5 March 2025
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is pleased to announce a new partnership with Surpass Assessment, a leader in computer-based testing, to deliver its suite of theory examinations from 2026.
Starting from January next year, RCEM will use the Surpass Platform for the creation, delivery and scoring of the College’s MRCEM Primary, MRCEM SBA and FRCEM SBA theory exams.
Meaning candidates will sit their theory exam at a Surpass Assessment global test centre.
RCEM conducts periodic tendering for its educational services to maintain high quality standards.
The content of RCEM’s exams assesses the skills, knowledge and application of Emergency Medicine professionals, in line with the EM curriculum.
Romana Moss, Director of Education at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “After a rigorous tender process, including representation from our Examiners, Resident Doctors and Emergency Medicine Speciality and Specialist Doctors (EMSAS), the College is delighted to announce its new theory exam partnership with Surpass Assessment.
“Surpass demonstrated they have the technical skill and expertise to meet our candidate, Examiner and College needs to deliver and maintain high quality exams which made them ideal partners.
“I want to reassure anyone who is considering taking any of our theory exams in 2026, we have detailed plans in place to manage the transition and it is complimenting the Exam Transformation that is already in progress.
“The College’s dedicated Exams Team will – as ever – be on hand to any questions or queries candidates may have.
“I also want to extend our thanks to our previous delivery partners Pearson VUE and Ripley – their work and support is much appreciated.”
RCEM’s Emergency Medicine Trainee’s Association were part of the tendering process. Dr Dale Kirkwood, EMTA Co-Chair said: “Emergency Medicine Trainees prepare extremely hard for these career defining exams and must trust that they will be delivered without any issues and with the highest care.
“We were impressed with Surpass and their dedication to supporting trainees through what can be some of the most intense and stressful times of their educational career.
“We look forward to the partnership and working together.”
