complete an identity check, as well as those who want to restore their registration.   Please note, if you completed an ID check for your PLAB 2 exam, you would not need to attend another one.  When do you need to complete an ID check?  From Wednesday 19th April 2023, you will have three months to book an appointment and complete your ID check. If you don’t, you’ll have to start a new application.  How do I book an ID check?  You will be emailed by the GMC to invite you to complete your identity check as part of your application. Where can I complete my ID check?  It is no longer necessary to come to the UK to complete your identity check - you can instead do this through the free Digidentity app. If you are not able to complete your ID check through the app, you will need to book an appointment at the GMC's London office to complete your check in person. The  Information on booking in-person appointments can be found in your ID check invitation email. You would need to be in the UK, either on your visitor or working visa (if you already got have one).  What documents do I need?  The GMC will accept: passports full UK driving licences Forms of ID that will not be accepted are: provisional UK driving licences, expired documents and scanned or photocopies. At this time, Syrian passports also cannot be used. The GMC recommends that you use your passport if possible; if you use a full driving licence, you may be contacted for additional information. If you attend your ID check in person, you will need to bring the originals of the documents you submitted earlier in your online application. They must be valid on the day of the appointment and will be photocopied and returned to you. How do I use the app to complete my ID check?  The GMC has created a short and easy to follow instruction video explaining the process of using the app to verify your identity. Once you have watched the video, follow the steps below to complete your check using the app. Download the Digidentity app to your mobile phone – you will need a phone with iOS 14 or Android 9 or higher. Log into your GMC Online account – go to the 'My ID checks' section, click on 'Digital ID checks' and follow the step-by-step guide to completing your check.  When you take your selfie, please try to take an acceptable passport style photo.  You should use the email address the GMC contacted you on to create your Digidentity account and complete your check. If you need any support during this process, please contact Digidentity. Once you’ve completed all the steps in the Digidentity app, you must return to the ‘Digital ID check’ section of GMC Online and follow the steps on screen. This will allow Digidentity to send the details of your check to the GMC to review. What happens after I complete my ID check using the app? Once you’ve successfully completed all the steps on the app, you will receive an email from Digidentity confirming your completed registration.  When Digidentity share the results of your check with the GMC, this will be manually reviewed and you will be emailed to confirm whether your check has been successful. Please note, the registration confirmation email from Digidentity does NOT mean that you can now practise medicine in the UK. The GMC will email you separately once you have been granted registration. You must not start work until you have received the GMC confirmation email.  It can take up to ten working days to process your check, and you can monitor the progress of your verification via the 'Digital ID check' section of your GMC Online account. If there are any issues with your check, or if the GMC requires more information, they will contact you to let you know and explain what your options are. How do I complete my in-person ID check? Your identity check appointment lasts around 30 minutes.  The GMC will check your passport and then take a photo of you for their records. This photo may be disclosed to employers on request - this helps them to confirm your identity when you start work, as well as to help protect you from identity fraud.  You will also have to fill and sign the declaration form.  The appointment timings are strict, so the GMC won’t be able to provide advice on any other subjects during your identity check. If you have any other questions, please speak to your applications adviser or the contact centre.  Key information for doctors attending ID checks  For doctors who registered with the GMC at the beginning of the pandemic and did not complete an identity check, the GMC will offer you an ID check at the earliest convenience, so do look out for an email from them.  You will also be able to complete your ID check using the Digidentity app. I’ve completed my ID check, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! Once your identity check is complete and the GMC has confirmed your identity, you will immediately be granted registration and your name will be added to the medical register.  Get in touch with our team if you are interested in finding your perfect role in the NHS and relocating to the UK – we’re always happy to help.              

For overseas doctors, there are several routes you can use to apply for GMC registration in the UK. The route that is right for you, depends on your qualification and experience.  GMC registration is essential for doctors practicing in the NHS, therefore it is important for overseas doctors to determine the most suitable route before securing a role.  This article will help you to identify the appropriate GMC application route for you as an IMG and will give you guidance on the steps you need to take, covering key areas including the following:  What is the GMC? What do I need for GMC registration? Routes to GMC registration: PLAB Accepted Postgraduate Qualifications / Licensing Exams Relevant European Qualifications Sponsorship & MTI Specialist Registration – CESR, CESR-CP & CEGPR #IMG Tips How do I get started? Please skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The General Medical Council  The GMC is the body in the UK which is responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor. Therefore, for every doctor practicing in the UK, GMC registration is essential – you cannot practice in the UK without full GMC registration with a license to practise.  The primary responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’ in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK.  Requirements for GMC Registration  Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings, actions and documents. For full GMC registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   1. (EEA doctors) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA physician, this would be your recognised EEA qualification.   OR   1. (non-EEA doctors) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA physician, this would either be PLAB, your Royal College postgraduate qualification (e.g. MRCP) or a GMC-approved qualification.   AND  2. English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).  AND   3. Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.  There are several steps involved in the registration process, but these are the three main components required in order to be eligible.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  PLAB  The PLAB exam is a two-part licensing exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the UK. As such, it does not demonstrate ability in any particular medical specialty.   For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries.   If taking this option, doctors can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look at our comprehensive guides on PLAB for more information.  Is PLAB suitable for me?  The PLAB route may be suitable for you if:  You have not completed an internship, or your internship does not meet the acceptable pattern OR; You have completed an acceptable pattern of internship, but have no other clinical postgraduate experience OR; You are currently in or have completed postgraduate training (residency), and you want a faster route to full GMC registration.  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualifications or Licensing Exams  The GMC has produced a list of postgraduate qualifications which are accepted as sufficient evidence of the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for full registration.  If these postgraduate qualifications are more than 3 years old when your application is made, you will have to provide further evidence of your recent medical experience.  UK Postgraduate Qualifications  Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e., pathology.   For senior doctors taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.  For example, the Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates all medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK) is the qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining full MRCP (UK) will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior medicine roles in the UK.  Take a look at our complete guides on the Royal Colleges in the UK through our IMG Resources library to understand more.   The full list of UK postgraduate qualifications can be found here.  Overseas Postgraduate Qualifications  There are also some overseas qualifications that meet the same standards as UK postgraduate qualifications, although they are not necessarily the same in every aspect.  You can find the full list of UK and overseas qualifications here.  Licensing Exams  Doctors who have passed an acceptable overseas registration exam can apply for full GMC registration.   You are eligible for to apply via this route if you:  graduated from a medical school outside the UK or Switzerland  and you:  hold an acceptable primary medical qualification  have completed an internship  have passed one of the following overseas registration exams:  United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE): Step 1, Step 2 clinical knowledge and Step 2 clinical skills; For Step 2 clinical skills, your pass must be between 16 April 2004 and 13 March 2020.  Medical Council of Canada Qualification Examination 2 (taken in English) on or before 27 October 2020  The Australian Medical Council Clinical Examination on or before 5 March 2020  have passed each part of the exam including the knowledge tests and clinical skills components in four attempts or less. If you sat any part of the exam more than four times before passing, you will not be eligible for this application.  Is the postgraduate/ licensing exam route suitable for me?  The postgraduate route to GMC registration is a popular one and facilitates the attainment of more senior roles in the NHS than for example PLAB (when combined with the relevant experience).  If you have already completed an acceptable postgraduate qualification in your home country, this is the most suitable pathway for you, as you will not have to sit additional exams.  The same goes for acceptable licensing exams, which also exempts overseas physicians from PLAB.  If you have not passed an acceptable overseas postgraduate qualification or licensing exam, you would have to complete the relevant UK postgraduate qualification.  Relevant European Qualification  If you hold a medical qualification awarded in the EEA or Switzerland, it may be classed as a Relevant European Qualification (REQ). You can find out whether your qualification is classed as a REQ by selecting your country through this link. Each country’s page covers the qualifications you would need to send to the GMC to support your application for entry onto the Medical Register, GP and Specialist Registers, and where appropriate, provisional registration with a licence to practice.  Is the REQ route suitable for me?  The Relevant European Qualification route to GMC registration is suitable for you if you hold a specialist certification that is recognised by the GMC. You can verify this through your country’s GMC page here.  Sponsorship & MTI  Some institutions can provide sponsorship for GMC registration. Doctors who receive sponsorship are therefore exempted from PLAB or the need to have an acceptable postgraduate qualification or licensing exam.  MTI  The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.   Although doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC, for MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.  You can read more about the MTI scheme here.  Sponsorship  There are several types of sponsorship available to overseas doctors, such as sponsorship offered by NHS Trusts through International Fellowships or sponsorships for specific posts.   If you apply for GMC registration through sponsorship, you’ll have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK.  Each sponsor may have their own scheme which has been pre-approved by the GMC, and since each scheme differs from the next, we advise that you check the sponsor’s official website and contact them for more information.  A key aspect of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for GMC sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. It is important to meet these minimum criteria for the best chance of providing sufficient evidence to support your application.  The complete list of GMC-approved sponsors, including NHS Trusts and Royal Colleges, can be found here.  Is the sponsorship route suitable for me?  MTI is best suited to junior doctors and those who wish to return to their home country after the training period, whereas the criteria for other types of sponsorship can be more varied.  Specialist Registration  The Specialist Register is a register of doctors who can take up substantive consultant (permanent) posts in the UK. All doctors who wish to work as substantive consultant in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC. You can read more about the types of GMC registration here.  Doctors eligible for Specialist Registration apply directly to the GMC to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience are equivalent to the requirements for CCT in the UK.   Doctors who have completed their specialist training in the EEA or Switzerland may be eligible for direct entry onto the Specialist Register through their Relevant European Qualification (REQ) and are awarded a CCT after a successful application.  CESR is the route to Specialist Registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme i.e. doctors who have trained outside of the UK, Switzerland, and EEA countries. This is often the preferred route of IMGs.   For an in-depth guide to CESR, look at our blog for overseas doctors here.  Is Specialist Registration suitable for me?  Specialist Registration may be suitable for you if you (at minimum):  1. Hold a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR  2. Have at least six months of continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in  You will have to provide evidence of your eligibility as part of your application, as well as evidence that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.  The indicative period of training to be awarded a CCT ranges from 5 years to 9 years in the UK (depending on the specialty), so if you have less training than this, it is unlikely that you will have the full evidence required for a successful application for Specialist Registration.  #IMG Tips  In short, there are routes that depend on qualifications or exams from countries you’ve trained in: licensing exams, acceptable postgraduate qualifications, or REQs; or if you do not hold any of these: MTI, UK postgraduate exams or PLAB.  Use the GMC route finder to double-check you are pursuing a route to registration that you are eligible for.  If your route requires additional exams, begin your preparation for these well in advance and always start with the syllabus or curriculum for your exam!  Read through the GMC’s page on required documents – the necessary documents can change, as the GMC adapts to changes in healthcare and current issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  If you’ll be completing exams to register with the GMC, complete these or begin the process before you focus on English language testing – your IELTS or OET only have a 2-year validity period!  Getting started  So, there you have it, the main routes to GMC registration for IMGs. Once you have determined your route to GMC registration, it’s time to either begin gathering the required documents for your application or begin your preparation for any exams you’ll need to sit.  Have you already registered with the GMC, or looking to get started? Get in touch with us here to discuss finding an NHS post. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team.  For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below.             

Acute medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for acute 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) Acute Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in acute 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 acute medicine SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my training? What is the structure of the acute medicine SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas acute 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) Acute Medicine SCE  The acute medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in acute 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 Acute Medicine  Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the acute 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  Cancer and palliative care and haematology  10  Cardiovascular medicine  20  Clinical pharmacology and poisoning  10  Critical care medicine  10  Diabetes and endocrine medicine  14  Gastroenterology and hepatology  20  Infectious diseases   14  Medicine in the elderly  18  Musculoskeletal system  12  Neurology and ophthalmology  20  Renal medicine  10  Respiratory medicine  20  Other*  22  Total  200  *Other: Allergy; Clinical genetics; Dermatology; Immunology; Patient safety and risk management; Psychiatry; Public health and health promotion  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.  Acute 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 acute 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 Acute 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 acute medicine doctors preparing to sit the SCE:  Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Acute Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Acute 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:  National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) The Society for Acute Medicine (SAM) Textbooks  Oxford Textbook of Medicine (Eds David A. Warrell, Timothy M. Cox, John D. Firth. Published by Oxford University Press) Oxford Handbook of Acute Medicine (Eds Punit Ramrakha, Kevin Moore, Amir Sam. Published by Oxford University Press) Journals  Acute Medicine (Published by Rila) Clinical Medicine (Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London) Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 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 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 acute 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, acute 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.              

There are several routes a haematologist can take to register with the GMC and practice in the NHS.    Haematologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before fully registering with the GMC (General Medical Council) to receive a license to practice. For haematology, these criteria depend on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold. In this blog, we’ll be giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to begin your journey to the UK as an overseas haematologist. We’ll be covering the following:  Will my training be recognised in the UK? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA haematologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA haematologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? What do I need to register with the GMC? Will I need a visa to work in the UK? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Recognition of training  For haematologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are several options potentially available to you.  Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration; check the relevant GMC page here.  Knowledge and Skills for EEA Haematologists  Basic Medical Training: If you meet the requirements for basic medical training, you will not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK, and would therefore not need to complete a Royal College postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, without Specialist Registration.  Specialist Training / Residency: If you meet the criteria for entry onto the Specialist Register, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in haematology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as a haematologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for haematology and can be appointed as a substantive haematologist in the NHS.  As an EEA haematologist, the main hurdle you will face will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the NHS.  Therefore, for European haematologists, this is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice haematology in the UK.  If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB, or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for haematology (FRCPath). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  Knowledge and Skills for non-EEA Haematologists  If you qualified as a haematologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  Haematologists who have trained from outside the UK and EEA must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. This can be done through three main routes:  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB): The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in haematology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, haematologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.  Royal College of Pathologists: The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of haematologists in the UK, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCPath will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK pathology. Take a look at IMG Resources library for a complete guide to FRCPath to learn more.  Please note that only UK trainee haematologists are required to also complete the MRCP (UK) examinations. You can read more about this here.    GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications: Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.  To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications  English Language Testing  Both EEA and non-EEA haematologists, regardless of experience and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors  OET – a guide for overseas doctors  Experience in English-speaking countries  For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.  Certificate of Good Standing  All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.  The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.  GMC Registration  Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).  AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.  AND  (EEA haematologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA haematologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.  (Non-EEA haematologist) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA haematologist, this would either be PLAB, MRCP or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas  If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.  A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.  Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed.  Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?  So there you have it! Hopefully this clarifies any questions or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a haematologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions, or wish to know more about the haematology job market then get in touch with our team.  For regular news and updates on all things pathology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Geriatric medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for geriatric 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) Geriatric Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in geriatric 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 geriatric medicine SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my training? What is the structure of the geriatric medicine SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas geriatric 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) Geriatric Medicine SCE  The geriatric medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in geriatric 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  For in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Geriatric Medicine SCE as part of UK training  Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the geriatric 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.  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:  Acute Illness (Diagnosis & Management)  Number of questions  Anaemia/ Haematology  1  Cardiovascular Medicine  4  Dermatology  1  Endrocrine medicine  2  Gastroenterology  3  Infection  4  Musculoskeletal medicine  2  Neurology  4  Renal medicine inc. fluid/ electric imbalance  2  Respiratory medicine  4  Sensory impairment  2    Chronic Disease & Disability(Diagnosis & Management)  Number of questions  Anaemia/ Haematology  1  Cardiovascular Medicine  4  Dermatology  1  Endrocrine medicine  3  Gastroenterology  3  Infection  4  Musculoskeletal medicine  4  Neurology  4  Renal medicine inc. Fluid/ electric imbalance  3  Respiratory medicine  4  Sensory impairment  2    Cognitive Impairment  Number of questions  Delirium  8  Dementia  12    Geriatric Assessment  Number of questions  Factors affecting health status  5  Measurement of health status  3    Subspecialty Topics  Number of questions  Palliative care  10  Old age psychiatry  7  Orthogeriatrics and osteoporosis  10  Stroke care  15  Tissue viability  6    Other  Number of questions  Basic science and gerontology  6  Continence  10  Falls and poor mobility  16  Surgical liaison  3  Intermediate care & long-term care  9  Nutrition  4  Rehabilitation, transfers of care  14                         TOTAL                                        200                 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.  Geriatric 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 geriatric 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 Geriatric Medicine SCE  It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision.   Preparation for the SCE requires a wide breadth of knowledge around the curriculum and should involve reading of textbooks, journals and guidelines. Experience of the MRCP (UK) examinations provides an excellent background to the format of the examination.  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Geriatric Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Geriatric Medicine Specialist Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.   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, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out at our blog here. I’ve passed! What’s next?  First of all, congratulations - this is a massive achievement! With your MRCP (UK) and geriatric 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, geriatric 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.              

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for MRCPsych Paper A, particularly with the changes to the exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK applicants and trainees.  So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? We have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help you in your preparation for the Paper A exam. We will also address some changes to the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  What is MRCPsych Paper A? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? How has the exam been affected by COVID-19? #IMGTips Passed? What’s next? If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.  For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  What is MRCPsych Paper A?  Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.   MRCPsych Paper A is a three-hour written exam which covers the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  The paper comprises 150 questions and is worth 150 marks, with two thirds being multiple choice questions (MCQ) and the other third, extended matching item questions (EMI).  The breakdown of the sections is as follows:  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper A exam here.  Preparation  It can be tough to know the best place to start, so we’ve spoken to some IMG psychiatrists and the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help candidates in their preparation for the exam. These include:  Syllabus: We always recommend this as the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics for a road map to your success in the exam. You can find this here.  Sample papers: These will help you perfect your exam techniques and are an effective way to benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. They will also help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.  Marking schemes: It’s always a good idea to understand how exams are marked so you can structure your revision accordingly, giving you the best chance of a pass. These are available here.  Sample exam: Samples of the exam are also helpful in fully understanding the format and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment, particularly as this is a more recent change to the exam. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: This guidance has been written specifically to help candidates to prepare for sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings that will be in place on the day. This will be more useful closer to the exam date. The guidance can be accessed here.  Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide: the Royal College suggest having a look through this guide, which is a helpful resource to help you to get over the first steps, available here.  What other resources are available?  IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper A exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.  The most highly recommended resources are the SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources. They are available in different formats depending on your revision needs:  SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.  SPMM Booster Mock Exams These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.  Duration  N/A  Cost  £249  Next start date  On demand  Website  spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php    MRCPsychMentor Revision Course: unlimited access to a bank of over 2000 questions, including some from previous exams. These are delivered in the same format as will be in the exam (MCQs and EMIs), with practice timed tests you can complete as many times as you like. You can access the course here.  MRCPsychMentor Mock Exam There are two three-hour long exams available here which simulates exam conditions with mock exam papers of questions not available in the question bank. They include a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.  Duration  6 weeks  Cost  £15 each  Next start date  On demand  Website  www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper A Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper A Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources:  BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.  TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper A exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.  How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?  As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych here.  The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.  #IMGTips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Divide your study time according to the marks percentage for each section – dividing your time in this way will ensure you’re putting most of your time towards what will gain you the most marks.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.  Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.  Passed? What next?  Great stuff, this is a fantastic achievement and you should take a well-deserved break!  Once you’re ready, you can apply to sit the Paper B exam (or CASC if you started with Paper B). For more information, take a look at our blog, where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about sitting the exam, including dates, results, fees and structure.  For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

The Medical Oncology SCE is a postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a higher specialist qualification for medical oncologists. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates achievement of a high standard (equivalent to UK specialist trainees) to prospective employers.  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Medical Oncology Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in medical oncology. We cover the exam content, fees and eligibility, summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the medical oncology SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my oncology training? What is the structure of the SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas medical oncologist? 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) Medical Oncology SCE The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK.   The medical oncology specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in medical oncology 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  For in-depth information on each of the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Medical Oncology SCE as Part of Training in Oncology As the MRCP exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (CT1-CT3), an SCE allows medical oncologists to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently.  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 (ST5).  To find out more about the medical oncology training pathway in the UK, see our blog on this topic 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:  Topic  Number of questions  Breast cancer  14  Colorectal and anal cancer  14  Lung and thoracic cancer  14  Carcinoma of unknown origin  7  Ovarian cancer  7  Germ cell tumours  7  Oesophagogastric cancer  6  Lymphoma  3  Uterine cancer  3  Hepatobiliary cancer  5  Skin cancer  5  Sarcoma  5  Leukaemia  1  Prostate cancer  3  Urothelial cancer  3  Cervical cancer  3  Head and neck cancer  2  CNS cancer  2  Renal cell cancer  3  Endocrine cancer  2  Scientific basis of malignancy  18  Professional skills  14  Acute oncology  20  Clinical research, ethics and economics  8  Systemic anticancer therapy  18  Supportive therapies and palliative care  10  Standard operating procedures  3  Total  200    All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.  Medical Oncology 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 has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.  Cost  The cost of the MRCP exams are as follows:  UK centres: £665  International centres: £833  Exam Centres UK Centres  Candidates choosing to sit the exam 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 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. MRCP (UK) 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, and 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 Medical Oncology SCE With lots of resources available online, 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 medical oncologists preparing to sit the SCE:  Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Medical Oncology as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a roadmap for your study.   Guidelines - These resources are helpful for supplementing your knowledge:  British Journal of Cancer 2009 March 100 (5) 684–692 Jones et al. – guidelines for Herceptin modification  British Thoracic Society (BTS) - pleural disease guidelines  International Prognostic Index score for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) - guidelines for follicular lymphoma  NHS Cancer Screening – guidelines for bowel and other cancers  Books  Candidates can find information on genetics and some basic science in the Oxford Desk Reference of Oncology 2011.  Sample questions It is a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge by testing your knowledge and progress throughout your preparation 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, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connect's Top Tips for exam preparation.  IMG Oncologists Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncology SCE aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I’ve passed? What’s next? First, congratulations - this is a fantastic achievement! Armed with your MRCP and medical oncology SCE qualifications, 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. Nice one!   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG oncology recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, oncology 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 on all things oncology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Overseas medical oncologists looking to register with the GMC through the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK).  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) examinations for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medical oncology, including a breakdown of each exam, fees and eligibility.   International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is MRCP (UK)? Where does MRCP fit into my oncology training? How are the MRCP exams structured? Eligibility for overseas doctors How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas medical oncologist? 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.  What is MRCP(UK)?  The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.  As medical oncology comes under the umbrella of medicine, the postgraduate exams for medical oncologists are set and delivered by the Royal College of Physicians. For clinical oncologists, the Royal College of Radiologists are the overseeing body for training and exams. You can learn more about the clinical oncology postgraduate route here.  The MRCP examinations assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences, as well as clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease. The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.  Therefore, completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward, with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.  MRCP (as a postgraduate qualification) is one of the two main routes an overseas doctor can take to gain full GMC registration, the other being the PLAB route. For in-depth information on each of the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  MRCP as Part of Training in Oncology  Full MRCP (UK) is a requirement for all oncologists wishing to go on to a specialty training post in the UK. For doctors who wish to find more senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice and experience, IMG Connect advise that MRCP (UK) would be the best route to take to GMC registration.  MRCP (UK) Exams Structure  The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:   MRCP (UK) Part 1  The first exam in the MRCP exam suite tests a sample of medical knowledge skills and behavior are specified in the UK specialty training curriculum for core medical training / internal medicine training.   The first examine that MRCP suite is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the clinical silences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.  The examination has a two-paper format - each paper is 3 hours long and contains 100 multiple choice questions in a ‘best of five’ format. The paper both tests core knowledge and comprehension as well as a candidate's ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems.  Each question has five options: one correct answer and four alternatives to the correct answer.  The exam is also designed to help prepare candidates for the more challenging Part 2 written and PACES exam.  Specialty  Number of questions  Cardiology  14  Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics  15  Clinical sciences  25  Dermatology  8  Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic medicine  14  Gastroenterology and Hepatology  14  Geriatric medicine  8  Haematology  14  Infectious diseases  14  Neurology  14  Oncology  5  Medical ophthalmology  4  Palliative medicine and end of life care  4  Psychiatry  9  Renal medicine  14  Respiratory medicine  14  Rheumatology  14  Total  200    For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.  MRCP (UK) Part 2  The second exam in the exam suite builds on the knowledge assessed in Part 1 and again tests the acquisition of a representative sample of medical knowledge skills and behavior.  The questions will usually have a clinical scenario, may include the results of investigations and may be illustrated with images such as clinical photographs, pathology slides, inheritance trees ECGs, X-rays, CT and MR scans and echocardiograms.  Questions are asked about the diagnosis investigation management and prognosis of patients using multiple choice questions in a ‘best of five’ format.  Specialty  Number of questions  Cardiology  19  Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics  18  Dermatology  9  Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic medicine  19  Gastroenterology and Hepatology  19  Geriatric medicine  9  Haematology  9  Infectious diseases  19  Medical ophthalmology  3  Neurology  17  Oncology, Palliative medicine & end-of-life care  9  Psychiatry  3  Renal medicine  19  Respiratory medicine  19  Rheumatology  9  Total  200    For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.  MRCP (UK) PACES  The MRCP (UK) Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) assesses a candidate’s ability to carry out essential clinical skills.  There are five clinical stations where there are either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates). At each station, there are two independent examiners who will observe and evaluate the candidates' performance.   PACES Carousel  For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.  Eligibility for Overseas Medical Oncologists  Part 1  To be eligible for MRCP (UK) Part 1, you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum of 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.  Part 2 & PACES   To be eligible for MRCP (UK) Part 2 & PACES, you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.  Please note, whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so, as pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.  Applications  Applications for all MRCP exams are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, via the Royal College website. You will need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.  The cost of the MRCP exams are as follows:  Candidate  Part 1  Part 2  PACES  UK  £460 £460  £657  International  £616  £616 £1,202    Exam Centres  The MRCP exams are held 4 times a year and can be sat in several locations around the world, including the UK, Manama, Dhaka, Cairo, Accra, Hong Kong, Reykjavik, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Erbil, Amman, Nairobi, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Malta, Kathmandu, Muscat, Karachi, Lahore, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Khartoum, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New Jersey, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Harare.  Please note that the number of sittings for each exam varies between countries – you can find the full list of cities and dates here.  The Part 1 and Part 2 exams are held online in the UK for candidates within the UK and Republic of Ireland.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited availability of spaces for the PACES exam, and whilst every effort will be made to provide as many places as possible, if the number of applications for the exam exceeds the places available, candidates in UK training will be prioritised.  Preparation and Resources  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. These include:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a roadmap for your study.   Sample questions for Part 1 & Part 2: It is a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge by testing yourself using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College see below:  Part 1  Part 2  PACES scenarios: To familiarise yourself with the format of the PACES exam, take a look at sample scenarios from the stations. You can find these here.  IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.  For more information on the MRCP exams including structure, preparation, dates and a content drill down, see the blogs we’ve written on each part of the examination suite:  MRCP (UK) Part 1  MRCP (UK) Part 2  MRCP (UK) PACES  I’ve passed, what’s next?  First of all, congratulations! This is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up after all that hard work. With full MRCP, you can now apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice (once you’ve passed an English language exam). Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Nice one!  Get in touch  Don’t hesitate to contact an IMG oncology recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, oncology positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future? As part of IMG Stories, we're introducing Dr Bilal Zafar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper A exam. Bilal will be sharing his experiences of the first of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants. 1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Bilal Zafar? My name is Dr. Bilal Zafar and I'm from Karachi, Pakistan. I graduated from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in 2018 and cleared my FCPS residency entrance exam from College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan. Currently, I'm working as a psychiatry resident at Liaquat National Hospital in Pakistan. I am also Editor in-chief at MEDizzy UK, Global Executive Member at Oli Health Magazine Turkey, and an i-act manager for mental health certified by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK. I served as an ambassador for Banja Luka International Medical Congress (BLIMC) 2019, the 25th Scientific Congress of Hellenic Medical Students and the 13th International Forum for Medical Students and Junior Doctors from Pakistan. More recently in 2022, I excelled in the MRCPsych Paper A examination by Royal College of Psychiatrists. 2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams? When I started my residency, I was originally convinced to aim for PLAB, however during my practice, I watched one of my supervisors clear all the Royal College exams. This inspired me to switch to my focus to MRCPsych. 3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper A exam? I took the MRCPsych Paper A exam in December 2021. For me, the timing was appropriate as I was in the second year of my residency, therefore more aware of the fundamentals. By this point, I had built enough thorough clinical experience to tackle Paper A. 4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and how much time did you spend on revision? I started studying for MRCPsych Paper A soon after clearing my FCPS entrance exam. I had initially allocated 2 hours of studying daily, but as I was at the beginning of my residency so my dedicated study time fluctuated. However, I did my best to adhere to my study plan. When I was around 6 months away from the MRCPsych Paper A exam date, I started aggressive preparation. This is what I recommend to everyone; you will never feel ready for the exam. Book a place, start your preparation and take the exam! 5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates? I was grateful to find very professional, concerned and co-operative senior colleagues. Their thorough guidance and support provided me with the strategy and study materials for this exam. Around 6 weeks before the exam, I joined a study group of IMGs (which I found through IMG Connect) where I found an amazing study partner. She had more than 5 years' experience in clinical psychiatry, and together we solved MCQs and discussed concepts - her experience benefited me a lot! 6.  You are one of the creators of the fantastic MEDizzy UK Journal. How has this impacted your study and practice as a psychiatrist? MEDizzy is the world's fastest growing medical learning communities. I joined the community 4 years ago. Back then, I was doing my internship and preparing for the residency entrance exam. For me, MEDizzy is a door to non-stop medical exposure, and I've learned a lot from the app and journal. MEDizzy journal was launched in 2020 and since then I've served as Editor-in-Chief. We serve the global medical community with the latest news, medical cases, medical technology, inspirational interviews and much more. I must say, sometimes it becomes difficult to maintain a work and study balance and there's no perfect formula for this. I would say my studies have made me what I am today and MEDizzy polished me. 7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)? Sometimes I don't know, myself! After booking my exam, I created a study plan. At the same time, I had to juggle my residency, medical writing on Fiverr, MEDizzy projects and, most importantly, my wedding. It was scheduled for the day after my MRCPsych Paper A exam. I was tangled in multiple commitments and you can only imagine the difficulty. Fortunately, I could manage my personal life, residency and exam and passed the exam on my first attempt, despite the odds. The key is to remain calm and believe that nothing in this world is impossible. 8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper A exam? I relied on SPMM notes, SPMM high yield MCQs and mock exams. For my MRCPsych Paper A, I used a retro approach to studying. In this technique, I first solved the MCQs of any topic and studied the same topic later from the SPMM notes. I practiced mock exam questions 6 times. Always remember - revision is the key. You may cover a long list of topics but if you don’t revise what you studied earlier you won’t retain this information. While practicing questions, read them carefully and memorise the explanations. Lastly, I also used the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry and Kaplan Neuroanatomy. 9. What is the single best resource you would recommend for IMGs to use when preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and why? SPMM and SPMM only. The mock exams and practice questions are similar to real exam questions. Take the mock exams 6 weeks prior to the actual exam and solve them in the provided time. This will give you real insight about your time management and retention and recall power. 10. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax? Nobody should study on the day of exam. This makes you more anxious. For me, I was getting married the very next day and I had so much going around at home and in my mind. My exam was at 12pm, so I woke up at 7am, took a shower, got dressed, and left for the examination centre at 10:00 am.  11. What was your experience like on the day? My experience was overwhelmingly amazing! It was an online exam at a local examination centre. In the exam there were 3 sections of 50 questions each. We had an option to take a break after completing each section, but I didn’t take any breaks as I thought it might disturb my continuity. Most of the questions were doable for me as I had practiced mock questions. However, there were some entirely new questions as well. In every section, I gave a reasonable amount of time to at least 5 questions. The rest of them didn’t take much time. Therefore, I completed the exam in 2 hours. 12. What was the most challenging part of the exam? The most challenging part of the exam was the EMIs. They took a fair amount of time and I had to recall my basic concepts and put them together to solve these questions. 13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? After the exam, I was confident about my performance. I thought I'd taken a good approach to the exam and ws confident in the results. 14. What nuggets of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper A aspirants? I would recommend that you not wait for the ‘right time' or a time when you're ‘fully prepared'. There is neither a right time nor any point when you're completely prepared. Book the test, make full use of the question banks, take mock exams, start studying and sit your exam. 15. What did you do to celebrate passing the exam? On the day the exam results were to be released, I was at home, and my wife and I were anxiously waiting for the email from the Royal College. The moment we saw “PASS” in the email, my wife literally shouted “You did it, Bilal!”. It was a priceless moment. Later that night, we arranged a gathering of close friends and family to celebrate my achievement. 16. What are your plans going forward? So far, I am a candidate for FCPS (Psych) and MRCPsych. My plan is to take the intermediate module of FCPS in August 2022 and then take MRCPsych Paper B in September 2022. I aim to complete MRCPsych by next year. As far as MEDizzy is concerned, we aim to expand the community by initiating new projects such as the ambassador program and advancing MEDizzy Inspire where we interview the most deserving personalities from the world of medicine who can become inspiration for young healthcare professionals. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants. For news and updates on all things psychiatry, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

