FRCEM is a crucial step when working towards either CCT or CESR in Emergency Medicine.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit some FRCEM examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. For overseas doctors attaining FRCEM is not a route to GMC registration and you are better suited to the MRCEM pathway. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is FRCEM?
FRCEM Route
Eligibility for overseas doctors
FRCEM Primary Examination
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
FRCEM Final Examination
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 FRCEM?
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)
As of August 2018, applicants beginning the process will be able to sit one set of exams leading to the award of Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM).
FRCEM is one of 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.
Understand the MRCEM pathway in this article above.
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)
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
FRCEM Primary:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
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.
FRCEM Final Examination:
To be eligible you must have FRCEM Primary and FRCEM Intermediate Certificate, attained after 1st August 2016. However, the requirements make it incredibly dififcult to attain outside of the UK - so you are best advised to attain MRCEM, work in the UK and then work towards FRCEM whilst practicing in the NHS.
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.
FRCEM Primary Examination:
The FRCEM Primary Examination is mapped to the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum. More detailed information is provided in the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum (June 2010).
The exam consists of one 3-hour paper of 180 single best answer questions (SBAQs) so you must choose one best answer from a choice of five feasible answers.
The paper will examine all the domains of knowledge in the Basic Sciences Curriculum including:
Anatomy
Physiology
Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Evidence Based Medicine
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate:
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate is comprised of two papers:
Short Answer Question paper (SAQ):
A single 3-hour paper of 60 questions, each worth 3 marks.
Unlike single best answer questions (SBAQs) you will not have the advantage of having a list of options to choose from. Instead you will have to compose your answer independently.
The blueprint for the FRCEM intermediate is as follows:
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
Situational Judgement Paper (SJP):
A two-hour paper of 120 single best answer questions.
This written paper is designed to test your ability to understand & respond appropriately to real world clinical situations, assessing you against the Common Competencies in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015.
FRCEM Final Examination:
From August 2018 the FRCEM Final consists of the following components:
FRCEM Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper)
FRCEM Quality Improvement Project (QIP)
FRCEM Final Clinical Short Answer Question Paper
FRCEM OSCE
Each component tests individual skill sets and as such may be sat independently.
FRCEM Critical Appraisal:
A 90-minute Short Answer Question Paper.
FRCEM Quality Improvement Project (QIP):
This replaced the CTR from 1st August 2016.
The QIP is a written submission that should be completed whilst working in Emergency Medicine at a level above ST3 or SHO. It should focus on quality improvement in Emergency Medicine, and may focus on either adult or paediatric Emergency Medicine.
Any candidates who have not been awarded FRCEM by 31st July 2018, irrespective of any previous passes in CTR, are required to pass the new FRCEM QIP.
Clinical Short Answer Question paper (SAQ):
The SAQ is a 3-hour paper consisting of 60, 3-mark questions.
A summarised blueprint for the FRCEM Final SAQ is as follows. A fuller version can be found on the RCEM website here.
HST Major and Acute Presentations
25 questions
Additional Paediatric Practical Procedures
3 questions
Practical Procedures (HST)
11 questions
Ultrasound
3 questions
Clinical Presentations - Core Major & Acute Presentations
6 questions
Common Competencies
2 questions
Anaesthetic Competences CT1&2
1 question
ICM within ACCS
1 question
Acute Presentations - Additional Adult ST3
2 questions
Paediatric Presentations - Major & Acute Presentations
3 questions
Practical Procedures (ACCS)
3 questions
FRCEM Final OSCE:
The exam is set in a practical setting and tests your ability to apply knowledge & experience directly to patients – rather than reciting learned knowledge.
The exam consists of 16, 8-minute stations with one minute provided in between stations for reading time.
As with many other final stages to Royal College exams – FRCEM Final OSCE will make use of manikins or actors and you will be observed by an examiner after being presented with a clinical case to assess. Examiners will not engage with you – only observe and mark.
