Here we take a closer look at the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examinations (MRCP) for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medicine, including exam dates, 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)? Eligibility for overseas doctors MRCP(UK) Part 1 MRCP(UK) Part 2 MRCP(UK) PACES How to prepare and what resources are available How to apply Fees Venues Dates of Exams Passed? What next?  The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine 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 MRCP(UK)? The MRCP examinations assess: knowledge of basic medical sciences  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.  Completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience. MRCP is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).  For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCP would be the best route to take.  MRCP (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK. The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:  MRCP Part 1 – two written papers MRCP Part 2 – two written papers MRCP PACES – practical assessment in a clinical setting Eligibility for overseas doctors: Part 1: To be eligible you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment. Part 2 & PACES:  To be eligible you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years. Whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so.  To support this, pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2. MRCP(UK) Part 1:  The entry-level examination is accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.  It consists of:  one-day examination two three-hour papers 200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions  no imagery sat in an examination hall A more detailed look at Part 1 can be found here. This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt. MRCP(UK) Part 2 Part 2 can only be taken if you have passed Part 1 (building on the knowledge already assessed).  The format at a glance: two papers taken on one day papers last three hours 200 multiple choice questions questions include images sat in an examination hall A more detailed look at Part 2 can be found here. This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt. MRCP(UK) PACES: PACES applicants must have passed MRCP Part 1. However, we echo the Royal College guidance and strongly advise our doctors to take both Parts 1 & 2 before taking PACES. 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 format in brief: half-day examination takes place in a clinical setting (hospital or clinical skills centre) assesses seven core skills five stations  eight patient encounters two independent examiners at each station each candidate is assessed independently by a total of 10 examiners A more detailed look at PACES can be found here. This will include examination centers, dates, fees to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt. How do I prepare 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 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 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, see below: Part 1 Part 2 PACES content: prepare and practice example questions on the topics and skills covered in the PACES exam Preparation Sample scenarios PACES marksheets 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  How do I apply? Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account. You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application. Application videos from the Royal College can be found below: Part 1 & 2 PACES Please note, the application process is a little different for those looking to sit the exam in Hong Kong. Further information can be found on the Royal College website here. Fees for 2019: Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres Part 1 £419 £594 * Part 2 £419 £594 * PACES £657 £1202 * *the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres are different and applicants are encouraged to submit their application directly to the administration team for this centre. Venues: Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres Part 1 & Part 2 Edinburgh Glasgow London Bahrain Bangladesh Egypt Ghana Hong Kong Iceland India Iraq Jordan Kenya Kuwait Malaysia Malta Myanmar Nepal Oman Pakistan Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan United Arab Emirates United States of America West Indies Zimbabwe PACES England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Brunei Egypt Hong Kong India Kuwait Malaysia Myanmar   Malta Oman Qatar Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan United Arab Emirates * Please note, exact locations change from each diet of PACES. Dates of Exams: Upcoming dates for the exams can be found using the following links: Part 1 Part 2 PACES 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.  For further information on MRCP exams including structure, content, preparing, procedure, dates, locations and fees, see the following articles:  MRCP(UK) Part 1 – a closer look MRCP(UK) Part 2 – a closer look MRCP(UK) PACES – a closer look 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:             

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:             