The General Medical Council’s medical register is a full list of all the doctors qualified to work in the UK. Within this, there are different types of registration which doctors must hold to work in different posts in the UK.  All practicing physicians must hold one of these types of registration with a license to practice.  In this article we will discuss the following:   Provisional Registration Full Registration Specialist Registration GP Registration IMG Tips 1. Provisional Registration The purpose of provisional registration is to allow medical graduates to complete an approved internship (FY1). After this, trainees will receive a certificate of experience with which they can apply for full registration.  Provisional registration can be held for a maximum of three years and 30 days (1,125 days) only, which would be enough time within which to complete a 12-month internship. This registration will expire after the allotted time, and you will be removed from the register, however, more time can be provided, and you can find out whether you will be eligible here.  What roles can I take with provisional registration?  With provisional registration, the only service post you are able to take is an FY1 service post, other than an approved UK FY1 programme.  Who can apply for provisional registration?  If you are eligible for full registration, you cannot apply for provisional registration.  Applications for provisional registration will be considered from:   UK medical graduate who completed their medical degree at a UK university  Doctors who graduated from outside the UK with an acceptable primary medical qualification (PMQ) and have passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), but have not completed an internship  Doctors who qualified within certain European countries but do not hold the accompanying certificate required to complete their relevant European qualification – you can see a full list of these countries here.  2. Full Registration Doctors require full registration to work in unsupervised medical practice in the NHS, UK private practice, or to move onto the second year of their internship (FY2) in an approved training programme require a full license to practice.  What roles can I take with full registration?  With full registration, doctors can take up any post aside from GP posts and substantive consultant posts.  Who can apply for full registration?  There are certain criteria you must meet before you are eligible for full registration:  1. Completed the first year (FY1) of the Foundation Programme in the UK  2. Be a Swiss or UK national (or benefit from enforceable community rights) and have either:  A formal qualification listed in The Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications; OR An acceptable primary medical qualification from outside the EEA (which has been recognised in Switzerland) with evidence of an acceptable pattern of experience  3. Be an international medical graduate (IMG) with an acceptable PMQ, and enough clinical experience to practice medicine in the UK – you can do this in one of 5 ways:  A pass in the PLAB test Sponsorship by a GMC approved sponsor An acceptable postgraduate qualification or overseas licensing exam Relevant European Qualification (REQ) Eligibility for entry onto the Specialist or GP register Full registration does not have a time limit, but doctors should note that they are required to go through a revalidation process every five years to avoid the license to practice being withdrawn.  You can read more about the routes to GMC Registration through our IMG Resources library.  3. Specialist Registration The specialist register is an online list of doctors who are eligible to work as fixed term, honorary or substantive consultants in the NHS, excluding foundation trusts.  If a doctor is on the Specialist Register, it will say so as part of their status on the register, and you will be able to see the specialties (and sub-specialties) they are qualified in, as well as the date they joined the specialist register in each specialty.  Types of Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  You can read more about Specialist Registration for IMGs here.  What roles can I take with Specialist registration?  Doctors who are on the Specialist Register can take up permanent or substantive consultant positions.   Who can apply for Specialist registration?  Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualifications and experience. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:   A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR   At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in   You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment. In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.    4. GP Registration GP Registration is a requirement for any doctor who wishes to be eligible for appointment to a general practitioner (GP) position in the UK.  Please note that unlike in many countries, GPs in the UK are family and community medicine specialists and if you are an IMG general physician, you would need to apply for full registration, not GP registration.  What roles can I take with GP registration?  Doctors who are on the GP Register can take up posts as General Practitioners in the UK. As well as being on the GP Register, you’ll need to complete a number of other processes before you can start work as a GP in the UK. You'll need to join a Performers List and an Induction or Returner Scheme. You can read more about this here.  Who can apply for GP registration?  Doctors may be eligible for entry onto the GP Register if you have a relevant European GP qualification. You can check which GP qualifications are accepted on the GMC’s evidence of qualifications page. You must also check your qualification is on the list of relevant European qualifications, and that:  The title of it is exactly the same as the one in the list  AND  The qualification was issued on or after the reference date listed.  #IMG Tips Use the GMC website – there are many useful resources on the GMC website, including a very helpful registration route finder to help you determine which registration you should apply for.  Research/ think about the types of evidence you will need and make a plan for your application, particularly if you will have to sit any exams.  If you want to contact our specialists use our Candidate Portal today! So there it is, the different types of GMC registration in a nutshell. This is important to understand, particularly for IMGs looking to relocate to the UK and find work in the NHS. If you have any further questions about GMC registration or your route to the UK, 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:                       

The NHS offers an extensive training scheme and career development for histopathologists, and the quality and depth of this programme is recognised as a gold standard across the medical community.  The training provided to UK histopathology trainees is regularly reviewed and updated, in keeping with advances and progression in the landscape of pathology around the world and across the profession. This makes the training programme attractive to UK graduates, as well as overseas histopathologists seeking the best training programmes for their field.  In this article, we will explore the training pathway for histopathologists in the UK, covering the following topics:  What is the NHS Training Pathway? How do you enter the training pathway? What does the specialty training programme look like for histopathology? What happens after completing the histopathology training programme? Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG? The NHS Training Pathway  The NHS training pathway is the name given to the complete programme undertaken by UK trainees, from medical school to the completion of specialist training within I.e. within histopathology.  It is important for IMGs to understand this as it helps to provide an understanding of at what stage they can most likely enter the system if they are interested in training in the UK.  Entering the NHS Training Pathway  After graduating from medical school, doctors with receive provisional registration from the GMC which allows them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).  Upon completion of the first year (FY1), doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area I.e. histopathology – this is known as Specialty Training (ST).  Specialty Training in Histopathology  The Specialty Training programme in Histopathology is 5 years long, and whilst doctors may pass through training quicker depending on how quickly they achieve their competencies, this is rarely the case and histopathologist will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.  Successful applicants entering into year one of specialty training (ST1), will follow the Royal College of Pathologist’s 2021 Histopathology Curriculum, which sets the expected syllabus as well as required assessments and workload case numbers.   Histopathology training as a run-through programme  Unlike some specialisms where you complete a period of core training before entering into specialty training (requiring two applications), histopathology specialty training works as a run-through programme. You only have to apply once, at the beginning of the programme, as you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training.  Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)  The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills.  Specialty Training (ST1 – ST5+)  ST1) Year one trainees enter the training programme. In this first stage, trainees will initially develop knowledge of laboratory work, with basic training in all areas of cellular pathology.  Training starts with a 1-2 week induction from the training school. This includes some time in the lab seeing how specimens are prepared and processed. Trainees are taught how to use a microscope, how to approach simple cases under the microscope and the principles of macroscopic assessment and sampling (AKA ‘cut up’). Many training schools do a separate autopsy induction.  When not at block teaching weeks, trainees are rotating through the various specialities in histopathology.  ST2 – ST3 This part of training takes place from year 2 to year 3, with the focus on achieving the FRCPath Part 1 Exam. This will normally be taken after 18 – 24 months of training.  Trainees will consolidate and develop their knowledge base from ST1. Year two trainees are given more independence and are expected to be able to cut up most specimens by the end of this stage.   In many deaneries, this is the time when trainees complete rotations in sub specialities including paediatric pathology, neuropathology and oral pathology. Trainees may rotate to placements in local district general hospitals to gain valuable experience in managing a general histopathology workload.  Autopsy and cervical cytology training continue as mandatory elements of ST2-ST3. Some trainees choose not to continue these specialities when they have completed this stage.  The FRCPath Part 1 exam aims to determine whether you have successfully acquired a core body of knowledge that will underpin your ability to practise in Histopathology.  For more information of the first exam in the Royal College of Pathologists examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.  Please note, trainees must pass the FRCPath Part 1 examination at the end of ST3 in order to progress to ST4.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to continue with general histopathology or peruse subspecialisation in neuropathology, paediatric/perinatal pathology, cytopathology or forensic pathology. ST3 – ST4 This training takes place from years 3 – 4, where trainees will either continue with general histopathology or peruse subspecialisation in neuropathology, paediatric/perinatal pathology, cytopathology or forensic pathology. Trainees are expected to be competent in the macroscopic and microscopic assessment of all specimens, and will also receive training in leadership, management and teaching in preparation for their future roles as consultants.  The focus during this stage is also on achieving the FRCPath Part 2 Exam, thereby obtaining the status of Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists.  This final exam is designed to test your practical skills and understanding, and show that you can apply your expertise appropriately and safely.  Trainees who wish to continue in general histopathology may opt to sit further exams in cervical cytopathology and autopsy practice if they wish to continue these as a consultant.  To learn more about the final exam in the in FRCPath examination suite, read our detailed blog here.  Please note, trainees must pass the FRCPath Part 2 examination at the end of ST4 in order to progress to ST5.  ST5+ This is the final stage of training before CCT during which histopathology trainees may wish to peruse special interests in particular subspecialties, such as gastrointestinal, skin or gynaecological pathology. Having passed the FRCPath Part 2 exam, trainees will continue to take on responsibility to enable the transition to independent practice required of those with CCT, i.e. signing out reports without consultant review.  Completion of the Histopathology Specialty Training Programme  Upon completion of the training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Histopathology. This will be based on criteria set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.  At this point, the histopathologists are entered onto the specialist register and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.  Specialist Registration for overseas doctors  Doctors who completed part or all of their histopathology training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.  Joining the Histopathology Specialty Training Programme as an IMG  It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Histopathology in the UK, however it is very competitive.   IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:  Full GMC registration   Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship  English language test  PLAB  AND  12 months post-internship experience by the time you begin ST1  Although UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training places, it can be very difficult to join the Specialty Training programme without NHS experience.  So here you have it, the NHS Specialty Training pathway for trainees in a nutshell. This training scheme is the core of training for histopathologists in the UK, and for IMGs looking to join the training programme, understanding of the pathway allows you to better align your overseas training with the relevant stage you would enter into Specialty Training in the UK.  If you have any further questions about your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, FRCPath, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, the NHS or the UK, please get in touch with us here.   We'd also like to invite you to join the IMG Histopathologists online community - as well as support on Royal College exams, our Facebook group of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  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:             

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process, and with a few routes for medical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are two main pathways to consider: PLAB or the postgraduate route - in this case, MRCP (UK).  Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here. Here we provide a summary of the two main pathways and briefly consider their benefits, summarised in the headings below:  PLAB for GMC Registration MRCP (UK) for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or MRCP (UK)? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The most common route which tends to be popular among junior doctors is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.  The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCP (UK) - Postgraduate Qualification for Internal Medicine  The internal medicine postgraduate qualification is a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within medical oncology, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates internal medicine within the UK, including the specialty of medical oncology.  Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attained through the postgraduate exams for physicians. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences, as well as clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease. MRCP (UK) has three components, with two written and one practical element.  For complete guides on MRCP (UK), take a look at our IMG Resources library.  It is important to note that the MRCP (UK) exams are for medical oncologist, and you would not need to sit the FRCR (Oncology) exams, as these apply to clinical or radiation oncologists only.  PLAB vs MRCP (UK)  Both PLAB and MRCP (UK) are legitimate routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow you to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS  It may be difficult for an overseas medical oncologist to obtain a more senior post without MRCP (UK), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Time   PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCP has three stages, and the Royal College strongly advises that candidates only sit the final exam after 24 months of practical experience.   These exams can take anywhere from 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost   MRCP costs just under £2,500 for the three exams. The final exam, PACES, is an in-person exam, so travel to the UK must be factored into the overall cost.   PLAB costs £1,189, and PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.  For both MRCP (UK) PACES and PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.     It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary.  Summary  PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology or internal medicine specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., medical oncology.  PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  MRCP (UK) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCP (UK) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  The Royal College of Physicians’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in medical oncology in the UK than PLAB.  #IMG Tips  Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Getting started  Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, MRCP (UK), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   If you have any further questions on PLAB, MRCP (UK) or your route to the UK as an overseas oncologist, don't hesitate to get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

Here we take a closer look at the routes available to overseas consultants & experienced doctors who wish to join the GMC’s Specialist Register.   IMGs from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on a doctor’s qualifications and training.  To shed some light on the routes to Specialist Registration, we've put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:  What is Specialist Registration? What are the different types of Specialist Registration? Am I eligible? How do I apply for Specialist Registration and what evidence will I need? What are the benefits of Specialist Registration? Are other senior NHS posts available without Specialist Registration? How much does Specialist Registration cost? #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration All doctors who wish to work as permanent consultants in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration. This registration in any specialty means you can be appointed to a substantive consultant post within the NHS.  Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC.  The 3 Types of Specialist Registration There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  The Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)  The CCT is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have completed a GMC-approved, specialty training programme through the relevant Royal College.  To be eligible for CCT, an applicant’s entire training (including any core years) must have taken place within UK-approved training posts. Please see our blog on career pathways for a UK doctor in training.  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration - Combined Programme (CESR (CP))   CESR(CP) is a simplified route for doctors who joined their specialty training programme after ST1, and therefore do not meet the requirement of 4 years duration in GMC-approved training on completion, as they began their training overseas and completed it in the UK.  Doctors on the CESR(CP) route count a combination of approved training and previous experience in non-approved posts (overseas) towards their training time.  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)  CESR is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme – doctors who have trained outside of the UK, Switzerland, and the EEA.  These doctors apply directly to the GMC to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience are equivalent to the requirements for CCT in the UK.  Doctors who have completed their specialist training in the EEA or Switzerland are eligible for direct entry onto the Specialist Register through their Relevant European Qualification (REQ).  For an in-depth guide to CESR, take a look at our blog for overseas doctors here.  Eligibility Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.   To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:  A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in OR  At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in  You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.   In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.   The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.  Applications and Evidence for Specialist Registration CCT and CESR-CP  Once you have been issued with your Outcome 6 has been issued, you must complete and return the relevant CCT/ CESR(CP) notification to your Royal College along with the following documents:  Copies of any ARCPs that are not on your ePortfolio  ARCPS/evidence of successful progression for any LAT/FTTA/SHO posts counting towards your training (this applies to doctors who were appointed above ST1 only)  You will also need to complete an online GMC form. The link to this form will be emailed to you by the GMC and you should contact your Royal College if you do not receive it.   The GMC has created a guide for each CCT specialty with the relevant royal college or faculty. You can see this here.  CESR  You will need to apply to the GMC, who will then send your application to the Royal College for evaluation. The application process for CESR can be lengthy and potentially stressful, so it is important that you read the GMC’s general guidance and specialty-specific guidance before starting to put together an application.   You will need to provide a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that your specialist training or qualifications are equivalent to the award of a CCT in your specialism in the UK. This information is available for each specialty and Royal College on the GMC website here.  If you apply for an NHS post which provides CESR support, your hospital should assist you in this process.  Once the GMC has sent you a letter informing you that your application is complete and has been sent to your Royal College for assessment, the College is not permitted to discuss your case with you until the GMC has sent you a letter informing you of the decision.  Benefits of Specialist Registration Specialist registration allows doctors to take up permanent or substantive consultant positions. Without CCT, CESR or CESR-CP, a doctor may only take a Trust locum or fixed-term consultant posts.  Fixed-term and locum posts offer of course offer less stability than permanent consultant posts and require extension.  It is a legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or permanent NHS consultant post in the UK that doctors have their names entered on the GMC's Specialist Register.  Senior Positions in the NHS It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).   This way, you will have better pay and roles and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.   These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Cost All doctors applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. The fees for 2021 are as follows:  CCT - £439  CESR-CP - £439  CESR - £1,676  #IMG Tips Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.  Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.    Remember to refer to the relevant CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS posts with CESR support, these are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you to find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Most IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR or CESR-CP route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview for more information on how to apply and what to expect. If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, 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:              

In response to the high number of inquiries we've had from overseas pathologists about the arrangements for the Autumn sitting of the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we've been in contact with the Royal College of Pathologists and have summarised these updates under the headings below. When will the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam be held? The publicised dates for the exam are Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October 2022, although these are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawal deadline for the exams is Friday 15 July 2022. Can I sit the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam in Autumn 2022? The RCPath guidance which asks candidates to wait to sit the Part 2 exam the year after passing the Part 1 exam was in place to avoid overwhelming the limited capacity of the exam centres. Those who were successful in the Spring 2021 Part 1 exam are able to sit the Part 2 exam in Spring 2022. If the College needs to prioritise bookings, it will be done in the same way as previously. Therefore, if there is a requirement for candidates who have passed in Spring 2022 to wait until Spring 2023 to apply, a notice will be put on the News section of the examinations page around the end of May/ beginning of June. It is therefore important to check regularly for updates to the examinations page, which you can do here. Where can I sit the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam in Autumn 2022? Details on the Autumn 2022 sitting of FRCPath Part 2 have yet to be finalised, however, unlike Spring 2022, it may be possible to arrange to sit the exam in Irbid (Jordan), Dubai (UAE) or Cairo (Egypt) if there are sufficient applicants. The availability of FRCPath Part 2 examination centres outside the UK will be indicated on the Royal College website (when the application window opens for Autumn 2022 at the end of May) and candidates should contact the Examinations Department to express their interest in taking the exam in the available centre when they make their application. We therefore advise that you keep an eye on the RCPath application page here. Will the College have any microscopes available for me to use for the exam? The College's overall policy is that the College and centres have no obligation to provide microscopes. Candidates can bring their own as this is equipment they are familiar with, or can hire a microscope. Some overseas centres may be more able to provide microscopes and if that is the case it would be stated on the letter sent to candidates with their centre confirmation.  If you would like to borrow a microscope for your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we advise that you check well in advance what the options are for your chosen centre, or are available to you online.  If you have any further questions about the FRCPath exams, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, the NHS or relocating to the UK, please get in touch with us here.   We'd also like to invite you to join the IMG Histopathologists online community - as well as support on Royal College exams, our Facebook group of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  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:             

There are several routes a European oncologist can take to GMC registration and medical or clinical (radiation) oncology in the NHS.  All European oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS will need to satisfy certain criteria before they can register for full GMC (General Medical Council) registration to practice in the NHS. As an oncologist, these criteria depend on where in the world you trained, and the qualifications you hold. In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as a European-qualified oncologist. We will be covering the following:  Is my training recognised as an EEA doctor? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? What do I need to register with the GMC? EEA Doctors  Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article, this refers specifically to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway. If you trained & qualified as an oncologist inside the EEA or Switzerland, then you will have a few different options potentially available to you.  Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either general or specialist registration, check the relevant GMC page here.  Knowledge and Skills Basic Medical Training: If you have met the basic medical training requirements, this would mean that you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would not need to complete a UK- recognised postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.   Specialist Training / Residency: If you have met the criteria listed for your country, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in oncology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as an oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical or clinical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.  Therefore, the main hurdle that you will face as an EEA doctor will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely and proficiently as a doctor in the NHS.  As a European oncologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.  If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for either clinical oncology (FRCR) or medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  English Language Testing All EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Certificate of Good Standing All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they have been registered or licensed with in the last five years.   The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you are not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact vis the GMC website here.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it is signed and must be valid when the GMC approve your application.  If there is no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  GMC Registration Once you have completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years) AND  Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised primary medical degree, or your recognised specialist European qualification (REQ)  AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing To understand the registration process more fully, read our on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  So, there you have it! Hopefully any medical or radiation oncologist planning a career in the NHS should have their route to the UK clarified. If you ever have some questions or wish to know more about the oncology job market, then get in touch with our team.  Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For regular news and updates on all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:             

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for demonstration evidence of skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider – postgraduate qualifications (for psychiatrists, this is MRCPsych) or PLAB. Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here. Here we provide a summary of both of the main pathways and briefly consider their benefits.  PLAB for GMC Registration MRCPsych for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas psychiatrist, PLAB or MRCPsych? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which tends to be popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.  The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCPsych - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Psychiatrists  The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.  Within psychiatry, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of psychiatry in the UK, and Membership of the College of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) is the full qualification attained through these examinations. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPsych to learn more.  PLAB vs MRCPsych  Both MRCPsych and PLAB are legitimate routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow you to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS  It would be difficult for an overseas psychiatrist to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCPsych, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar, English speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Specialty Training   To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCPsych.  Only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge, so once you pass MRCPsych, you would not need to additionally sit the PLAB exams. However, due to the more specialised nature of MRCPsych, psychiatrists may want to sit the MRCPsych exams at a later date, to allow them access to more senior roles and competitive salaries.   Time   PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCPsych has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in psychiatry and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost   MRCPsych costs just under £2,000 for the three exams. All MRCPsych exams can now be sat online, so there is no longer the added expense of international travel. You can read about the changes to the exam format here.  PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.  So, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.    Summary  PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in psychiatry specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., psychiatry.  PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  MRCPsych involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCPsych will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCPsych will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK psychiatry than PLAB.  #IMG Tips  Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam. A great way to do this is to join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group, an online psychiatry community of UK and NHS psychiatry aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. You’ll find advice, guidance and news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs. Join the conversation here.  Getting started  Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCPsych exams, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Or if you have any questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our psychiatry recruiters here. They will be more than happy to help you.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Are you an overseas histopathologist looking to sit the FRCPath exams?  Today we’re bringing you a guide on how to prepare for the FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 exam from Dr Maria, clinical fellow in cellular pathology in London. Maria passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam in March 2021 and is sharing her top tips for FRCPath aspirants, including study planning, revision materials and what you should know about the Part 1 exam.  1. Create a plan and schedule for your study (this is most important!)  I started studying around 3 months before the exam, spending 2-3 hours per day on weekdays and around 5-7 hours on study at the weekend.  REMINDER: This all depends on how much you know already. You cannot focus constantly for hours, so you should schedule your studying time around the way that you know you work best.  Leading up to the exam  Try to keep at least 2 weeks free prior to the exam to re-revise problematic topics and genetics.  The day before exam  Be kind to yourself. Have a good meal, try to relax if you can and avoid stressing too much. Go to bed early and have a good, long sleep.  2. Revision materials  I had been revising using my old notes, where I studied from these books (the best for trainees in my opinion):  Foundation in Diagnostic Pathology series Dermatopathology  Pulmonary Pathology  Hematopathology  Head and Neck Pathology  Gynecologic Pathology  Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology  Cell and Tissue Based Molecular Pathology  Pulmonary Pathology  Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology  Genitourinary Pathology  Breast Pathology  Neuropathology  Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology  Diagnostic Pathology series Diagnostic Pathology: Head and Neck  Diagnostic Pathology: Genitourinary  Diagnostic Pathology: Spleen  Diagnostic Pathology: Thoracic  Diagnostic Pathology: Neuropathology  Diagnostic Pathology: Hepatobiliary and Pancreas  Diagnostic Pathology: Nonneoplastic Dermatopathology  Diagnostic Pathology: Neoplastic Dermatopathology  Diagnostic Pathology: Bone  Diagnostic Pathology: Breast  Diagnostic Pathology: Familial Cancer Syndromes  Diagnostic Pathology: Molecular Oncology  Diagnostic Pathology: Infectious Diseases  Diagnostic Pathology: Gastrointestinal  Diagnostic Pathology: Kidney Diseases  Diagnostic Pathology: Placenta  Diagnostic Pathology: Gynaecological  Diagnostic Pathology: Transplant Pathology  Diagnostic Pathology: Cardiovascular  Diagnostic Pathology: Intraoperative Consultation  Diagnostic Pathology: Cytopathology  Diagnostic Pathology: Paediatric Neoplasms  Diagnostic Pathology: Endocrine  Diagnostic Pathology: Normal Histology  Diagnostic Pathology: Lymph Nodes and Extra-nodal Lymphomas  Diagnostic Pathology: Blood and Bone Marrow  Diagnostic Pathology: Vascular  Diagnostic Pathology: Hospital Autopsy  There are so many books, and it would be too expensive to purchase them all, so stick to what you've got in your department or can borrow from friends or colleagues.  The Pathology Outlines website is also excellent for quick review and genetics! There are also MCQs.  Some trainees study from the Robbins Pathology books, however, in my opinion, this book alone is not enough for the Part 1 exam.  For the MCQs, I used the following resources:  Practical Applications in Histopathology, Cytopathology and Autopsy: an MCQ/ EMQ Resource – Limci Gupta, Jayson Wang, Val Thomas  Anatomic Pathology Board Review – Jay H. Lefkowitch  Robbins Review of Pathology - Edward Klatt, Vinay Kumar  Sternberg's Diagnostic Surgical Pathology Review – Pier Luigi Di Patre, Darryl Carter  Various past papers I found within my network  If you have access to old presentations from FRCPath Part 1 courses, I’d suggest having a look at them. It’s a good idea to use them to review and revise a topic, followed by some MCQs on that topic.  TOPIC  START DATE  DURATION  Breast  27 October 2020  6 days  GIT  2 November  8 days  Liver, GB, Pancreas  10 November  8 days  Skin  18 November  6 days  Endocrine System  24 November  7 days  CNS  1 December  7 days  Renal & Urinary  8 December  9 days  Bone  17 December  5 days  Soft Tissue  22 December  9 days  CVS  31 December   5 days  Thoracic Pathology (Lung & Mediastinum)  5 January 2021  7 days  Lymph Node  12 January  7 days  MGT  19 January  7 days  FGT & Placenta  26 January  8 days  Oral & Nasal  3 February  7 days  Autopsy & Forensic  10 February  7 days  General  17 February  7 days  Cytopathology  24 February  5 days  Clinical Governance  1 March  5 days  Syndromes & Paediatric  6 March  5 days  General Revision  11 March onwards  -  This is a guide to the revision schedule I used for my FRCPath preparation. I actually started studying in December, so I had less time to fit this all in, but I was able to revise faster to cover everything.  3. FRCPath Part 1 Exam  The questions in the FRCPath Part 1 exam are usually quite straightforward, so you either know the answer or you don't, nothing misleading or tricky.  Some key topics you’ll need to know for the exam:  Genetics and the mutation of tumours (and yes...you'll need to learn each tumour that has any typical mutation and its name)  Immunohistochemistry of lesions  Microscopic pictures (all the micro images I had in the test depicted typical morphology)  Genetic syndromes, the mutations behind them and what lesions are most common  Datasets - they are quite wordy, so focus only on pTN, and the stage of each organ system  Audit  Parts of a microscope  There were some questions from general pathology (necrosis, inflammation, etc.), but I’d say most of the questions were from GI, breast, gynae, skin, soft tissue and kidney.  However, you'll have at least a few questions from each of the other organ systems, so it's better to study everything rather than focus on the most common ones only.  #IMG Tips  Prepare early – try to start your preparation early to give yourself enough time to cover all the relevant sections on the Royal College curriculum.  Find the right materials to support your study – it's good to use a combination of resources for your study to reinforce existing knowledge and benchmark your progress. Try to find the right materials for you as early as possible to hit the ground running with your revision.  Familiarise yourself with the Royal College curriculum – we cannot stress this enough! All countries have different training programmes, so being well versed in what the RCPath will be looking for is key.  Join the IMG Histopathologists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Attaining FRCPath Histopathology is a great first step for histopathologists wanting to find senior roles in the NHS. It can be difficult for overseas trainees to prepare for the first exam in the Royal College examination suite, but this quick guide from a successful FRCPath pathologist is a great start for pathologists pursuing the postgraduate route to GMC registration and finding work in the UK. For more information on the FRCPath exams, take a look at our IMG Resources library. If you have any further questions about FRCPath, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, 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:             

IMGs from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on a doctor’s qualifications and training.  Here we explore specialist registration in histopathology for overseas consultant pathologists and specialists more closely. We’ll cover the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) specifically, including the application, costs, and eligibility criteria, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is Specialist Registration? What route to Specialist Registration is best for me as an overseas pathologist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need FRCPath for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in histopathology? How much does CESR cost? How long is the CESR application process? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration  Specialist registration in any specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All physicians who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to gain Specialist Registration.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a histopathologist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for specialist registration across all specialties, and the type of certificate you receive depends on which training route you followed.  For pathologists who have completed their full training outside a GMC-approved training programme, CESR is the route they will usually take towards attaining specialist registration. This route does not require further training, but rather the submission of an application.   Doctors who have trained outside the UK or Switzerland, but within an EEA country, will be awarded CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) after a successful specialist registration application. Specialist Certifications from across the EU are deemed as equivalent by the GMC, and therefore a straightforward application can be made.   Pathology Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you attain more senior histopathology roles in the NHS, such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  In these NHS roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK histopathology curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  FRCPath for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial pathologists to complete FRCPath, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not necessarily need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the CCT curriculum are the FRCPath exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the Histopathology Curriculum.  FRCPath is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  However, if CESR applicants have not successfully completed these exams, they must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to histopathologists who have passed the FRCPath exams.  Even if the competencies covered by the exams require something that someone in your position would not routinely undertake (in your sub-specialty for example), you must still provide evidence of it – as the evaluators will not make assumptions outside the evidence presented.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current histopathology training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.  The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:  training and/or competence  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Pathologists will assess each application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.  Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.  Evidence Requirements for CESR in Histopathology  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in histopathology must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application may be unsuccessful.  Capabilities in Practice: The Royal College of Pathologists has divided the Training Curriculum into 11 different Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) – each comes along with its own descriptor and guidance on where such CiPs would be evidenced.  Applicants are required to gather evidence by area of competence and attach this under the relevant section of the online application.  Generic CiPs  Able to function effectively within healthcare and other organisational and management systems to deliver consistent high-quality patient care.  Able to work within ethical and legal frameworks across all aspects of clinical practice.  Communicates effectively and is able to share decisionmaking, while maintaining appropriate situational awareness, professional behaviour and professional judgement.  Maintains patient safety at the forefront of clinical working. Can utilise quality improvement activity realistically within the constraints of the role.  Able to contribute to and support research.  Behaves as an educator in the context of the role and promotes educational culture.  Able to self-appraise, learn and adapt.  Histopathology-specific CiPs  Able to demonstrate leadership and management within the laboratory setting for the benefit of patient care.  Able to use laboratory and other services effectively in the investigation, diagnosis, and management of patients, relatives, and the deceased.  Able to manage and contribute to a multidisciplinary team effectively.  Able to take, manage and interpret pathological specimens accurately and safely, mindful of risks to self and others.  Audit and Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle. Currency of evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.   The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.  As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800-1000 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:  Domain 1 - Knowledge, skills, and performance  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Domain 3 – Communication, partnership, and teamwork  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.  The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.  The Cost of CESR Applications  All histopathology applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,676. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £439.  How long does it take to complete a CESR in Histopathology application?  The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.  It is worth noting that more senior histopathologists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.  The indicative period of training for a CCT in histopathology is five years, so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior pathologists.  #IMG Tips  Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.   Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.   Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the histopathology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Histopathology Specialty Training Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the 11 CiPs headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.  Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).  Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS histopathology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by the Trusts, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the IMG Histopathologists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Many pathology IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR route. Take a look at our guide to CESR Applications for Histopathology for more information on how to apply and what to expect.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS histopathology posts which offer CESR support, 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:              

There are several routes a medical oncologist can take to register with the GMC and practice oncology in the NHS.  Medical oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before they can be fully registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and receive a license to practice in the NHS. For oncology, these criteria depend on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.   In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as an overseas oncologist. We’ll be covering the following:  How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA oncologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA oncologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? What do I need to register with the GMC? Will I need a visa to work in the UK? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for. Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA medical oncologists  For oncologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are several options potentially available to you.  Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration, check the relevant GMC page here.  Basic Medical Training If you have met the requirements for basic medical training, you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK, and would therefore not need to complete a Royal College postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.  Specialist Training / Residency Not all European Specialist qualifications are accepted by the GMC. If you have met the GMC’s criteria pertaining to your county, then you should be eligible for Specialist Registration in oncology. So as a medical oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.  Please note, the criteria that is outlined on your country’s GMC registration page must be met. If your training was undertaken prior to the dates mentioned by the GMC – your qualifications will not be accepted.   For EEA oncologists, the main hurdle that you will face will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the NHS.  As a European oncologist, this is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.  If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB, or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA oncologists If you qualified as a medical oncologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  Oncologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA and must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For medical oncologists this can be done through one of three main routes:  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, medical oncologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.  Royal College of Physicians Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. medical oncology. Oncologists taking this route will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the NHS. The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates the specialism of medical oncology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining MRCP will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK oncology. Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.  GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.  To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications  English Language Testing Both EEA and non-EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Experience in English-speaking countries  For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.  Certificate of Good Standing All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.  The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.  GMC Registration Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).  AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.  AND  (EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.  (Non-EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA oncologist, this would either be PLAB, MRCP or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas  If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.  A Health & Care visa (Tier 2 visa) is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.  Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed.  Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?  IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. So, there you have it! Hopefully this helps to clarify any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a medical oncologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the medical oncology job market, then get in touch with our team.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

The first exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...  International histopathologists (or cellular or anatomical pathologists as commonly known) looking to secure a job in the NHS via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. This can also be commonly referred to as FRCPath Histopathology.  The completion of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Royal College of Pathology qualification for Histopathology results in eligibility for GMC registration (with the addition of the English language component). The FRCPath qualification is recommended for overseas pathologists looking to securing senior jobs in the NHS.  The exams can be taken by IMGs from all over the world, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics:  An overview of FRCPath Histopathology What is FRCPath Part 1 and how is it structured? Changes to FRCPath Part 1 delivery Am I eligible to sit this exam? How much will the exam cost and how do I apply? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An overview of FRCPath Histopathology  The FRCPath Histopathology exams are administered by the Royal College of Pathologists to test a doctor's knowledge and ability to apply this in the practice of histopathology within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Histopathology.  The exams are as follows:  FRCPath Part 1  FRCPath Part 2  To read more about the full FRCPath examination suite via our IMG resources, please click here.  Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the requirements for GMC registration for overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route.   Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and other licensing exams such as USMLE. You can find out more about alternative routes here.  For doctors who are interested in more senior roles in the NHS that are reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCPath is the best route to take to GMC registration. Histopathology in the UK is consultant-led specialism; and many NHS job postings will have FRCPath as a requirement for doctors who are not on the Specialist Register.  FRCPath Part 1 breakdown  FRCPath Part 1 is the first exam in the Royal College of Pathologists qualification. It is broken down into three sections as follows:  The three-hour exam is designed to assess candidates’ overall knowledge and understanding of histopathology or cytopathology, including the full range of autopsy practices undertaken in a district general hospital in the UK and the basic science underpinning pathology, including molecular biology.  FRCPath Part 1 delivery  In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has migrated the FRCPath Part 1 exam online.  This means FRCPath Part 1 may be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.   For full details about the online FRCPath Part 1 exam, please see our blog here.  Eligibility  Candidates for FRCPath Part 1 will generally require experience of Histopathology specialty training to reach the standard required to pass the exam. The Royal College advise that candidates take this exam after one year of specialty training.  Exam dates, applications and cost  The cost of the exam is £673 and the exam are usually held twice a year, in spring and in autumn/winter.  Applications for each sitting open a few months prior and close after around 6 weeks. While waiting for exam dates to be finalised the College advise that candidates should apply early and will be able to withdraw their application for a full refund should the date be unsuitable.  For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College website here.  Preparation  There are many resources available to help you prepare for your FRCPath Part 1 exam. As always, we recommend that the best starting point for your study is the Royal College website, particularly the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. Your exam is based on this curriculum so familiarising yourself with it as soon as possible will give you the best chance of success.  Other helpful resources for your study include:  Regulations and guidelines – before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:  General Regulations and Guidelines  Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines  Social media study groups – there are multiple study groups available across different platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 1 – these forums bring together overseas histopathologists in one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and support.  If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part 1 study group, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to request your admission.  Online courses, videos and other resources - there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part 1 exam. These include everything from full mock exams to flashcards and YouTube videos. We’ve compiled all these which you can access here, through our IMG Resources library.  FAQs - There is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College has compiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read this here.  #IMG Tips  Prepare early – getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passing first time.  Speak to your colleagues and peers – there are so many study materials to choose from - who better to ask for recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?  Familiarise yourself with the online format – there’s no bigger headache than a bad connection – go through your IT checks well in advance to avoid (most) hiccups on the day  Join the online histopathology community – connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in the IMG Histopathologists Facebook group.  I’ve passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam, what’s next?  Congratulations – this is a massive achievement! After a well-deserved break, it’s time to look forward to FRCPath Part 2. For more information on the final exam in the examination suite, take a look at our blog where we explore FRCPath Part 2 and everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  For more useful blogs & articles on the FRCPath exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.  Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

