New MRCEM Examinations 2021

What are the new MRCEM examinations?

The current FRCEM examination structure will finish in Spring/Summer 2021 and the new MRCEM examination structure will be introduced from August 2021.

From August 2021, the Membership examination consists of the following components:

• MRCEM Primary Single Best Answer (SBA)
• MRCEM Intermediate Single Best Answer (SBA)
• MRCEM Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

All MRCEM components are blueprinted to the RCEM 2021 Emergency Medicine Curriculum – focussing on Speciality Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 1-7 and 9. Questions used in each component are tagged to the RCEM Basic Science Curriculum and RCEM Clinical Syllabus. 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 Single Best Answer (SBA) 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 have now launched our brand new FRCEM Intermediate SBA question bank.

Learn more about our new MRCEM Intermediate Revision Course

What is the MRCEM Primary?

This is the new name for the FRCEM Primary, and this remains a Single Best Answer (SBA) paper.

This examination samples the RCEM Basic Science Curriculum and ensures a sound background knowledge in the basic science underpinning Emergency Medicine care. It comprises 180 questions to be answered in three hours.

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

Learn more about the MRCEM Primary Exam

What is the MRCEM Intermediate?

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

This examination samples the RCEM Clinical Syllabus and ensures a sound understanding of the full range of conditions and presentations that may present to the Emergency Department. It samples how the trainee synthesises and interprets data and clinical findings to make decisions and inform management plans. It comprises 180 questions to be answered in four hours, presented as two 90 question papers with two hours per paper sat on the same day with a one-hour break.

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

Learn more about the MRCEM Intermediate Exam

What is the MRCEM OSCE?

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

This examination objectively samples the clinical and communication 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?

Please see the RCEM Examination Regulation and Information Packs (February 2021) for detailed information for each examination component.

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