The MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam is the second step following the MRCEM Primary for those aspiring to become a Member of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM). It replaced the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ in August 2021. This exam assesses candidates’ clinical decision-making skills, their ability to prioritise, and their effectiveness in responding to real-life emergency scenarios. It evaluates how trainees synthesize and interpret data and clinical findings to make informed decisions.

MRCEM Intermediate Syllabus and Format

The exam comprises 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions, to be completed within four hours. It’s presented as two 90-question papers, with a two-hour duration for each paper on the same day. Candidates are allowed a one-hour break between the two papers.
The MRCEM SBA Exam is aligned with the Specialty Learning Outcomes (SLO) corresponding to Year 1-3 of the 2021 Emergency Medicine Curriculum.

The blueprint for the MRCEM Intermediate SBA includes:

MRCEM Intermediate Exam Application

MRCEM SBA Dates and Location

The MRCEM SBA exam is usually conducted twice per year. The forthcoming exam dates for 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

For updates on exam dates, refer to the RCEM Examination Calendar.

RCEM delivers its written exams globally through Pearson VUE, a computer-based testing company. To find a test centre near you, visit the Pearson VUE website.

Who is eligible for the MRCEM SBA exam?

To be eligible for the MRCEM Intermediate SBA Exam, candidates should meet specific criteria, including:

• Hold a medical qualification approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) for registration purposes.
• Have completed the UK Foundation Programme or its equivalent, substantiated by electronic evidence during the application.
• Passed the MRCEM Part A exam after August 1, 2012, and before July 31, 2016, or,
• Passed the FRCEM Primary exam after August 1, 2016, or,
• Passed the MRCEM Primary exam after August 1, 2021, or,
• Be a DREEM trainee who obtained exemption from the FRCEM Primary, MRCEM Part A, or MRCEM Primary due to acquiring MRCS or MRCSI after January 1, 2012.

Applicants are also advised that a proficient level of IELTS Level 7 is expected for MRCEM Intermediate examination, ensuring a competent command of English, with occasional inaccuracies or misunderstandings in complex situations.

How to apply for the exam?

Candidates must submit their applications online during the specified application window, opening at 10:00 AM (UK time) on the designated start date and closing automatically at 5:00 PM (UK time) on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted. The application link will be published on the RCEM application page.

MRCEM SBA Fee

The fee for the MRCEM SBA exam is £335. Overseas exam takers should contact local administrators for fee details.

Candidates can request withdrawal or transfer until 17:00 (GMT) on the closing date. Fees cannot be transferred or refunded beyond this deadline unless there are exceptional circumstances, which can be confirmed by written documentation, such as a detailed medical certificate or a death certificate for a direct family member. Insufficient preparation is not a valid reason for a refund.

UK Emergency Medicine trainees can claim tax relief, including exam expenses.

MRCEM Intermediate SBA results

MRCEM SBA Pass Mark

The MRCEM Intermediate SBA Exam follows machine marking, with one mark awarded for each correct answer; negative marking is not applied. The pass mark is determined using the Angoff method, with an additional +1 Standard Error Measurement added to establish the final pass mark. You won’t know the passing mark when you take it, as it depends on the difficulty of questions and varies each time. Just to give you an example, it was 106 for the February 2022 Exam.

When will the results be available?

The results will be published on a pre-advised day by 17:00, around five weeks after the examination date. Results can be downloaded from candidates’ College website accounts. They will not be provided via telephone or email.

How many attempts do you have to pass the exam?

Candidates are permitted a maximum of six attempts to pass the MRCEM Intermediate Exam. Previous attempts at the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ examination after August 2016 will count towards the number of available attempts. In exceptional circumstances, candidates may apply for approval for an additional examination attempt, subject to the Dean’s discretion.

You can find out more about the MRCEM Intermediate Exam in this information pack.

MRCEM SBA Exam Preparation

RCEM advises all candidates preparing for the MRCEM Intermediate SBA examination to familiarize themselves with the Year 1-3 SLOs.

There are plenty of MRCEM SBA question banks available online. However, it’s vital to emphasize that memorizing correct answers alone is not enough. Candidates should develop the ability to reason correctly and apply their knowledge clinically. If you want to understand how questions in this exam are designed and what techniques are required to answer them, check out our two-day intensive MRCEM SBA Exam preparation courses. When you book a course, you also get bonus access to our video webinars and practice questions covering the MRCEM SBA curriculum.