There are several routes an overseas histopathologist can take to GMC registration & practicing anatomic pathology in the NHS. All pathologists looking to secure a job in the NHS, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council before they can practice in the NHS. As a histopathologist, the criteria you need to meet depends on where you trained, and what qualifications you hold. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live. We’ll be covering the following:  How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA histopathologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA histopathologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? What do I need to register with the GMC? Will I need a visa to work in the UK? Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA histopathologists For histopathologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are a number of different options potentially available to you.  Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either general or specialist registration, check the relevant GMC page here.  Basic Medical Training: If you have met the basic medical training requirements, this would mean that you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would not need to complete a UK- recognised postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.   Specialist Training / Residency: If you have met the criteria listed for your country then you once you completed your GMC application process you would be granted Specialist Registration in your Specialty and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as a pathologist, if you hold a Relevent European Specialist qualification then you would be on the specialist register for histopathology, and can be appointed as a substantive histopathologist in the NHS. So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.  As a European histopathologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice in the UK.  If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for Histopathology (FRCPath). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA histopathologists  If you qualified as a histopathologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.   Histopathologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For histopathologists this can be done through one of three main routes:  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in pathology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, pathologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB. Fellowship of Royal College of Pathologists Royal College Qualification of FRCPath: Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. pathology. For senior pathologists taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice. The Royal College of Pathologists is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Pathology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCPath will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Pathology. Take a look at our complete guides on Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists as per your sub-specialty to understand more. GMC recognised or equivalent qualifications Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.   To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications. English Language Testing  Both EEA and non-EEA histopathologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Experience in English-speaking countries  For doctors who have at least two years of their most current experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.  Certificate of Good Standing  All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.   The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.  If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  GMC Registration  Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).  AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.   AND  (EEA pathologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA pathologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.  OR  (Non-EEA pathologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA pathologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCPath or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas  If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.  A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.  Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa - how do I apply and what's the process? Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK? For pathologists looking to come to the UK to work in the NHS, GMC registration and specialist registration is a crucial part of the process. Therefore, it’s important to put together a good application to present to the GMC, and IMG Connect are here to help with this. Whether it’s deciding the best options for demonstrating your skills and knowledge in histopathology, or sourcing the best English Language courses and resources, take advantage of the benefits of having a pathology recruitment specialist working with you and proving you with the best guidance and support to fit your career needs.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things pathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for clinical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider: PLAB and the postgraduate route - FRCR (Oncology). Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits.  PLAB for GMC Registration FRCR (Oncology) for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or FRCR (Oncology)? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The first and most common route which is often a popular choice among junior doctors is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.  The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  FRCR (Oncology) - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Clinical or Radiation Oncologists  The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within clinical or radiation oncology, this can be done by attaining Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncology in the UK.  Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) is the full qualification attained through these postgraduate exams for clinical or radiation oncology. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology. FRCR (Oncology) has three components, with two written and one clinical and oral element.  For complete guides on FRCR (Oncology), take a look at our IMG Resources library.  It is important to note that the FRCR (Oncology) exams are for clinical or radiation oncologists only. Overseas clinical oncologists are not required to also sit the MRCP (UK) exams.  PLAB vs FRCR (Oncology)  FRCR (Oncology) is a legitimate route that demonstrates skills and knowledge and will allow oncologists to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each exam, as well as how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS  It may be difficult for an overseas clinical oncologist to obtain a more senior post within the NHS without FRCR (Oncology), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Time   PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  FRCR (Oncology) has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in clinical or radiation oncology.  These exams can take anywhere from between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost   The FRCR (Oncology) exams cost just over £1,600, but all the exams are sat in person and there are only a few overseas exam centres.  PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken within the UK.  SO, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.     It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary.  Summary  PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., oncology. PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  FRCR (Oncology) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas oncologists, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you will not need PLAB or Core Training.  The Royal College of Radiologists’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK oncology than PLAB.  #IMG Tips  Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Join the community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Getting started  Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time for a deep dive into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, FRCR (Oncology), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   If you have any further questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.  For advice, guidance and news and updates about all things oncology for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below             

IMGs from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on a doctor’s qualifications and training.  Here we explore specialist registration in psychiatry for overseas consultant psychiatrists and specialists more closely. We’ll cover the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) in more detail, including the application process, costs, and eligibility criteria, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is Specialist Registration? What route to Specialist Registration is best for me as an overseas psychiatrist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need MRCPsych for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in psychiatry? How much does CESR cost? How long is the CESR application process? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration  Specialist registration in any specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All psychiatrists who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   For psychiatrists, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a psychiatrist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for specialist registration, and the type of certificate you receive depends on which training route you followed.  For overseas doctors who have completed their full training outside a GMC-approved training programme, CESR is the route they will usually take towards attaining specialist registration. This route does not require further training, rather the submission of an application.   Doctors who have trained outside the UK or Switzerland, but within an EEA country, will be awarded CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) after a successful specialist registration application. Specialist Certifications from across the EU are deemed as equivalent by the GMC, and therefore a straightforward application can be made. You can read more about this in the Specialist Registration section under your country on the GMC website here.  Psychiatry Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for more senior psychiatry roles such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  In these NHS roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK psychiatry curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  MRCPsych for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCPsych, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not necessarily need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the CCT curriculum is the MRCPsych exam, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the Core Curriculum.  MRCPsych is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  However, if CESR applicants have not successfully completed these exams, they must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to psychiatrists who have passed the MRCPsych exams.  Even if the competencies covered by the exam require something that someone in your position would not routinely undertake (in your sub-specialty for example), you must still provide evidence of it – as the evaluators will not make assumptions outside the evidence presented.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current psychiatry training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.  The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:  training and/or competence  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Psychiatrists will assess each application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.  Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.  Evidence Requirements for CESR in Psychiatry  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in psychiatry must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the General Psychiatry Curriculum, and the Advanced Module in the sub-specialty you are applying in. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  Audit and Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle  Currency of evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.   The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.  As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800-1200 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:  Domain 1 - Knowledge, skills, and performance  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Domain 3 – Communication, partnership, and teamwork  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.  The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.  The Cost of CESR Applications  All psychiatrists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,676. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £439.  How long does is the application process for CESR in Psychiatry?  The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.  It is worth noting that more senior psychiatrists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.  The indicative period of training for a CCT in psychiatry is six years, so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior psychiatrists.  #IMG Tips  Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.   Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.   Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the psychiatry curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Psychiatry CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.  Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).  Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS psychiatry posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you to find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the IMG Psychiatrists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Many psychiatry IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR route. Take a look at our guide to CESR applications for psychiatry for more information on how to apply and what to expect.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

There are several routes a radiation oncologist can take to GMC registration and clinical (radiation) oncology in the NHS.  Clinical (or radiation) oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS will need to satisfy certain criteria before they can apply for full GMC (General Medical Council) registration with license to practice in the NHS. As an oncologist, these criteria depend on where in the world you trained, and the qualifications you hold. In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as an overseas oncologist. We’ll be covering the following:  Will my training be recognised in the UK? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA oncologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA oncologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? What do I need to register with the GMC? Will I need a visa to work in the UK? Recognition of knowledge and skills  For clinical oncologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are a number of different options potentially available to you.  Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either general or specialist registration, check the relevant GMC page here.  Knowledge and skills for EEA radiation oncologists  Basic Medical Training: If you have met the basic medical training requirements, this would mean that you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would not need to complete a UK- recognised postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.   Specialist Training / Residency: If you have met the criteria listed for your country, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in oncology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as an oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical or clinical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.  Therefore, the main hurdle that you will face as an EEA doctor will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely and proficiently as a doctor in the NHS.  As a European oncologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.  If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for either clinical oncology (FRCR) or medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  Knowledge and skills for non-EEA radiation oncologists  If you qualified as an oncologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.   Oncologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA and must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For oncologists this can be done through one of three main routes:  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, clinical oncologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB. Fellowship of Royal College of Radiologists The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncologists in the UK, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK clinical oncology. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists for clinical oncology to learn more.  GMC recognised or equivalent qualifications  Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.   To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications. English Language Testing  Both EEA and non-EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Experience in English-speaking countries  For doctors who have at least two years of their most current experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.  Certificate of Good Standing  All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.   The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.  If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  GMC Registration  Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).  AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.   AND  (EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.  OR  (Non-EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA oncologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCR or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas  If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.  A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.  Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa - how do I apply and what's the process? Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK? IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For clinical or radiation oncologists looking to come to the UK to work in the NHS, GMC registration and specialist registration is a crucial part of the process. Therefore, it’s important to put together a good application to present to the GMC, and IMG Connect are here to help with this.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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

Many Hong Kong psychiatrists complete MRCPsych as part of their training or are at least aware of the exam. Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations (MRCPsych) is one of the best ways for Hong Kong psychiatrists to register with the GMC and find psychiatry jobs in the NHS.  The exams can be taken by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. Here we provide a summary of these exams from a Hong Kong perspective, along with a broader look at the topics below:  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers? MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK An overview of MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists What is the exam content and format? Assessment Portfolio Sponsorship Requirements How do I apply for the exams? How much will it cost me? As a Hong Kong psychiatrist, where can I sit the exams? How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations IMG Tips Passed? What next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? Postgraduate training in Hong Kong is governed by the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, and historically, psychiatric training in Hong Kong has aligned closely with the UK system of postgraduate education. Most psychiatrists in Hong Kong obtain membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) as part of their post graduate training.   The structure of postgraduate training in Hong Kong also closely follows expectations for UK Trainees by covering the same 6 years of higher specialist training. In Hong Kong, the first three years of basic training incorporate the pre-MRCPsych training scheme, which gives the trainee the opportunity to take the MRCPsych examinations at a similar time in the process to the UK.   What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers?  The mental health service in Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change over the last 20-30 years, developing a solid foundation in training, legislation, research and academic work. Hong Kong has fast developed a highly regarded psychiatry service and workforce. This level of training and service, coupled with membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) means that Hong Kong Psychiatrists, including specialists and trainees, fit very well into the UK system.   Links through IMG Connect to several of the top performing trusts in the UK, has seen several Hong Kong psychiatrists flourish in the NHS, year on year.   MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK  With the parallels in post-graduate specialist training and qualifications like MRCPsych and FHKCPsych, and the high level of experience of Hong Kong Psychiatrists, Hong Kongers are able to enter CESR programmes successfully, gaining specialist registration in the UK reasonably quickly.  Hong Kong Psychiatrists possess the right level of skills, experience and qualifications required for a psychiatrist to apply for CESR. Upon entering the UK system, typically in a job with CESR support, HK psychiatrists can work towards completing the CESR application process with the support of their new employer, leading to being a specialist psychiatrist in the UK.   What is MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration?   The MRCPsych examinations are the main component of specialty training for psychiatrists in the UK. The Royal College exams are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.   For IMGs from Hong Kong, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes to full GMC registration - you can find a range of articles covering these routes in our resource library here: Royal College or PLAB route.   For psychiatrists who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take, rather than PLAB.     As above, Hong Kong Psychiatrists who possess full MRCPsych can register to work in the UK. Whether 3 years into specialist training, or complete in all aspects of the postgraduate programme in Hong Kong, whether working as an Associate Consultant, Consultant or Professor, using the MRCPsych postgraduate route to GMC registration is applicable to you.   Psychiatrists in all main specialisms of psychiatry are eligible for registration and very much in demand to fill vacancies within the NHS.  A very successful route for Hong Kong Psychiatrists has been to secure a non-training post in the NHS, often appointed as a Specialty Doctor, Specialist Grade. Coupled with a developed CESR support programme, a non-training post can ensure swift progress to specialist registration in the UK. CESR will be a requirement for Hong Kong Psychiatrists to allow an appointment to a permanent consultant post.   For Hong Kong Psychiatrists who have not yet sat the examinations, in the following sections of this blog we will provide an overview of the format, dates, fees and exam centres, as well as look at how to prepare.   Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists   The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by any registered doctor in Hong Kong.    Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych a Hong Kong doctor must be registered with the medical council of Hong Kong, or any recognised medical board if working elsewhere overseas. They must also complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.   For each part of the exam the Royal College suggest the following eligibility criteria:   MRCPsych Paper A  You are eligible for Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner (in Hong Kong or elsewhere)  MRCPsych Paper B  It is a recommended to have at least 12 months experience in psychiatry before taking this examination.   Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC)  You have a pass in both Paper A and B; AND  You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met; AND  You have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry; AND  (Overseas candidates) Assessment portfolio  Exam content and format  The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).   Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions made up of approximately two thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and one third extended matching item questions (EMI).   It covers the following sections of the syllabus:   Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry  Human Development  Basic Neurosciences  Clinical Psychopharmacology  Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry  Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry  This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions. The content includes one third critical review and two thirds on clinical topics.   It covers the following sections of the syllabus:   Organisation and delivery  General adult  Old age  Psychotherapy  Child & adolescent  Substance misuse  Forensic  Learning disability  Critical review  CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies  The CASC is based on a format similar to OSCEs. Specifically, the examination consists of two circuits which must be completed on the same day.  In total, the circuit includes 16 stations, made up of:   Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management   Stations consist of several elements with instructions provided to all candidates, marked against the examiners construct.   These have a standardised format with elements in common between stations of a similar type. Find out more here.  For a more detailed guide on the recent MRCPsych exam changes, read our blog on Online MRCPsych Examinations.  Assessment Portfolio for Hong Kong Psychiatrists  The assessment portfolio should demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, including competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability, by the time of application.  In addition, you must demonstrate that you have undertake the following activities as part of your structured job plans:  Observation in interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons   Observation in interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons   Assessment via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor  Formal assessment of competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy  Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.    Whilst there is no assessment criteria form available, (this is incorporated into the online submission), take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.   For Hong Kong Psychiatrists, the good news is that since the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists embarked on the expansion and development of formal specialisms in psychiatry, the core competencies required by the Royal College in the UK are easier to gain access to than in other parts of the world. At the time of writing, the Hong Kong College oversees the following clinical divisions: general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, addiction psychiatry, rehabilitation psychiatry and learning disability.     Postgraduate training in Hong Kong allows for MRCPsych aspirants to apply for the examinations with confidence.   Sponsorship Requirements  Hong Kong MRCPsych candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.   Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC exam and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead, confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.  Acceptable sponsors in Hong Kong include:   College Tutor  Training Programme Director  Educational Supervisor  Head of School  Director of Medical Education (or equivalent)  Head of Department of Psychiatry  Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal  Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment.  Applications for Hong Kong Doctors To apply from Hong Kong, you will need to complete an online application form which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Applications must be submitted no later than 3:30pm UK time (10:30pm HK time) on the last day of the application period.  Note: the online application form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and applications submitted after this will not be accepted.  You can sit Paper A and B in any order. You will be required to enter contact details and training history, including your medical registration. If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor.  After you have completed the written exam, you have 1,643 days to sit the CASC – you can find specific time limits here.  Exam Costs and Payment  Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and the costs for 2021 are as follows:  Candidate  Paper A  Paper B  CASC  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)  £486 (~HK$5228)  £437 (~HK$4701)  £1,004 (~HK$10,799)  Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)  £539 (~HK$5797)  £485 (~HK$5217)  £1,115 (~HK$11,993)  Exam Locations  Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CASC examination will not be run in Hong Kong in 2022.  The good news is that changes have been made and all examinations for MRCPsych can be taken online. Hong Kong psychiatrists can now sit all three MRCPsych exams without leaving the country, and even from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier for HK doctors to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration within a normal time frame.   Exam dates  These are the exam dates available at the time of writing.  Paper A  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  2  8 December 2021  4 - 22 October 2021  11 February 2022  1  14 June 2022  4 – 14 April 2022  22 July 2022  2  6 December 2022  3 – 14 October 2022  15 February 2022    Paper B  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  1  29 March 2022  25 January – 4 February 2022  13 May 2022  2  4 October 2022  25 July – 5 August 2022  4 November 2022    CASC - UK & Ireland  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  1  10 – 21 January 2022  1 – 12 November 2021  25 February 2022  2  12 – 23 September 2022  6 – 17 June 2022  31 October 2022    How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?   With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best exam resources and materials for Hong Kong doctors. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:   Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.  Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B Critical Review Evidence Based Practice Syllabic Content.   Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques. They are helpful in familiarising yourself with the exam format to allow you to work quickly and efficiently on the day, and are a good way to benchmark your knowledge and progress against the syllabus.   Paper A sample questions Paper B sample questions Marking schemes (Paper A and B): Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.   Marking scheme (CASC): A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.   CASC examination guide: The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment.   CASC preparation videos: Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.   CASC Blueprint: This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.   The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.   #IMG Tips  Start preparing early - as ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. Early preparation gives you the best chance for success and lessens the need for the dreaded last-minute cramming.  Join a study group – a great way to share resources, tips and meet new friends at the same time! To join an international study group, get in touch on our Facebook community group, see below.   Practise, practise, practise – psychiatry IMGs preparing in Hong Kong have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations, even better if under the supervision of a colleague who has already passed the exams  Join the online psychiatry community – connect with like-minded psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters in the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              Passed? What’s next?   Whether you completed MRCPsych as part of your postgraduate training some time ago, or have recently completed the examinations, you can apply for a full GMC registration with license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  This is a great time to get in touch with us to discuss your route towards and preparation for GMC registration, or to find psychiatry jobs in the NHS if you’re further along in the process. In the meantime, why not have a look at our blog on Finding Psychiatry Jobs in the UK for Hong Kong Doctors.   If you’ve passed part of the MRCPsych exams, it’s time to look ahead to your next exam. You can find comprehensive guides to each of the MRCPsych exams in the IMG Resources library.  

For many overseas psychiatrists, as well as UK based trainees, the MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming. Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?   To help a little, in this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper A and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:  An overview of MRCPsych What is MRCPsych Paper A? How is the exam structured and marked? Am I eligible to sit this exam? As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam? Where and how do I apply? How much will the exam cost? What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych A? #IMG Tips Passed? What next? If you know what you're looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section! An overview of MRCPsych  The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.     Full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration for international psychiatrists taking this route towards working in the UK.   The exams within the series are as follows:  MRCPsych Paper A  MRCPsych Paper B  MRCPsych CASC  For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.  MRCPsych Paper A  Paper A is a three-hour written exam covering the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry.  The exam, comprised of 150 questions, is worth 150 marks:  two-thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ), and  one-third extended matching item questions (EMI)  Exam structure and marking  Paper A covers the following sections of the current syllabus:   The percentage split and marks allocation on the 150-mark exam is broken down as follows: Section Percentage Marks Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry 16.67% 25 marks Human Development 16.67% 25 marks Basic Neurosciences 25% 37 - 38 marks Clinical Psychopharmacology 25% 37 - 38 marks Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry 16.67% 25 marks Eligibility    Trainee psychiatrists from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  You are eligible to sit Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner.  Exam locations and dates  We have good news – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online! This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website.  This change makes it immensely easier for international doctors to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.  Examination dates (at the time of writing) are as follows:  Examination Date  Application Period  Results Publication Date  1 December 2022 26 September - 7 October 2022 15 February 2023 Exams are usually held twice a year – and we will regularly check the Royal College website for updates and changes.  Applications  To apply, you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. This form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut off, your application will not be considered.  For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.  You will need to provide the following:  Personal details  Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration  Training  Written paper selection  Fees  At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.  Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.  See below for MRCPsych Paper A fees for 2021:  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £486  Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £539  Preparation  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with our IMG Psychiatry Community 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. We’ve collated these below:  Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can access this here.  Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques and are a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. In addition, sample questions will help you work quickly on the day, you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.  Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked, so you can maximise your exam skills and give yourself the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.  Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.  The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.  #IMG Tips  Start early – preparation is key and the best way to avoid last-minutes stress and cramming.  Use the Royal College website – this should be your best friend...or at least one of them. There are so many useful resources on these – what better place to start your revision?  Join our online support community - for all things psychiatry, including access to a community of likeminded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.                 Passed? What next?  If you are completing the papers in order, the next step will be to apply for Paper B. For more information take a look at our blog where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  For more useful blogs & articles on the MRCPsych exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library. Good luck in your MRCPsych Paper A exam!

Are you an overseas psychiatrist preparing to take the MRCPsych CASC exam?  International doctors often have questions about how to prepare for the CASC exam, particularly when there are so many materials and information online which can be overwhelming or mostly geared towards UK applicants and trainees.  What study materials, courses and support are available for IMGs? Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help in your preparation for the exam.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What is MRCPsych CASC? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? #IMG Tips How have the exams been affected by COVID-19? What’s next for me? If you’d like an overview of the entire examination series, take a look at the article published in our IMG Library here.  What is MRCPsych CASC?  Let’s begin with a quick recap of the CASC exam. The Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies or CASC is a practical exam which takes the format of an OSCE and tests your clinical skills in a range of competencies.  It is made up of two circuits of individual stations made up of:  Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych CASC exam here.  Getting started with preparation It can be tough to know the best place to start, and after talking with some psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees), the general consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants to prepare for the exam.  Royal College Materials  Syllabus: this is the best place to start - you should always plan your study and preparation around the topics within the curriculum to start you off on the best path to success. You can find this here.  CASC candidate guide: this handy guide contains information on domain-based marking, candidate instructions, pass mark, exam criteria and grade descriptors, which you can access here.  Blueprint: the CASC blueprint is a more detailed breakdown of the skills being assessed within the exam and the categories and stations candidates should expect to find. This is available here.  Marksheets: copies of the marksheets which are used in the exam are available online for history, management and examination and allow candidates to familiarise themselves with the marksheets in advance, found here.   Sample stations videos: you can watch videos of sample stations from a face-to-face examination – this will be similar to what you can expect on the day as the principles will remain the same for online exams. You can access these here.  What other resources are available?  IMG Connect have a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the CASC exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.   Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources. These include:  Books  These are the most highly rated books for MRCPsych CASC on Amazon:   Pass the CASC for MRCPsych – Seshni Moodliar (£34.70)  Get Through MRCPsych CASC – Melvyn W. B. Zhang (£45)*  How to Pass the MRCPsych CASC – Andrew Iles (£33.99)  * Get Through MRCPsych CASC is particularly highly regarded by recent CASC candidates who have passed the exam.  Other resources  Passing the MRCPsych Exams – an insider’s guide: a useful guide to the MRCPsych CASC exam written by former trainees and members of the Psychiatric Trainees’ Committee (PTC). This can be found here.  MRCPsych CASC flashcards: flashcards created by a former candidate who has passed the exam. 136 flashcards which cover different aspects of the exam. These are available for free here on Brainscape.  CASC Cluster Cards – Oxfordpsych revision cards written by a consultant psychiatrist in the UK. This is a set of 100 CASC scenarios with instructions and guidance to remember. These can be found here at a cost of £169.  CASC Videos – SPMM: 86 exam stations performed by consultants and role players under exam conditions, featuring advice and tips from examiners for each task. 6 months access is priced at £180 and is available on demand. These are available here.  Oxfordpsych – access to the Oxfordpsych online video bank featuring short and long instruction CASC stations, covering the range of stations and tasks listed in the CASC blueprint. 6 months access costs £169 and £99 for 3 months and can be found here.  Online courses  CASC Prepare mock exam  This exam consists of 16 stations which have all featured in previous RCPsych CASC exams. The mock will be conducted in the format of the actual exam and detailed written feedback on RCPsych marking sheets will be provided after the exam. Other aspects of the exam such ass time management, and communication strategies will also be discussed.  Duration  4 hours  Cost  £310  Next start date  Ongoing Website  https://www.cascprepare.com/mock-exam    Oxfordpsych CASC mock exam  These online exams are based on the RCPsych CASC blueprint. Candidates take the 16 stations under exam conditions and interview with professional actors with CASC experience. Candidates will receive written feedback for each station.  Duration  4 hours  Cost  £475  Next start date  Autumn 2022 Website  http://www.oxfordpsychcourse.co.uk/index.php/online-registration    CASC Master mock exam  This mock exam is carried out over skype or zoom and has 8 continuous stations with one 20-minute break, followed by the final 8 stations. It is set according to the CASC blueprint and is available with or without an actor.  Duration  4 hours  Cost  £325  Next start date  TBC Website  https://www.cascmaster.com/skypemockcasc    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych CASC Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych CASC course for overseas psychiatrists sitting the CASC exam. This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. #IMG Tips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Find the right materials for you – whether its online courses, books or flashcards, try to figure out what the best materials are to jumpstart your preparation  Speak to your peers and colleagues – your senior colleagues may have been through this process themselves and may have helpful tips and guidance to share. Or maybe you’ll find a like-minded peer with whom you can be study buddies! Take advantage of those around you to support you on this journey.  Practise, practise, practise - Our IMGs have shared that it’s crucial that you practice your clinical examinations as often as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague which will allow you to receive feedback.  Join our online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.  I've passed, what’s next?  Once you’ve passed MRCPsych CASC, you’ve completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite. Great stuff, this is a massive achievement! Armed with this and your English language test, you are ready to apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.   You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive jobs postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and sub-specialism, sign up here.  If you have any questions about any element of CASC, the Royal College exams as a whole or any other queries related to the processes involved in IMGs coming to the UK to work in the NHS, please get in touch and our psychiatry specialist will be more than happy to assist you.  For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.   To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Overseas histopathologists wanting to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in Histopathology or FRCPath in Histopathology, a sub-specialty exam of FRCPath. FRCPath is the UK qualification and a GMC-recognised postgraduate route. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the sub-specialty FRCPath in Histopathology examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is FRCPath in Histopathology? Eligibility for overseas doctors FRCPath in Histopathology structure and format FRCPath in Histopathology: Part 1 - MCQ/EMQ FRCPath in Histopathology: Part 2 - Practical Examination As an overseas candidate where can I take the exams 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 Histopathology? Set against the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology, the examinations are designed to recognise histopathologists 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. Eligibility for overseas doctors: Below we outline the eligibility for overseas doctors looking to sit both FRCPath Histopathology 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 in an effort to clarify this. Time spent in histopathology training is stated as a requirement of eligibility 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 Histopathology for a period of no less than 12 months.  Did you know? Candidates who have passed the FRCPath Part 1 examination in Histopathology who, after appropriate training, can attempt the Part 2 examination in one of the following: Forensic Pathology, Neuropathology or Paediatric Pathology. Eligibility for Part 2: The Royal College expects you to have at least three years of specialty training specific to Histopathology in your own country. Furthermore, the Royal College strongly advises candidates to attempt Part 2 at least 12 months after passing Part 1. FRCPath in Histopathology structure and format: The FRCPath examinations consist of two parts: Part 1 – One paper comprised of 125 multiple choice questions (SBAs and EMQs) Part 2 – six-part practical examination held over two consecutive days. Part 1 examination: FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 One comprises of 125 multiple choice questions in both single-best-answer (SBAs) and extended-matching-questions (EMQs). The exam is orientated towards assessing your overall knowledge and understanding of: histopathology/ cytopathology basic science underpinning pathology (inc. molecular biology) full range of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital Part 2 Practical Examinations: The exams consists of six components taken over two days, summarised below: Part 2 Practical examinations Surgical history 20 cases in 20-minute slots Cytopathology 8 cases in 20-minute slots Macroscopic pathology 4 cases with 20-minute reviews followed by 20-minute discussions OSPEs 2 20-minute stations Long cases 4 20-minute stations Frozen sections 6 cases in 2, 20-minute stations. One meeting with examiners in separate 20-minute station. Surgical history: 20 cases are provided in 10 pairs of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3-hours 20 minutes of the second morning. The cases will represent a range of difficulties, with some proving complex cases requiring detailed description, differential diagnosis and special techniques or cases not diagnosable on a single H&E. Cytopathology: Held on the first morning of the exam. Eight non-gynaecological cytology cases will be provided in pairs in 20-minute slots. Macroscopic Pathology: This part is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in the context of the RCPath Minimum Datasets. Four cases provided in the form of photographs of gross pathology specimens. Two 20-minute slots will be provided for 2 cases, followed by 20-minute discussions with 2 examiners.  OSPEs: 2 x 20-minute stations. One of which is conducted face-to-face with 2 examiners while the other is a written exercise only. Possible topics can include management/clinical governance type and MDT type cases. Long Cases: 4 x 20-minutes stations provided on the first afternoon including cases which cannot conventionally be covered in a single H&E stained section. Frozen Sections: 6 cases viewed in 2 x 20-minutes stations (3 cases per station) before meeting with a pair of examiners in a 20-minute station. You need to take notes and be able to provide the examiners with a bottom-line diagnosis only, to form basis for discussion in face to face meetings. Where can I take the exams and how much will they cost me? The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption to Royal College exams across all specialties, and unfortunately the RCPath exams have been affected also. For the most up-to-date news on the RCPath examinations please refer to their website here. FRCPath Part 1 (current COVID-19 arrangements): In 2022, 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 Part 2 (current COVID-19 arrangements): Part 2 exams will be held in person in the UK in 2022. There will be no online delivery for the exam. Keep an eye on the RCPath website for the most up-to-date news on the exams. 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. This is usually twice a year, in SPrin and in Autumn. How do I prepare for RCPath exams and what study 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: Questions are set against the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology 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 - Histopathology Regulations & Guidelines Sample Questions:Testing yourself against previous exam questions is always a recommended way to prepare. Histopathology Part 1 sample questions Cancer Datasets and Tissue Pathways: The College’s datasets for Histopathological Reporting on cancers have been written to help pathologists work towards a consistent approach for the reporting of the more common cancers and to define acceptable practices in handling pathology specimens. Whilst these are not specific to FRCPath examinations they are certainly relevant to the wider practice in histopathology. IMG Connect 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! I passed the FRCPath exams! What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed both parts of FRCPath in Histopathology you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a histopathologist in the UK.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in Histopathology, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.  The Royal College makes it clear that individuals who reach the standard required to pass the FRCPath examination in their chosen specialty are deemed to have the necessary professional competence to practice unsupervised. FRCPath also greatly contributes to the Certificate Confirming Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), the alternative route to the Specialist Register for doctors who do not complete their training in an approved UK training programme.  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:             

Exam places for MRCP PACES have been hard to secure in some countries. This increase in demand has continued through to 2023, so what can you do to maximise your chances of securing an examination place?  The Royal College of Physicians has advised that they are working to grow capacity internationally. However, this will not have an immediate impact on the number of spots available across the world.  With so many overseas doctors missing out on a spot, we have put together some of the main discussion points to help you to broaden your chances of sitting the exam as soon as possible.  All applications submitted during the application period will be treated equally, with spaces being allocated using a random lottery model. Some spaces are reserved for local trainees and some priority can be given for applicants near the end of their eligibility periods.  So, to maximise your chance of success, we suggest that not only do you apply to your closest PACES exam centre, but also to 3 more centres that you are able to travel to.  Apply to more centres Why should I apply for more centres? More applications equals more chance of securing a place. They way that it works is that if you are not successful with your 1st preference (most local centre), then you will be considered for a space in your 2nd choice centre, and so on until you secure a spot.  Of course, this means that you must be willing to travel to sit the exam. This can be costly, especially if you have to travel to a different country, flights and hotels are not cheap! As such, we suggest taking some time to carefully choose the locations that will not only have the possibility of a spare place, but where your costs will be kept to a minimum.  Candidates will be notified on the outcome of their application within 2 weeks from the closing date, giving you time to plan your travel if necessary.  Whilst this advice does not guarantee a place to sit the exam, it will increase your chances.  If you are not sure what to do, or have any other questions regarding the PACES exam, get in touch with an IMG Connect specialist. Take a look at our IMG library for more information regarding postgraduate exams & PACES IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

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

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.              

Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future? As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you Dr Praveen Kumar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper B exam. Praveen will be sharing with you his experiences of the second of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants. 1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Praveen Kumar? I'm a Malaysian psychiatrist and I completed most of my training as an Ob-Gyn in Borneo. I originally came to the UK for the PLAB 2 exam, with my ultimate aim being to relocate to Australia. I had planned on spending a few weeks in the UK as a vacation, as it was my first time flying to the west. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was stuck in the UK for some time. I decided to enter the psychiatry training programme in Inverness, Scotland (CT1) just out of curiosity, because mental health was hardly spoken about in rural Malaysia, so I knew little about it. This was my main plan while I waited for restrictions to ease in Malaysia so I could return home, however plans changed, and I've been here ever since. 2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams? I had no experience in psychiatry before starting my training in February 2021, but I felt I owed it to my patients to have at least some basic knowledge. I felt studying for MRCPsych would prepare me for the role, so I took Part A and B early on. 3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper B exam? I sat Paper A in December 2020 and Paper A in October 2021, so this was quite early on in my training.  4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper B and how much time did you spend on revision? I began preparing around 6 months before the exam. I'd have 8-20 hours of zoom study sessions weekly for the 6 months, studying around 4-6 days a week. 5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates? I relied on study groups via a WhatsApp group for discussions and attended weekly zoom study sessions. I formed a study group by seeking out other candidates after posting a message on MRCPsych groups on Facebook. 6. Have you already completed MRCPsych Paper A and how do you feel it prepared you for the Paper B exam? I completed MRCPsych A on Dec 2020. By then I had already conducted many group studies and had 117 group study mates that continued with me into part B. We did the same format of group study that I hosted before. 7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)? Since I am on my own here in the UK, I was able to invest a lot of time and energy in hosting daily study sessions because at the start, it kept me grounded while I was stuck in a foreign country. It gave me the opportunity to communicate with so many people in a setting other than my workplace. It was fairly challenging initially while I moved between Airbnbs (7 in total!) while waiting for flights back home. It was only when I was accepted into a psychiatry training programme in Inverness and acquired stable accommodation that things became a lot easier. 8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper B exam? The hardest part was actually statistics which took up 1/3rd of the exam questions, so the goal was to complete the statistics syllabus, then move on to cover clinicals, repeat statistics again, then finally start mocks before the exam. This was the process that was recommended to me by some friends who passed the exam before me. The SPMM mocks and high yield questions were most helpful for clinical and stats, but the Psychmentor notes were also really good with the questions and mocks helping to fortify our knowledge. The Statistics and Research Methods (Cambridge Crash Course) by Dr Paul Wilkinson helped loads with statistics near the end. I didn’t use any notes or SPMM videos, but I’ve heard they helped others quite a lot. 9. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax? I prepped by reassuring myself that I did practice and study as best I could. I was ultimately looking to gather knowledge that would allow me to better help my patients. Whatever else came out of the process was secondary. 10. What was your experience like on the day? I felt like I could hear the voices of my study mates as I did the exam. It didn't feel particularly difficult to be honest, because I'd had lots of practice sessions. 11. What was the most challenging part of the exam? There were some tricky bits, for example being asked the percentage of patients who have a particular illness! 12. Now that the MRCPsych exam is provided online, how (if at all) was the test different to exams sat in person? I didn't see it as much different to be honest. 13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? Nothing really. I genuinely enjoyed the study sessions and I hope others did too. 14. What nugget of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper B aspirants? Form or join a study group with people from various backgrounds. Mine had folks from around the globe with psychiatry experience ranging from none at all to 12 years. Their input was gold - more so since the exam is very relevant to our day-to-day practice. 15. What are your plans going forward? I’m actually doing a couple of diplomas at the moment. I plan to collaborate with some people on some research/publication opportunities. This is mostly to bide time during CT2 as I am only allowed to sit the CASC exam during CT3 after 2 years psychiatry experience. The postgraduate route to GMC registration, whilst not the fastest, can be the most rewarding in the long run. The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK, and as an international psychiatrist, this is the route that allows you to most closely align your qualifications with the requirements of more senior roles in the NHS. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. For news and updates on all things psychiatry, including GMC registration, the Royal College and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

IMGs often have questions about the best ways to prepare for the MRCPsych Paper B exam, particularly with a new exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK trainees and applicants.  So, what study materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? Here we have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help in your preparation for the Paper B exam. We will also address some of the changes in the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  What is MRCPsych Paper B? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? How has the exam been affected by COVID-19? #IMG Tips Passed? What’s next? If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.  If you’d like an overview of the entire examination series, take a look at the article published in our IMG Resources library here.  MRCPsych Paper B Let’s begin with a quick recap of the second exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.   MRCPsych Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.  The 150-mark paper comprises It is made up of around two-thirds multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and one-third extended matching item questions (EMI). One third of the paper covers critical review, with the other two thirds covering clinical topics.  The breakdown of the sections is as follows:  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper B exam here.  Preparation  It can be tough to know the best place to start, and after talking with some psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees), the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants to prepare for the exam. See below:  Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.  Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B, candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B critical review - evidence-based practice syllabic content, available here.  Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here.  Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.  Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.  The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.  Other resources IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper B exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.  Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources. These include:  SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.  SPMM Video Lectures: A course covering the most important questions pertaining to clinical and critical appraisal topics. This is delivered through 19 hours of viewing - 10.5 hours of clinical topics and 8.5 hours of critical appraisal. Also provided is a PDF of Q-Bank to print and practice. These are available for 3 months from the date of purchase for the price of £199 and can be found here.  Brainscape Flashcards: Sets of web and mobile flashcards with hundreds of questions across all of the syllabus covered in the MRCPsych Paper B exam. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is available here.  Superego Café Question Bank: This question bank provides over 500 multiple choice questions to help you prepare for your examination. The question bank includes constantly updated revision questions and is available as a mixed variety to reflect the MRCPsych Paper B examination. This can be accessed here.  BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.  Get Through MRCPsych Paper B: Written by authors with recent exam success, the book provides candidates with realistic and up to date MCQ and EMIs, closely matched to themes appearing most often in the Paper B exam. This can be found here.  TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper B exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.  Courses  The SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources are the most highly recommended by IMG psychiatrists we have spoken to and are available in different formats depending on your revision needs.  MRCPsych Mentor Mock Exam A three-hour long exam which simulates exam conditions with a mock exam paper comprising new questions not available in the question bank. It includes a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.  Duration  6 weeks  Cost  £15  Next start date  On demand  Website  www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php    SPMM Booster Mock Exams These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.  Duration  N/A  Cost  £249  Next start date  On demand  Website  spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper B Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper B Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. How the exam has been affected by COVID-19 As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. Applicants from Singapore and Hong Kong who intended to sit exams in local centres are also invited to apply for the online sitting of the exam. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych in the blog we've written here.  The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.  #IMG Tips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Build on your existing knowledge and experience – you’re being tested on things which you’ll likely be familiar; take your experiences and use that to bolster any new information you learn through your revision.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage; take what’s available online and maximise their impact on your preparation.  Maintain a work-life balance – whilst you should dedicate time to study for the exam, it’s important to avoid burnout by setting aside time away from work and revision to reset and clear your mind.  Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              Passed? What next?  Great stuff, this is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up for a while! After a well-earned break, you can apply to sit the CASC exam, which you are eligible for once you’ve passed the MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B exams. For more information, take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.

Overseas clinical or radiation oncologists wanting to secure a role in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) in order to register with the GMC. FRCR Oncology is the UK Royal College qualification and the recommended route for oncologists looking to work in the UK as a specialist or consultant. IMGs from any country in the world can sit the FRCR (Oncology) examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What is FRCR (Oncology)? Am I eligible? What is the content and structure? Where and when can I sit the exams and how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exams? Passed? What next? What is FRCR Oncology?  Clincal oncologists become full members of the Royal College of Radiologists and achieve the designation, FRCR, once they have passed the three separate postgraduate medical exams that make up the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The FRCR (Oncology) examinations aim to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the exams are a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go into a specialty training post as an oncologist in the UK. For more senior candidates, absence of FRCR (Oncology) will make it very difficult to attain locum-consultant posts unless you have a recognised equivalent or specialist registration in clinical oncology.  The First FRCR Examination expects candidates to have acquired a broad knowledge of those subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer. Candidates are examined against the Clinical Oncology curriculum. A new curriculum is being implemented from summer 2021, with all trainees expected to transfer to the new curriculum by August 2022 at the latest. Further details are available on the curriculum webpages. If you are unsure what curriculum you should be using for your studies in 2021 then please refer to the Royal College website page discussing the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam here.  When registering via the postgraduate route, only full FRCR satisfies the GMC postgraduate requirements for registration as an overseas doctor. There are three parts to the FRCR examinations: FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) > comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A (CO2A) (both must be passed in one sitting in order to attain a pass) two separate single best answer papers FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B (CO2B)  a reporting session a rapid reporting session an oral examination The FRCR (Oncology) examinations form an essential component of training for clinical or radiation oncologists in the UK. For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, FRCR is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to secure a senior clinical oncology job in the NHS reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCR would be the best route to choose. FRCR is often an essential requirement for many job postings in the UK when a candidate does not already have Specialist Registration in Clinical Oncology or a recognised equivalent postgraduate qualification. Eligibility for FRCR (Oncology):  First FRCR: To be eligible you must: hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. have completed courses covering the syllabus in the subjects listed below. Cancer Biology and Radiobiology Clinical Pharmacology
 Medical Statistics Physics There is no requirement to have held a clinical oncology training post in order to attempt the First FRCR Examination. Final FRCR Part A: To be eligible you must:  have passed the First FRCR examination must have passed the First FRCR examination and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training covering the examination syllabus. In exceptional circumstances, with support from the Training Programme Director and at the discretion of the Medical Director (Education and Training), this minimum training period may be reduced to two years and six months. Final FRCR Part B: To be eligible you must:  have passed the Final FRCR Part A, First FRCR and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training  Content and structure for FRCR (Oncology) First FRCR Examination: It is delivered through a digital platform and as such is now also available at a larger number of test centres than before. The First FRCR Examination comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. Further general information on the examination shows in the guidance notes for candidates here, however it can be summarised as below: Day One Format Cancer Biology & Radiobiology 50 questions over 2.5 hours Clinical Pharmacology 40 questions over 2 hours Day Two Format Physics 50 questions over 2.5 hours Medical Statistics 40 questions over 2 hours Each SBA question comprises a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers) [labelled (a) to (e)]. Candidates are asked to decide which one of the five items represents the best answer to the question given in the stem. The four modules break down as below: Cancer Biology and Radiobiology: the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated, and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues. Clinical Pharmacology: the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer. Medical Statistics: with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer. Physics: the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection. A knowledge of SI units is expected. Final FRCR (Part A): The examination expects candidates to have a wide knowledge of malignant disease and the management of patients with cancer. The main emphasis is on radiotherapy and drug therapy, but a good knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The Final FRCR (Part A) Examination comprises two papers of 120 single best answer (SBA) questions. It is held twice a year, normally in February and August/September and you are given three hours to answer each of the papers. Read the college's Purpose of Assessment to see this information in detail - however below we summarise the content and structure for FRCR Part A. Paper 1 Tumour Type No. of Questions Respiratory  24 Urology  24 Head & Neck  24 Skin  12 CNS 12 Gynaecology 24   Paper 2 Tumour Type No. of Questions Breast  24 Lower Gastrointestinal 24 Upper Gastrointestinal 12 Haematology 12 Miscellaneous* 38 Image-based 10 *The miscellaneous section contains questions on thyroid cancer, sarcoma, unknown primary, regulations, palliative care and a small set of questions that do not specifically fit into a defined site specific category. FRCR Part 2B (Oncology) (CO2B): The exam requires you to have a wide understanding of malignant disease and management of patients with cancer. The biggest emphasis here is radiotherapy and drug therapy, though a strong knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected also. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The exam has both a clinical and oral component. Read the Royal College's Final FRCR Purpose of Assessment to understand the format and content in more detail, however a brief summary of both part is below: Clinical Examination: This is the practical element and will involve you rotating round five strictly timed clinical assessment 'stations' where your skills are assessed by a pair of examiners. This part is to test the skills and competencies that are essential for safe and effective clinical practice as a clinical oncologist in the NHS. Patients with real clinical signs are used throughout this examination, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and judgment in as a realistic a scenario possible.  The clinical examination will assess your ability to: identify important clinical signs using effective examination techniques give a rationale differential diagnosis order and interpret appropriate investigations identify the main treatment options select an appropriate, safe and sensible management plan recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, understanding and communicating the likely outcomes & side effects recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule, understanding and communicating their likely outcomes and side effects clearly discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented clearly demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity Oral Examination: The structured oral examination assesses in-depth issues surrounding radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making and case management. Communication and ethical scenarios are addressed during this examination. It will mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings, essential elements to a Clinical Oncologist's role in the UK. There are several slides per question, and your answers can lead to further questions on subsequent slides by the examiners. The questions build as the discussion develops, and this oral examination allows each step of the case to be assessed and discussed as it would be in a real-life clinical scenario.  The structured oral examinations allow for fair, valid and reliable assessments due to: uniformity of questions asked pairing of examiners (junior and senior) allowing for ongoing training and accurate data capture and marking four independent judgments of your performance the examination is blueprinted against both the curriculum and the range of RCR-designated skills required to be a competent oncologist in the NHS the use of an objective marking scheme which details the essential points required to pass each question As an overseas candidate, where & when can I sit the exams and how much will they cost me?  This link takes you to the examination updates section. Information on the dates, fees and venues for the FRCR examinations can found here.  How do I apply for the FRCR (Oncology) examinations? UK Trainees are given priority for examination places, whilst overseas candidates are offered the remaining places via a ballot system following the application closing date. If you've had your exam deferred due to cancellations over the last year, you will be prioritised.  The Royal College urges anyone applying to read the examinations guidance before doing so. Applications are made online via the Royal College website here. How should I prepare for the FRCR (Oncology) 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 prepare, see below:  Syllabus: The syllabus should always be your go-to for your studies. This is what you will be tested on, so it should be the foundation of your studies and preparation. As of May 2021 the new curriculum has been approved by the GMC but is pending full publication. You can find this on the Royal College website here. Clinical Oncology Curriculum implementation tools - a variety of tools are available to support the implementation of the new curricula. This page is very useful and has many different tools within the page. You can access it here. Remote proctoring guidance - this is a new system and as with anything techy, problems can arise! Use this section of the Royal College to familiarise yourself with the new system with the new normal. Access this page here. First FRCR examiners' reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access this here. Trainees share their experiences of the Final FRCR examination - a two-part audio series featuring trainees talking about their experiences of preparing for and taking the examination. Final FRCR examiner reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access the examiner reports archive here. Final FRCR Part B demonstration films - clinical and oral demonstration videos. Access the Part B demonstration films here. Sample oral questions - sample questions for the oral component of the Final FRCR Part B examination. You can access the sample questions here. Connect with the Royal College - connect with the Royal College on YouTube to see their numerous videos that can be used for training and information purposes. Their channel can be found here. IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all three parts of your FRCR examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. This exam will form an integral part of any CESR application (if that is your route to specialist registration) and in most cases, if you have previous and relevant experience, will allow you to practice as a locum consultant clinical oncologist whilst you are not an accredited specialist on the specialist register.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

CESR acts as a route to applying for substantive (permanent) consultant jobs for doctors who have not followed a specialty training programme in the United Kingdom. In a nutshell it is the option available to doctors practicing as consultants from overseas who wish to gain specialist registration in the UK. Some doctors choose to apply from overseas, others work with IMG Connect to secure a job in the NHS geared at helping them gain entry to the specialist register once in the UK.  If you are working as a consultant in your home country and are eligible for specialist registration in the UK, then as an overseas doctor (IMG) you have a couple of options. Here we focus on applying for CESR from abroad as well as the alternative route, applying for a Specialty Doctor or Fixed Term Consultant job in the UK before applying for CESR with support of your NHS employer.  Both routes lead to gaining CESR and entry to the Specialist Registration, meaning that you can work as a substantive consultant in the NHS. Both take hard work, preparation, evidence gathering, time and dedication. Both options have the same end goal, specialist registration.  It is important to say that no matter how you choose to apply, the CESR process involves submitting a large volume of evidence to demonstrate that you have the equivalent experience, skills and competencies as a doctor who has taken the specialty training route in the UK. Whether applying from overseas or not, some doctors are asked to complete additional experiences to meet this strict standard. Because of this, the process can be lengthy.  Applying for CESR from overseas  This is a great option for Consultants who are not constrained by time and have an understanding department that will support the additional gathering of evidence. The GMC reckons that it takes between 6 – 9 months between submitting your application and receiving a decision. At IMG Connect our experience tells us that is takes a similar amount of time to gather the evidence prior to submitting. In addition, you must have completed the evidence in the first place in real workplace and clinical scenarios. This can take twice as much time as preparing and submitting. Put simply, the process can be time-consuming and laborious.  Add to this the issue of completing and gathering evidence against the CESR application from overseas. It can prove challenging to ensure that you have completed the full complement of competencies for CESR applications. This can result in the GMC asking for further evidence, adding more time to the process. You may have to identify gaps in your learning and then resolve them. It is not all bad though, this is good practice and will benefit you in the long run.  Applying for a specialty doctor job and/or fixed term consultant post before applying for CESR For doctors who are keen to secure entry to the Specialist register quickly, and work in the UK as soon as possible, then taking up a Specialty Doctor role with CESR programme, or a Fixed Term Consultant post with CESR programme/support is a good option. Many NHS hospitals or trusts in the UK will offer access to support, clinical experience and study or preparation time for CESR. This is often built into the weekly job plan, but in some circumstances, this may be arranged informally. Either way, this is a good way for overseas consultants to quickly gather the right evidence for their application with the support of their peers, senior colleagues and NHS employer. This can shorten the time spent on the application overall. If this sounds like the best option for you, it is wise to start gathering and signing off evidence in your current consultant post. That way you will already have some or most of the required evidence for CESR in place, allowing you to quickly focus on any elements that are missing once in the UK and working in the NHS Secure a job in the NHS with CESR  Securing a job as a Specialty Doctor with CESR programme, or a job as a Fixed Term Consultant with CESR programme/ support, gives you instant exposure to the UK system, NHS experience and a great start to your career in the NHS.  To discuss whether applying for CESR from overseas or securing a job as a Specialty Doctor or Fixed term consultant with CESR programme is the right route for you towards specialist registration, speak with an IMG Connect consultant, register or send your CV.   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.

Are you a psychiatrist finalising your revision for the MRCPsych CASC exam?  Here are the tips you can't live without!  As you've likely got months of dedicated study behind you already, in the final push to the exam, we’re sharing some of the essential tips from Dr Kevin Li (MRCPsych) for your final days of preparation for CASC.  Mental state, history taking and risk assessment (8 stations) It is important to demonstrate your clinical skills in assessing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Prepare for a cognitive examination station! Management and counselling (8 stations) Address any concerns or expectations early on in the station Provide factual knowledge and information - some last minute reading up on topics such as ECT, psychiatric emergencies and ECG is very important! For stations where you encounter angry patients or relatives, demonstrating good communication skills is more important than delivering lots of factual knowledge Prepare stock phrases and questions Empathetic statements I can appreciate this must be very difficult for you I understand that this must be quite concerning Soft questions to elicit sensitive information How are you coping with...? Are you doing anything to manage the stress of the situation? Phrases to manage angry situations I appreciate your concerns and why you feel let down We are all trying our best to help Reflect on your manner and style of speaking It is important to try and demonstrate genuine empathy! Do not sound paternalistic or patronising Take an MDT approach where necessary - the clinical team is good backup where you don't know what to do e.g. next steps like admissions Always be courteous and do not show any anger or frustration Always look at and address the actor Time management Get yourself an analogue countdown timer to allow you to properly manage your time during the stations Look the part Dress professionally, as if you were speaking to a real patient (pick your outfit at least the night before) Finally... As much as it is important to practice a lot near the exam, it is equally important to relax the day before and morning of the exam. At that stage, try not to think about what you have not practiced or not read! You will have sufficient knowledge, it’s just about communicating it and executing it confidently. We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you the best of luck in your exam. Don't forget to share your successes with us on social media using the hashtag #imgstories Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group to become part of a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. In the group you will find tailored resources for Psychiatry IMGs including our MRCPsych Crash Course.  This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Get in touch Passed the MRCPsych CASC exam? Get in touch with one of our dedicated psychiatry recruitment specialists here to discuss your next steps towards GMC registration, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

GMC Registration is a complex process. For histopathologists who’ve qualified outside the EEA region there are two main pathways to consider – FRCPath and PLAB. Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exahaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here. Here we will give a summary of both of the main routes and briefly consider their benefits.  PLAB for GMC Registration FRCPath for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or FRCPath? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The first and most popular route with most junior doctors is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written one practical), and which assesses whether you are at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.  The GMC have created a video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  FRCPath - UK Postgraduate Qualification  The UK postgraduate qualification for histopathology – FRCPath Histopathology - is the most popular and recommended route for overseas doctors who have completed a training or residency programme, and will be looking for senior pathology positions in the NHS.   By completing both parts of the FRCPath you are awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the pathology specialties in the UK. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on FRCPath for histopathology to learn more.  PLAB vs FRCPath  Both are legitimate routes and will allow you to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your priorities and needs in moving to the UK.    Seniority of Positions in the NHS  Histopathology is a consultant led specialty in the UK, and it would be difficult for an overseas pathologist to obtain a more senior post without FRCPath, or extensive experience from a similar, English speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.   Time   PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  FRCPath has two stages and can take anywhere between 18-30 months to prepare from start to finish.   Cost   FRCPath costs just under £1,930 and whilst the Part 2 exam is an in-person exam, the Part 1 exam can be taken online. You can read about the changes to the FRCPath 1 delivery here.  PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.   For both FRCPath Part 2 and PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.   It’s important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.  Summary  PLAB, as an exam which assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely in the UK, does not demonstrate ability in histopathology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.  Additionally, PLAB can facilitate GMC registration much faster than other routes – so if you feel you can attain an offer of employment in the UK with your overseas experience only – but GMC registration is the one thing standing in your way – PLAB may be a good option for you.   FRCPath involves two more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. Attaining FRCPath in Histopathology will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, you’ll most likely be able to take a consultant role. You would not need PLAB or Core Training in addition to FRCPath.   Additionally, histopathology in the UK is also a consultant-led specialism, and FRCPath demonstrates competency to practice unsupervised as a consultant.   #IMG Tips  Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam. A great way to do this is to join IMG Histopathologists, an online pathology community of UK and NHS histopathology aspirants and dedicated histopathology recruiters. You’ll find advice, guidance and news and updates about all things histopathology for IMGs. Join the conversation here.  Getting started  Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or FRCPath exams, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Or if you have any questions on PLAB or Postgraduate qualifications, feel free to get in touch with our histopathology consultants here. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below.             

The final exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...  International specialists in histopathology, cellular pathology or anatomic pathology looking to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to obtain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or FRCPath Histopathology by examination only.   The completion of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Royal College of Pathology qualification for Histopathology results in eligibility for GMC registration (with the addition of the English language component). The FRCPath qualification is recommended for international pathologists looking to securing senior jobs in the NHS.   The exams can be taken by IMGs from all over the world, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: An overview of FRCPath Histopathology What is FRCPath Part 2? Am I eligible to sit this exam? How is the exam structured and marked? As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam? How much will the exam cost? How do I apply for the exam? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next? An overview of FRCPath Histopathology  The FRCPath Histopathology exams are administered by the Royal College of Pathologists to test a doctor's knowledge and ability to apply this in the practice of histopathology within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Histopathology.   The exams are as follows:  FRCPath Part 1  FRCPath Part 2  To read more about the full FRCPath examination suite via out IMG resources, please click here.  Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the requirements for GMC registration for overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route. Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and licensing exams such as USMLE. You can find out more about alternative routes here.  For doctors who are interested in more senior roles in the NHS that are reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCPath is the best route to take to GMC registration. Histopathology in the UK is consultant-led specialism; and many NHS job postings will have FRCPath as a requirement for doctors who are not on the Specialist Register. In most cases, and FRCPath qualification will help you to attain a locum consultant role.  What is FRCPath Part 2?  FRCPath Part 2 is the last exam in the FRCPath qualification. It is designed to recognise candidates who are close to the end of their training who can demonstrate an appropriate approach to independent practice. The assessment consists of six components which are take over a period of two days. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with an examiner where candidates are expected to demonstrate both clinical and practical knowledge as well as special techniques and complex diagnoses. Every section assesses a distinct set of professional skills which are all essential to effective performance ad an independent histopathologist and cytopathologist.  Am I eligible to sit this exam?  The FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology exam is open to candidates from every country, provided they have met certain criteria. This includes the expectation that most trainees will sit the Part 2 exam after at least 3 years of specialty training in Histopathology. There should also normally be a 12-month wait between passing the Part 1 exam and attempting Part 2.   For full details, please see the Royal College website here.  How is the exam structured and marked?  The six stations of FRCPath Part 2 are detailed below:  Surgical Histology   Format: 20 x 20 mins stations, 20 cases over 3 hours and 20 minutes.   This will include twenty cases presented in H&E stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3 hours and 20 minutes. The cases are selected according to a blueprint and include a balanced mix of neoplastic and non-neoplastic material, drawn from a wide range of organ systems. The cases will vary in difficulty from straightforward cases to cases not capable of diagnosis through a single H&E, prompting the use of further techniques and specialist opinions.  Cytopathology   Format: 8 x 20 mins stations, 16 cases  Eight non-gynaecological cases in pairs, in 20-minute slots and will be marked according to pre-determined criteria.  Macroscopic Pathology  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 4 cases; 20 mins discussion  Candidates will be provided with photos of 4 cases in the form of gross pathology specimens. Candidates will be provided with clinical information and asked to prepare responses to specific questions and mark on the photos where they would take blocks. There will be two 20-minute slots given to view two cases per slot, followed by a 20-minute discussion with two examiners. The exercise is designed for candidates to show their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in relation to the RCPath Minimum datasets.  OSPEs  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations  The objective structured practical examination (OPSE) includes two 20-minute stations, one of which is a written exercise and the other is conducted face-to-face with two examiners. Topics may include management/ clinical governance type and MDT-type cases, amongst other topics.  Long Cases  Format: 4 x 20 mins stations  Four 20-minute stations of cases which cannot usually be covered by a single H&E section, requiring additional stains. These may include histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, among other cases.  Frozen Sections  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 6 cases; 20 mins discussion  Six cases for review in two 20-minute stations where candidates should make notes, including a ‘bottom line’ diagnosis only, before discussing these with a pair of examiners in a face-to-face 20-minute station.  Exam marking   Each section of the exam is marked against a pre-determined specimen answer with a pass or fail awarded per section. Due to the importance of cellular pathology in medical practice, only a small margin of inaccuracy is allowed. Failure to distinguish across the benign/ malignant boundary (or other similar errors of equal significance in terms of affecting patient outcome) in 15-25% of cases in any section of the exam will result in a failure of the entire exam, regardless of performance in other areas with no leeway to compensate. Final marks will be approved by the Examinations Committee.  Candidates attempting the FRCPath Part 2 exam have four attempts within which to pass the exam, and 7-years between each sitting to pass the full qualification.  As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam?  The exam currently takes place twice a year in Spring and Autumn and are held in the UK and in one overseas centre in Irbid, Jordan.   For up-to-date information on exam centres, visit the Royal College website here.  How much will the exam cost?  The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,416. A breakdown of the cost of the 2019 sitting of the exam can be found on the Royal College website here.  How do I apply for the exam?  Applications for each sitting of the exam open months in advance and are currently closed for the Autumn 2021 sitting. Applications for the Spring 2022 sitting will open in late 2021. Late applications are not accepted. Keep an eye on the Royal College website for up-to-date information on applications here.  What is the best way to prepare for the exam?  There are several resources available to help you prepare for your Histopathology FRCPath exam. As always, we recommend that the best starting point for your study is the Royal College website, particularly the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. Your exam is based on this curriculum so familiarising yourself with it as soon as possible will give you the best chance for success.  Other helpful resources for your study include:  Regulations and guidelines – before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:  General Regulations and Guidelines Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines Social media study groups – there are multiple study groups available across different platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 2 – these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world in one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and supporting international histopathologists.  If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part 2 study group, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to our histopathology specialist and request your admission.  Online courses, videos and other resources - there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 exam. These include everything from full mock exams to mock exams targeting specific sections of FRCPath Part 2 and YouTube videos. You can find a full list of these here, through our IMG resources library.  FAQs - there is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College have compiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read this here.  #IMG Tips  Prepare early – getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passing first time.  Speak to your senior colleagues and peers – there are so many study materials to choose from - who better to ask for recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?  Food and drink – there are multiple stations on both days of the exams so make sure you’re prepared with lots of fuel for the day as there may be no access to food.  Hire a microscope – for applicants for the UK sitting, examination centres will not have microscopes for you to use so you will need to hire one in advance. There are a few companies who rent microscope and you can find these through a quick web search!  Join the conversation – for news and updates on all things histopathology for IMGs, click here follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.  I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! The FRCPath exams are not easy so this is an incredible achievement. Once you have passed both passed of the FRCPath in Histopathology, your postgraduate qualifications satisfy the requirements for GMC registration. You can now apply for full registration with license to practice.  Get in touch with our IMG Connect histopathology specialist to discuss your options for specialist jobs in the UK or to find out more about where you fit into the NHS as a histopathology specialist with FRCPath.   FRCPath also plays a big part in the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) application, the alternative route to the Specialist Register for overseas doctors who did not complete their training in an approved UK training programme. You can find out more about CESR in our guide for international doctors here.  The team at IMG Connect hope you find this article helpful and wish you the best of luck in your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam!  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:             

Are you an overseas pathologist preparing for FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam? Overseas doctors often wonder how to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 examination, especially when so much content and advice online appears geared towards UK applicants and trainee. So what study courses, resources and support is available to an overseas histopathologists looking to take the test? Here we have compiled some of our advice and resources available to help you prepare for the exam, whilst we also address some of the changes in availability of test centres and upcoming exams as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. What is FRCPath Part 2? First a quick reminder of what the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 is. The Part 2 exam consists of six components which are taken over two days. Each component comprises a different number of cases provided in 20-minute stations or slots. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with the examiner where candidates should demonstrate and discuss both clinical & practical knowledge as well as complex diagnoses and special techniques. This is done through elements of interpreting and writing reports, interpretation and OSPE. If you want to have a more detailed overview of the FRCPath exam then take a look through the article published in our online IMG Library here, or take a look through the Royay College of Pathologists website here.  So how do I get started with my preparation? Starting is often the hardest thing to do, and as there are many resources available online, it's hard to tell where the best place is to start. After discussing this with consultants who've passed (both UK trainees and IMGs), most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have posted some useful resources on their website to aid in your preparation. Curriculum: The exam questions are based on the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology. As a first step, we recommend becoming familiar with this curriculum as early as possible to reinforce your knowledge and to provide a solid foundation for your study plan. Knowing the curriculum is key - as this is what you will be tested on. Regulations and guidelines: Ensure you have read both the general regulations and guidelines and the specialty specific regulations and guidelines. Social Media study groups: There are many social media study groups available across various platforms. These include Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp and to a lesser extent LinkedIn. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 1 and 2 exams - these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world into one constructive, communicative and moderated space where you can share exam tips, stories and woes, and the opportunity to buddy-up with similar colleagues looking to pass the test.  If you think you would be interested in joining either the IMG Connect FRCPath 1 or Part 2 Study groups, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to the histopathology specialist and request your admission. Online Courses for FRCPath Histopathology: There are a few online courses which provide preparation, from full mock exams to individual component courses. We've spoken with some IMGs to understand which courses they favoured, and below we have summarised a few of these. With all courses, it is advised that you register your interest as early as possible as they are in high demand. Pathology Online Hub - FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology Full Mock Exam This is a complete mock exam course with interactive live discussion sessions and individual feedback for each participant. Sessions will be delivered by UK based pathologists with extensive experience of teaching for the FRCPath exam. Participants will be provided with the mock exam for all the 7 components of FRCPath 2 under strict timed conditions closely simulating the real exam. Mock exam will include: Cytology, Short surgical cases, Long cases, Frozen section, Macroscopic examination, OSPE 1 Viva and OSPE 2 Written. Live sessions will include: Exam format and tips on how to prepare with a structured study plan, Review and discussion of all mock exam answers, Group performance summary, Common pitfalls in exam and how to avoid them, and Tips on answering technique for exam. Duration  3 days Cost  £270 (£70 registration fee and £200 payable 8 weeks prior to course start date) Next start date  TBC Website  www.pathologyonlinehub.com/full-mock-course   Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 2 Mock Course This is an online 2-day practical course with both a mock examination and seminars preparing trainees for the FRCPath Part 2 Examination. This is a unique course giving trainees that all important pre-exam Mock (under exam conditions) with the papers individually marked and scored in line with the actual exam. The course speakers have knowledge of the Royal College exam - some of them are examiners, and all are experienced teachers. Duration  2 days (Day 1 = mock exam | Day 2 = review and preparation) Cost  £300 (£75 registration fee and £225 payable 4 weeks prior to course start date) Next start date  TBC Website  http://oxbridgemedica.org/product/frcpath-part-2-mock-course-20th-21st-september-2021/   Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 2 Surgical Course This is an online 2-week Surgical Revision Course preparing trainees for the FRCPath Part 2 Examination and is exam oriented and includes surgical and cytology mock tests, live-streamed lectures and feedback. The course aims to provide an approach to the part 2 examination, and to cover common exam cases, whilst the trainers have been selected for their expertise within their disciplines, both in their clinical acumen but also their teaching skills. The format of the course is intense and demanding but also rewarding. Duration  2 weeks, intensive Cost   £800 (£75 registration fee and £725 payable 4 weeks prior to course start date) Next start date  TBC Website  oxbridgemedica.org/product/frcpath-part-2-surgical-course-1st-14th-september-2021 IMG Histopathologists FRCPath Part 2 Course This is a tailored FRCPath Histopathology course for overseas pathologists sitting the Part 2 exam. This course offers weekly sessions which provide an approach to the FRCPath exams for IMGs specifically, guiding them through the preparation for the exam, delivered by an experienced NHS consultant pathologist and specialist histopathology recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on FRCPath and other registrations, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Histopathologists FRCPath Part 2 Course by joining the Facebook group here. What other helpful FRCPath 2 resources are out there? 1. What I wish I'd known - A series of YouTube videos produced by the Royal College of Pathologists. The videos are interviews and advice from four pathologists sharing their experiences of the FRCPath Part 2 exam and what they wish they’d known before taking the exam. 2. FRCPath Part 2 Past Examination Surgical Cases – These are from Virtual Pathology at the University of Leeds. The slides can be magnified, and each case comes with a diagnosis. 3. How to Survive and Thrive in the FRCPath Part 2 - This is a detailed breakdown of the complete exam with advice and marking guidance, created by Dr James Henry, Consultant Cellular Pathologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. How has COVID-19 affected FRCPath UK and Overseas test centres & upcoming exams? The Spring session was postponed for international candidates in response to the pandemic, but discussions are taking place on the possibility of the FRCPath exam taking place at an overseas centre in Autumn 2021. Whilst the Royal College will try to accommodate as many international candidates as possible, priority will be given to candidates entering for the January sitting. IMG Advice to FRCPath 2 Aspirants Finding courses can be tricky and mock exams can cost a lot of money, so take your time to consider your options and what best suits your needs, whether that is a paid short course, or free materials which you can access whenever you need them. Speak to peers and supervisors - they may be able to offer advice based on first-hand experience of the courses or general preparation. Of course, if you need further advice on choosing an FRCPath Part 2 online course, or on this stage of qualifying to work for the NHS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with IMG Connect and request to speak to our Histopathology specialist, Marcus Anderson. He'll be happy to help. The team at IMG Connect hopes that this article and has been useful for any overseas histopathologists looking to take the FRCPath Part 2 exam. Good luck IMGs! 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:             

Following an extensive review of its assessment strategy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has announced changes to the delivery of the MRCPsych examinations. MRCPsych Paper A and B will remain online for the foreseeable future, and the CASC exam will remain online for the May 2023 diet, moving back to an in-person exam from September 2023. Online MRCPsych Written Papers The written MRCPsych papers (Paper A and Paper B) will continue to be delivered through a test centre of your choosing (including international centres). This exciting development was of course accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling MRCPsych examinations to be delivered for both overseas doctors and UK trainees. The structure of MRCPsych Papers A and B remains that candidates complete 150 questions. From these questions, roughly 100 are multiple choice with single answers and 50 are extended matching questions which ask a series of multiple choice questions about information in a single question stem.  The online system is straightforward, requiring only a few checks and guidelines to follow to help you make the process a success.  In-person CASC Exam Subject to final GMC approval, from September 2023 the CASC exam will be delivered face-to-face in the UK, with international centres for face-to-face delivery set to be introduced in 2024. There will be no further online diets after May 2023. Face-to-face delivery enables candidates to better demonstrate that they meet the key capabilities outlined in the 2022 curriculum. After consultation with stakeholders, it was clear that the validity and reliability of the examination was of prime importance, and that face-to-face assessment is the optimal way to assess the clinical skills required for psychiatric practice. The structure of the MRCPsych CASC exam remains unchanged - candidates complete two circuits, each of eight stations. An examiner will evaluate your performance and the invigilator would be on hand to make sure that everything runs to plan.  The September 2023 exam will be held in Sheffield, with international centres to be confirmed for 2024 onwards. If you are an overseas candidate for whom this change will delay when you will sit CASC, email the Royal College who are able to extend validity periods according to individual circumstances. Getting started An online application form must be completed and takes around 15 minutes. For full guidance on the application, please visit the Royal College website here. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group to become part of a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. In the group you will find tailored resources for Psychiatry IMGs including our MRCPsych Crash Course.  This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. You can access our CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Connect with us  Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) and chat with an IMG Consultant to discuss your options for NHS roles with CESR support and start your journey towards Specialist Registration with IMG Connect.  For access to a community of like-minded psychiatry IMGs and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.    To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.               