A brief summary of the curriculum for OSCE is found below:
Stations
Curriculum
1
Core Acute
2a
Resuscitation
2b
3
Core Major
4
Common Competencies
5
Common Competences
6
Anaesthetic Competences
7a
Paediatric Resuscitation
7b
8
Paediatric Acute
9
Paediatric Major
10
HST Major
11
HST and Adult Acute
12
Practical Skills
13
Paediatric Practical Skills
14
Non-technical Skills
As an overseas candidate where 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.
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
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, 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
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 Candidates
Critical Appraisal – Most Frequently Offered Answers
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 OSCE - 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, you will be on a firm path towards attaining your Specialist Registration in Emergency Medicine. FRCEM is not a route for GMC registration as doctors will already be in the UK, however those attaining MRCEM can do so from outside the UK, and use MRCEM as a route to GMC registration.
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.
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 Candidates
Critical Appraisal – Most Frequently Offered Answers
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.
You can find a full range of articles covering MRCEM and FRCEM examinatins to help you to make a success of your preparations here.
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.
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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.
The MRCEM and FRCEM Intermediate SBA exams are tough....
Success in these exams is a challenge and all Emergency Medicine doctors deserve credit for getting to this stage. Whether your passed or failed, here we'll offer some suggestions on what to do next:
I passed the MRCEM / FRCEM SBA exam
I didn't pass the MRCEM / FRCEM SBA exam
I passed the FRCEM / MRCEM SBA exam:
First things first, you deserve to celebrate and get some rest. No doubt you wherever you are, you are dealing with the coronavirus and will not be able to celebrate in the way that you would wish. But from us at IMG Connect, congratulations! Doctors who have attained full MRCEM and secured a job in the NHS tell us that the FRCEM SBA is a very tough examination, so well done! Your hard work has paid off.
Once you are feeling relaxed, this is a good time to think about what steps you need to take to complete full MRCEM. For most overseas doctors, this will mean taking the final MRCEM OSCE exam and whilst all OSCE centres are currently closed it takes most doctors at least six to nine months to prepare for the exam anyway.
So what is the MRCEM OSCE?
Like the intermediate exam, the MRCEM OSCE requires a considerable amount of revision and preparation. However, as you know the format is very different, so your preparation will change.
The MRCEM OSCE consists of 18 stations (16 patient encounters & 2 rest stations), each one lasting for about 7 minutes. The MRCEM OSCE exam will not only test your theoretical knowledge, but also your resus skills and communication skills. Even candidates who are working in an emergency medicine department (ED or ER) often find these OSCEs difficult. Even if you have strong background knowledge in Emergency Medicine the exams can still be tricky due to a heavy reliance on testing your communication skills and etiquette.
How to preparation for MRCEM OSCE?
Preparation is therefore vital for all doctors who intend to take the MRCEM OSCE exam. This can be broken down into the following:
Practical day-to-day work (colleague observations & feedback, peer groups, study groups)
Online revision resources (subscriptions, reading materials, tutorials, videos)
Courses (face to face, online)
In general, emergency medicine course tutors advise setting aside at least 2-3 months preparation in addition to your Emergency Medicine experience.
Resources, courses and revision materials:
We are often asked by Emergency Medicine doctors where they should look for resources, online revision materials, OSCE mock stations and preparation courses (online and face to face).
As such, we have compiled the best advice, tips, courses and resources suggested by Emergency Medicine doctors who have taken the MRCEM and FRCEM exams.
Where can I take the MRCEM OSCE exam?
Overseas doctors (IMGs) can sit the final MRCEM OSCE exam in three locations: the UK, India and Malaysia. However the Royal College has suspended all upcoming test dates and centres due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
I did not pass the FRCEM SBA exam:
If you did not pass the FRCEM intermediate exam - don't worry! The overall pass rate is 35% which is roughly half of the MRCEM OSCE pass rate. This is a tough exam so don't worry too much, take some time out to relax and enjoy life. These moments where you don't succeed at the first, or second time, will only make you stronger and a better doctor in the long run. As the British say, chin up and strong upper lip!
