Exam Regulations and Policies

The MRCEM Primary examination is the new name for the FRCEM Primary examination from August 2021.

The MRCEM Primary examination is mapped to the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum (June 2010) and 2021 Emergency Medicine curriculum. All applicants for the MRCEM Primary examination are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the Basic Sciences Curriculum in preparation for sitting the examination.

The MRCEM Primary examination consists of a three hour, multiple choice question (MCQ) paper of 180, single best answer questions (SBAQ).

Sample questions (applicable to both MRCEM and FRCEM Primary)

Please see the MRCEM Primary information pack (July 2021) for detailed information for this examination component.

Glossary of terms used in RCEM examinations (April 2023)

The MRCEM SBA examination replaces to the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination from 1 August 2021.

The MRCEM SBA examination is mapped to the 2021 Emergency Medicine curriculum. All applicants for the MRCEM SBA examination are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the 2021 curriculum, paying particular attention to the SLOs assessed in this examination.

The MRCEM SBA consists of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions delivered in two 120 minute papers with 90 questions per paper.

Please see the MRCEM SBA information pack (July 2021) for detailed information on this examination.

Glossary of terms used in RCEM examinations (April 2023)

The MRCEM OSCE consists of an Objective Structure Clinical Examination of 16, eight minute stations. An additional one minute of reading time is provided for candidates between each OSCE station.

Please see the MRCEM OSCE Information Pack (July 2021) for detailed information on the MRCEM OSCE examination.

Membership by Examination is awarded to candidates who pass three required examination components:

MRCEM Primary (or have passed FRCEM Primary between 1 August 2016 and 1 August 2021 or MRCEM Part A between 1 August 2012 and 1 August 2016 (or granted exemption))
MRCEM Intermediate SBA (or have passed FRCEM Intermediate SAQ between 1 August 2016 and 1 August 2021 or MRCEM Part B between 1 August 2012 and 1 August 2016)
MRCEM OSCE (previously called MRCEM Part C, passed after 1 August 2012)

From 1 August 2021, MRCEM achieved after 1 August 2012 is recognised for entry to HST and eligibility for FRCEM Final examinations.

From 1 August 2021, FRCEM consists of the following components:

FRCEM SBA, consisting of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions delivered in two 120 minute papers with 90 questions per paper
FRCEM OSCE, consisting of 16, 8 minute stations. An additional one minute of reading time is provided for candidates between each OSCE station.

Please see the FRCEM Information Pack (July 2021) for detailed information for these examination components.

The FRCEM Critical Appraisal and FRCEM QIP have been withdrawn as formal examination components contributing to the award of Fellowship. The skills and knowledge tested in each of these components will be assessed within the wider programme of assessment as defined in the 2021 curriculum. Candidates who have passed the FRCEM Final SAQ (after August 2016) and FRCEM Final OSCE within a seven year window (and meet other eligibility requirements) but have not passed either the FRCEM QIP or Critical Appraisal, will be awarded Fellowship in September 2021.

Glossary of terms used in RCEM examinations (April 2023)

A candidate who has attempted examinations of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine may, in the circumstances outlined within the Appeals Procedure, have the right of appeal against the examination outcome. Full details are available in the Appeals Procedure for MRCEM and FRCEM Examinations (updated August 2023).

By virtue of entering an examination candidates are deemed to have understood and agreed to abide by all examination regulations and policies, including the code of conduct for candidates and applicants (applicable from 1 January 2020)

Any allegations of misconduct raised by an invigilator, examiner or fellow candidate will be investigated and acted upon in accordance with the Misconduct Policy for MRCEM and FRCEM Examinations (Updated August 2023).

Oversubscription Criteria for OSCE Examinations

Places in OSCE examinations are limited and, as the number of applications sometimes exceeds the number of spaces available, we allocate candidates using Oversubscription Criteria agreed by the Examinations Sub-Committee.

MRCEM OSCE Oversubscription Criteria:

Candidates are allocated to spaces in the MRCEM OSCE examination in order of the following criteria:

Candidates in a GMC approved UK ST3 training post
Candidates in year 3 of approved Irish training programme
Candidates holding an employment contract with the NHS (which covers the examination date)
Candidates who were not allocated a place at the most recent sitting (on a first come, first served basis, if required)
All other candidates on a first come, first served basis

FRCEM OSCE Oversubscription Criteria:

Candidates are allocated to spaces in the FRCEM OSCE examination in order of the following criteria:

Candidates in approved ST6 UK training post
Candidates in Year 7 of approved Irish training programme
Candidates holding an employment contract with the NHS (which covers the examination date)
Candidates who were not allocated a place at the most recent sitting (on a first come, first served basis, if required)
All other candidates on a first come, first served basis

We are working hard to increase the number of spaces available in OSCE examinations and are pleased to confirm an extra 200 OSCE spaces will be available in 2023, more details here