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

As an overseas doctor where should you start with your PACES exam preparation? With lots of resources available online, we discussed with successful candidates for them the best place to start looking for exam materials. Whilst there are lots of fantastic courses available for IMGs to help pass their PACES exam first time, most IMGs recommended starting their preparation with free resources from the Royal College of Physicians. Using these will give you strong foundations to further supplement with any further studies or courses which you may decide to invest in. We have provided the Royal College's official resources below: Curriculum PACES station 4 examiner guidance examples PACES sample scenarios Videos - what to expect on the day PACES candidate videos Candidate guidenotes PACES marksheets General Exam Tips & Preparation  Passed? What next? It is recommended that to give yourself the best chance, you gain clinical experience involving care of emergency patients, adults and children. We advise you to regularly invite senior colleagues to observe and provide feedback on your clinical assessments, so you will be comfortable with the PACES format and give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.  PACES station 4 examiner guidance examples: This useful guide contains examples of the types of statements found in the examiner guidance section of station 4 scenarios. This will help you to understand what the examiner is looking for.  PACES sample scenarios: These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant scenarios to prepare you for the real thing. Sample scenarios cover Station 2, 4 & 5 (‘history taking’, ‘communication skills and ethics’ and ‘clinical consultations’ respectively. Most of these have been previously used in a recent exam, but please note that during the exam you will only receive the section marked ‘information for the candidate’. Videos - what to expect on the day: These helpful videos will give you a true reflection of what to expect on the day of the exam, easing some of the pressure and ensuring you can focus on the task at hand.  PACES candidate video: Whilst there are lots of useful videos online that are easy to find, the PACES candidate video contains important information about the exam, and practical examples of how the exam will run.  Candidate guidenotes: These guidenotes created by the Royal College help IMGs to understand what to expect on the day, from your arrival to the completion of the test.  PACES Marksheets: To help you understand how PACES is marked here are some examples of full marksheets. It can also be useful to understand how IMGs have failed the exam in the past, as this will give you the best chance to pass first time. The ‘how I failed PACES’ guide provides tips to help you to identify where you might be going wrong, along with practical advice to help you to improve.  General Exam Tips & Preparation: For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blogs on exam tips and preparation.  Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Are you an oncology IMG looking to sit your FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) exam?  International doctors often wonder about the best ways to prepare for the first FRCR (Oncology) exam. There are many resources available online, but with so much geared towards UK applicants and trainees, it can be difficult to decide what is best suited to you as an overseas candidate.  Here we have compiled some of the best resources and guidance for overseas FRCR CO1 applicants preparing for the exam. We will also touch on some of the recent changes to the format, delivery, and availability of the exam in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   The topics we’ll be discussing include the following – skip ahead to one of these sections if you know what you’re looking for:  What is FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1)? How do I get started with my preparation? What resources are available online? How has COVID-19 affected the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, what’s next? FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 As a reminder, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 is the first exam in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set of exams, Part 1, and Part 2A and 2B, or CO1, CO2A and CO2B are the exams required by international doctors to satisfy the requirements for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.   The assessment expects that candidates have a broad knowledge of subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer.  The exam consists of five modules which are taken through four exam papers over two days. On each day, candidates may attempt any number of modules. Altogether the FRCR CO1 exam has 180 SBA (single best answer or multiple choice) questions.  The exam structure is as follows:  For an in-depth breakdown of each of the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 modules, see our detailed blog, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, through the IMG resources library, where you can also read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite.  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the GMC’s postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  Preparation We have discussed with IMGs the best way to prepare for the first FRCR (Oncology) exam and most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have compiled to aid in your preparation.  Curriculum: The FRCR (Oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology, and as a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.  Royal College resources include:  Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.  Purpose of assessment: this will help candidates understand the examination's purpose, the required level of candidate training and the application of results, available here. Implementation tools: this is a range of tools which have been compiled by the College to support the new curricular which all students should have transferred to by August 2022 at the latest and can be accessed here.  Guidance notes – a document with detailed guidance on exam structure, content, requirements and marking which you can find here.  Sample questions: sample SBA questions with answers which can be found here.  Speedwell instructional video: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found on the College YouTube channel.  Suggested reading list: a suggested list of core texts and additional reading put together by the College which is available here.  Examiners’ reports: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Other helpful resources There are several other resources available online, from flashcard-style revision materials to tips and advice from former candidates who have passed the exam: The Clinical Oncology Registrar This former candidate has compiled tips, guidance, and notes (including revision notes) on the First FRCR exam. These include revision advice, downloadable materials on key topics and links to good books and core materials to use. You can find the full blog here.  FRCR Oncology A compilation of recommended books and notes shared by a former FRCR oncology candidate. There are general tips, as well as more detailed notes on the exam modules. These can be accessed here.  British Medical Journal The BMJ has created an app-based physics revision resource with core questions on elements of the physics module, in the same multiple-choice format as will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points depending on the duration of access, which ranges from £24.99 for one month to £139.99 for one year. This can be accessed here.  Brainscape A set of flashcards with over 1300 questions across all modules. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is located here.  FRCR Exam Prep This website is home to exam tips, an online revision course for the physics module (including timed mock exams), sample cases and articles. The price of the physics course ranges from £25 for one month to £115 for one year. This can be found here.  How the exam has been affected by COVID-19 First FRCR (Oncology) is still taking place in person, but the number of exam centres has been reduced. For now, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and London. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, India, and Malta.  For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.  #IMG Tips  Start preparing early, but not too early – you want to avoid the misery of last-minute cramming, but not to burn out. Former candidates recommend starting about 6 months beforehand.  Get familiar with the curriculum – this is the home of the exam’s content – get to know this as well as possible to jumpstart your preparation for the exam. Go through as many exam questions as possible – we know these are scattered all over the internet, but from those we’ve compiled in this handy guide you should have enough to keep you busy!  Join the conversation – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I’ve passed the First FRCR oncology exam, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR Oncology in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR Oncology (CO2A and CO2B) exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR Oncology, you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. Nice one.  We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.             

OET is fast becoming the most popular English Language test that overseas doctors will use for GMC registration. It is an English language test that tests medical language specifically and for that reason is very popular with IMGs. However, as with many things the exam has been heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic OET have created two new versions of their popular English language test to help doctors when their local test centre is closed: Computer-based OET test OET@Home OET@Home - what is it? OET has partnered with Prometric TM, a private company, to deliver a home version of the OET test. While computer-based testing and remote proctoring (invigilation on behalf of OET) will bring changes to the delivery mode - the test format, tasks presented and level of English assessed will all be the same. OET@Home - how does it work? The reading, listening and writing sub-tests of OET will be available via computer-based delivery and the Speaking sub-test will be carried out with a human interlocutor via video calling software. This human involvement and role-play nature of the OET Speaking sub-test which is so important to the test - will not be compromised. The test will be managed remotely and under strict condition by invigilators who know the importance of this test for patient safety and fair GMC registration process for any doctor taking OET - whether it’s OET@Home of OET sat in person at a test centre. Below we have summarised a number of FAQs to help address any question you have. We have taken the information directly from the OET Website here https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/at-home-remote-proctored-testing/. Do I have to take the test on a computer? Or are paper-based tests still available? You do not have to take the test on a computer. OET will be running both paper-based and computer-based testing, so you can still take the test on paper if that is what you prefer. They will be continuing to run paper based tests at all the current values as long as local lockdown restrictions allow. So now you can sit one of three OET formats: paper-based tests at OET test centers (the old method) a computer based test that you can sit at selected test venues OET@Home , a remote-invigilated test that you can sit at home using a Windows PC Is there a difference between computer-based OET and OET@Home? Not really. They are exactly the same test with the main difference being where you actually take the test. The key difference is this: With computer based tests you will attend a test venue to take the test.  With OET@Home you will be able to take the test remotely (e.g. at home or work) on your Windows PC. How does the remote invigilation or proctoring work? ‘Remote proctoring’ essentially means ‘remote invigilation’. This means that you can sit the test outside a test centre under the same strict exam conditions that an OET test centre would provide. Human proctors or human invigilators check the following: you are who you say by checking ID room searches prior to the start of the test monitor your behaviour during the test, ensuring you do not breach any OET rules and regulations Remote proctoring systems also help maintain test security with the following: security features such as limiting functionality of your computer (e.g. so you cannot access the internet or take screenshots) How often will the computer-based test and OET@Home run? Initially once a month on either the same day, or alternate Saturdays as the paper-based OET test.  However, this is still to be confirmed and OET will release more details in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for their updates found on their website here. Can I actually sit the test at home? Yes. Once the OET@Home is live you will be able to sit the test at home, using a Windows PC. How will the speaking test work? The Speaking sub-test will still be two role plays with a live interlocutor or test official. The only difference is with OET@Home, where the live interlocutor will role-play with you via video conference. How much will this cost me? At this point it does not look like there will be any change to the cost of OET, no matter which test you take. A reminder - those cost of the OET is currently AUD 587 (A$587) which is currently equivalent to £327. Please note, the price and conversion rate is representative of the time of writing this article (July 2020) When can I book a test? OET@Home will be open for bookings at the end of August, with the tests available from September onwards. Computer-based OET will be available at the end of September in a few locations. More locations will be made available after the first  Will the OET test format change? No - all tasks, format and timings will remain the same across all types of OET. If I have already booked to take the OET paper-based test - will I be able to change my booking to either computer based test or OET@Home? Are the computer-based OET and OET@Home accepted by regulators? Both the computer-based OET and OET@Home are accepted by the GMC and will be valid for Tier 2 visa applications also. How do I book my place with either OET@Home or computer-based OET? You will be able to book your test online and OET will let you know as soon as both new types of test are available for booking. Can I take the OET@Home on a mobile phone? No, the OET@Home can only be taken on Windows PC. You can find the technical specifications here. So, I can only use a Windows laptop? What if I have a Mac? Unfortunately, if you have a Mac you will not be able to sit the OET@Home with it. You will need a dedicated computer running Windows 10, either a desktop computer or laptop. Refer to the technical specifications to check you Windows PC can run the software. How long will the results take to be released? OET will stick with the same results timeframe in place for paper-based OET tests - however there may be the opportunity to significantly shorten the time needed for results to be released. However, do not expect to see this benefit immediately. How can I prepare for all versions of the OET?  As with all tests, we recommend preparing as much in advance as you can. Learning a new language is challenging and takes time. You cannot just turn up on exam day and hope to pass, no matter how good your English is already. Take a read through this article below to help your preparations for OET: IMG Resources: Preparing for your English Language Test What courses or tutors can I use for OET preparations? We discuss this in more depth in the article below: IMG Resources: Preparing for your English Language Test 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 are incredibly professional 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 Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

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:              

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. 

Attaining Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine or MRCEM is required to attain GMC Registration and start your Emergency Medicine career in the NHS. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCEM examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is MRCEM? MRCEM Route Eligibility for overseas doctors Where can I take the exams & how much will they cost me? How do I apply? How to prepare and what resources are available Should I take an MRCEM course? Passed? What next? What is the Royal College of Emergency Medicine? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Emergency Medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession in the UK. What is MRCEM? Membership of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components.  There have been a few changes to the MRCEM and FRCEM examination structure over the last few years, as such there are currently two routes to an accreditation in Emergency Medicine, both leading to RCEM Membership. These two routes are: Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM) MRCEM & FRCEM are one several routes an overseas emergency medicine doctor can take full GMC registration. Read our blogs on acceptable postgraduate qualifications and PLAB if you are unsure what route to take. For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCEM or FRCEM would be the best route to take. Please note, applicants that pass a specific combination of MRCEM and FRCEM examinations can still be awarded Membership of the Royal College by Examination (MRCEM). This would still satisfy postgraduate requirements for GMC registration. MRCEM Examination route: The alternative route, Membership by Examination (MRCEM), is offered to candidates who have passed all the following components: FRCEM Primary or (MRCEM Part A) One written paper, three-hours total FRCEM Intermediate SAQ (replaces MRCEM Part B) Short Answer Question paper - 3 hour paper comprised of 60, 3-mark questions MRCEM OSCE Practical examination setting with 18, seven-minute stations  Eligibility for MRCEM Examinations: Eligibility for FRCEM Primary: To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate: To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme 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. Eligibility for MRCEM OSCE: To be eligible to enter the MRCEM OSCE (Part C) you must meet the following requirements: Hold a medical qualification approved by the GMC and Have completed the UK Foundation Programme of equivalent (electronic evidence required at point of application) and Have passed the FRCEM Primary examination after 1st August 2016 or Have passed the MRCEM Part A examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31st July 2016 and Have passed the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ after 1st August 2016 or Have passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31 July 2016 and Have 36 months experience including 6 months experience in Emergency Medicine at a level above Foundation Year 1 (post full registration) Where can I take the exams & how much will they cost me? Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.  Please remember, applications made outside of the application period will not be accepted. Examination Location Fees FRCEM Primary Short Answer Question Paper UK £310 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman, India £390 FRCEM Intermediate Certificate SAQ UK £305 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman £385 MRCEM OSCE UK £450 India £450 How can I apply? All applications are made online and links to all application forms and windows are available here. It is worth noting, the application can take some time to complete, so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines. Please remember, applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.  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. 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. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  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: FRCEM Primary FRCEM Intermediate MRCEM OSCE SAQ Blueprint: The blueprint for the new Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 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, see below: Primary – sample questions Intermediate - Sample SAQs are included in the Information Pack Glossary of Terms:  The royal college uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions used in 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.  For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation. 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 practice your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. Should I take a course to prepare for the OSCE? Whilst it is not essential to take a course when preparing for the MRCEM or FRCEM OSCEs - there is no doubt it will help your preparations both technically and mentally, and should be considered an investment towards your future career plans. Have a read of our blog on recommended MRCEM courses for Emergency Medicine doctors. Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of FRCEM or MRCEM 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 emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding, CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS job & hospital locations for you. For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

In this article we look in more detail at an alternative route for overseas Anaesthetists looking to work in the UK – the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC). International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the EDAIC examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is EDAIC?  Content and structure Am I eligible?  Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations How should I prepare and what resources are available? Passed? What next? What is EDAIC? EDAIC is a multilingual, end-of-training, two-part examination covering the relevant basic sciences and clinical subjects appropriate for a specialist in anaesthesiology.  Doctors with full EDAIC will simply require a pass in IELTS or OET for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK. The questions are set against the Syllabus for Anaesthetic and Intensive Care training, set by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The exams aim to assess your knowledge of the following: Basic sciences relevant to anaesthesiology & intensive care Clinical Anaesthesiology inc. obstetrics, anaesthesia & analgesia Resuscitation & emergency medicine  Intensive care  Management of chronic pain To find out what grade a successful completion of full EDAIC will allow you to work as in the UK contact your IMG consultant for more information.  Content and structure of EDAIC: EDAIC comprises two mandatory components:  Part 1 – two multiple choice question papers Part 2 – oral examination In addition, there are two optional components: On-line Assessment (OLA) – computer based online test In-training Assessment (ITA) – multiple choice question paper Part 1 Examination: Pat 1 of EDAIC consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with sixty questions. Each paper is two hours in duration. Paper A concentrates on the basic sciences of Anaesthesia. Paper B concentrates on internal and emergency medicine, general, regional & special anaesthesia including pain and intensive care medicine. Part 2 Examination: Part 2 is held over one day and consists of four 25-minute oral examinations that each embrace the same range of basic sciences and clinical subjects covered in Part 1. The oral examinations consist of ‘Guided Questions’ -where candidates are given a brief written presentation 10 minutes before meeting the examiners.  Two of the examinations will concentrate on basic sciences whilst the other two on clinical topics.  X-rays, CT Scans, MRI and Ultrasound images are also used during the oral examinations. Am I eligible? Eligibility for EDAIC Part 1 simply requires a medical degree.  Eligibility for Part 2 requires:  a pass in EDAIC Part 1 AND certification in anaesthesia in any country  OR Applicants to be in the final year of training in anaesthesiology, in one of the European member states of the World Health Organisation Please note the following exceptions: If you graduated as a specialist in Pakistan, you must have the FCPS or equivalent to be eligible for EDAIC Part 2.   Diplomas in anaesthesiology issued in Pakistan and with a curriculum of a shorter duration than FCPS (such as MCPS) can be accepted for EDAIC Part 1, not Part 2. Holders of FCPS (or equivalent) are not exempt from EDAIC Part 1. Holders of the FRCA or FCAI / FCARCSI are exempt from Part 1 examination.  Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations: Examination Fees Exam Dates & Venues EDAIC Part 1 €340 (inc. 1-year ESA membership) *Part 1 reduced fee €150 (inc. 1-year ESA membership) EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here EDAIC Part 2 €550 first attempt €340 following attempts (€650 for Part 2 Brazil – Sao Paulo) EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here On-line Assessment €50 EDAIC OLA – full list of dates, venues can be found here In-training Assessment €100 EDAIC ITA – full list of dates, venues can be found here Authentication of EDAIC by external institution €50 n/a Total (at first attempt) €1090 €900 reduced fee*   Part 1 registration fee will include a free 1-year ESA membership which starts on 1st January of the year following registration for Part 1 Exam.  Please note, those applying for Part 1 examination in a country where the exam is mandatory or has official recognition (Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey) AND who are registered on the national medical register of said country, are entitled to a reduced Part 1 fee.  This also includes 1-year free ESA membership. How should I prepare for the examinations and what resources are available? We have discussed this at length with IMGs who have recently passed the exam. With so much material available for free on the European Society of Anaesthesiology website we suggest the following as a great foundation for your preparations.  ESA offers several supporting tools to help candidates prepare for the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) Part I and Part II Examinations, including: Syllabus  EDAIC aims at covering the Syllabus to Postgraduate Training Programme of the European Board of Anaesthesiology.  We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  Diploma Guide The EDAIC diploma guide includes information on regulations, structure and various sample examination papers and example report forms.  The Basic Sciences Anaesthetic Course (BSAC):  This is a 3-day course, aimed at improving your understanding of different areas of basic science. Register here.  ESA E-Learning Platform:  This includes helpful E-Learning modules to help you prepare for examinations, go to the ESA Academy to start your learning.  EDAIC Webinars:  The ESA have created a series of webinars to support your learning, these can be accessed on the eLearning platform.  On-line Assessment (OLA) and In-training Assessment (ITA):  You can use these helpful tools (On-Line Assessment (OLA) and In-Training Assessment (ITA)) to test your knowledge and identify which subjects require further study.  Sample questions:  The ESA have created sample questions in different languages to help you prepare for all sections of the EDAIC exams:  Part 1 Part 2 Please note, the links above provide these sample questions in English. All other languages can be found here. Part 2 explainer video:  This is a useful sample exam video, helping you understand what to expect on the day so you can focus on the task at hand.  The ESA have also produced a guide to preparing for your exam and a recommended reading list to support the curriculum.  Passed? What next? First of all, congratulations! Once you have passed both parts of your EDAIC examination you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS anaesthetics jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.             

The first exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...  Overseas histopathologists may have questions about the best ways to prepare for the FRCPath Part 1 exam. With so many resources available online, but many of them geared towards UK trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.  In this blog we have compiled some of the best resources and guidance for FRCPath Part 1 aspirants. We will also quickly cover some of the recent changes to the exam regarding its delivery and availability in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics:  What is FRCPath Part 1? How do I get started with my preparation? What resources are available online? How has COVID-19 affected the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed FRCPath Part 1, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  FRCPath Part 1  FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 is the first exam in the two-part examination series, administered by the Royal College of Pathologists. The content of the exam can be broken down into three sections:  The three-hour exam is designed to assess candidates’ overall knowledge and understanding of histopathology or cytopathology, including the full range of autopsy practices undertaken in a district general hospital in the UK and the basic science underpinning pathology, including molecular biology.  For an in-depth guide to the FRCPath Part 1 exam, or for a breakdown of the full FRCPath Histopathology exam suite, visit our IMG resources library.  Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the GMC’s postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  How to get started with preparation for FRCPath Part 1  The best way for IMGs to begin their exam preparation is with the Royal College website and resources. The FRCPath Histopathology exams are based on the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology and as a rule, this should always be the starting point for your revision. This will ensure you are focusing on the exam material that will feature in your exam – knowing the curriculum is key! You can find this on the Royal College website here.  Royal College resources include:  Regulations and guidelines – before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:  General Regulations and Guidelines  Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines FAQs - There is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College has compiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read this here.  Other helpful resources include:  Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 1 Revision Course  This is a 4-day, exam-oriented online revision course. The course includes live-streamed lectures across four days and covers all the major topics of the examination syllabus. The speakers have knowledge of the Royal College exam - some of them are examiners, and all are experienced teachers. The course can be found here.  Duration  4 days  Cost  £300 (£75 deposit)  Next start date  TBC   Pathology Online Hub - FRCPath Part 1 Orientation Course This is a preparatory course aimed at overseas candidates. The course includes an introduction to the exam, including a mock exam with a detailed discussion of answers and exam tips. The course can be found here.  Duration  1 day  Cost  £40   Next start date  TBC   Pathology Online Hub - FRCPath Part 1 Comprehensive Course This is a preparatory course aimed at non-UK candidates, including particularly basic and extended questions on the UK system. The course covers topics which are unique to the UK system and includes a one-hour practice mock similar to the exam format and a detailed discussion of the answers with feedback. The course can be found here.  Duration  1 day  Cost  £45   Next start date  TBC    Reading materials  There is no set reading list or official course for FRCPath Part 1 in Histopathology, however the following books come highly recommended by IMGs who have passed the Part 1 exam:  Practical Applications in Histopathology, Cytopathology & Autopsy – Dr Limci Gupta (£78)  FRCPath, Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide – S. Steele (£22.18)  Sternberg's Diagnostic Surgical Pathology Review - Pier Luigi Di Patre, Darryl Carter (£91.95)  Wheater’s Functional Histology – Barbara Young, Phil Woodford, Geraldine O’Dowd (£44.95)  Robbins and Cotran Atlas of Pathology - Edward Klatt (+/- £45)  (Designed to complement Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 8th Edition and Robbins Basic Pathology, 8th Edition)  How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?  In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has migrated the FRCPath Part 1 exam online.  Candidates all over the world are now able to take the exam from their home countries. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists, with minimal disruptions to the exam schedule.  For full details about the online FRCPath Part 1 exam, please see our blog here.  #IMG Tips  Prepare early – getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passing first time.  Speak to your colleagues and peers – there are so many study materials to choose from - who better to ask for recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?  Familiarise yourself with the curriculum – we cannot stress this enough! Every country’s qualification and practice differ, so being well-versed in the curriculum is the first step on your path to success in the exam. Prepare for the online format in advance – make sure to fully complete your IT checks well in advance to avoid tech issues on the day (and save yourself an unnecessary headache). Find a support network – a great way to do this is to join IMG Histopathologists, an online pathology community of UK and NHS histopathology aspirants and dedicated histopathology recruiters. You’ll find advice, guidance and updates about all things histopathology for IMGs. Join the conversation here.  I’ve passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam, what’s next?  Great stuff! This is a massive achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all your hard work. With a pass in hand, it's time to look ahead to FRCPath Part 2. For more information on the final exam in the examination series, take a look at our blog where we explore the FRCPath Part 2, including how to sit the final exam, fees and preparation and results.   Head to our IMG library for more useful articles on the FRCPath exams, GMC registration and qualifications you need to help you find your dream job in the NHS.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:             

Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), a placement scheme for more junior overseas doctors to come to the UK to receive training and development within the NHS.   To be eligible for an MTI post, certain criteria must be met. These are summarised below along with a broad look the following:  What is the Medical Training Initiative? What training will I receive through the MTI? Am I eligible for an MTI post? What does the application process for the MTI involve? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the MTI? Do I need a visa for the MTI? How can I use the MTI for GMC registration? How much will I be paid throughout the MTI? What is the full process for MTI? I’ve completed the MTI, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.   The Medical Training Initiative  The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.  The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.  Training  The training provided through the MTI scheme will vary between programmes; however, it will typically follow the CCT curriculum (Certificate of Completion of Training). The level of training will be highly dependent on the doctor’s interests, competence and the training available within the placement hospital.  At the beginning of each placement, doctors are allocated an Educational Supervisor who will help to set the doctor’s specific training objectives to meet over the 24 months of the placement.  Eligibility The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).   The criteria also differ among MTI programmes, so eligibility criteria should be checked directly with the Royal College before applying. However, the general elements of eligibility include the following:  Country requirements - priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank. Doctors from outside of these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.  Evidence of skills and knowledge – the requirements for evidence of skills and knowledge vary based on the MTI programme, but the potential requirements for evidence of skills and knowledge include:  PLAB exams  Part 1 of relevant Royal College exam e.g. MRCP  Specialist qualifications from your home country  Evidence of English language skills - almost all MTI programs accept what test is approved by the GMC, meaning either of the IELTS or OET can be used for MTI.  Sufficient clinical experience - most MTI programmes will require a minimum of three years' experience, including one year of internship and one year in the relevant specialty.  Active medical practice - candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process.  The Application Process There are two ways to join the MTI programme:  Apply for an MTI-match programme – certain specialisms have programmes which match doctors to a job. For these, you apply for the relevant programme, providing the necessary documentation. If your application is successful, you will be allocated a suitable job, which can take up to 12 months.  Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – in cases where specialties do not have an established match programme, candidates are required to apply directly for an NHS post. Once the candidate has been accepted for the role, they can then apply for the MTI scheme through the relevant Royal College. If you would like to know more about finding NHS posts for the MTI scheme, you can get in touch with us here.  Specialties may use either, or a combination of these two methods, so we suggest visiting the Royal College and searching for their information on the MTI scheme.  The availability of MTI posts will vary between each Royal College, as certain specialties are more consultant-led, meaning there are fewer training posts for junior doctors. Once again, we suggest finding out more from the relevant Royal College. Advantages and Disadvantages of the MTI Scheme  Advantages  Training – MTI doctors will receive training and development support in their clinical, communication and leadership skills, as well as supervision by a consultant. You will also have the opportunity to create a training plan with the support of an Educational Supervisor.  Reduced cost – for posts that accept specialist qualifications from the applicant’s home country, the associated costs are lower as you will not have to pay for the PLAB or Royal College exams which can be costly, especially where retakes are needed  Alternative to PLAB and the Royal College – As some posts accept a candidate’s specialist qualifications from overseas, this allows you to bypass the Royal College and PLAB exams (N.B. if you have passed both parts of PLAB or ever failed either of the exams, you are not eligible for MTI)  Diploma of UK Medical Practice - If you complete an MTI post that is at least 12 months long, with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) or the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), you can apply for the DipUKMP, a professional diploma which can be used as part of the portfolio of evidence required for specialist registration (CESR or CESR-CP). Disadvantages  Not all posts are paid - Some MTI posts require you to secure funding for your training, for example through scholarships or funding from an organisation in your home country, such as a government agency or university (N.B. personal funds cannot be used).  Junior posts – More senior doctors wanting to take this route to the UK will receive a lower salary and more junior role than if taking the postgraduate route.  British citizenship or ILR - For doctors who wish to make a permanent move to the UK, the 12-24 months spent in the UK on the MTI scheme will not count towards the 5-year requirement for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR).  Return to home country – at the end of the 24-month period, MTI doctors are legally required to leave the UK and return to their home country.  MTI Posts Offer Tier 5 Visas  MTI candidates require a Tier 5 visa to travel to the UK. Applications for the visa can only be made after receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship.   Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made from your home country (or the country you work in), but never from the UK.   The visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly two years from your arrival date.   Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.  GMC Registration  All doctors practicing in the UK MUST be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.  English Language Testing  As always with GMC registration, candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Pay Received for MTI Posts  MTI posts are either paid, or candidates are required to secure funding for their placement as detailed above.  Where the placements are paid, the salary received by the MTI doctor corresponds to trainees at a similar level in the UK. All trainees can expect to commence their MTI training at an equivalent salary to ST3 level.  Some hospitals may take prior international experience into account while others do not. This is at the discretion of the hospital and not the Royal College. Hospitals can also decide whether to employ MTI doctors under the 2002 or 2016 junior doctor contract, which have slightly different pay scales.  Therefore, it's best to verify as early as possible where your placement will be paid, whether your prior experience will be taken into account, and under what pay scale you will be paid.  Steps through MTI   We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI below, from a candidate’s initial application for a post, to their final interview with the Royal College after gaining GMC registration:     I’ve completed the MTI, what’s next?  Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.  Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa. For more information on the Health and Care Worker Visa, please see here.  If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, applying for your first NHS job follows the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to. For guidance on jobs in your specialty in the UK, please see our IMG Resources library.  Once you are ready to start the application process you can get in touch with us – IMG Connect can offer you expert advice and representation throughout the recruitment and relocation process.  For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation below:              

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

Overseas oncologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 1 and 2 exams. With so much online content geared towards UK clinical oncology trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.  Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help overseas radiation oncologists prepare for their Royal College (RCR) exams. We’ll also address some of the changes to the exam, both the format, administration and availability of the exam in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we'll cover the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B? How do I get started with my preparation? What online resources are available? How have the exams been affected by COVID-19? Consultant posts and CESR #IMG Tips What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B?  As a quick reminder, Final FRCR (Oncology) are the final two exams in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set, CO1, CO2A and CO2B are required by overseas clinical or radiation oncologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.  For the final exams, candidates are expected to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the care of patients with cancer and the investigation of malignant disease.   CO2A includes two written papers of 120 single best answer (SBA or multiple choice) questions.   CO2B has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test the oncological skills of the candidate which are relevant to safe and effective practice.   The clinical element is assessed in a mock clinical setting with real patients to increase authenticity.   The oral exam assesses clinical decision-making, radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging, and case management. It is made to mirror elements of a day-to-day clinical setting, including discussions and MDT meetings.  A full breakdown of the Final FRCR (oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams can be found on our website here.  How do I get started with my preparation?  After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR (oncology) exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.  Curriculum: The FRCR (oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus. As a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.  Helpful Royal College Resources include:  Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.  Implementation tools: this is a range of tools which have been compiled by the College to support the new curricular which all students should have transferred to by August 2022 at the latest and can be accessed here.  Guidance: a guidance document from trainees who have already sat the exam, on behalf of the Oncology Registrars’ Forum, found here.  Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for FRCR CO2A and CO2B have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.  Examiners’ reports: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Trainees’ experiences: the two-part series has been compiled from the experiences of candidates in sitting their final exams, found here.  Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos to be used for training and informational purposes on the RCR YouTube channel.  Other online resources There are a couple of online courses which provide preparation for the exam, including mock exams and insight into exam technique. As with all courses, we advise that you register your interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as they are in very high demand.  Leeds – TMA Final FRCR Single Best Answer (SBA) Course - FRCR Part 2A  This is a four-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CO2A. The course offers daily mock SBA exams, question review with site specific experts, coverage of all tumour sites and a deep dive into exam technique.   The course is delivered live virtually, via Microsoft Teams.  Duration  4 days  Cost  TBC  Website  www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-cancer-centre/education/events/    Oncopaedia – Cardiff FRCR Part 2 Course  This is a web-based revision course for the FRCR part 2. The course allows candidates to revise SBA questions by individual tumour site, timed mock exams (including a leader board), access to Cardiff Course teaching materials and lecture slides, focused tutorials and a user forum.  Duration  On demand  Cost  £50 for 6 months’ access  Website  www.oncopaedia.com/moodle/moodle/enrol/index.php?id=2     FRCR Clinical Oncology Preparation - F.O.R.O. (The Forum of Radiation Oncology)  A handy hour-and-a-half video filled with useful information covering all aspects of the FRCR exam, from revision resources to guidance a breakdown of the format of the exam.   The YouTube video can be found here.  How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?  Final FRCR are still taking place in person, but as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of test centres has decreased. Currently, test centres are available in Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Bridgend Wales. For now, the only overseas test centres for the exam are India and Malta. For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.   Consultant Posts and CESR  FRCR Oncology forms a key part of the application for international doctors looking to attain specialist registration in Clinical Oncology through CESR. For doctors with more senior level experience, this could also allow you to work as a locum consultant clinical oncology post, whilst you are not yet accredited as a specialist in the NHS.   #IMG Tips  Familiarise yourself with the exam content – the best way to do this is through the syllabus and curriculum  Prepare early – the earlier you begin your revision, the more structured and relaxed the entire process can be and the more likely you are to pass!  Join the IMG Connect study and support group – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  For news and updates on the Royal Collges, the GMC, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK, join us online:             

