FRCEM SBA and FRCEM OSCE
To achieve FRCEM and to be eligible for College Fellowship, the following exams must be passed, in either order:
FRCEM SBA
- Exam Type: Theory
- Exam Format: Multiple choice questions (MCQ) with single best answers (SBA)
- Number of Questions: 180
- Sections: Two
- Timing: Four hours (two x two hours with a one-hour break in the middle)
- Locations: Pearson VUE Test Centres
- Content: Research, Management and QI
FRCEM OSCE
- Exam Type: Practical Clinical
- Exam Format: Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
- Number of Stations: 16
- Timing: two hours, 42 minutes (16 x eight minutes stations with one minute reading time each and two x rest stations)
- Location: London UK
- Content: Complex and challenging situations that are faced in Emergency Medicine practice.
FRCEM SBA FAQs
The FRCEM SBA is a theoretical exam mapped to the full Emergency Medicine 2021 curriculum and the blueprint includes research, management and QI.
The FRCEM SBA exam replaced the FRCEM Final SAQ from August 2021.
The FRCEM SBA exam is open to candidates who have MRCEM after 2012* or the FRCEM Intermediate Certificate (Intermediate SAQ and SJP exams). Candidates are required to have a certain level of experience:
For trainees in an approved UK or Irish training programme: has completed 12 months (or full-time equivalent) of training in Emergency Medicine at ST4/ST5 or equivalent or
For non-trainees: has completed six years of training post-qualification; four years (or full-time equivalent) of which must be in Emergency Medicine, and one year (or full time equivalent) of which must be at a level above ST3/SHO.
Candidates can sit the FRCEM SBA and FRCEM OSCE in any order.
*Candidates with MRCEM before August 2012 will need to provide additional evidence of eligibility by emailing their CV and record of their latest appraisal to exams@rcem.ac.uk
Are there any documents to support me in the exam?
Please see the Exam Calendar.
Candidates must apply for the exam online, during the published application window.
Applications will open at 10am on the morning of the application opening date listed on the Exam Calendar and close automatically at 4pm (UK time) on the listed closing date. Applications must be completed before 4pm on the closing date, late applications will not be accepted.
When does the exam take place?
Please see the Exam Calendar.
How much does it cost?
Our fees can be viewed on our Exam calendar and fees page.
RCEM delivers its written examinations worldwide via computer-based testing company, Pearson VUE. You can search for a test centre near you on the Pearson Vue website.
Also see our Theory Exams page.
The FRCEM SBA examination consists of 180 SBA questions presented across two papers each lasting two hours. An hour’s break is provided in the middle of the exam.
The exam blueprint and sample questions are available in the FRCEM Regulations & Information pack. (November 2023)
Guidance for Candidates with Additional Requirements
The College is committed to supporting candidates by providing fair opportunities
when undertaking examinations. Candidates may submit a request for reasonable
adjustments and should note that the responsibility for requesting adjustments lies
with them. Please see this guidance here.
The FRCEM SBA is machine marked, a correct answer is awarded one mark and an incorrect answer is awarded nil, negative marking does not apply. The cut score for the exam is determined using the Angoff method, + one Standard Error Measurement is added to create the pass mark.
See Angoff Explained.
Results will be published on a pre-advised day by 17:00, approximately five weeks after the date of the examination. Results will be released to candidates’ College website accounts where results letters can be downloaded on demand. Examination results will not be issued or confirmed by telephone or email.
FRCEM OSCE FAQs
The FRCEM OSCE exam assesses the complex and challenging situations that are faced in Emergency Medicine practice.
The FRCEM OSCE exam is open to candidates who have MRCEM after August 2012* or the FRCEM Intermediate Certificate (Intermediate SAQ and SJP exams). Candidates are required to have a certain level of experience:
For trainees in an approved UK or Irish training programme: has completed 12 months (or full-time equivalent) of training in Emergency Medicine at ST4/ST5 or equivalent or
For non-trainees: has completed six years of training post-qualification; four years (or full-time equivalent) of which must be in Emergency Medicine, and one year (or full time equivalent) of which must be at a level above ST3/SHO.
Candidates can sit the FRCEM SBA and FRCEM OSCE in any order.
*Candidates with MRCEM before August 2012 will need to provide additional evidence of eligibility by emailing their CV and record of their latest appraisal to exams@rcem.ac.uk
Candidates must apply for the exam online, during the published application window.
Applications will open at 10am on the morning of the application opening date listed on the Exam Calendar and close automatically at 4pm (UK time) on the listed closing date. Applications must be completed before 4pm on the closing date, late applications will not be accepted.
When does the exam take place?
Please see the Exam Calendar.
How much does it cost?
Please refer to the list of examination fees.
The FRCEM OSCE is only delivered in London, UK.
The FRCEM OSCE consists of 16 eight-minute stations, with one minute reading time between stations. There are also two rest stations in the exam.
The exam blueprint and sample questions are available in the FRCEM Regulations & Information pack.
Guidance for Candidates with Additional Requirements
The College is committed to supporting candidates by providing fair opportunities
when undertaking examinations. Candidates may submit a request for reasonable
adjustments and should note that the responsibility for requesting adjustments lies
with them. Please see this guidance here.
The FRCEM OSCE is assessed using domain-based marking. The cut score for this exam is determined using the borderline regression method, + one Standard Error Measurement is added to create the pass mark. To pass the exam candidates have to pass at least one resuscitation station in addition to achieving the pass mark.
Domain Marking Guidance
Please see the document "Domain Based Marking" (PDF download)
Results will be published on a pre-advised day by 17:00, approximately five weeks after the date of the examination. Results will be released to candidates’ College website accounts where results letters can be downloaded on demand. Examination results will not be issued or confirmed by telephone or email.
