#mrcem

MRCEM stands for Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. It is a professional qualification offered by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), UK, for doctors aspiring to build a career in emergency medicine. Successfully obtaining MRCEM signifies that a doctor has the clinical knowledge, decision-making skills, and experience required to work in emergency departments in the UK and other recognized countries.

MRCEM Exam Structure

The MRCEM exam is divided into three parts, each testing different levels of knowledge and clinical skills:

1. MRCEM Primary Exam

the MRCEM Primary exam is the 

Tests basic science knowledge relevant to emergency medicine

Focuses on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and evidence-based medicine

Consists of Single Best Answer (SBA) questions

Usually taken by junior doctors or recent graduates

2. MRCEM Intermediate SBA Exam

the MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam is the

Designed for doctors with clinical experience

Tests the ability to apply clinical knowledge in real-world emergency situations

Based on the RCEM 2021 Emergency Medicine Curriculum (Years 1–3)

Two papers, each with 90 SBA questions, conducted via Pearson VUE centres

3. MRCEM OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

the MRCEM OSCE exam is the

A practical exam that assesses communication, history-taking, diagnosis, and procedural skills

Consists of multiple stations simulating real-life clinical scenarios

This is the final step in obtaining MRCEM after clearing the first two exams

Who Can Take the MRCEM Exam?

International medical graduates (IMGs) who have completed their primary medical qualification

Doctors with experience in emergency medicine or acute care settings

Those aiming to work or train in the UK NHS or other countries recognizing MRCEM

StudyMRCEM, offers expert-led online and hybrid courses for all three MRCEM exam levels. With a 97% success rate, it provides live sessions, mentor-led study groups, mock exams, and flexible course options to help candidates succeed in Primary, Intermediate SBA, and OSCE stages.

The MRCEM OSCE is the final and most crucial step towards earning membership in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. This practical exam evaluates a candidate’s clinical acumen, communication skills, and ability to manage real-time emergency situations through simulated patient interactions.

Eligibility Criteria for the MRCEM OSCE

To be eligible for the MRCEM OSCE, candidates must:

Hold a medical qualification approved by the GMC (General Medical Council).

Have full medical registration with a license to practise.

Complete the UK Foundation Programme or its equivalent.

Pass both the MRCEM Primary and Intermediate SBA exams.

Have at least 24 months of post-qualification experience, including 6 months (FTE) in Emergency Medicine.

MRCEM OSCE Exam Format

The MRCEM OSCE is a hands-on clinical exam featuring 16 stations, each lasting eight minutes, with one minute of reading time between stations. The total duration is 2 hours and 42 minutes, including two rest stations. It tests various domains such as clinical examination, patient interaction, communication, and decision-making.

How to Prepare for the MRCEM OSCE

1. Gain Hands-On Experience  The OSCE is practical and focused on real-life emergency scenarios. Work in a high-volume emergency department to develop the necessary clinical and communication skills.

2. Practice Simulated Scenarios  Rehearse with mock OSCE stations and simulated emergencies. These will strengthen your ability to make decisions under pressure and enhance clinical judgment.

3. Seek Guidance from Experts  Get feedback from experienced consultants or peers who have already passed the OSCE. Practise history taking, physical exams, and decision-making under their guidance.

4. Master Communication and Diagnosis  Focus on clear communication with patients and colleagues. Always approach cases with empathy and structured clinical reasoning.

5. Consistent Practice  Start early and aim to assess 3–4 mock patients per shift. This consistent practice helps familiarize you with commonly tested scenarios.

6. Stay Calm and Focused  Nervousness is normal but should not affect your performance. Take a deep breath before each station, carefully read the instructions, and proceed with clarity.

7. Use YouTube and Online Resources  Explore mock OSCE videos available online. Watching how others approach the stations can give you valuable insight into expectations and structure.

8. Understand the Pie Charts  Each station includes a pie chart indicating the marking scheme. Prioritize tasks based on their weightage to maximize your score.

StudyMRCEM offers expert-led short-term and long-term OSCE preparation courses, specifically tailored for international medical graduates. With focused training, mock stations, and personal guidance, we help you prepare confidently for your MRCEM OSCE journey.

The MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam is the crucial next step between the foundational MRCEM Primary and the final OSCE in the MRCEM pathway. To be eligible, candidates must have cleared the MRCEM Primary and gained at least two years of post-qualification clinical experience. This exam is designed to assess how effectively candidates apply their clinical knowledge in real-world emergency medicine scenarios.

Exam Format

The Intermediate SBA exam comprises two computer-based papers, each containing 90 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions. Each paper lasts two hours, with a one-hour break between them. Conducted in English, the exam is administered through Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.

All questions are aligned with the 2021 RCEM Emergency Medicine Curriculum, focusing on Specialty Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for years 1 to 3 of training.

Syllabus Breakdown

Below is a summary of the syllabus based on the RCEM blueprint:

SLO 1: Complex Stable Patient — 60 questions

SLO 3: Resuscitation & Organ Support (excluding major trauma) — 40 questions

SLO 4: Injured Patient — 30 questions

SLO 5: Paediatric Emergency Medicine — 25 questions

SLO 6: Procedural Skills & Basic Anaesthetic Care — 10 questions

SLO 7: Complex or Challenging Situations — 15 questions

For full details, candidates should refer to the RCEM’s official regulations and information pack. Understanding the exam structure and syllabus is key to a focused and effective preparation strategy.