At IMG Connect we've taken the time to prepare and collate the best preparation resources for the FRCEM Intermediate Certificate exam - we would be delighted to share these with you. Click on the buttons below to register with the IMG Connect team so we can talk you through this or request the FRCEM Intermediate resources to help you pass the next time - without fail!
If you have any questions about how to secure an NHS job in Emergency Medicine or prepare for the FRCEM Intermediate exam or MRCEM OSCE (including advice on dates, fees, courses, resources, mock scenarios, online materials and revision books) then don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant.
IMG Connect is keeping a very close eye on the examination schedule and will keep all our IMGs informed as soon as the College publishes some updates. You can find the updated exam schedule here.
However, this does not mean you cannot use the time to prepare for your OSCE!
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Here we’ll take a closer look at the second stage of your FRCEM success in the examinations – FRCEM Intermediate SAQ.
We’ll consider its purpose, structure and content, eligibility, dates, exam centers and provide some revision tips to give you the best chance of passing first time and moving closer towards full Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM).
Designed to help you prepare and sit the exam, we consider the following topics:
What is FRCEM Intermediate Certificate?
Am I eligible?
Exemptions & equivalent examinations
Where can I take the exam?
How much will it cost me?
How can I prepare for the exam?
Passed? What next?
What is the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ?
The FRCEM Intermediate Certificate is the second examination in a series of three and is mapped to the Competencies of Year 1-3 of the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum (ACCS Plus).
The FRCEM Intermediate SAQ comprises of a 3-hour paper of 60, 3-mark questions.
A full break down of the blueprint is found on the FRCEM Intermediate Regulations & Information Pack.
A summarised blueprint for the SAQ can be found below.
Curriculum Category
Questions
Common Competences
7
Clinical Presentations – Core Major & Acute Presentations
18
Anaesthetic Competences CT1&2
4
ICM within ACCS
2
Acute Presentations – Additional Adult ST3
6
Paediatric Presentations – Makor & Acute Presentations
11
Practical Procedures (ACCS)
12
Total
60
Am I eligible?
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme (Internship?) and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016.
You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012.
MRCEM Part B in place of FRCEM Intermediate SAQ
MRCEM Part B passes obtained prior to August 2012 are deemed time expired, therefore you are required to pass the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination.
If you passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1 August 2012 you are deemed to have passed an equivalent examination to the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination.
Where and when can I take the exam? And how much will it cost me?
Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.
Venues and Fees for both intermediate examinations are below:
Examination
Location
Fees
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
SAQ
UK
£305
Iceland, Malaysia, Oman
£385
How can I apply?
All applications are made online.
Please note, the application can take some time to complete so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines.
Applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.
Links to all application forms and application windows are available here.
How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015.
The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the FRCEM examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration.
Information Packs:
These provide detailed information for the relevant examination components so that you can best prepare for your studies and what to expect on the day.
You can download this here: FRCEM Intermediate
SAQ Blueprint:
The blueprint for the Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here.
SJP Blueprint:
The blueprint for the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here.
Sample questions:
Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College: Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions
Glossary of Terms:
The Royal College uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions using this guide.
Candidates are expected to be rigorous in their use of these terms.
Glossary of terms used in RCEM exams.
Examination Report:
The Royal College recently began to publish reports on the performance of those sitting FRCEM examinations. Below is the first report published and helps to break down results for those in training and those out of training.
2018 Examination report.
Online resources:
There are lots of resources online, such as videos on YouTube, FRCEM courses and useful reading materials. We think that these are a great addition to your study plan, just be sure to check your sources.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed FRCEM Intermediate you can apply to sit the Final Examination. Take a look at our article on FRCEM Final Examination where we explore everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, fees, results and preparation.
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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.
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.