The MRCEM OSCE (Objective Structure Clinical Examination) is a pivotal step in achieving Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, serving as the third and final exam in the qualification process.

This examination rigorously assesses the clinical and communication skills of trainees, ensuring they meet the standards necessary for higher training in emergency medicine. It evaluates the common competencies and clinical competencies required for the assessment and immediate management of common clinical conditions seen in the Emergency Department in adults and children.

Dates, Locations and Fees

The MRCEM OSCE exam dates for 2024 are as follows:

The MRCEM OSCE is delivered in London (UK), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kochi (India). For updates on exam dates, refer to the RCEM Examination Calendar.

The MRCEM OSCE fee depends on the location where you plan to take the exam. It has recently been increased for the 2024 exams.

You can find more information on the RCEM exam pricing here.

MRCEM OSCE Eligibility and Oversubscription Criteria

Eligibility for the MRCEM OSCE is contingent on passing the MRCEM Primary and MRCEM Intermediate SBA (or equivalent) exams, along with a minimum of 24 months of post-qualification experience, including at least six months in Emergency Medicine (post FY1/intern level).

Candidates have to hold a medical qualification approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) and have completed the UK Foundation Programme or equivalent (electronic evidence required at the point of application).

There is a limit to the number of available OSCE spaces per examination diet. If an examination diet is oversubscribed, the following criteria will be applied:

• Candidates in a GMC-approved UK ST3 training post
• Candidates in year 3 of approved Irish training programme
• Candidates holding an employment contract with the NHS (which covers the examination date)
• Candidates who were not allocated a place at the most recent sitting (on a first come, first served basis, if required)
• All other candidates on a first come, first served basis

You can expect to know if you were allocated a place in approximately three weeks after the application window has closed.

MRCEM OSCE Stations

The MRCEM OSCE consists of 16 stations, each lasting 8 minutes, with an additional minute provided for reading between stations. Two rest stations are also incorporated into the exam.

The stations cover the following scenarios aligned with the Emergency Medicine 2021 Curriculum.

Successfully passing at least one of the two resuscitation stations is imperative. Regardless of your performance in other stations, failure to clear at least one resuscitation station will result in an overall failure.

How is the MRCEM OSCE exam marked?

The MRCEM OSCE is marked using domain-based marking, assessing candidates across seven domains (skills expected to be demonstrated):

1. Clinical reasoning/ decision making
2. Practical/ pinnacle skills
3. Communication skills (incl. conflict)
4. Teaching skills
5. History taking/ information gathering
6. Organisation/ prioritisation
7. Clinical examination skills

Up to four domains will be tested in each OSCE station, with each domain separately weighted in relation to its overall importance within the station. Each station question will have a pie chart to let you know which of these domains will be tested and the percentage of marks it carries.

The MRCEM OSCE pass mark will be determined using the Borderline Regression Method. An additional standard error of measurement will be added to this cut score to calculate the final passing score.

Candidates will be assessed by the examiner, who will form a judgment on the level of competence they display in each domain/skill, ranging from well below the minimum level of competence to well above for each domain in each station.

Candidates will receive a calculated numerical value for each domain, resulting in a score ranging from 0 to 10 for each station. With a total of 16 stations, the maximum achievable score for the entire exam is 160 marks.

Results for the MRCEM OSCE will be available to candidates via their RCEM website account approximately five weeks after the examination date, with publication scheduled on a pre-advised day.

MRCEM OSCE Exam Preparation

If you want to test your clinical knowledge and skills in exam-like scenarios before the actual exam, you can join our 2-day in-person MRCEM OSCE course in London. The course consists of 40 different OSCE stations. Each station has 1 minute reading time and 8 minutes to complete the station. You will sit in all 40 stations, sometimes taking the lead, other times watching and learning from others who take the lead.

We have also recently launched a 1-day interactive online MRCEM OSCE course. It consists of around 20 different OSCE stations drawn from SLO1 (Complex Stable Patient), SLO2 (Answer Questions), and SLO7 (Complex Challenging Situations). During the course, you will be practising communication skills, history taking, and more, with professional actors and getting feedback from our faculty members.

When you book either an in-person or online MRCEM OSCE course, you’ll get 6-months free access to our MRCEM OSCE videos, updated in accordance with the changes made to the exam in 2022. These videos are designed to provide you with examples of the correct approach to any station you might receive in your exam. If you want to access them without attending a course, you can do so by purchasing the monthly online resources subscription.

You can also join our MRCEM OSCE Telegram group where you can find free sample OSCE videos and tips on how to prepare for the exam and will be able to engage with other candidates.

Sign up to receive a free MRCEM OSCE Exam Preparation Resource.

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