In this article we will explore the MRCP Part 1 exam in more detail, including advice on eligibility, dates, centres, preparation and fees.  Designed to help you prepare and sit the exams, we consider the following MRCP topics:  What is MRCP Part 1?  Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 1? What is the examination content & format? Where can I take the exam?  When is the exam sat and when can I apply? How much does the exam cost? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam?  Part 1 is the entry-level examination accessible to doctors with a minimum of 12 months' postgraduate experience in medical employment. It covers a broad range of topics appropriate to physicians at the beginning of postgraduate training. Part 1 is the first component of a sequence of assessments intended to match the progression of trainees undertaking the Core Medical Training programme in the UK, adding unique information and building on previous assessments Am I eligible to sit MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam? Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCP Part 1 Examination providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  As an overseas candidate you are eligible to sit MRCP Part 1 if you have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment. What is the examination content & format? At IMG Connect we advise that understanding the examination format is a great foundation for exam preparation. We have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 1 Examination format below:  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. From the five options provided, one answer is correct. The other four are plausible however you will only score a point from the correct answer. There are no negative marks and questions do not include imagery.  MRCP (UK) Part 1 is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the clinical sciences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.  Candidates will be tested on a wide range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the JRCPTB Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training and the composition of the papers is as below: Specialty Number of questions * Cardiology  15 Clinical haematology and oncology 15 Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology 16 Clinical sciences ** 25 Dermatology 8 Endocrinology 15 Geriatric medicine 4 Gastroenterology 15 Infectious diseases and GUM 15 Neurology 15 Nephrology 15 Ophthalmology 4 Psychiatry 8 Respiratory Medicine 15 Rheumatology 15 Total 200 *This should be taken as an indication of the likely numbers of questions – the actual number may vary ** The clinical sciences components comprises the following: Specialty Number of questions * Cell, molecular and membrane biology  2 Clinical anatomy 3 Clinical biochemistry and metabolism  4 Clinical physiology 4 Genetics 3 Immunology 4 Statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine 5 A detailed explanation of the marking system adopted for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination can be viewed in the MRCP(UK) Regulations. Where can I take the MRCP Part 1 exam? MRCP (UK) Part 1 can be taken in the UK and overseas as below:  Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres MRCP Part 1 Edinburgh Glasgow London Bahrain (Manama) Bangladesh (Dhaka) Egypt (Cairo) Ghana (Accra) Hong Kong Iceland (Reykjavic) India (Chennai, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi) Iraq (Baghdad) Jordan (Amman) Kenya (Nairobi) Kuwait (Kuwait City) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) Malta Myanmar Nepal (Kathmandu)   Oman (Muscat) Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore) Qatar (Doha) Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh) Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan (Khartoum) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) United States of America (New Jersey) West Indies (Jamaica, Trinidad) Zimbabwe (Harare) When is the exam sat and when can I apply? It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Applications made outside of the designated period will not be accepted. Exam dates and their application periods can be found here.  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 do I apply? Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account. You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application. The application video from the Royal College can be found below: Part 1 application video The Royal College of Physicians recommends making the first attempt at Part 1 within 1-2 years of your graduation. How can I prepare for the MRCP Part 1 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.  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, see below: Part 1 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? 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 we will explore MRCP (UK) Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including 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 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:             

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.

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.

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:             

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 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.             

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.             

