Covering MRCEM Primary, MRCEM SBA, FRCEM SBA
RCEM theory exams (MRCEM Primary, MRCEM SBA, FRCEM SBA) are multiple choice question (MCQ) papers, formed of single best answer questions (SBAQ). Multiple choice questions are formed of a question and a listed choice of answers to select from. The single best answer (SBA) format means that any of the answers may be partially correct or plausible, but only one answer will be fully correct.
All RCEM theory exams are delivered through Computer Based Testing (CBT) provided by Pearson VUE.
Sample questions for each of the exams can be found on the RCEM Learning website.
All RCEM theory exams are delivered through Computer Based Testing (CBT). Theory exams are delivered through our provider Pearson VUE, primarily through their global test centre network.
+ Exam BookingApplications for theory exams will first be reviewed against the eligibility criteria for that exam. Once this has been approved, candidate details will be shared with Pearson VUE and details of how to book a test centre will be provided.
To sit a theory exam, direct booking with Pearson VUE is required. Candidates will be sent login details for a Pearson VUE account, unless they have not sat an RCEM exam with Pearson VUE before in which case they will be able to log in using their existing login details. Once the booking window has opened, they can log in and book a test centre seat. Test centres are offered by distance from the listed preferred address on the candidate’s RCEM account. A full list of test centres can be found in the ‘Find a test centre’ link on the RCEM landing page. Once booked, a confirmation email will be sent from Pearson VUE. Candidates from the following countries will be unable to test in their home country due to restrictions implemented by Pearson VUE:
Candidates from any of the above countries (excluding Sudan***) will be unable to test using passports. For example, a Cuban passport will not be accepted. If you have a valid ID from the country you are testing in, Pearson VUE will permit you to take your examination and no further action will be required. The restrictions in place do not represent the College values and are in place by Pearson VUE and not the College. The College will continue exploring options and will update candidates affected by Pearson VUE restrictions when further information is available.
***The USA has recently lifted sanctions against Sudan and therefore Sudanese candidates will have their valid passport accepted by Pearson as ID at test centres internationally. However, restrictions are still in place for OnVUE so Sudanese ID will not be accepted in an OnVUE exam. Candidates should not try to use Sudanese ID at an OnVUE exam as it will be rejected, and they risk their exam being revoked.
In exceptional circumstances, candidates may be offered the option of sitting their exam remotely if they are unable to travel to a test centre. Any requests should be sent by email to exams@rcem.ac.uk, detailing the nature of the request and providing any relevant supporting evidence. Remote exams are delivered through Pearson OnVUE online and require a compatible device, stable internet connection and private environment. OnVUE exams must start between 07:00 and 12:00 UK time.
Candidates requiring further assistance with sitting an exam should refer to our reasonable adjustments page.
In the lead up to an exam day, candidates should ensure they are familiar with the location and timing of their exam. Candidates must also ensure they have their ID ready to present on the exam day, containing a clear photograph and signature. The first name and last name on a candidate’s Pearson VUE account must exactly match those on the ID that they will present at their test centre. Middle names are not checked by Pearson VUE. We send Pearson VUE candidates’ details as they appear in the first name and last name fields of their RCEM account. Once candidates have access to their Pearson VUE account, they should check that the names match their ID and, if they do not, they should send exams@rcem.ac.uk an email with their ID to update the first and last names on their Pearson VUE account. ID documents must be issued from the country that the candidate is testing in, otherwise only an international travel passport will be accepted. See Pearson VUE’s full ID policy.
Candidates should also familiarise themselves with the format by engaging with the Pearson VUE demo test.
On the exam day, test centre exams will start between 08:00am and 12:00pm local time. Approved comfort aids will be permitted in Pearson VUE test centres.
Candidates must check in 15-30 minutes before the exam start time. Late candidates will not be admitted and will forfeit their exam fee.
Candidates can find their nearest Pearson Vue test centre. Test centre spaces are subject to availability for the specific exam date. If no local centres are available, candidates may be required to travel a reasonable distance for the exam. Pearson VUE can assist candidates with bookings.
Further information regarding Pearson VUE and test centre exams can be found on the RCEM landing page of the Pearson VUE website
+ Remote online delivery of RCEM Theory Exams
In some exceptional circumstances, candidates who are not able to travel to a test centre to sit their theory exam may be considered to sit their exam remotely using Pearson OnVUE. Requests to sit an OnVUE exam must be sent to exams@rcem.ac.uk, detailing the nature of the request and providing supporting evidence for the reasoning for not being able to sit in a test centre. If candidates require further assistance with sitting their exam, they may refer themself to our reasonable adjustment page (add link).
In order to sit an OnVUE exam, candidates must have access to a compatible device in a private environment with a stable internet connection. Full details of the OnVUE technical and test environment requirements can be found on Pearson VUE’s website.
Approved candidates are still required to book their OnVUE exam through Pearson. Candidates will be provided registration details with Pearson VUE which will enable them to log in and book their exam slot. Once booked, a confirmation email will be sent from Pearson VUE.
In the lead up to an exam day, candidates should ensure they are familiar with the timing of their exam and have their ID ready to present on the exam day, containing a clear photograph and signature. The first name and last name on their Pearson VUE account must exactly match those on their ID. Middle names are not checked by Pearson VUE. Candidate’s details are send to Pearson VUE as they appear on their RCEM account. Once candidates have access to their Pearson VUE account, they should check that the names match their ID and, if they do not, should send an email to exams@rcem.ac.uk with their ID to update the name on their Pearson VUE account. ID documents must be issued from the country they are testing in, otherwise only an international travel passport will be accepted. See Pearson VUE’s full ID policy.
Ahead of the exam day, a system test and exam simulation should be completed to ensure the device and environment are suitable.
On the exam day, OnVUE exams must start between start between 07:00 and 12:00 UK time. Candidates must be logging into their Pearson VUE account at least 30 minutes before the exam start time. Late candidates will not be admitted and will forfeit their exam fee.
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