Applying for an additional or expunged attempt
Candidates who have exceeded the maximum number of attempts for an exam may apply for one additional attempt. To make an application, candidates should complete the online application form. All applications must be made through submission of the online form. Any requests sent directly to the Chief Examiner or Dean will not be considered.
Additional attempt applications must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the opening of an exam application window that the attempt would be used for. If the maximum number of attempts for an exam have been exceeded, exam applications will not be accepted or processed.
Within the application form, candidates must provide full details of why previous attempts were unsuccessful, such as details of any personal circumstances affecting ability to fully demonstrate knowledge and abilities. Candidates must also provide an explanation of how they will ensure any subsequent attempt is successful. This should be done by identifying areas of low performance in past examinations, with a comprehensive plan to achieve success. Candidates will also be asked to provide details of their Educational Supervisor/Specialty Tutor or equivalent, who will be asked to complete a form providing their support for the application. UK postgraduate doctors in training will also be asked to provide their Head of School/Training Programme Director for this purpose.
Applications will be considered by the Chief Examiner on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates should note that only one additional attempt may be granted per exam type.
Additional attempt application outcomes will be communicated by email within six weeks of the additional attempts application receipt date.
If an additional attempt application is approved, candidates may apply for the next exam diet within the published application window. If the application is rejected, candidates will not be eligible for any further attempts at the exam.
Candidates with a recent diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition (such as dyslexia, ADD, ASD) who have previously sat an exam without agreed reasonable adjustments may apply for the attempt(s) to be expunged.
To make an application, candidates should complete the online application form which can be found here. All applications must be made through submission of the online form. Any requests sent directly to the Chief Examiner or Dean will not be considered.
Within the application form, candidates must provide full details of their previous attempts, their diagnosis and how this has impacted their previous attempts. Candidates must also send a copy of their relevant neurodiversity diagnostic report to exampolicy@rcem.ac.uk to support their application following submission of the form. All information and evidence provided will be treated as strictly confidential. All personal details will be anonymised prior to sharing with relevant parties.
Applications will be considered by the Chief Examiner on a case-by-case basis and candidate and outcomes will be communicated by email.
