New MRCEM Examinations

What is the new MRCEM examination?

The FRCEM examination is changing to the new MRCEM examination from September 2021. The new MRCEM examination consists of three components: Two Single Best Answer (SBA) multiple-choice papers and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). All MRCEM components are blueprinted to the RCEM curriculum – focussing on Speciality Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 1-7 and 9. Questions used in each component are tagged to the RCEM basic science and clinical syllabi. The SLOs and the capabilities relevant to each SLO are set out in the assessment blueprint. Candidates must pass all parts to be awarded MRCEM.

Will our question banks be changing?

The FRCEM Primary exam format and RCEM Basic Science Curriculum are not changing, and therefore our Primary question bank will remain the same, but will be renamed before the December 2021 sitting. The FRCEM Intermediate Short Answer Question (SAQ) exam format is changing to a Single Best Answer (SBA) exam format and will be mapped to the new RCEM Clinical Syllabus. We are currently working on a new Intermediate question bank for the new exam, with the aim to launch before the September 2021 sitting.

Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date with news of our launch.

What is the MRCEM Primary?

This is a Single Best Answer (SBA) paper, replacing the FRCEM Primary.

This examination samples the basic science syllabus, ensuring a sound background knowledge in the basic science underpinning EM care. It can be undertaken at any point post registration as a medical practitioner. It comprises 180 questions to be answered in three hours.

The first sitting of the MRCEM Primary is on 1st December 2021.

What is the MRCEM Intermediate?

This is a Single Best Answer (SBA) paper, replacing the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ.

This examination samples the clinical syllabus and ensures a sound understanding of the full range of conditions and presentations that may present to the ED. The exam samples how the trainee synthesises and interprets data and clinical findings to make decisions and inform management plans. It comprises 180 questions, and four hours testing time sat in two papers on the same day.

The first sitting of the MRCEM Intermediate is on 14th September 2021.

What is the MRCEM OSCE?

This is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), replacing the FRCEM Intermediate SJP.

This examination objectively samples the clinical skills of trainees and ensures they are those of someone ready for Higher Training.  It includes history taking, examination, communication, decision making, dealing with challenging situations and resuscitation scenarios, using medium fidelity simulation.  There are 18 stations blueprinted to SLOs 1-7 and 9 and to the RCEM Clinical Syllabus.

Where can I find more information?

For further information, please refer to the relevant section at the New RCEM Curriculum Website.

For further queries please contact the Royal College of Emergency Medicine directly by email: [email protected] or phone: +44 (0) 20 7067 1268.