From January 2026, Surpass Assessment will be delivering all RCEM theory exams across the globe, providing both a test centre network and online invigilation.
Benefitting from the Surpass global Test Centre Network, RCEM candidates will be able to take tests at modern testing sites.
Candidates will apply for their exams through the familiar process in their RCEM account and will see differences in booking their test centre.
As always, the Exams team are here to help, and should you have any questions, please contact exams@rcem.ac.uk
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.
Computer Based Delivery of RCEM Theory Exams
All RCEM theory exams are delivered through Computer Based Testing (CBT) provided by Surpass Assessment.
Sample questions for each of the exams can be found on the RCEM Learning website.
The RCEM Theory Exam Process
Stage 1: Application – 12 Weeks Before the exam
Apply for your Exam through the RCEM Website and pay for your exam. You will fill in a form, providing any evidence required.
You can tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need.
Stage 2: Application Review – 11 – 8 Weeks Before the exam
The college will review all applications to ensure candidates meet the exam eligibility criteria.
We review eligibility to sit the exam, which includes your employment history and medical registration documents.
Candidates should have supplied all information with their application, but will be contacted with a brief extension should this be needed.
Stage 3: Book Your Space 8 – 5 Weeks Before the Exam
Once the college has reviewed all applications, you will receive an email from our theory supplier, Surpass Assessment, and you will be able to book your place at a test centre.
Stage 4: Exam Preparation: 4 weeks – day of Exam
Whilst candidates are busy preparing for their exams, RCEM are working with Surpass to ensure that our candidates receive the smoothest exam delivery possible. It’s unlikely that we can make any changes at this stage to your exam booking.
You should familiarise yourself with the location of your test centre and ensure that you have your ID ready for your exam day.
Stage 5: Exam Day
You will sit your exam at the test centre that you booked.
Your exam will start at the time on your booking confirmation, and you are unable to change your exam start time.
Arrive to your test centre 30 minutes before your exam, as late candidates will not be admitted to the exam and will forfeit their exam fee.
Stage 6: Results Processing – Exam day – 6 Weeks after the exam
The college undertakes a robust results production process. This includes a significant number of quality assurance checks, a complete psychometric and statistical review, a post-exam adjudication process led by our Lead Examiners, and a results sign off meeting led by our Chief Examiner
Stage 7: Results Release – 6 Weeks after the exam
Your results will be released to your RCEM account, and you will receive an email from the college to confirm when you can log in to view your results.
Online Invigilation
Can I sit the exam online at home or another location?
RCEM prefer that candidates sit their exam in a Surpass Assessment test centre, this gives the best experience for all candidates and ensures staff are on hand to deal with any issues that may arise during the exam.
In some exceptional circumstances, candidates who cannot travel to a test centre to sit their theory exam may be considered to sit their exam remotely through Online invigilation. This should be agreed in advance with the RCEM exams team by emailing exams@rcem.ac.uk
In order to sit an online invigilated exam, candidates must have access to a compatible device in a private environment with a stable internet connection. Full details of the technical requirements can be found here.
Theory Exams FAQS (MRCEM Primary, MRCEM SBA, FRCEM SBA)
Am I eligible for the exams?
Am I eligible for exemption from MRCEM Primary as I have MRCS?
Only MRCS candidates who are on the DRE-EM training scheme may be granted exemption from the MRCEM Primary exam. If you are not a DRE-EM trainee, you will be required to pass the MRCEM Primary before applying to the MRCEM SBA.
New exam fees and a revised fee structure have been introduced for 2025. There are now different fees for candidates based on membership status (member or non-member) and location (UK or international). Members of the College are eligible for reduced exam fees. To qualify for this benefit, exam candidates must be active members in good standing and have settled any outstanding membership fees. You can apply for membership online; once approved, you will receive a confirmation email. Your subscription will then be available for payment through your online account. Please be aware that it may take up to 24 hours for payment updates to reflect in your account. To take advantage of the reduced exam fees, it is strongly recommended that you apply for membership before the next exam application window.
Once the college has reviewed all applications, you will receive an email from our theory supplier, Surpass Assessment, and you will be able to book your place at a test centre.
This will be approximately 8 weeks before the exam date and the booking window will open for 3 weeks.
RCEM work closely with Surpass to inform them of the demand from our candidates. Surpass have sourced a global test centre network, if you are unable to find a test centre in your country please email exams@rcem.ac.uk
Accepted Identification methods are:
Passport
Driving licence
Government-issued photo ID
Biometric ID card with photograph
Aadhar card (PVC format only)
Your first name and last / family name should match as it is presented on your ID to prevent any issues
Sitting in a Test Centre: Yes, you can. You will be escorted to the bathroom by the test centre administrator
Sitting through Online invigilation: you cannot leave your desk or the view of your webcam during the exam. If you are sitting the MRCEM SBA or FRCEM SBA, you can leave your desk during the 1-hour break between papers.
As you apply for an exam, you will have the opportunity to inform us of any reasonable adjustments you may require and supply the supporting documentation.
When your reasonable adjustments are approved for an exam, we will email you to confirm what these adjustments are.
If there is anything which cannot be accommodated, we will contact candidates to provide alternative options.
To allow time for the check-in procedure in a test centre or online invigilation, please be ready when the check-in window opens 30 minutes before your exam start time.
If you are late to your test centre or online invigilation slot, you will not be allowed to sit the exam and will forfeit your exam fee.
Technical issues at test centres are extremely rare, however they can and do occasionally happen.
In the event of technical issues at your centre, we will work quickly with Surpass Assessment to understand both the cause of the issue and the length of time needed to resolve the issue and will update you as soon as possible.
If the issue at the test centre cannot be resolved in a reasonable timeframe, we will work with Surpass to find a back-up option - either finding another space for you in a nearby test centre or offering at home testing via Online Invigilation.
If neither back-up option is available or suitable for you, you will be given transferred to the next exam diet free of charge.
Who should I contact if I experience a technical issue during my exam?
If you’re sitting the exam in a test centre, all issues should be reported to the Test Administrator, who will log this as a case and provide the necessary technical support.
If you’re taking the exam at home via Online Invigilation, your proctor will be able to provide support with technical issues.
To report significant issues, You can contact the college on the day of the exam by calling +44 (0)2074041999.
If you would also like to provide feedback about these issues after your exam, please email exams@rcem.ac.uk within a week of the exam.