In this blog we will explore MRCPsych Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) including dates, exam locations, fees and eligibility.  In our exploration of CASC, we will take a broad look at the following topics: What is the format of the CASC exam? How is the CASC marked? Am I eligible? Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates Sponsorship requirements How do I apply? How much will it cost me?  Where can I sit the CASC exam? How do I prepare for the CASC exam? Passed? What next? For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations, click here.  MRCPsych CASC is a practical exam taking the format of an OSCE and tests your clinical skills in a range of competencies.  What is the format of the CASC exam?  The CASC format is like an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). The exam is made up of two circuits of individual stations which will test your clinical skills: The morning circuit will have 4 minutes to read the instructions and 7 minutes to complete the task The afternoon circuit will have 90 seconds to read the instructions and 7 minutes to complete the task. The sixteen CASC station exam is made up of: five stations focused on History Taking, including risk assessment five stations focused on Examination - both physical and mental state, including capacity assessment. six stations focused on patient Management Each circuit follows the topics below:  Circuit 1: 6 stations focused on Management 1 x station focused on Examination 1 x station focused on History Taking 4 minutes reading 7 minute task Circuit 2: 4 x stations focused on Examination 4 x stations focused on History Taking 90 seconds reading 7 minute task How is the CASC marked? You can find details on how the test is marked here. See also marksheets for your information.  History Marksheet  Management Marksheet  Examination Marksheet  The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.  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 practice your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. Am I eligible for the CASC exam?  You are eligible to take CASC if you have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry, by the time of sitting the CASC. AND You have a pass in both Paper A and B AND You can demonstrate the following: AND  You have sponsorship in place – sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met.  Overseas candidates must show their sponsor evidence of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination. Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates: As above, one aspect of eligibility for CASC as to complete an Assessment Portfolio. This must demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, this must include competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability have been achieved by the time of applying for the MRCPsych CASC. In addition, overseas candidates must demonstrate that they undertake the following activities as part of their structured job plans: observation in interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons  observation in interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons  assessment via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor formal assessment in having achieved competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy. Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.   Whilst there is not an assessment criteria form available as this is incorporated into the online submission, take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.  Sponsorship requirements:  International candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.  Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC examination.  Your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.  You will be required to provide the sponsor’s title, full name and email.  Acceptable sponsors are:  College Tutor Training Programme Director Educational Supervisor Head of School Director of Medical Education (or equivalent) Head of Department of Psychiatry Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment. How do I apply?  To apply you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. This form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date, if you miss the cut-off, your application will not be considered.  You will need to provide the following:  Personal details Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration  Training  Written paper selection Sponsor evidence for Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates How much will it cost me?  At the end of your application you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay be credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.  Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.  The fees for MRCPsych CASC for 2023 are as follows: PMPT Trainees and Affiliates - £1,054 Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates - £1,171 Where can I sit the CASC exam?  The final diet of the CASC exam which will involve online delivery will be in May 2023. From September 2023, the exam will be back in-person, being delivered in the UK with international test centres to be confirmed from 2024. Examination dates can be found here and results from the CASC examinations will be released around 1 month later. How do I prepare for the CASC examination?  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:  Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams.  Syllabus: summary of areas of core medical knowledge underpinning specialist training in psychiatry  Marking scheme (CASC): A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.  CASC examination guide: The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment. CASC preparation videos: Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.  CASC Blueprint: This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.  The Royal College also suggests taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.  IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych CASC Study Course This is a tailored MRCPscyh CASC course for overseas psychiatrists sitting the CASC exam. This course offers weekly sessions beginning with an overview and in-depth breakdown of the exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is followed by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs preparing for the exam to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. #IMG Tips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Find the right materials for you – whether its online courses, books or flashcards, try to figure out what the best materials are to jumpstart your preparation  Speak to your peers and colleagues – your senior colleagues may have been through this process themselves and may have helpful tips and guidance to share. Or maybe you’ll find a like-minded peer with whom you can be study buddies! Take advantage of those around you to support you on this journey.  Practise, practise, practise - Our IMGs have shared that it’s crucial that you practice your clinical examinations as often as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague which will allow you to receive feedback.  Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.  I've passed, what’s next?  Once you’ve passed MRCPsych CASC, you’ve completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite. Great stuff, this is a massive achievement! Armed with this and your English language test, you are ready to apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.   You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive jobs postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and sub-specialism, sign up here.  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. Getting started If you have any questions about any element of CASC, the Royal College exams as a whole or any other queries related to the processes involved in IMGs coming to the UK to work in the NHS, please get in touch and one of our psychiatry specialists will be more than happy to assist you.  For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.   To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

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! IMG Jobs Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch 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:              

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

The Occupational English Test (OET) medicine version is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. The exam tests your ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening and it is used by overseas doctors to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English to support their application to register and practice medicine in the UK.  For doctors who prefer OET, compared to IELTS, the good news is that OET is now accepted by both the GMC and the UK Home Office - meaning that only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes As an IMG coming to work in the UK, there are different scenarios in which you’ll need to provide a pass in an English test. In this article, we outline the key facts about OET, including the following topics:  What is the OET?  Content and structure  Listening Reading Writing Speaking What scores do I need?  Does time matter?  When and where can I sit the test?  How can I prepare?  What resources are available online for each subtest?  Passed? What next? CLICK HERE & REGISTER FOR 10-20% DISCOUNT ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES What is the OET?  The OET tests communication in English with an emphasis in medical and healthcare professional settings.  It is recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC), and is fast becoming a common choice to prove a candidate’s ability to communicate in a healthcare environment, such as the NHS. As an overseas doctor you must select and sit the medicine version of the test, this is the only one accepted by the GMC for the purposes of registration for a license to practice.  Content and structure:  The OET tests your ability in four areas of English language communication:  Reading (45 minutes) Writing (60 minutes)  Speaking (45 minutes) Listening (20 minutes) Listening:  This section consists of three parts and tests a candidate’s ability to understand a range of materials, such as lectures or consultations.  Part A – consultation extracts (5 minutes each) You will listen to two recorded patient consultations and will be assessed on identifying specific information. You will also complete the healthcare professionals’ notes using the information that you have heard during the consultation.  Part B – Short extract of workplace discussion (1 minute each) Here, you are tested on your ability to identify detail, understand conversation, meaning and reasons or purpose contained in the discussion. You will hear 6 short extracts and answer multiple-choice questions on each. Example extracts could be a consultation dialogue, team meetings or professional handovers.  Part C – presentation extracts (5 minutes each) This tests your ability to follow a recorded healthcare related presentation or interview. You will listen to two extracts covering different topics and will then answer 6 multiple choice questions on each extract.  What does the listening sub-test assess?  The listening sub-test assesses your ability to identify specific information and details, to understand conversations, reasons for comments and the opinions of the speakers.  Reading:  In this section you are expected to demonstrate your ability to read and understand texts related to healthcare. This sub-test consists of three parts. Part A – expeditious reading task (15 minutes) This tests your ability to quickly and efficiently locate specific information from short texts. The texts will all relate to the same topic, and you will answer 20 questions in total.  Part B and C (45 minutes) Part B consists of 6 short text extracts from a healthcare setting, sourced from the workplace. It assesses your ability to identify detail, understand context, main points and overall gist of a text. Example texts are hospital policies or guidelines, manuals, instruction guides, internal communications between staff.  Answers are multiple-choice, and you will be asked three questions per text.  Part C consists of two texts on topics of interest to healthcare professionals. Each text is 800 words in total. Here you will be tested on your ability to identify detailed meaning and opinion. Each text has eight multiple choice questions.  What does the Reading sub-test assess? Each reading sub-test assesses different skills:  Part A, to read quickly, skim and scan across a variety of texts, in order to identify specific information.  Top tip, familiarise yourself with the conventions of medical texts, the structures, presentation of both numerical and textual content.  Part B, to understand detail and main points.  Top tip for Part B is to excel at identifying ideas or points within paragraphs, or sentences.  Part C, to understand meaning and opinion presented to you. This covers a longer text.  Top tip, the focus here is to understand the wider context, from sentence to paragraph level.  Writing:  This tests your ability to communicate effectively in a healthcare context, such a writing a referral letter. You will be given one task with a healthcare focus relating to the usual demands in the medical workplace.  The task is to write a letter, usually a referral. However, this can on occasion be a letter of discharge or advice for a patient. You will be provided with some materials to assist with context, and information to use in your writing.  How is the writing assessed?  overall execution and completion use of the correct and most suitable language overall comprehension and use of the materials provided grammar, punctuation & spelling cohesion, presentation, structure and layout Top tip, reading more will considerably improve your writing skills.  Speaking:  This section tests your ability to communicate effectively in a role-play based on a typical healthcare scenario. Each role-play takes about five minutes each.  The test will start with an introduction and short warm up conversation. Then the role-play will begin one-by-one and you have three minutes to prepare for each.  How is the speaking assessed?  intelligibility (pronunciation) appropriate use of language relationship building understanding and incorporating the patient’s language providing structure information gathering information giving What scores do I need?  For the GMC to accept your Occupational English Test (OET) certificate you will need to score a grade B or above in each test area. These scores must be achieved in the same test, and this must be your most recent sitting of the OET.  Remember, for the GMC to accept your OET certificate, you must take the medicine version of the test.  Does time matter?  Each sub-test is timed, and you will need to practice how to give each section the right amount of time. You will have to be efficient and work quickly, dedicating the right amount of time to each question and text.  When and where can I sit the test?  You can sit the OET in test venues around the world and they offer the tests 14 times per year. To find out if there is a test venue that suits you take a look at the official website. How can I prepare?  OET can be challenging. So, make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam.  OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare related and profession specific language.  To get the right score, this must be at an advanced level.  CLICK HERE & REGISTER FOR 10-20% DISCOUNT ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES You don’t need to pay take a course. However, it is highly advisable to attend a course, and/or language classes, successful IMGs have advised that this helped them improve their standards in all areas of the test, including improved general levels of English.  Most overseas doctors advise that they improved by attending specific OET courses, and this also helps you to get used to the test format and timings. 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 you will need to focus on. Identify your weaknesses, set goals for yourself and plan a revision timetable. What resources are available online for each subtest?  Listening online resources:  A good start would be to watch and listen to extracts online, here are a few options: BBC Factual Podcasts BBC Health Matters  OET Listening Subtests Reading online resources:  Read short, medium and long extracts online. Why not try the following resources:  British Medical Journal ABC health newsletter OET Reading sub-test Writing online resources:  To improve writing skills, we recommend reading and writing! Read short, medium and long extracts online. Write short extracts, re-write articles and write on your own journal.  Why not try the following resources:  British Medical Journal  Free Medical Journals OET Writing sub-test Speaking online resources:  To improve speaking skills, we recommend speaking! Speak with colleagues and friends in English as much as you can. You can also record yourself reading aloud or speaking and then play back your recording, assessing yourself.  Why not try the following resources:   British Medical Journal Free Medical Journals OET Sample Test Video We have also created a useful blog series on Exam Tips and Revision Guidance, which includes tips for studying at home.  Passed? What next? If you have your OET in place you are in a prime position to apply and interview for jobs. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration? Are you just beginning your journey through the MRCPsych exams?   Today, we’re back with Dr Kevin Li, who will be sharing some top tips on the MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B for overseas MRCPsych A & B aspirants. Kevin is a brilliant psychiatry specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong, having passed the MRCPsych and received full GMC registration with license to practice.  1. Start with the Royal College website  This is the best place to begin as it has key information including the syllabus - on which the exam is based, helping to guide the course of your preparation and revision.  2. Don’t use resources that are more than 3 years old – 5 years maximum  The curriculum and syllabus for Specialty Training in Psychiatry are updated regularly, so it’s best to find and use resources that are as up-to-date as possible.  3. Don’t combine study for Paper A and Paper B  Focus on each paper as an individual element – they each have different requirements, including what sections of the syllabus they are targeting and how much experience you must have before sitting the exam.   4. Divide your time according to the marks weighting of the sections  For example, general adult and critical review have the most marks in the exam, with 20% and 33.5% respectively, so you should prioritise these in your revision, then try to spend a proportionate amount of time on each section based on the marks it holds.  5. Perfect what you know  If there are any areas you are experienced or confident in, try to perfect these in order to gain the most marks possible in what you find to be the least challenging areas. These areas may also be easier to revise if they are better aligned with your training and practice to date.  6. Which exam should you sit first? It depends  If you want to pass the exams as quickly as possible, it makes sense to apply for the nearest upcoming diet of whichever exam comes first.   Knowledge wise Paper B has more sections and requires a lot more time and practice, particularly for critical review calculations. This combined with the Royal College’s advice of having 12 months’ experience in psychiatry before sitting the exam means that for most people, sitting Paper A first is the best choice.  7. Use diagrams for more challenging topics  Find or better still, create diagrams to better illustrate and explain the mor difficult to understand topics. Especially where you have little experience of a topic, it can be helpful to represent it visually.  8. Keep difficult topics fresh in your mind  If you need longer than 3 months to prepare for either exam, either leave the more difficult topics to the end of your revision or begin with them and be sure to revisit them at the end. You may not retain this information long-term, so it’s important to have it as fresh in your mind as possible when coming up to the exam.  9. Take time off before the exam for intense study  If you can, try to put some time aside in the week(s) coming up to the exam to for a final push of intense study before the exam.  10. Practice is key  Books are great resources for increasing your overall psychiatry knowledge, however they are not necessarily the best resources for the Paper A and Paper B exams. Question banks and past papers such as SPMM are very useful in preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A & B.  Getting started For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.   For news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.                         The postgraduate route to GMC registration, whilst not the fastest, can be the most rewarding in the long run. The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK, and as an international psychiatrist, this is the route that allows you to most closely align your qualifications with the requirements of more senior jobs in the NHS. 

FRCPath Part 1 Online   In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has decided to migrate all part 1 FRCPath exams online. This includes FRCPath 1 in Histopathology, Haematology, Microbiology.  This means FRCPath Part 1 may be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.   Please note that the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 remains offline, with examinations being conducted in person, but socially distanced.  FRCPath Part 1 Delivery  The format of the Part 1 exam is unchanged – 125 SBA (or multiple choice) and EMQs (extended matching questions) which aim to assess the candidate's overall knowledge and understanding of histo/ cytopathology, basic science underpinning pathology (including microbiology) and full understanding of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital.  Previously, FRCPath Part 1 was available in multiple overseas centres, and it is anticipated that the College will return to this set-up once COVID-19 has been better managed globally.  The online exam will be held delivered through a company called TestReach. The College delivered the first sitting on this online format in Autumn 2020.  Candidates will have the opportunity to trial the examination software before the exam to familiarise themselves with it ahead of time. The TestReach system is full-proctored, and candidates will need to complete both an IT systems and environment check before the exam. These checks will ensure that candidates devices are suitable for the exam and that they are in an environment which satisfy exam conditions I.e. where they do not have access to textbooks or other revision materials.  For more information on the online examination see the College website here, or read their FAQs here.  How to apply  The application window for the Spring 2022 sitting of the FRCPath Part 1 exam will open at the end of November/ early December and close in mid-January. Whilst the examination date has yet to be finalised – candidates are advised to apply early and may withdraw their place for a refund if the examination date is unsuitable.  The cost of the exam is £673. For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College website here.  For more information on FRCPath in Histopathology, take a look at our collection of articles and blogs here, where we explore the full examination suite, including a detailed look at the structure and format, fees and preparation and resources.   If you are looking for general information that any overseas doctors might need to know - then check out our IMG Resources library.  We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their FRCPath Part 1 exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.  Join the online histopathology community – connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in the IMG Histopathologists Facebook group.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:             

Many physicians trained in the USA can now register to work in the UK using their USMLE licensure. Whilst it is not a qualification, the GMC now accepts the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) as evidence of the appropriate skills and knowledge required to be granted registration with a license to practice.  In this blog we will outline some key points in this process, and briefly explain how to apply for full registration, including the following: Are you eligible for GMC registration? What are the requirements for GMC registration using the USMLE? How to provide evidence of your Primary Medical Qualification How to provide evidence of your internship How to request evidence from the USMLE for the GMC How to provide evidence of English language proficiency How to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing What other information will you need to provide? Getting started Please note, the full process is a lengthy one, so for detailed guidance on registering with the GMC using your USMLE, we suggest you get in touch with us to learn more. Eligibility for GMC Registration You are eligible for this application if you:  graduated from a medical school outside the UK or Switzerland  and you:  hold an acceptable primary medical qualification  have completed an internship  have passed the United States Medical Licensing Exam:  Step 1  Step 2 Clinical Knowledge AND  Step 2 Clinical Skills  Some important things to note:  Your pass for Step 2 Clinical Skills must be on or before 13 March 2020. This is because the in-person aspect of Step 2 Clinical Skills allows the USMLE to be comparable to the PLAB exam. Without this, the USMLE does not meet the GMC requirements for demonstration of skills and knowledge. If you attained the USMLE before 16 April 2004, you may have passed the former ECFMG Clinical Skill Assessment (CSA). This will not be accepted by the GMC for registration. Whilst we understand there are a lot of similarities between the two assessments (CSA and Step 2 CS) - only the Step 2 CS will be accepted.  You must have passed each part of the exam including the knowledge tests and clinical skills components in four attempts or less. If you have taken and failed PLAB Part 1 or 2 after you passed any component of an overseas registration exam, either a knowledge or clinical skills test, you will not be eligible for this application.  If your pass in the clinical skills component is more than two years old, you will need to have carried out medical practice for three of the last five years, including at least six out of the most recent 12 months before you submit your application. If your pass is over two years old and you haven’t completed this pattern of medical practice you will not be eligible to use the USMLE for GMC registration. If you do not meet these criteria, your application may be rejected and you may need to find an alternative route to GMC registration. Depending on your specialty, you may have an overseas accepted qualification, or PLAB may be another alternative for you.  GMC Registration Requirements To gain full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK, you must provide evidence of:  Evidence of skills and knowledge - this would be your full USMLE (Step 1, Step 2 - CK & CS) AND English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).  AND  Certificate of good standing - the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.   Evidence of Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) As part of your application with the GMC, you’ll need to send a copy of your Primary Medical Qualification. Some overseas medical degrees are not accepted by the GMC – if you are not sure – take a read of our blog on accepted primary medical qualifications here.  Once you have checked your primary medical qualification meets the acceptability criteria, you’ll need to have it independently verified before you can be granted your registration with a licence to practise. You will need to do this if you qualified from a medical school outside the UK and are not already provisionally registered with the GMC.  Read our article on verifying your medical degree here – or for a full and detailed guide on the steps required, contact the team via email at info@imgconnect.co.uk   Evidence of an Acceptable Internship An internship is formal training and experience after you've completed your primary medical qualification. An acceptable internship must include at least 12 months' continuous medical practice in an approved training post in a public hospital. You must have done this either immediately before or after you graduated. Your internship must have been at least 12 months in duration. If your internship was completed over a 12 - 18-month period, it must have included at least three months in medicine and three months in surgery. If your internship was completed in over 18 months, it must have included at least six months in medicine and six months in surgery. You'll need to send the GMC a certificate or letter of completion from your institution, which gives details of the dates and specialties of your rotations. If you completed an internship in the UK, you’ll need to read the online guidance for moving from provisional registration to full registration.  I haven't competed an internship If you didn't complete an internship, the GMC will accept evidence that you practised for two years continuously after you graduated. The GMC will check that your experience: was undertaken in a public hospital that meets the standards for regulation within its jurisdiction and has established supervision, safety and governance systems in place includes at least three months of practising medicine, continuously and without interruption includes at least least three months practising surgery, continuously and without interruption was completed under supervision.  You'll need to provide a letter from the hospital on letter headed paper, which gives details of the dates and specialties of your practice. Evidence of your pass in the USMLE  As part of your application, you'll need to:  Email the GMC to express your interest in applying for registration through this route at img@gmc-uk.org. Complete the application form the GMC send you and return it by email. Send them evidence which demonstrates you’ve passed an acceptable overseas registration exam. You can request this from the USMLE as per the instructions below.  Requesting evidence from USMLE for the GMC  First you should check that your college is listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) - this is likely if you've completed the USMLE You can request and download a transcript from the Federation of State Medical Boards You need to select General Medical Council (UK) from the drop-down list  If you are unable to access your account, call (817) 868-4041 or email transcripts@fsmb.org   Evidence of English Language Proficiency All physicians, regardless of experience and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have sufficient grasp of the English language. This can be done by passing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below: IELTS - a guide for overseas doctors OET - a guide for overseas doctors Experience in English-speaking countries For doctors who have spent the last two years of their clinical experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer(s) over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam. Certificate of Good Standing All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.   The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when the GMC approves your application.  Other information you may need to provide There are various other bits of information you will need to provide which includes your activities for the last five years, translations of any documents not in English, and any additional evidence the GMC may request when reviewing your application.   Often this is different, dependent on each case, so our advice is to start the application and respond to the GMC’s queries as and when they come.  Getting started You will need to create a GMC Online account for the GMC to be able to send you an application form. Once you've read and understood the evidence needed to support your application, you’re ready to apply. To start, contact the GMC where they will be able to check your eligibility and send you an application form to complete as mentioned above.  Once you've gathered all the required evidence and started the process to have your PMQ verified by the ECFMG, send your completed application form by email to img@gmc-uk.org. Once received, the GMC will ask you to call their contact centre to make payment. If you are still unsure about the application process and wish to discuss your application with IMG Connect, feel free to get in touch. We understand the GMC registration process can be complicated, and IMG Connect are experts on the matter. Rest assured, we are always delighted to help overseas physicians through the GMC registration process and to find jobs in the NHS!  For regular news and updates on the UK, including GMC registration, the royal colleges and the NHS, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below.             

In this article we look at the specialty specific guidance on documents to be supplied in evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Respiratory Medicine with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Respiratory Medicine in the NHS? As a respiratory medicine or pulmonary specialist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in the NHS in Respiratory Medicine. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP to attain CESR in Respiratory Medicine? No, whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP and you may have already attained MRCP as by ways of registering with the GMC, you do not require MRCP to attain CESR in Respiratory Medicine. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP (UK).  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Respiratory Medicine? The indicative period of training for CCT in Respiratory Medicine is six years full-time training and it is highly unlikely that a CESR applicant could achieve these competencies required in less time. The structure of the CCT training programme is: 2 years in Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) How does IMT fit into this? CMT no longer exists as of Aug 2019. 4 years training in Respiratory Medicine Applicants need to demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in both of these areas. For complete details have a read through the Respiratory Medicine Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Respiratory Medicine Curriculum documentation. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers Summary If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for senior Respiratory doctors looking to work as NHS Consultants in Respiratory Medicine. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.

Here we’ll take a closer look at the second stage of your FRCEM success in the examinations – FRCEM Intermediate SAQ. We’ll consider its purpose, structure and content, eligibility, dates, exam centers and provide some revision tips to give you the best chance of passing first time and moving closer towards full Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM). Designed to help you prepare and sit the exam, we consider the following topics: What is FRCEM Intermediate Certificate? Am I eligible? Exemptions & equivalent examinations  Where can I take the exam? How much will it cost me? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ? The FRCEM Intermediate Certificate is the second examination in a series of three and is mapped to the Competencies of Year 1-3 of the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum (ACCS Plus). The FRCEM Intermediate SAQ comprises of a 3-hour paper of 60, 3-mark questions. A full break down of the blueprint is found on the FRCEM Intermediate Regulations & Information Pack. A summarised blueprint for the SAQ can be found below. Curriculum Category Questions Common Competences 7 Clinical Presentations – Core Major & Acute Presentations  18 Anaesthetic Competences CT1&2 4 ICM within ACCS 2 Acute Presentations – Additional Adult ST3 6 Paediatric Presentations – Makor & Acute Presentations  11 Practical Procedures (ACCS) 12 Total  60 Am I eligible? To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme (Internship?) and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016. You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012. MRCEM Part B in place of FRCEM Intermediate SAQ MRCEM Part B passes obtained prior to August 2012 are deemed time expired, therefore you are required to pass the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination.  If you passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1 August 2012 you are deemed to have passed an equivalent examination to the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination. Where and when can I take the exam? And how much will it cost me? Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here. Venues and Fees for both intermediate examinations are below: Examination Location Fees FRCEM Intermediate Certificate SAQ UK £305 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman £385 How can I apply? All applications are made online. Please note, the application can take some time to complete so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines. Applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.  Links to all application forms and application windows are available here. How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available? With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015. The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the FRCEM examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration. Information Packs: These provide detailed information for the relevant examination components so that you can best prepare for your studies and what to expect on the day.  You can download this here: FRCEM Intermediate SAQ Blueprint: The blueprint for the Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here. SJP Blueprint: The blueprint for the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here. Sample questions:  Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College: Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions Glossary of Terms:  The Royal College uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions using this guide.  Candidates are expected to be rigorous in their use of these terms. Glossary of terms used in RCEM exams. Examination Report: The Royal College recently began to publish reports on the performance of those sitting FRCEM examinations. Below is the first report published and helps to break down results for those in training and those out of training.  2018 Examination report. Online resources:  There are lots of resources online, such as videos on YouTube, FRCEM courses and useful reading materials. We think that these are a great addition to your study plan, just be sure to check your sources.  Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed FRCEM Intermediate you can apply to sit the Final Examination. Take a look at our article on FRCEM Final Examination where we explore everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, fees, results and preparation.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

There are several routes overseas paediatricians can take to GMC registration and securing an NHS paediatrics job.  Whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council (GMC) before beginning their journey in the NHS. The criteria you need to meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.  Inside the EEA – click here Outside the EEA – click here “Doctors from countries around the world play a vital and significant role in our NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but is part of the continuous exchange of knowledge in healthcare and should be strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the NHS.”  Joint statement from the Royal College of Physicians Inside the EEA Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.  If you qualified as a paediatrician inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you don’t need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK – you have already done this, and thanks to the EU your qualification is deemed equivalent. In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.  So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.  English Language Testing Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language. You can do this by passing either of the following: IELTS – International English Language Testing System OET – Occupational English Test Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors GMC Registration Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. For full GMC registration you must provide evidence of: Evidence of English language capabilities (IELTS or OET) AND Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (your equivalent qualifications) Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below: IMG resources - GMC Registration for overseas doctors Job search We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European paediatricians in the NHS is ever-increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!  At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for European doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of paediatrics jobs than are readily available online.  Our network extends to Paediatrics services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.  In addition, your dedicated consultant, with a speciality knowledge of paediatrics, will negotiate on your behalf ensuring you get the most competitive salary.  Our aim is to have a job offer on the table before your GMC registration is complete, giving you the peace of mind of having an agreed contract in place - leaving you to carefully plan your relocation to the UK. Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search Relocation Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK. Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help. Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK. IMG Resources – Relocation & UK Life Outside of the EEA If you qualified as a paediatrician outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge & skills and English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK. In addition, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.  Here we summarise the requirements for paediatrics doctors, looking at the following: English Language Testing Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, MRCPCH or equivalents Tier 2 Visas  Full GMC Registration English Language Testing Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language. You can do this by passing either of the following: IELTS – International English Language Testing System OET – Occupational English Test Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Paediatrics Overseas paediatricians must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For paediatricians this can be done through three main routes: PLAB Royal College qualification of MRCPCH GMC - recognised or equivalent qualifications Route 1 - PLAB: The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in Paediatrics specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.  That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, paediatricians can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS.  Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB: PLAB – a guide for overseas doctors PLAB 1 – a closer look PLAB 2 – a closer look Route 2 - Royal College Qualification of MRCPCH: Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. Paediatrics. For senior paediatricians taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.  The Royal College of Paediatricians is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Paediatrics in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Paediatrics. Take a look at our complete guide on Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to understand more: MRCPCH – a guide for overseas doctors Route 3 - GMC Recognised or Equivalent Qualifications: Some overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This means to say these qualifications are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications. There are Paediatrics qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC.  Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC below: IMG Resources - Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications Tier 2 Visa If you are a doctor applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.  Applying as a doctor or nurse has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make. Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare. Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: IMG Resources - Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependant visa below: IMG Resources - Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK? GMC Registration With everything in place, you can apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. Remember, for full GMC registration you must provide evidence of: Evidence of English language capabilities AND Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (PLAB, MRCPCH or equivalent) Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below: IMG Resources - GMC Registration for overseas doctors Job search We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA paediatricians in the NHS is increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!  At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for overseas doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of jobs than is readily available online. Our network extends to paediatrics services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.  In addition, your 1-1 consultant, with a speciality knowledge of paediatrics, will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the most competitive salary. Giving you the peace of mind of agreeing your new contract, perhaps even before your GMC registration is complete.  Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search Relocation Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK. Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.  Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK. Take a look here: IMG Resources – Relocation & UK Life IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS paediatrician jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.             