Here we take a close look at the MRCS exam for overseas surgeons looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS.  International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCS examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: The UK Royal Colleges of Surgery What is MRCS?  What is the structure and content? Am I eligible? MRCS Part A - Written Examination MRCS Part B - OSCE How much will the exams cost me? As an overseas doctor where can I take the exams? How can I prepare and what resources are available? Passed? What next? The UK Royal Colleges of Surgery: There are four Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the UK (Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). All four of these colleges are professional bodies responsible for the specialty of surgery throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, it is their role to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession. What is MRCS? The Intercollegiate Membership exam of the Royal College of Surgeons tests the knowledge, experience and clinical competence expected of a doctor at the end of their core surgical training (ST2 level) and can be taken through any of the Royal Colleges mentioned above. The MRCS examination syllabus and the format & content of this examination are common to all four colleges (Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). Candidates can enter any part of the examination through any college, but may enter with only one college at each sitting. Completion of MRCS will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience. Upon successful completion of all parts of the examination, candidates will be elected as members of the college for which they have passed Part B of the exam.  MRCS is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).  For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCS would be the best route to take and full MRCS is a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go onto a specialist training post as a surgeon in the UK. What is the structure and content? The MRCS exam is split into two parts: MRCS Part A – written examination  MRCS Part B – Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Am I eligible?  Part A: To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. Part B OSCE: You must pass Part A before applying for Part B.  You can attempt Part A of the exam six times, and Part B four times.   MRCS Part A - Written Examination: The content is designed to test your knowledge of both applied basic science and the principles of surgery in general to a level of a UK trainee with two to three years of postgraduate experience. Part A of the Intercollegiate MRCS is a five-hour multiple choice question exam with two papers sat in one day.  The questions are in single best answer format. The morning paper is 3 hours long and the afternoon paper is 2 hours long. MRCS Part B – OSCE: The OSCE is set in a practical setting and tests your ability to integrate knowledge and experience in the following two areas: Knowledge - Your understanding of anatomy, surgical pathology, applied surgical science & critical care Skills – your application of clinical, procedural and communication skills in a practical setting. The OSCE consists of 18 examined stations, each 9 minutes in duration, broadly divided into the two components above – knowledge and skills.  Each station reflects elements of day-to-day clinical practice. The knowledge component makes up eight of the stations. The skills component makes up ten of the stations. Candidates must pass both the knowledge and skills components to pass Part B. How much will the exams cost me? Part A of the Intercollegiate MRCS is £539 in the UK Overseas centres will cost upwards of £539 and can include a local administration fee. Part B of the Intercollegiate MRCS is £977. Please note, fees can vary dependent on location.  As an overseas doctor, where can I take the exams? Part A & B of the exams can be taken in several countries across the world, with locations in the UK, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Central Asia and Europe.  Should you require a visa in order to sit your examinations, the College will provide support letters after the closing date and when an application has been checked and the candidate is eligible. Requests for a Visa support letter must be made in writing.   The full list of countries is below:  Exam UK Country – Asia Country – Middle East, Europe & Central Asia Africa MRCS Part 1 & 2 (OSCE) Belfast Bangladesh Philippines Afghanistan Kuwait Botswana Nigeria   Cardiff Burma Singapore Azerbaijan Lebanon Cameroon Senegal   Coventry Hong Kong South Korea Bahrain Oman Egypt Sierra Leone   Dublin India Sri Lanka Cyprus Palestine Ghana Sudan   Edinburgh Malaysia Thailand Iraq Qatar Kenya Tunisia   London Nepal Vietnam Jordan Saudi Arabia Morocco Zambia   Manchester Pakistan   Israel United Arab Emirates Namibia     Newcastle     Kazakhstan Uzbekistan       Nottingham               Stirling             How can I prepare 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:  Syllabus: The complete MRCS syllabus is contained within the General Medical Council approved curriculum for the Early Years of Surgical Training in the United Kingdom. It reflects the Core Surgical Training Syllabus of the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme.  At IMG Connect we recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  Module Guidance: Parts A&B both examine 10 modules and the specification for each module is detailed in the Guide to the Intercollegiate MRCS examination - published by the Royal College of Surgeons. Royal College of England recommended courses: Royal College of Surgeons of England Part A guidance notes: Candidate guidance notes that cover all four colleges, including information on examination procedure, admittance. Content Guide: The Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE) produced this guide to the Intercollegiate MRCS examination which contains: List of recommended textbooks and resources Topics and skills that may be examined Information and sample questions for both Part A & B Intercollegiate MRCS Regulations: Make sure to read through and familiarise yourself with the regulations for Membership Examinations. They are unilateral across all four colleges, you can find them here. RCS Library resources: The RCS Library contains excellent resources particularly useful for the MRCS examinations – they are available to affiliate members. Resources include Atlases, EBooks & Online Journals.  The Funky Professor: These anatomy video lectures are available from the RCS. Each video is accompanied with a detailed slideshow, plus a test on content.  As ever at IMG Connect, we stronlgy believe in the right 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 with examiners present. Passed? What next? Once you have passed both parts of your MRCS 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 surgery 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.