Ready to Ace the MRCEM SBA?

If you’re preparing for the upcoming MRCEM SBA exam, StudyMRCEM’s structured courses can give you the edge. With a 97% pass rate, our expert-led programs offer:

Live interactive sessions

Comprehensive study materials

Mock exams

Daily study groups and moreStart your MRCEM journey with confidence.

Achieving Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) is a significant milestone in the career of any aspiring emergency medicine specialist. This prestigious qualification not only enhances your credibility but also opens doors to global opportunities, empowering you with the knowledge and skills to handle critical emergency scenarios to international standards.

If you’re aiming for a successful international career in emergency medicine, the first step is understanding the structure of the MRCEM exam and planning a focused, core preparation strategy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

Understanding the MRCEM Exam

The MRCEM qualification is awarded by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and comprises three key components:

MRCEM Primary

MRCEM Intermediate SBA

MRCEM OSCE

Each stage is designed to assess a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and practical competency, specifically in the field of emergency medicine.

Core Preparation Tips for MRCEM

Becoming an RCEM member is no easy feat — it requires careful planning, structured study, and targeted effort. Here are some key strategies to build your core preparation for the MRCEM exam:

Understand the Exam Format

Before diving into MRCEM preparation, take time to familiarize yourself with the format, content, and eligibility criteria of each MRCEM part. Understanding the structure allows you to map your preparation timeline efficiently and focus on key areas.

Choose the Right Resources

High-quality preparation starts with the right study materials. Ensure you use up-to-date, RCEM-aligned resources. Enrolling in a structured preparatory course like those offered by StudyMRCEM can give you an edge. Our expertly designed courses cater to all levels — Primary, Intermediate, and OSCE — with comprehensive coverage and mentorship.

Focus on Key Subjects

A strong foundation in core scientific and clinical concepts is essential. Emergency medicine principles, in particular, need special attention. Identify weaker subjects early on and allocate more time to mastering them.

Practice with Mocks and Assessments

Since previous question papers are not publicly available for RCEM exams, mock tests become a crucial tool. Practice regularly with high-quality mock exams to familiarize yourself with the question pattern and improve time management.

StudyMRCEM’s Learning Management System (LMS) offers free and premium mock tests developed by RCEM experts, helping you sharpen your exam strategy.

Why Choose StudyMRCEM?

From Day 1 to the day you receive your MRCEM certificate, StudyMRCEM is with you every step of the way. With a proven success record, our platform offers:

Live interactive classes

One-on-one expert mentorship

Timed mock exams

Daily study group activities

Topic-wise revision sessions

Access to exclusive LMS resources

Our holistic approach ensures you stay on track and confident throughout your MRCEM journey.

Get Started Today

The MRCEM OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is the final step in obtaining membership in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). It evaluates your clinical skills, communication abilities, and decision-making under pressure — all essential traits for working in emergency departments. If you’re an International Medical Graduate (IMG), this guide will help you prepare effectively.

MRCEM OSCE Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the following requirements:

A medical qualification approved by the GMC

Full GMC registration with a license to practise

Completion of the UK Foundation Programme or equivalent

A pass in MRCEM Primary and MRCEM Intermediate SBA

At least 24 months of post-qualification experience, including 6 months in full-time Emergency Medicine

MRCEM OSCE Exam Format

Total Stations: 16 (with two rest stations)

Duration: 2 hours 42 minutes

Time per Station: 8 minutes + 1-minute reading time

Structure: Simulated clinical scenarios with patient actors and assessors

Each station tests practical application, communication, and clinical reasoning in real-time emergency settings.

How to Prepare for the MRCEM OSCE Exam

1. Gain Real-World, Hands-On Experience

Nothing beats real experience. Try to work in a busy emergency department, where you can apply and refine your clinical and interpersonal skills daily.

2. Practice Simulated Scenarios

Simulate cases that resemble MRCEM OSCE stations. Focus on trauma, cardiac arrest, sepsis, and acute paediatrics — common emergency medicine scenarios.

3. Learn from Experienced Mentors

Seek guidance from senior colleagues, OSCE examiners, or doctors who have recently cleared the exam. Ask for feedback on your history-taking, exam techniques, and decision-making.

4. Master Communication and Diagnosis

Clear communication is essential — not just with patients but also with nurses, paramedics, and fellow doctors. Simulate how you would explain procedures, diagnoses, and safety-netting.

5. Daily Practice is Key

Start early. Aim to practise 3–4 mock patients per shift. Regular, consistent practice helps improve your confidence and clinical speed.

6. Stay Calm and Read Instructions

Before entering a station, take a deep breath and read the instructions carefully. Knowing exactly what’s expected will help you stay focused and structured.

7. Use YouTube and Online Resources

Explore mock OSCE videos on YouTube. Watching how others approach scenarios gives you new perspectives on time management and communication style.

8. Understand Marking Criteria

Each station includes a pie chart showing the marks distribution. Learn how to interpret it — this helps you prioritize actions and focus on high-weightage areas.

Preparing for MRCEM OSCE requires strategic preparation, clinical awareness, and communication finesse. Whether you’re just starting or looking for structured coaching, StudyMRCEM offers comprehensive MRCEM OSCE preparation courses tailored to suit every learning style.

Our MRCEM short- and long-term courses cover everything from clinical stations to mock exams and examiner feedback.