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.  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 Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

For IMGs passing an English Language test is an essential part of the GMC Registration process. As an overseas doctor looking to work in the UK, there are different scenarios in which you’ll need to provide a pass in an English Language Test. This article should hopefully help you decide which one would suit you best and includes the following topics:  Who needs an English Language Test? What are your options? What are IELTS & OET?  Which should you choose?  Which test is accepted by who?  Which is easier?  Where and when can I sit the English Language Tests? How can I prepare for the English Language Tests?  What resources are available?  How else can I study at home? Summary Who needs an English Language Test? If you are an overseas doctor wanting to work in the UK, you must prove your English Language capabilities to enable you to register with the GMC (General Medical Council). To prove your capabilities you must successfully pass an English Language test. We advise all overseas doctors intending to relocate to the UK, whether via PLAB or postgraduate routes, to start their English Language Test preparations as early as possibl, you may not be able to pass at first attempt. What are your options?  In short, you have two options:  IELTS (International English Language Testing System) OET (Occupational English Test) Both are used to test the English language levels of healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.  Importantly, both are used to demonstrate the correct levels of English have been attained for registration to work in the UK healthcare system.  What are IELTS & OET?  These English Language Tests are 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.  For IMGs relocating to the UK, it is important to start by saying that both the IELTS and OET are accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).  However, it is also important to note that OET is not accepted for Tier 2 Visa applications, which we will explore later.  IELTS:  IELTS is designed for people wanting to work or study in the UK. IELTS has a non-academic version, but be careful, for overseas doctors it is the Academic IELTS UKVI version that you want.   IELTS consists of 4 sections, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.  To pass an average score of 7.5 or above is required, with all areas scoring above 7.0.  OET:  OET is language assessment designed for healthcare professionals. It has many versions, so be careful to select the relevant course for an IMG, the medical version.  OET is fast becoming a popular choice and is equally recognised by the GMC as an accurate test of English for doctors.  OET consists of 4 sections, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. To pass a grade of B (or above) is required in all areas.  Which should you choose?  IELTS gives a broader test of the English language, not just workplace specific. IMGs who took this option have told us that their preparation has had a positive impact on their life in the UK, outside of the workplace.  However, it is also true that OET focuses more on the language that is relevant to healthcare professionals. Many overseas doctors tell us that they like this option as it tested their ability within the context of the medical profession.  Both are accepted by the GMC, so for the purposes of GMC registration only, one is not better than the other.  Both are now accepted for your Tier 2 Visa sponsorship with the Home Office.  For EEA doctors, you do not require a visa and only need to satisfy the GMC’s English language criteria.  If you have qualified outside of the EEA, your English Language Tests will need to satisfy both the GMC and the UK Home Office.  We have created the table below to help you check if you are taking the right test: YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections)   GMC registration Tier 2 Visa (CoS) Academic IELTS YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) NO Academic IELTS UKVI YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) YES (4.0 in all sections)  OET YES (Score of B+ in all areas)  YES Which is easier?  This really falls down to a matter of preference.  Both are difficult and require hard work and exam study. Why not take a look at our tips for preparing for English Language Exams at home.  Some will find the OET works well for them as it covers healthcare specific language, meaning that you can make good use of your existing healthcare knowledge and vocabulary.  IELTS is not specific to the healthcare profession, it is taken by professionals from all industries. So, the topics covered are more general.  If your English level is good enough, neither OET or IELTS will hold you back.  There is no evidence to suggest that one test is easier than the other.  Here is a comparison chart to help:    IELTS Academic UKVI OET Test time 2 hrs 45 mins Approx. 3 hrs Listening 30 mins You will be asked to listen to 4 recordings and answer questions based on what you’ve heard. The recordings will be two lectures or monologues and have two spoken conversations. The questions will ask you to ‘fill in the blanks’ or ‘match the following’, as well as ask you to label, complete sentences and more.  50 mins This section is broken into two, part A and B.  Part A will ask you to take notes on a consultation, and part B will ask you to fill in the blanks and answer multiple choice questions after listening to a healthcare lecture. Reading  1 hr You will be given three passages of text taken from journals and newspapers etc. You will then be asked to answer questions and complete tasks based on the reading material provided. Some of the questions may be multiple choice, true or false, note completion, identification etc.  1 hr This is split into two parts, part A and B. Part A is made up of 4 short texts – you fill in the blanks and complete a summary of the topic being discussed. Part B requires you to read two longer texts and answer multiple choice questions about each.  Writing 1 hr This includes two tasks. The first is 20 minutes, you will need to study and write about some data or graphs provided.  The second task will ask you to write an essay based on a broad subject.  45 mins This test will require you to read some case notes and write a discharge, follow up or referral letter based on the notes. Speaking 15 mins This is split into three parts. Each part is a general discussion. Firstly, this will be a discussion on topics such as family, hobbies and interests. This is followed by task card topics, which you will be given with a topic to speak about.  20 mins This task starts with a short warm up discussion with the examiner. The main test then comprises of two role plays, in which you will play a doctor, and the examiner will play a patient. The interaction will be based on a selected topic card.  Accepted for GMC registration YES if you take the Academic IELTS UKVI option (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) YES if you take the medicine version (Score of B+ in all areas) Accepted for Tier 2 Visa YES if you take the Academic IELTS UKVI option (4.0 in all sections) YES Cost (£) £200 £349 Where and when can I sit the English Language Tests?  IELTS is available in over 140 countries, with tests held up to 4 times per month. Check if there is a venue near where you live. OET is available 14 times per year in 40 countries, with the number of cities and venues increasing each year. Check if is there is a venue near where you live. How can I prepare for the English Language Tests?  IELTS and OET can be challenging, so make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam.  Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires learning a huge amount of vocabulary, learning how to write specific reports or essays, using a high level of grammar and structure and learning how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.  You should take time to research each area of the test in detail, but don’t worry, help is at hand, and we will explore some of the best resources online.  Your preparation for each test will need to be different. This doesn’t mean that one will require more or less preparation, just that you will need to study varied pathways and prepare different topics and vocabulary. IELTS involves learning a much wider amount of vocabulary on a range of academic subjects so that you will be prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures, talks and questions, giving opinion in detail.  You will have to prepare how to write reports on a variety of data and essay types.  Written texts are to be of a high standard, including complex structures and grammar.  OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare related and profession specific language. The test will require you to follow clinical scenarios, understand medical texts and talks. You will need to write a healthcare letter, such as a referral. To get the right score, this must be at an advanced level.  Successful IMGs who have passed, told us that learning key exam techniques helps you to work quickly and effectively during the test day.  What resources are available?  For IELTS, the British Council provide free online preparation on their website. The British Council also offer the IELTS word power app. It's a great way to prepare for your test no matter where you are. Download the app here.  The IELTS publication Information for Candidates has valuable information about the way the test is run and what to expect on the day. For OET practice, you can buy helpful OET guidance packs online. The OET also offer a preparation portal full of material to help you study for the test, including free practice materials. How else can I study at home?  Successful 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 English Language scores in both IELTS and OET, is to study at home.  Whilst exam papers are an essential weekly part of your overall study plan, too many exam papers can lead to boredom or frustration.  Most find the following helpful (and enjoyable):  Listen to podcasts Speak to native English speakers (you can always give us a call!) Watch relevant YouTube videos for your chosen exam Watch movies Listen to radio Read articles relevant to your exam In summary: Neither exam is easier than the other. Both Academic IELTS UKVI and OET Medicine show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you!  You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice.  The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you.  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 Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

For overseas doctors looking to register with GMC, passing an English Language test is essential.  Doctors regularly ask us which test is the most suited for IMGs to sit and which is more suited to the medical professional? There are different scenarios in which you’ll need to provide a pass in an English test. This article should hopefully help you decide which English Language Test would suit you best and includes the following topics:  What are IELTS & OET?  Which test is accepted by which registration body? What are the similarities and differences?  What do I need to score in each test for GMC registration?  Where and when can i sit the English Language Exams? How do I prepare for the exam? Which test should I choose? Can i get offered an exemption? If you are an IMG relocating to the UK to start a doctors job, you will be required to take an English Language exam, enabling you to register with the GMC (General Medical Council). What are IELTS & OET?  Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) are used to test the English language levels of healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.  They are 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.  For international doctors relocating to the UK, it is important to start by saying that both the IELTS and OET are accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).  Which test is accepted by which registration body?  The good news is that recent changes to the rules means that both IELTS and OET are accepted for GMC registration and your Tier 2 visa for both EEA and non-EEA applicants. Check out the recent updates here.  We have created the table below to help you check if you are taking the right test:   GMC registration Tier 2 Visa (CoS) Academic IELTS YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) NO Academic IELTS UKVI YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) YES (4.0 in all sections)  OET YES (Score of B+ in all areas)  YES OET and Tier 2 visas: Only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes.  What are the similarities and differences?  Similarities: Each consists of four areas, one for each English language skill: reading, listening, writing and speaking.  Both tests take place in one day.  Both give a graded score (not pass or fail) Both are recognised by the GMC and other healthcare regulatory bodies in the UK Differences: The content of each exam is different.  IELTS tests overall academic English (as an IMG you must select the Academic IELSTS UKVI test as this is the one recognised by the healthcare regulatory bodies, i.e. GMC & Home office).  What does this mean in practice? This includes the ability to write essays, follow lectures, understand academic articles, journals and newspapers, discuss a wide range of topics including social, environmental, educational and cultural trends. The OET is different, the OET has been designed specifically for medical professionals, including nursing, medicine, radiography, occupational therapists and so on. Be sure to choose the correct exam for you - medicine!  The OET tests healthcare English, including the ability to communicate effectively in medical scenarios, write referral letters, understand a patient consultation, or follow a text from a medical journal.  Your preparation will need to be different This doesn’t mean that one will require more or less preparation, just that you will need to study varied pathways and prepare different topics and vocabulary. IELTS involves learning a much wider amount of vocabulary on a range of academic subjects so that you will be prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures, talks and questions, giving opinion in detail.  You will have to prepare how to write reports on a variety of data and essay types.  Written texts are to be of a high standard, including complex structures and grammar.  OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare related and profession specific language. The test will require you to follow clinical scenarios, understand medical texts and talks. You will need to write a healthcare letter, such as a referral. To get the right score, this must be at an advanced level.  Successful IMGs who have passed, have told us that learning a range of exam techniques helps you to work quickly and effectively during the test day.  What do I need to score in each test for GMC registration?  IELTS:  IELTS is marked out of 9 in each paper. For GMC registration an overall score of 7.5 must be achieved, with a minimum of 7.0 in each area of the test. OET: OET is marked grades A to E in each paper. For GMC registration a minimum of grade B is required in all areas to pass the exam, or a point score of 350 points across all areas of the test.  Where and when can I sit the English Language Tests?  IELTS is available in over 140 countries, with tests held up to 4 times per month. Check if there is a venue near where you live.  OET is available 14 times per year in 40 countries, with the number of cities and venues increasing each year. Check if is there is a venue near where you live.  How do I prepare for either exam?  Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires learning a huge amount of vocabulary, learning how to write specific reports or essays, using a high level of grammar and structure, learn how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.  You should take time to research each area of the tests in detail, but don’t worry, help is at hand, for more information on how to prepare, take a look at our blog series on English Language testing.  Can I be exempted from the English language test? Some specialisms that are hard to fill such as emergency medicine and various specialist medicines, however NHS hospitals do not like offering exemptions - and they are only offered to candidates who exhibit excellent language capabilities at interview. IMG Connect strongly recommends all doctors to practice for and pass an English language test. Get in touch if you would like to know more about exemptions or think you are eligible. Which test do I choose?  Neither exam is easier than the other. Both IELTS 7.5 and OET B show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you!  You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice.  The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you.  I have my ELT in place, what next? Depending on what other qualifications you have in place, you may have to pass an accepted postgraduate qualification in order to be eligible for full GMC registration. Regardless, passing your English test is a huge achievement and will take you that one giant step closer to working in the NHS. So congratulations! For more useful blogs & articles on English Language Tests to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Library. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in the NHS and English Language Tests, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS 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 doctor job opportunities 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:              

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

Recognised postgraduate qualifications are essential to work in the NHS with full GMC registration. The GMC must be satisfied you have sufficient knowledge and skills before it grants you a license to practice, and for international doctors there are various routes to be considered. Your experience and desired role in the NHS should help shape the route you take option for you. The following postgraduate routes are available to you: PLAB UK Postgraduate Qualification (Royal College Qualification) Recognised or Equivalent Postgraduate Qualification PLAB The first and most popular route for more junior doctors is the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board or PLAB as its commonly known. It is a two-part exam, with Part 1 taken all over the world and the second part taken in the UK only. It is a quick and relatively simple set of examinations for overseas doctors to work in the NHS. Have a read through our detailed and helpful blog series on the PLAB for more information. UK Postgraduate Qualifications / Royal College Qualifications One of the most popular routes for overseas doctors is to attain a UK Postgraduate Qualification through one of the UK's Royal Colleges. There are twenty-four Royal Colleges in existence in the UK, and they are the professional bodies responsible for the individual medical specialties they cover. Among their many duties, their role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter their respective professions. UK trainees will sit a series of examinations set by their Royal College depending on what medical specialty they have chosen and these generally are set to a higher level of specialism and training when compared to the PLAB examinations. Attaining a Royal College Qualification will of course satisfy GMC postgraduate criteria for full registration and are often the route for more senior international candidates looking to work in the UK. Certainly, if you want to  Have a read through our Postgraduate Qualification section to find the qualification set against your specialty. The entire list of Royal College examinations can be found below. Alternatively, have a look through our blog on PLAB v Royal College to help you decide. CLICK ON THE QUALIFICATION BELOW TO READ A USEFUL GUIDE FOR IMGs. Awarding Body  Qualification Royal College of Anaesthetists Primary FRCA examination Royal College of Emergency Medicine Membership of the College of Emergency Medicine (MCEM/MRCEM) Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Royal College of Pathologists Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) by examination only Haematology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCS Glasg Ophthalmology) Royal College of Physicians London  Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Membership of the Royal College of Physicians MRCP (UK) Royal College of Psychiatrists Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Royal College of Radiologists  Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh  Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCS Ed Opthalmology) Royal College of Surgeons of England Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Any of the following: Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - MRCS Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS (ENT)) Collegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS) Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons - (following examination) (FRCS) Recognised or Equivalent Postgraduate Qualifications Another option is to attain a GMC recognised overseas qualification. These overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC as equivalent and will be accepted as evidence that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to apply for full registration with a licence to practise. Have a read through our blog on GMC Recognised Postgraduate Qualifications to find out if your qualification is on the list and recognised by the GMC.  Please note, you must be granted full registration with a license to practice within three years of passing your postgraduate qualification. Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Country Awarding Body Qualification    America American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics - General Pediatrics 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 Royal Australasian College of Physicians  FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations OR FRACP Paediatrics or evidence of three years 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) Bangladesh  Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded since July 1999 Canada  The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - diagnostic radiology examination Europe European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care  Hong Kong Hong Kong College of Physicians Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians Ireland College of Anaesthetists of Ireland  Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists Royal College of Physicians in Ireland  MRCP Medicine (Medicine of Childhood) Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland   MRCS (collegiate examination) MRSCI (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 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 FCPS Paediatrics Pakistan Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since1998 Singapore National University of Singapore Master of Medicine (Paediatrics)  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 South Africa College of Anaesthetists of South Africa Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa FCA (SA) 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 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, (Paediatrics) Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017 Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017 West Africa  West African College of Physicians Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (Paediatrics) West Indies  University of the West Indies Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded since September 2003 (Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care) 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 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.

The GMC is the public body that maintains the register of Medical Practitioners in the UK. The chief responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’  in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK. They define their role with the four main duties below: Decide which doctors are qualified to work in the UK Oversee UK Medical education and training Set the standards doctors need to follow throughout their career When necessary, take action to prevent unsafe practice or patient safety being jeopardised How does the GMC support itself? Through people like you! The GMC is supported by fees paid by the doctors that make up its membership, and it became a registered charity in 2001. Where is the GMC based? The GMC has offices in Central London and Manchester and you will need to personally attend an ID check at one of these offices in order to complete your registration. This can also be a great opportunity to meet your IMG Consultant and get to know the UK a little before relocating! Licensing and revalidating doctors in the UK The GMC is also responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor practising in the UK. This is essential to continued practice and needs completing every 5 years. This will be very important for you in years to come. You can find out more about revalidation here. How do I register with the GMC? Registering with the GMC is a multi-staged process and requires deeper explanation! Find out how to become a fully registered member of the GMC by having a look at our blog on GMC Registration.  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 Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.         

PACES is the final exam in the MRCP UK examination series. Attaining full MRCP UK will facilitate registration with the GMC for overseas doctors, allowing you to secure a job in one of the many medical specialties in the NHS, depending on your experience and specialisation. In this article we will consider the following:  What is PACES? Am I eligible to sit MRCP PACES? What is the content and format?  How is PACES marked?  As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam? When should I take PACES? How can I prepare for the exam?  Passed? What next?  What is PACES? The Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) is designed to test the clinical knowledge and skills of trainee doctors who hope to enter higher specialist training (ST3). The exam sets rigorous standards to ensures trainees are competent across a wide range of skills and are ready to provide high-quality care to patients. Am I eligible to sit MRCP PACES? You must have passed the Part 1 written examination within the last seven years before taking PACES. The Royal College strongly advises trainees to apply after competing two years practical experience and Part 2 of the examination. What is the content and format?  PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).  The exam is sat over a half-day and assesses seven core skills over five stations. IMGs can expect eight patient encounters assessed independently by a total of ten examiners (two at each station).  The seven core skills: Physical examination – demonstrate correct, thorough, systematic, appropriate and professional technique of physical examination. Identify physical signs – identifying physical signs correctly. Clinical communication – elicit a clinical history relevant to the patient’s complaints, in a systematic, thorough and professional manner. Differential Diagnosis – create a sensible, clinically assessed differential diagnosis for a patient. Clinical Judgment – select an appropriate management plan for a patient or clinical situation. Select appropriate investigations or treatments for a patient that the candidate has clinically assessed. Managing patients concerns – seeks, detect, acknowledge and address patients or relatives concerns, confirming their understanding and demonstrate empathy. Maintain patient welfare – treat a patient or relative respectfully and sensitively in a manner that ensures their comfort, safety and dignity. The PACES Carousel: The Carousel consists of five stations, each assessed by two independent examiners. Candidates start at any of the five stations, moving round the carousel at 20-minute intervals, until completed. A five-minute period between each station is given.  Candidates are marked on clinical skills at each encounter in the examination. An encounter is when a candidate has an interaction with a patient or a surrogate. Stations 2 and 4 involve one encounter, whereas stations 1, 3 and 5 have two encounters.  How is PACES marked?  PACES is marked on seven skills, A-G, these are:  Skill A: Physical examination (stations 1, 3 and 5) Skill B: Identifying physical signs (stations 1, 3 and 5) Skill C: Clinical communication (stations 2, 4 and 5) Skill D: Differential diagnosis (stations 1, 2, 3 and 5) Skill E: Clinical judgement (all stations) Skill F: Managing patients’ concerns (all stations) Skill G: Maintaining patient welfare (all stations) Skill B, identifying physical signs, is often considered the most challenging skill to pass. As an overseas candidate, where and when can I take the exam? It is a little more complicated than Part 1 or 2 exams and exam slots are often in short supply. Whilst the Royal College is working hard to increase the number of spaces, it is not always possible to offer a place to all applicants. Priority is given to those candidates who are near the end of their stage 2 eligibility period. A full list of examination dates can be found here, please note these are subject to change. Examination centres are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please see the Royal College website here. The examination is run at clinical centres across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland); these vary from diet to diet. When should I take PACES? Royal College performance data provides some food for thought when considering when to apply for PACES. The data suggests: Wait at least 36 months after graduation before applying. Those taking the exam before this period were less likely to pass. 24-36 months post-graduation – 50% pass rate 36-48 months after graduation – 77% Candidates that had already passed part 1 & 2 written examinations were significantly more likely to pass PACES at first attempt. How can I prepare for the exam?  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.  It is recommended that to give yourself the best chance, you gain clinical experience involving care of emergency patients, adults and children.We advise you to regularly invite senior colleagues to observe and provide feedback on your clinical assessments, so you will be comfortable with the PACES format and give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. PACES station 4 examiner guidance examples: This useful guide contains examples of the types of statements found in the examiner guidance section of station 4 scenarios.  This will help you to understand what the examiner is looking for.  PACES sample scenarios: These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant scenarios to prepare you for the real thing. Sample scenarios cover Station 2, 4 & 5 (‘history taking’, ‘communication skills and ethics’ and ‘clinical consultations’ respectively. Most of these have been previously used in a recent exam, but please note that during the exam you will only receive the section marked ‘information for the candidate’. Videos on what to expect on the day: These helpful videos will give you a true reflection of what to expect on the day of the exam, easing some of the pressure and ensuring you can focus on the task at hand.  PACES candidate video: Whilst there are lots of useful videos online that are easy to find, the PACES candidate video contains important information about the exam, and practical examples of how the exam will run.  Candidate guide notes: these guidenotes created by the Royal College help IMGs to understand what to expect on the day, from your arrival to the completion of the test.  It can also be useful to understand how IMGs have failed the exam in the past, as this will give you the best chance to pass first time. The ‘how I failed PACES’ guide provides tips to help you to identify where you might be going wrong, along with practical advice to help you to improve.  For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blogs on exam tips and preparation.  Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP (UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs Specialise in gastroenterology, respiratory, neurology, dermatology, geriatrics or any other areas within specialist medicine? Search and find live specialist medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK. General & Acute medicine? Search for live vacancies here. IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss specialist medicine job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

An application for GMC registration is completed online. In this article we take an in depth look at putting together your online application for the GMC and cover the following topics:  Preparing and understanding what documents you need  Applying for Online Registration Paying your registration fee Providing the required evidence GMC ID Checks I've had my ID checked, what next? Preparing and understanding what documents you need to apply for GMC online All applicants must have prepared: Evidence of English Language Test  Evidence to support your fitness to practise Explanations for breaks in medical practice Preparation specific to EEA Doctors: Acceptable Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ). Preparation specific to non-EEA Doctors: Acceptable overseas PMQ (different from GMC recognised PMQ) Verification of primary medical qualification Knowledge and skills fit for UK practice (PLAB or Postgraduate Qualification or Accepted Licensing Exam) Read our blog on accepted PMQs here. Or read up on verifying your PMQ with the GMC here. At IMG Connect we always recommend that you prepare all of your documentation and get organised before starting any application. If you do, completing the online application will prove to be much quicker. Applying for GMC Online Registration Applications are completed online here.  Paying your GMC registration fee online For full information on fees and discounts available visit the GMC website. Standard fees are £420. Discounted fees of up to 50% are available depending on your gross annual worldwide income. If you are unsure if you qualify for a discount speak to your IMG Consultant at any time. Providing the required evidence Once you have made your online application the GMC will email you telling you what evidence you will need to provide copies of (which you will already have prepared). Gather your documents and scan them as one PDF file. Email these documents within 28 days of receiving this email to keep your application live. Once the GMC have received your documents they will assess them and respond to you within five working days. At this point they will either ask for further evidence or consider your application complete.  If further evidence is required you will have 14 days to responds to keep your application live. GMC ID Check Congratulations! You are nearly there… Now your online application is complete, the GMC will invite you to attend an identity check at one of the GMC offices in either London or Manchester. You must bring your original documents to this meeting. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GMC temporarily suspended in-person ID checks, however from Tuesday 19th April 2022, doctors applying for, or restoring their registration, will once again need to complete a GMC ID at the London office before they will be granted registration. You will have six months to book an appointment and complete your check. If you don’t complete it within this time, you will have to start a new application. If you were granted registration without an identity check earlier in the pandemic, the GMC will offer you an ID check at the earliest convenience, so do look out for an email from them. When you attend the GMC ID check, it provides us with a great opportunity to meet our doctors face to face and introduce ourselves over a coffee or lunch. Your IMG Consultant would love to arrange this with you, should this fit in with your busy schedule of course! I've had my ID checked by the GMC, what next? Congratulations are in order! Once you have attended your ID Check and presented your original documentation you are granted registration and can now work as a doctor in the NHS and Private UK Healthcare!         

Overseas doctors must verify their medical qualifications before making a GMC application. In order to work in the NHS you need full registration with the GMC. This process requires independent verification of your primary medical degrees and any other qualifications or licensures you are using to join the register. Often this will be a Royal College Qualifcation, or another recognised postgraduate qualification, but can also include an accepted licensing exam such as USMLE, MCCQE or AMCCE. The process of verification is is done by the Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and applies if you: Qualified at a medical school outside of the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland; OR are an international medical graduate with a European medical qualification (not including UK qualifications) AND do not already hold provisional registration. Please note, only those with primary medical qualifications awarded outside of the UK and EU, and those who are not EU nationals but hold a primary medical qualification from the EU (but not the UK), need to use an Electric Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC). Which qualifications will I need to verify? When registering with the GMC there will likely be two certificates you will need to verify for your GMC registration. Depending on what route you take to registration, you will need to verify both of the following: Postgraduate route: Medical Degree (PMQ) and Accepted Postgraduate Qualification Relevant European Qualification (REQ) route: Medical Degree (PMQ) Specialist European Qualification route: Medical Degree (PMQ) and Specialist European Qualification MTI or Royal College Sponsorship route: Medical Degree (PMQ) PLAB route: Medical Degree (PMQ) Is my Medical Degree (PMQ) accepted by the GMC? You must have completed an acceptable medical degree to register with the GMC. Check if you’re qualification is accepted via the GMC website here. Your medical degree is commonly known as your primary medical qualification (PMQ) and it will need to be independently verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) via their online portal, EPIC. Please note, if you hold refugee status in the UK and are applying to the GMC for registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK, you may be able to get help with your EPIC fees. Contact the GMC before using EPIC. Setting up an on-line account: Once you have established the correct documents to be verified, set up an on-line account (EPIC Account) via ECFMG EPIC The first step to start using EPIC is to complete a request to establish an account. The request requires you to submit some basic personal information, details about your medical education, and, if applicable, details about your postgraduate medical education. EPIC will then send you an e-mail to confirm receipt of your request to establish an EPIC Account. Once your account request has been processed, they will send you an e-mail containing your EPIC ID and instructions on how to complete the final step in the account establishment process, completion of the EPIC Identification Form (EIF) to confirm your identity.  The GMC's instructions for EPIC verification are here however this we have outlined the steps above, so things shoud be fairly clear already. Before you start: Before your start the verification process, there are a couple of important steps to consider:  Create a GMC online account if you haven't already and check whether the GMC accepts your primary medical qualification and/or postgraduate qualification.  If your medical school is included on the list below then you should contact the GMC before starting the verification process. on the GMC’s list of qualifications that are not acceptable  on the GMC’s list of qualifications that may be acceptable not in the list of medical schools on GMC Online General advice from IMG Connect Start early: At IMG Connect we strongly advise that you complete this part of the process as soon as possible. There are several factors that contribute to the length of the verification process, ncluding the time it takes for the medical school to verify your qualification(s). It does not expire, so there is no reason to delay! Also consider the GMC will close your application after 90 days if you cannot submit it, so by starting EPIC too late you may cause your GMC application to be closed.  Prepare and save yourself some time: As always, at IMG Connect we advise it is best to gather your documents prior to starting any application. If you do, it should only take about 15 minutes to complete.  Before you begin, make sure you have the following available: a full-colour photograph (passport style) a scanned, full-colour copy of the photograph page of your current, unexpired passport information about your medical education, including your medical school identification number (if applicable) and attendance and degree issue dates your medical licensure information (if applicable), including any identification numbers your ECFMG/USMLE Identification Number (if you have one) your ECFMG International Credentials Services (EICS) Identification Number (if you have one) Make sure you select the General Medical Council as you upload each qualification. By doing so, the GMC will automatically receive an update when your qualification has been verified. If you don’t do this, it could cause a delay. How much does EPIC verification cost?  The fees are charged in USD and you’ll need to pay ECFMG directly. Full payment is due at the time you submit your request to establish an EPIC Account. Setting up an account currently costs $125 and as of recently, the fee to verify a credential through EPIC increased to US$90 per credential. For more information on fees and payment, see the fees section of the EPIC website. I've got my PMQ verified, what next? Submit your application for registration to the GMC and provide your EPIC ID to the GMC.  You won’t be able to submit your application to the GMC until you have confirmation that your PMQ has been sent for verification. ECFMG will send you confirmation via e-mail. You can also check the status by logging in to your EPIC Account. If you prefer, you can wait until after the qualification has been verified to submit your application, as it can take some time for the verification to be completed. Once verification of a qualification has been received from the issuing institution and ECFMG has confirmed that the qualification is authentic, ECFMG will confirm this with the GMC. ECFMG will also notify you by e-mail that your qualification has been verified.

One of the routes to GMC registration for an overseas anaesthetist is FRCA Primary. IMGs from any country in the world can sit some, not all, of the FRCA examinations. Certain eligibility criteria must be met to sit primary whilst overseas doctors can only take the final part of the exams once they have started working in the NHS (UK). This is explained in further details below where we look at the following topics: What is FRCA?  What is the structure and content of FRCA examinations? As an overseas doctor am I eligible?  What is Temporary Exam Eligibility (TEE)? What is the UK IAC?   As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam and how much will it cost me? How to prepare and what resources are available? Summary  The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Anaesthetics throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession. What is FRCA?  Anaesthetists become full members of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and attain Fellowship of the Royal College, and the designation of FRCA, once they have passed the two separate exams: the Primary and Final Examinations. Each exam consists of two parts taken separately. FRCA is one of the many routes an anaesthetist can take when looking to satisfy the GMC postgraduate criteria for full registration with a licence to practice. It is important to note that Primary FRCA will suffice for the purposes of full registration with a license to practice, and full FRCA is not essential though of course desirable. What is the structure and content of FRCA examinations?  Primary FRCA examinations:  Multiple Choice Question Examination (MCQ) The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Structured Oral Examination (SOE) Final FRCA examinations:  Final Written exam consisting of; Multiple Choice Question exam (MCQ) and a Short Answer Question (SAQ) exam The Structured Oral Examination (SOE) The FRCA examinations form an essential component of training for anaesthetists in the UK and doctors who wish to complete the FRCA route, will be required to complete the final exam after substantial experience working in the UK.  As an overseas doctor am I eligible?  It is important to note that each of the FRCA exams have different eligibility criteria.  To sit the FRCA Primary Exams, you must be a member of the College or apply for Temporary Exam Eligibility (TEE) – see below. TEE will apply to most overseas doctors.  Primary FRCA MCQ: You are eligible to enter the Primary FRCA MCQ paper if you: hold national registration with an overseas Medical Council; AND have successfully applied for Temporary Examination Eligibility (TEE) with the College 3 months prior to the date of the examination  Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE: You are eligible to enter the Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE if you: meet the above criteria for the Primary FRCA MCQ paper have passed the Primary FRCA MCQ paper have been awarded an overseas competency in anaesthetics which is comparable to the UK IAC (see below) Final FRCA: You are eligible to enter the Final FRCA paper if you have: completed 30 months of training in anaesthesia at least 18 months must be spent in approved posts in the UK or Republic of Ireland – for international doctors a maximum of 12 months of overseas training in anaesthesia combined with 6 months working in an approved UK post will be accepted; Evidence of having completed the required training will be needed, Core Level Training Certificate What is Temporary Exam Eligibility (TEE)? Non-UK Trainee applicants do not qualify for any membership category of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. As such the Royal College has introduced the TEE to allow overseas anaesthetist doctors who do not work in the UK to apply for the FRCA Primary Examinations.  Applicants must submit a Temporary Examinations Eligibility form three months before any examinations are applied for. How do I apply for TEE?  You can apply for TEE using this application form. Documents required on your first application are: Proof of registration with an overseas Medical Council Proof of attendance at or completion of anaesthetic training, including foundation training (internship)  If you intend to take the OSCE/SOE exams, you will be asked to provide further documentation to prove you have an equivalent of the UK Initial Assessment of Competency Certificate in Anaesthesia. The TEE application costs £90, paid by bank transfer. Once payment is confirmed you will receive a TEE number, which you will use to support your application to sit the FRCA examinations.  What is the UK IAC? And how do I demonstrate equivalence?  The initial assessment of competence (IAC) is the first anaesthesia training milestone for trainees in the Anaesthesia training programme (ACCS training for anaesthesia, acute medicine, emergency medicine and intensive care).  The purpose of the IAC is to signify that the trainee has achieved a basic understanding of anaesthesia and is able to give anaesthetics at a level of supervision matching with the individual trainee’s skills and clinical cases. The IAC is not a licence for independent anaesthetic practice. The key point is that trainees are still under the supervision of a named consultant anaesthetist.  To support an application to sit the FRCA exams you must demonstrate that you have been awarded an overseas anaesthetic competency in anaesthetics which is comparable to the UK IAC. Overseas anaesthetic competency certificates must be provided on application and prove clinical competency comparable to the UK Initial Assessment of Competency in Anaesthetics. Certificates must be accompanied by a letter of authentication in English from a senior anaesthetic consultant or notary.  The final decision on comparability of overseas IAC certificates lies with the Chair of the Primary Examination. How do I apply for the Primary FRCA examinations?  Applications are complete online, simply click here, register, and follow the instructions for submitting documents and completing your application.  Where can I sit the FRCA exams?  Unfortunately, IMGs cannot sit the FRCA exams overseas.  Exams are held in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast, Sheffield and Edinburgh. You can find up-to-date exam dates here. How much do the exams cost?  Primary MCQ £370 Primary OSCE & SOE £685 Primary OSCE £370 Primary SOE £340 Final Written Exam £545 Final SOE £645 What is the syllabus?  The syllabus for both the primary and final exams are linked to the Training Curriculum.  The Primary FRCA Examinations are blue printed to the Core Level Training Curriculum.  The Final FRCA examinations are blue printed to both the Core Level Training Curriculum and the Intermediate Level Training Curriculum.  *both include Intensive Care Medicine How do I prepare?  With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most successful IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.  At IMG Connect we advise overseas candidates to be fully aware that questions used in the exam are drawn from the UK Anaesthetic Basic Level Training Curriculum. We suggest that you can use the curriculum as a road map to support your study plan.  Video series:  The exam run through video series is a useful tool to help familiarise yourself with what to expect on the exam day.  The Primary SOE support videos are designed to help trainees in preparation for exams.   The Primary FRCA examination videos also support with study for the MCQ.  More videos can be found at the College's YouTube Channel eLearning Anaesthesia (e-LA):  The e-LA supports specialty training in anaesthesia. It provided materials for professional development of specialists seeking to refresh their knowledge. Doctors working overseas can gain access to this resource via eIntegrity which provides a portal to all specialty e-Learning platforms. If you are working outside the NHS, then modules are available for purchase via the eIntegrity website. There are a number of modules available, of particular note for IMGs is Module 6: Exams Preparation. e-LA also provides MCQ questions which are an accurate reflection of the questions included in the FRCA examinations. Virtual Exam tours:  3D virtual exam tours have been created by the Royal College to provide a virtual experience to ensure that candidates are familiar with the process on the day.  OSCE exam floor 3D Tour Successful IMGs have found practice questions are a valuable part of exam preparation. Remember these should be used in conjunction with other forms of research and studies. I attained Primary FRCA, what next?  You will simply need to prove your English Language capabilities to satisfy GMC criteria for full registration. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS anaesthetics jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss anaesthetics job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.             

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.             

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))         

A fitness to practice is required for overseas doctors who want to register with the GMC. This blog will break down what the rules are, and what evidence you will need to prepare and provide by looking at the following: What is evidence of your fitness to practice? Declaration of your fitness to practice Supporting evidence Certificate of good standing How do I request a certificate of good standing? Remember, at IMG Connect we always advise IMGs to prepare all documents before starting applications, it will save you time, and stress!  What is evidence of your fitness to practice?  As part of your GMC application, the GMC require you to provide evidence of your fitness to practice. This is broken down into two areas from your online application:  A declaration of your fitness to practice Your supporting evidence Declaration of fitness to practice:  As part of your online GMC application to join the register you must complete a declaration of fitness to practice. This declaration is only valid for 3 months, so ensure you get the timing right with your application, otherwise the GMC will ask you to complete a new one.  When completing your application online, you will be asked 12 questions in the fitness to practice character declaration section. You should complete the declaration by choosing YES or NO for each question.  These cover a range of fitness to practice topics, including previous convictions, disciplinary actions, conduct and so on.  It is important to say that you should always be honest in your answers.   Supporting evidence:  The GMC will ask you to provide supporting evidence of your fitness to practice, these are broken down into the following:  details of all postgraduate medical experience for the last five years or since you graduated details of all postgraduate non-medical experience for the last five years or since you graduated* details of all certain other activities for the last five years or since you graduated  a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority you've been registered or licensed with *If you have worked in a non-medical capacity it is also likely that you will be asked for employer references to cover this non-medical work. Certificate of good standing  As above, you will require a certificate from your regulatory body to be sent to the GMC to confirm your good standing with them. The GMC will need a certificate of good standing from all of the countries you've been registered with in that time, even if you haven't been practising there.  You can register for a certificate of good standing from your regulatory body in your home country, which they will send directly to the GMC.  Certificates of good standing and employer references are only valid for three months from the date that they are issued and must be valid on the date your application to the GMC is approved. What is a certificate of good standing?  A certificate of good standing will show any restrictions on your practice, your registration history, including current license status, identity information and any current proceedings. It should be issued in English. In the European Union these documents are known as certificates of current professional status. How do I request a certificate?  You will need to contact your regulatory body and request this from them directly. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact using the Certificate of good standing database. References: When writing this article we have taken our information from the following sources: https://www.gmc-uk.org IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK 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 doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.         

Overseas Radiologists wanting to secure a role in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists or FRCR in order to register with the GMC. FRCR is the UK Royal College qualification and the recommended route for radiologists looking to work in the UK as a specialist or consultant.  IMGs from any country in the world can sit the FRCR examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is FRCR? Am I eligible? What is the content and structure? Where and when can I sit the exams and how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exams? Passed? What next? What is FRCR?  Radiologists become full members of the Royal College of Radiology and achieve the designation FRCR once they have passed the three separate postgraduate medical exams that make up the FRCR examination suite. The FRCR examinations aim to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology and the exams are a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go into a specialty training post as a radiologist in the UK. For more senior candidates, absence of FRCR will make it very difficult to attain a locum-consultant posts unless you have a recognised equivalent or specialist registration.   When registering via the postgraduate route, only full FRCR satisfies the GMC postgraduate requirements for registration as an overseas doctor. There are three parts to the FRCR examinations: First FRCR - two-part exam, each held on separate days, over a two-day period Final FRCR Part A (both must be passed in one sitting in order to attain a pass) two separate single best answer papers Final FRCR Part B  a reporting session a rapid reporting session an oral examination The FRCR examinations form an essential component of training for Radiologists in the UK. For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, the FRCR is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to secure a senior clinical radiology job in the NHS reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCR would be the best route to choose. FRCR is often an essential requirement for jobs in radiology such as breast, cardiac, interventional, musculoskeletal and so on.  Eligibility for FRCR in Radiology:  First FRCR: To be eligible you must: hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. hold a formal clinical radiology post in which they are actively receiving clinical radiology training.  no minimum period of clinical experience or training is required to enter the exams Final FRCR Part A: To be eligible you must:  have passed the First FRCR examination have acquired 24 months in a formal clinical radiology training post by the month which the examination is taken  Final FRCR Part B: To be eligible you must:  have passed the Final FRCR Part A have acquired 34 months in a formal clinical radiology training post by the month which the examination is taken  Content and structure for FRCR - Diagnostic Radiology First FRCR Examination: It is delivered on a digital platform and as such is now also available across a larger number of test centres than before. The First FRCR examination expects candidates to have sufficient knowledge of two modules:  the physical principles that are the foundation of diagnostic medical imaging the anatomy needed to perform and interpret radiological studies. The test is divided into two parts:  Anatomy - image viewing session delivered on an individual workstation Physics - multiple choice written question (MCQ) paper Final FRCR Part A: The Final FRCR Part A examines candidates on all aspects of clinical radiology and the basic sciences of physics, anatomy and the techniques as per the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology syllabus. The examination comprises two single best answer papers, each containing 120 questions and covering a broad range of the core curriculum. Exams are 3 hours for each sitting. The paper comprises a mix of questions from across a wide range of the curriculum: Cardiothoracic and Vascular Musculoskeletal and Trauma Gastro-intestinal Genito-urinary, Adrenal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Breast Paediatric  Central Nervous and Head & Neck  Final FRCR Part B: This part to the assessment examines candidates on all aspects of clinical radiology against the curriculum and consists of three components. All components are examined by an image viewing session delivered on individual workstations. a reporting station rapid reporting session an oral examination Updates to the exam formats in light of COVID-19: Given the disruption caused by COVID-19 it is advised to keep updating yourself of the RCR examination changes and updates posted on their website. This link here specifically takes you to the examination updates section. Information on the dates, fees and venues for the FRCR examinations are found within. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic most exams have now moved online in some form or another, with remote proctering (invigilation) in place to prevent cheating and ensure continuation of exam settings.  First FRCR Examination in Clinical Radiology: An online invigilation (proctoring) element will be introduced for both modules from June 2021. This will enable you to sit both modules at a location of their choosing rather than attending an RCR exam venue. You will need to ensure minimum software, a stable internet connection and an appropriate examination environment. The third-party proctoring service – Examity – provides a computer-readiness check prior to the examination to enable candidates to check suitability of their set-up. On the RCR page here you'll find a number of instruction and technical support guides and videos - it is highly recommended to read through all of these before applying. FRCR Part 2A (Radiology) - CR2A: This examination will be proctored online. The examination is delivered by a software (Speedwell) which can now be integrated with Examity’s examination proctoring system, allowing candidates to take secure high-stake examinations at home or at a place of the candidate’s choosing where they should have a stable internet connection, a quiet working atmosphere and must be on their own. See our remote invigilation (proctoring) guidance for further information. FRCR Part 2B (Radiology) - CR2B: The reporting component of this examination will be computed based at the venue candidates have chosen. Candidates will receive a username and password to access the examination. The reporting instructional video and accompanying demonstration site should be viewed prior to the examination. The oral component will also be delivered to candidates in venues, via video conference, and further detail shows in the orals guidance video. Examination content will be shared via MS Teams and candidates will be able to take control of the mouse and access functionality to manipulate images. After 30 minutes candidates will move to the second room and complete the second 30-minute session of the oral exam with different examiners. As an overseas candidate, where & when can I sit the exams and how much will they cost me?  This link here specifically takes you to the examination updates section. Information on the dates, fees and venues for the FRCR examinations are found within.  How do I apply for the FRCR examinations? UK Trainees are given priority for examination places, whilst overseas candidates are offered those places not taken through a priority 2 window date after the earlier application date. How should I prepare for the FRCR 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 prepare, see below:  Syllabus: The syllabus for these examinations can be found in the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. Instructional videos and demonstrations: The Royal College recommends that applicants familiarise themselves with the platform via the instructional videos and accompanying demonstration site found here. Sample questions: The Royal College created useful sample questions and answer sheets to help you prepare for each exam:  FRCR Part 1 sample questions & answer sheet Final FRCR Part A & answer sheets Final FRCR Part B – sample image General FRCR exam advice: There are also many useful resources to offer more general advice for each section of the FRCR examinations, including:  Anatomy examination advice First FRCR instructions for candidates Final FRCR Part A format and question advice TNM Staging – required knowledge to answer questions Final FRCR Part B – instructions for candidates Examiners report – to help prepare for future sittings I passed the FRCR exams! What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all three parts of your FRCR 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. Don't hesitate to get in touch once you have completed FRCR radiology to discuss opportunities available to you in the NHS. For the latest news and updates on all things radiology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

The Diploma in Child Health (DCH) recognises competence in the care of children in specialties allied to paediatrics. In this blog we will provide an overview of the DCH and consider the following topics: What is the DCH? Who is it for? Structure and content of DCH Am I eligible? Where can I take the exam & how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How do I prepare and what resources are available? Passed? What's next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for. What is the DCH?  The DCH is reflective of current practice in the UK and covers a syllabus mapped by a wide range of medical professions, including paediatrics and GPs. The DCH (Diploma in Child Health) comprises two exams. You must achieve a pass mark in both in order to be awarded DCH.  The exams are as follows:  Foundation of Practice (FOP) theory exam - this is shared with the MRCPCH (membership exam) DCH Clinical exam Who is it for?  The Diploma is aimed at those practitioners who want to consolidate their knowledge and skills in paediatrics and gain a qualification at the same time. According to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the DCH is designed to give ‘recognition of competence in the care of children to general practitioner vocational trainees, staff grade doctors and senior house officers in paediatrics, and trainees in specialties allied to paediatrics’. It not only helps to consolidate knowledge gained during paediatric training, but it also helps to focus and develop skills needed for the examination of children within primary and secondary care. Candidates use the DCH as an opportunity for up-skilling, to drive learning and to gain an internationally recognised post graduate medical diploma. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recommend that all candidates complete a short period of training in paediatrics before attempting the DCH Clinical examination. The aim of the examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed General Practitioner who has completed a short period of training in paediatrics. What does the syllabus cover?  It is important to note that the DCH has an independent syllabus from the MRCPCH. However, the theoretical elements of the Foundation of Practice theory exam are shared across both. Before embarking on the diploma, we recommend IMGs take a detailed look at the DCH syllabus which outlines the competencies required in both knowledge and skills. It provides a summary list of topics which are covered, and specifies the depth of knowledge and skills required, as well as guidance for trainees on what they must be taught and learn. Am I eligible to take DCH? The Royal College for Paediatrics and Child Health recommend that overseas candidates have at least six months' paediatrics experience. To be eligible, overseas candidates will simply need to hold a recognised medical qualification and be registered with the GMC.  You do not require a pass in English Language Tests to take the tests, however we have discussed this with several IMGs, and it is important to note that a high standard of English will be required in order to pass. Don’t forget that you will require a sufficient pass in an English Language Test in order to complete registration with the GMC.  Structure and content of DCH: The Diploma consists of two exams, one theory (FOP) and one clinical exam. You can take the exams in any order, or during the same exam period.  The Foundation of Practice theory exam (FOP) is computer-based and takes place three times a year in the UK and overseas. See our MRCPCH overview for more information on where you can sit the FOP theory exam, dates, times and costs. How much does the DCH clinical exam cost? Fees vary depending on where you sit the exam. See below fees and centres for 2023.  UK & Ireland Exam Exam fee Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper £350 Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper £350 FOP and TAS - both papers £595 Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) £595   Overseas Centres Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Trinidad currently only provide RCPCH theory exams. Egypt, India, Malaysia, Nepal, KSA, UAE, Oman, Myanmar, Sudan and Singapore provide both theory and clinical exam test centres. Overseas Exam Exam fee Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper £435 Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper £435 FOP and TAS - both papers £725 Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) £835   Hong Kong Candidates in Hong Kong must submit payment to the Hong Kong College exam organiser in HKD via a bank draft, which you can learn more about here. Hong Kong Exam Exam fee Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper 4700 HKD Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper 4700 HKD FOP and TAS - both papers 7600 HKD Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) 8800 HKD How do I apply for the exams?  To apply for the DCH (Diploma in Child Health), you first need to register online for exams. You just need to do this once. You need an RCPCH online account (with an RCPCH number). Then you can complete a short registration form – you will require evidence of your primary medical qualification. How do I register for exams?  You can register for exams at any time throughout the year. After your registration is accepted, you can apply for an exam but only during relevant open application periods. It takes at least 10 working days to process registration. During exam application periods we are not able to process registrations. Please register three to four weeks before exam application period opens to help ensure you do not miss your preferred exam diet. The best dates to register for exams are usually January, May and September. How do I book an exam?  Log in to your RCPCH account Go to My Account  From your dashboard, go to the Exams panel, and from your exam dashboard, follow links to apply What do I need to know about the exam day? Bring your ID: You will need to bring one of the following forms of ID: passport with photograph and signature - this must be current or no more than six months expired valid driving license with photograph and signature national identity card with photograph and signature *Only original documents will be accepted. For more information take a look at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website How do I prepare?  With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.  A good start is to take a look at Clinical Cases in Paediatrics: DCH Clinical Textbook. It will cost your £35 but is a logical foundation for a start to any revision. Useful online revision courses include those run by PASTEST and the Institute of Child Health. As ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present. Passed? What next? If you pass both DCH Clinical and Foundation of Practice (FOP) exams, you will receive a Diploma certificate. This certifies you are a holder of the Diploma in Child Health (RCPCH). IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK 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 doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.             

English Language Tests are hard, it is common for overseas doctors to fail on the first or second attempt. You have just got the results and sadly, you didn’t get the target score of 7.5 average for IELTS or four B’s for OET. What do you do? First things first, we would recommend a short outburst, a quintessentially polite British rant about how things are not fair, and then pick yourself up, and plan! Unlike other tests in education where you only get one chance to pass, the same is not true for English Language Tests like IELTS and OET. That said, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about preparing, this could waste your time, and more importantly, your money! Another re-sit will cost you. Don’t forget, learning a new language is challenging, complex and takes time. Just because you didn’t get the results the first time, if you are organised, patient and increase your practical work you will get there!  Learn from your mistakes Initially, it is only natural to be disappointed because you didn’t pass. This is normal, so take your time to process the results and give yourself an opportunity to clear your head ready to determine what went wrong, and do something about it.  A lot of IMGs don’t get the required marks on the first go, some take a long time to get there, so don’t worry, you are not alone. The main thing to remember, is that it is very important to know where you went wrong, and how to improve.  Here are a few steps to help you if you don’t get the results you wanted:  1. Review your score in each area.  Identify the area where you struggled the most. Did you pass all areas except one? Or did you get the desired results in two areas, and fail the others? This tells you which area to focus on, where you may need further training or practice.  2. Count the marks How far off was your score from passing? This is vital for you to establish which parts of the test to focus on so you can gain points in these areas for your resit. Think about the areas you struggled in, or left blank. Take your time to review and then practice these areas of the test and watch your score go up!  3. Expand your horizons Using each English language skill in practice is essential to helping you get the desired outcome in each test. If you failed in one or two areas, then turn your focus on these and get practical!  Simply put, speak, listen, read & write more! Don’t forget to keep it interesting. See our top tips for learning at home to help you be more engaged in applying your learning on a daily basis.  4. Consider working with an accredited tutor As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here. Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.  Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect. Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss. 4. Get rid of the nerves Most international doctors will have found speaking with the examiner daunting and nerve wracking. This is natural, called test anxiety. Which probably means that you will not have spoken as fluently as you could. What can you do? Try speaking English with someone you don’t usually speak with, or even better somebody you don’t know, in a situation you don’t usually find yourself. Being able to speak fluently, under pressure, whilst sounding natural, is one of the most important criteria of the test. This will ease your anxiety.  5. Plan for the next test Some IMGs might wonder why they should make a plan, it takes time and some think that it might not be necessary. In fact, a good study plan will save you time, help you pace out your learning, cover more topics and keep you organised. As you will know what areas you need to focus on, it will help you to check you are covering all the areas of weakness, and keep track of improvements. Try to include daily and weekly targets.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK 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 doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

The MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming for overseas Psychiatrists and UK trainees alike.  Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?    In this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:  An overview of MRCPsych What is MRCPsych Paper B? How is the exam structured and marked? Am I eligible to sit this exam? As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam? Where and how do I apply? How much will the exam cost? What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych B? #IMG Tips Passed? What next? Skip to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An overview of MRCPsych  The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.  For IMGs taking this route, full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration.  The exams within the series are as follows:  MRCPsych Paper A  MRCPsych Paper B  MRCPsych CASC  For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.  MRCPsych Paper B  Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.  Each questions is worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions:  One third - critical review  Two thirds - clinical topics  Exam structure and marking  Paper B will cover the following sections of the syllabus:  Organisation and Delivery of Psychiatric Services  General Adult Psychiatry  Old Age Psychiatry  Psychotherapy  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  Substance Misuse/Addictions  Forensic Psychiatry  Psychiatry of Learning Disability  Critical Review  In Paper B, the percentage split, and marks allocation for the 150-mark exam will be approximately:  Eligibility    Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych Examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  You are eligible to sit Paper B if you are a fully registered medical practitioner. It is also recommended that you have 12 months experience in Psychiatry before attempting Paper B.  Exam locations and dates  Good news – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online! This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website.  This change makes it much easier for international psychiatrists to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.  Exams are usually held three times a year – you will find the most up-to-date information on exam and application dates on the Royal College website. Applications  To apply you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. The form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut-off date, your application will not be considered.  For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.  You will need to provide the following:  Personal details  Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration  Training  Written paper selection  Fees  At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.  Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.  See below for MRCPsych Paper B fees for 2022:  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £446 Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £495 Preparation  With lots of materials online, we have discussed with our community of international psychiatrists as to the best 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:  Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.  Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B, candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B critical review - evidence-based practice syllabic content, available here.  Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here. Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.  Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.  The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.  #IMG Tips  Start your revision early – preparation is key, and what better way to avoid last-minute stress?  Choose the best resources for you – whether it’s the Royal College materials, online courses or flash cards, try to figure out what works best for you.  Join our online support community – why not be part of a community of like-minded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants? Join IMG Connect on social media for a place to ask questions and share resources.  Passed? What next?  Now that you have passed Paper A and B you are now eligible to sit the CASC exam. For more information take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.             

FRCR Part 2A and Part 2B are the final exams in the FRCR qualification. Completion of all three parts of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification results in eligibility for GMC registration, once the English language component has also been met.   The FRCR examinations are key to an international oncologist being able to secure senior oncology jobs in the NHS and can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. In this article, we take a closer look at the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: An overview of FRCR (oncology) What are FRCR (oncology) Parts 2A and 2B? Am I eligible to sit these exams? How are the exams structured and marked? As an international oncologist, where can I sit the exams? How much will the exams cost? How do I apply for these exams? What is the best way to prepare for the exams? I’ve passed the FRCR oncology exams, what’s next? FRCR oncology, consultant posts and CESR An overview of FRCR (Oncology)  FRCR (Oncology) are the set of three postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test candidates’ knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology.   The exams are as follows:  FRCR Part 1 – CO1  FRCR Part 2A - CO2A   FRCR Part 2B – CO2B  You can read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite here via our IMG Resources section.  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB or other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, such as UMSLE or FRANZCR (radiation oncology) which you can find out more about here.  For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement of NHS job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for Clinical Oncology, so this route allows candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.  What are FRCR (Oncology) Parts 2A and 2B?  FRCR Part 2A and 2B form the final two parts of the FRCR examination suite. These assessments expect candidates to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care of patients with cancer. Whilst the focus is on drug therapy and radiotherapy, there is also the expectation of a good understanding of other key areas such as general medicine, surgery and gynaecology.  Am I eligible to sit these exams?  Eligibility for FRCR Parts 2A and 2B are as follows:  Final FRCR Part A (CO2A):  Passed the first FRCR examination (CO1)  Acquired at least 24 months of training in a clinical oncology role by the date of the examination  Final FRCR Part B (CO2B):  Passed the first FRCR examination (CO1)  Passed the Final FRCR examination Part A (CO2A)  Acquired at least 36 months of training in a clinical oncology role by the date of the examination  How are the exams structured and marked?  All parts of the examination suite are assessed against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. A new curriculum has been implemented as of summer 2021, and all trainees are expected to have transferred to this curriculum by August 2022. Further information on this can be accessed on the curriculum webpages.  Final FRCR Part A (CO2A):  This exam comprises two papers which include 120-question single best answer (SBA) questions each. The time limit for the exam is three hours and ordinarily, candidates are not allowed more than six attempts at FRCR exams.   CO2A Paper 1 Tumour Type  Number of Questions  Respiratory  24  Urology  24  Head and neck  24  Skin  12  CNS  12  Gynaecology  24  CO2A Paper 2 Tumour Type  Number of Questions  Breast  24  Lower GI  24  Upper GI  12  Haematology  12  Miscellaneous*  38  Image-based  10  *The miscellaneous section will contain questions on sarcoma, thyroid cancer, unknown primary, palliative care, regulations, and a few questions which do not belong to any define site specific category.  Each individual SBA question has a stem (a question or statement) and five answers, and candidates must decide which of the five best represents the answer to the stem question. Essentially, this is a multiple-choice exam. One mark is given for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect answers. As the exam is not marked negatively, candidates are encouraged to provide an answer all the questions.  Final FRCR Part B (CO2B):  This exam has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test different aspects of the candidate’s oncological skills, necessary elements for effective and safe practice. The format allows the for the assessment of skills which are not as easily addressed in a written format.  CO2B Clinical Examination: This component is practical and involves the use of real patients to increase authenticity in attempts to reflect situations that may present in a clinical setting. The cases are selected for the exam to test common tumour types. The examination itself has five strictly-timed clinical assessment ‘stations’ where certain core clinical skills are tested by a pair of examiners. The use of an objective marking system aims to minimise bias and ensure consistency across examinations for all candidates.   Candidates are assessed on their ability to:  Detect important clinical signs using effective exam techniques  Provide a rational differential diagnosis  Order and interpret appropriate investigations  Identify the main treatment options  Select and appropriate, safe, and sensible management plan  Recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, know the likely outcomes, and side effects  Recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule and know their likely outcomes and side effects  Discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented  Demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity  CO2B Oral Examination: This examination assesses in depth issues related to radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making, and case management. Communication skills and ethical problems are also addressed.   This element of the FRCR Part 2B exam is designed to mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings which feature heavily in the workload of an oncologist. This section is designed to test the depth of a candidate’s knowledge and higher cognitive skills. There are several slides per question and a candidate’s answer may lead to further questions on subsequent slides, with each question building on from the previous ones.  The Royal College of Radiologists states that a fair, valid and reliable assessment is made possible due to:  Uniformity in the questions asked to candidates  The pairing of examiners (junior and more experienced)  Four independent judgments of the candidate performance  Prior choosing of the competencies to be assessed  The exam having been blueprinted against the curriculum and necessary skills for competent oncologists  An objective marking scheme  For more information on the components and assessment of these examinations, read the Purpose of Assessment which can be found on the College’s website in the exam section.  As an international oncologist, where can I sit the exams?   The exams are held twice a year, normally in February and in either August or September. Applications are normally open for just under two weeks, several months before the exam. Please refer to the examinations page for up-to-date information on application dates. The current UK venues for the exams are Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, and Bridgend Wales. Overseas centres for now are India and Malta.  How much will the exams cost?  The cost breakdown for each of the final exams is as follows:  FRCR(Oncology) Part 2A:  Members - £464 Non-members - £591 FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B:  Members - £663 Non-members - £844 How do I apply for these exams?  UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by those who have had exams deferred over the last year due to cancellations. The remaining places are offered to all other candidates through a ballot system following the close of priority applications.  All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here. More detailed information can also be found here in relation to preparation for the application.  What is the best way to prepare for the exams?  There are many resources available online to aid in preparation for the FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. We always recommend that the best place to start your preparation is the Royal College’s website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus.  Using this as a blueprint for your preparation is the best way to ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials. These can be accessed here.  Other useful resources to aid your studies include:  Learning hub: available to members through the Royal College website and contains many useful learning resources. The learning hub can be found here. Clinical Oncology Curriculum Implementation Tools: a range of tools compiled by the RCR to support the implementation of the new curricular which all candidates should have transferred to by summer of 2022 at the latest. Access this here. Sample Questions: sample oral questions for FRCR Part 2B. These are provided with answers and can be found here.  Examiners' Reports: a guide for candidates for future sittings, based on the experiences of examiners with previous applicants, found here.  Trainees' experiences: a two-part audio series compiled from the experiences of candidates in preparation for and sitting the final exams which is available here.  Demonstration films: clinical and oral demonstration videos for FRCR Part 2B which can be accessed here.  Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos which can be used for training and informational purposes on their YouTube channel.  IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I’ve passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What’s next?  Firstly, congratulations - passing these exams is a massive achievement! With all parts of the FRCR Oncology complete, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. With this application approved, you can work as a doctor in the NHS. Nice one. We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.             

As an overseas health and care professional, the main route to the UK is via the HCPC registration. The Health & Care Proessionals Council is the regulator for 16 health and care professions across the UK.This article is written for overseas health care practitioners who have completed professional training outside the UK and who wish to apply to work in the UK.  Overseas healthcare professionals from any country in the world can register with the HCPC and work in the UK, this registration process is summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: How can I practice in the UK? Which route is for me? I qualified and practice outside of the UK, am I eligible? Am I eligible for full clinical equivalence? What is the role of the standards of proficiency? What are the standards of proficiency How do I demonstrate that I have met the standards of proficiency?  How to apply via European Mutual Recognition (EMR) How to apply via International Application Application steps What documents will be required?  What if I am unsuccessful?  English language proficiency Successful? What next?  How can I practice in the UK? To practice in the UK using any of the HCPC regulated terms you have to satisfy the HCPC that you have broadly equivalent skills to those who trained in the UK.  The HCPC check equivalence based on the British qualification which is at Doctorate level.  If your degree is from outside the UK then the HCPC will want to assess all your qualifications and experience to see what you need to add to reach their desired standard for the healthcare profession, or where you would need to join the training path if you have moved to the UK already.  The type of HCPC application you make depends on your country of origin and training. There are two application routes:  European Mutual Recognition (EMR)  International application  Which route is for me?  It all depends on where you have trained and qualified, EEA or outside the EEA.   I qualified inside the EEA:  If you have trained and are a citizen of an EU member state, then you are eligible for European Mutual Recognition (EMR). If you are eligible for EMR then you must apply via this route.  EMR ensures that EEA qualifications are recognised across Europe as equivalent, and therefore you will only require your English language proficiency to complete your application.  Am I eligible for European Mutual Recognition (EMR route)? To be eligible to apply for registration based on European Mutual Recognition you must be a citizen of a relevant European State I qualified outside the EEA:  If you have trained outside the EU, then you are eligible for an international application.  Both routes follow the same process, the skills, education and training you submit via your application forms are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.  Am I eligible for the international route? To be eligible to apply for registration via the international route, you must have undergone relevant training and be fully qualified to practice your profession. fully qualified to practice your profession in a relevant European State other than the United Kingdom Your application will be assessed against the standards of proficiency for your area of healthcare. We advise that before you apply you should check you meet, or exceed, the professional standards all registrants must meet in order to become registered in your area. What is the role of the standards of proficiency? For the purposes of HCPC registration, in order to ensure all applicants will work to the standards necessary to protect the public, the HCPC set threshold standards they consider necessary to measure all candidates and practitioners against in the UK.  They set clear expectations for knowledge and abilities for when they start practicing in the UK. Am I eligible for full clinical equivalence? To be eligible for full clinical equivalence (i.e. to be able to secure a job in your chosen area in the UK) you have to demonstrate you have met:  all of the competencies required to get a doctorate in the UK experience of all the core client groups (working age adults, older people, children and families, people with learning disabilities) or core competencies  have a doctoral standard piece of research How do I demonstrate that I have met the standards of proficiency in my application? 1. Include as much as detail possible: You will be asked to provide detailed information about your experience, education or training. Include as much relevant information as possible in your application. 2. Cover and provide detail on ALL of your experience: The HCPC will assess the courses that you have complete, some courses are broader with less in-depth coverage, and others are more detailed but have a narrower scope. Therefore, as a precaution, you must detail as much experience as you can in your application in case there are any shortfalls from the training and qualifications that you have. Significant experience may make up for shortfalls in training. TOP TIP: HCPC assessors make their determinations based on all the information that you provide. So, provide as much as you can!  How to apply via European Mutual Recognition (EMR):  The EMR application process follows the format of the international applications process. The skills, education and training you submit via the EMR application forms are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.  How to apply via International Application: The International application process follows the format above. The skills, education and training you submit are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days. What are the application steps?  The process follows four steps: Step 1 - submit forms and pay fee  Step 2 - processing Step 3 - assessment by the HCPC Step 4 - decision letter A successful decision will be confirmed by receipt of a letter stating your addition to the HCPC register.  What documents will be required?  You will require the following to support your application:  identity documentation qualifications  good standing and character declaration – part of application declaration regarding background checks – part of application Original documents that are not in English will have to be accompanied with a translated version.  TOP TIP: We advise that you prepare your documents and experience as early as possible before making your application, this will not only save you time, but give you the chance to add and edit the content you will provide. Increasing your chances of success! Step 1 - Submit forms and pay fee Once you have gathered your documents and have fully considered your experience matched to the standards of proficiency, you can submit your forms and pay the application fee.  The HCPC will take a scrutiny payment of £495 at this stage.  You will receive a confirmation receipt and payment.  You will also receive your application reference number. This reference number is important, and you should use this each time you contact the HCPC to discuss your application. TOP TIP: If your application is not accepted for processing because of missing information, the HCPC will return it to the address on the form. You will then need to resubmit your application. To avoid this, ensure you have prepared all of your evidence and documentation as above.  Download and complete your form, then send them by post to the address on the front page of the application. Download the application form for registration – EMR Download the application form for registration – International application Step 2 – Processing During this period (4 weeks from receipt of application), the HCPC will contact your education provider, any relevant regulatory or professional bodies and any professional referees.  This is to verify the information that you have provided in your application.  You do not need to do anything until the HCPC have notified you of the outcome of the next stage of the process.  Step 3 - Assessment The next stage is the assessment of your regulated education and training and any other relevant education, training or experience included in your application. Your application will be sent to two assessors from the practitioner register.  They will consider all the information that you have submitted before making their recommendation to the HCPC. What are they assessing?  You will have to demonstrate:  you have met all the competencies required to get a doctorate in the UK experience of all the core client groups (working age adults, older people, children and families, people with learning disabilities) or core competencies you have a doctoral standard piece of research. First, they will compare your regulated education and training with HCPC standards of proficiency. If any shortfalls are identified, they will check your submission to see if these have been made up through any other relevant education, training or experience that you have provided details for.  They will then send a recommendation to the Education and Training Committee (ETC). This recommendation will be then reviewed by the ETC who will send their decision to you. TOP TIP: The HCPC can only base their decision on the information provided in the application. They do not contact referees, training institutions, or employers to obtain further information about your training or work experience. So, remember to provide as much experience, training and relevant education as possible.  The HCPC will send a Record of Assessment to you within 60 working days of receipt. This Record of Assessment may include a request for further information which will prolong the processing time of your application.  Again, for this reason it is important that you include as much relevant information as possible when you submit your application. Step 4 - Decision letter You will be notified of the outcome of your application in writing. In successful cases this will confirm your addition to the Register.  What if I am unsuccessful?  If you have not been successful in your HCPC application, it is likely that there was some information missing from your application to demonstrate that you meet the standards of proficiency.  The HCPC will return your application to the address you provided, you can then add more detailed information to your application forms and resubmit.  If, however, you have failed the application, the following will apply depending on the route that you have applied through:  International application rejected:  You may be able to appeal the decision. You can find out more about appeals here.  EMR application rejected: Your choices are different. If you're a national of an EEA country, and are entitled to practice, you will be required to complete a period of adaptation or an aptitude test to rectify shortfalls in your knowledge or experience. You can find out more about the period of adaptation here.  English language proficiency:  The ability to communicate in English is of course crucial to working effectively in the healthcare profession in the UK. If you are applying via the International Application then you must obtain one of the following scores: IELTS – 7.0 average in all areas, with no element below 6.5 TOEFL – minimum score of 100/120 If applying via the EMR Application, and are a National of a relevant EEA state, then you are exempt. Please note that Speach & Language Therapists must obtain higher scores, contact us for more information.  Successful? What next?  First of all, congratulations! Once you have been granted registration with the HCPC, you can apply for work as a practitioner in the UK.  For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library. If you have attained HCPC registration don’t hesitate to get in touch with your IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in your area, including discussions regarding a typical healthcare professionals salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.  Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

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!

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

Overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration must attain MRCEM. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the Royal College of Emergency Medicine examinations (MRCEM), provided certain eligibility criteria are met. FRCEM however can only be sat once practicing in the UK, so is not a suitable route for international doctors who have not yet practiced in the NHS. To help doctors understand the FRCEM and MRCEM exams the following guide will provide you with key information covering the exams, dates, fess, eligibility, preparation and application.  These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is FRCEM and what is MRCEM? FRCEM Route MRCEM Route Eligibility for MRCEM Eligibility for FRCEM Where can I take the exam & how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How to prepare and what resources are available Should I take an MRCEM course? Passed? What next? What is the Royal College of Emergency Medicine? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Emergency Medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession in the UK. What is FRCEM and what is MRCEM? Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components.  There have been a few changes to the MRCEM and FRCEM examination structure over the last few years, as such there are currently two routes to an accreditation in Emergency Medicine, both leading to RCEM Membership. These two routes are: Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM) MRCEM & FRCEM are one several routes an overseas emergency medicine doctor can take full GMC registration. Read our blogs on acceptable postgraduate qualifications and PLAB if you are unsure what route to take. For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCEM or FRCEM would be the best route to take. MRCEM Examination Route The alternative route, Membership by Examination (MRCEM), is offered to candidates who have passed all the following components: FRCEM Primary or (MRCEM Part A) One written paper, three-hours total FRCEM Intermediate SAQ (replaces MRCEM Part B) Short Answer Question paper - 3 hour paper comprised of 60, 3-mark questions MRCEM OSCE Practical examination setting with 18, seven-minute stations  FRCEM Examination Route The Fellowship Examinations consists of the following components: FRCEM Primary Examination one, three-hour written paper FRCEM Intermediate Certificate Short Answer Question Paper (SAQ) Situations Judgement Paper (SJP) FRCEM Final Examination  Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper) Quality Improvement Project (QIP) Clinical Short Answer Question Paper Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)  Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components, using either route above.  Eligibility for MRCEM Examinations Eligibility for FRCEM Primary: To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate: To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme 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. Eligibility for MRCEM OSCE: To be eligible to enter the MRCEM OSCE (Part C) you must meet the following requirements: Hold a medical qualification approved by the GMC and Have completed the UK Foundation Programme of equivalent (electronic evidence required at point of application) and Have passed the FRCEM Primary examination after 1st August 2016 or Have passed the MRCEM Part A examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31st July 2016 and Have passed the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ after 1st August 2016 or Have passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31 July 2016 and Have 36 months experience including 6 months experience in Emergency Medicine at a level above Foundation Year 1 (post full registration) Eligibility for FRCEM Examinations Eligibility for FRCEM Primary: To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate: To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme 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. Eligibility for FRCEM Final Examination: To be eligible you must have FRCEM Primary and FRCEM Intermediate Certificate, attained after 1st August 2016. Where can I take the exams & how much will they cost me? Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.  Please remember, applications made outside the application period will not be accepted. Examination Location Fees FRCEM Primary Short Answer Question Paper UK £310 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman, India £390 FRCEM Intermediate Certificate SAQ UK £305 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman £385 FRCEM Intermediate Cert. (SJP) UK £200 Kuala Lumpur £200 MRCEM OSCE UK £450 India £450 FRCEM Final Clinical SAQ UK £300 FRCEM Final Critical Appraisal SAQ UK £240 FRCEM Final QIP N/A £150 FRCEM Final OSCE London £420 How can I apply? All applications are made online and links to all application forms and windows are available here. It is worth noting, the application can take some time to complete, so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines. Please remember, applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted. How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available? With lots of resources available online, such as FRCEM Success, 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. 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. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  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: FRCEM Primary FRCEM Intermediate FRCEM Final Examination MRCEM OSCE SAQ Blueprint: The blueprint for the new Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here. SJP Blueprint: A blueprint of the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 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, see below: Primary – sample questions Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions Final – successful QIP Reducing referral rates of paediatric patients to plastic surgery Management of fractured neck of femurs in the ED Final – unsuccessful QIP Critical Appraisal Questions – Advice to