Regulations & Information Packs

The MRCEM Primary examination is the new name for the FRCEM Primary examination from August 2021. 

The MRCEM Primary examination is mapped to the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum (June 2010) and 2021 Emergency Medicine curriculum.  All applicants for the MRCEM Primary examination are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the Basic Sciences Curriculum in preparation for sitting the examination.

The MRCEM Primary examination consists of a three hour, multiple choice question (MCQ) paper of 180, single best answer questions (SBAQ).

• Sample questions (applicable to both MRCEM and FRCEM Primary)

Please see the MRCEM Primary information pack (February 2021) for detailed information for this examination component. 
COVID-19 temporary derogation to the counting of attempts (updated 3 March 2021)

Temporary changes to the FRCEM Final OSCE 22 July 2020
Notice of adjustment to FRCEM QIP marking 1 June 2020

From 1 August 2021, FRCEM consists of the following components: 
   

• FRCEM SBA, consisting of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions delivered in two 120 minute papers with 90 questions per paper
• FRCEM OSCE, consisting of 16, 8 minute stations.  An additional one minute of reading time is provided for candidates between each OSCE station.

The FRCEM Critical Appraisal and FRCEM QIP have been withdrawn as formal examination components contributing to the award of Fellowship.  The skills and knowledge tested in each of these components will be assessed within the wider programme of assessment as defined in the 2021 curriculum.  Candidates who have passed the FRCEM Final SAQ (after August 2016) and FRCEM Final OSCE within seven a seven year window (and meet other eligibility requirements) but have not passed either the FRCEM QIP or Critical Appraisal, will be awarded Fellowship in September 2021

Please see the FRCEM Information Pack (March 2021) for detailed information for these examination components.

Applicable until 31 July 2021:
The FRCEM Final examinations are mapped to the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum, in its entirety, which is available on the 2015 Curriculum page of our website.  All applicants for the FRCEM Final examinations are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the 2015 Curriculum in preparation for sitting the FRCEM Final examinations.

From 1 August 2018, the FRCEM Final consists of the following components:

• FRCEM Final Examination:
  • FRCEM Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper)
  • FRCEM Quality Improvement Project (QIP) completed during ST4-6
  • FRCEM Final Clinical Short Answer Question Paper comprising of a 3 hour paper of 60, 3 mark questions
  • FRCEM OSCE consisting of 16, 8 minute stations.  An additional one minute of reading time is provided for candidates between each OSCE station.

The CTR has been replaced by the Quality Improvement Project (QIP) from 1 August 2018.  Candidates who have not been awarded Fellowship by Examination (FRCEM) by 31 July 2018, and remain eligible to sit the FRCEM Final examinations after 1 August 2018, will be required to pass the new FRCEM QIP component, irrespective of a previous pass (or exemption) in the FRCEM CTR.

Candidates who have passed the QIP, including viva, to fulfil the requirements of the CTR prior to 31 July 2018 will be deemed to have passed an equivalent examination to the FRCEM QIP introduced from 1 August 2018.

Please see the FRCEM Final Information Pack (updated November 2018) for detailed information for these examination components.
COVID-19 temporary derogation to the counting of attempts (updated 3 March 2021)

Candidates preparing for the FRCEM Final Quality Improvement Project (QIP) should review the RCEM Quality Improvement Guide and other resources available on the QI Resources page.
Notice of adjustment to FRCEM QIP marking 1 June 2020
QIP marking scheme - adjusted for COVID-19 (June 2020)
QIP advice for candidates updated for COVID-19 (June 2020)

Additional resources for candidates preparing to sit components of the FRCEM Final examinations:
Critical Appraisal - Autumn 2010 Advice to Candidates

Critical Appraisal - Most Frequently Offered Answers
Glossary of terms used in RCEM examinations (August 2019)

Sample QIPs
The following anonymised QIPs are published with the kind permission of the candidates:  
Successful QIP on reducing the referral rates of paediatric patients to plastic surgery (Spring 2017)
Successful QIP on management of fractured neck of femurs in the ED (Spring 2018)
Unsuccessful QIP and subsequent successful QIP with marking commentary. 

Membership by Examination is awarded to candidates who pass three required examination components: 

• MRCEM Primary (or have passed FRCEM Primary between 1 August 2016 and 1 August 2021 or MRCEM Part A between 1 August 2012 and 1 August 2016 (or granted exemption))

• MRCEM Intermediate SBA (or have passed FRCEM Intermediate SAQ between 1 August 2016 and 1 August 2021 or MRCEM Part B between 1 August 2012 and 1 August 2016)
• MRCEM OSCE (previously called MRCEM Part C, passed after 1 August 2012)

The MRCEM OSCE consists of an Objective Structure Clinical Examination of 18, seven minute stations.  An additional one minute of reading time is provided for candidates between each OSCE station.

Please see the MRCEM Information Pack (February 2021) for detailed information on the MRCEM OSCE examination.

From 1 August 2021, MRCEM achieved after 1 August 2012 is recognised for entry to HST and eligibility for FRCEM Final examinations. 

A candidate who has attempted examinations of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine may, in the circumstances outlined within the Appeals Procedure, have the right of appeal against the examination outcome.  Full details are available in the Appeals Procedure for MRCEM and FRCEM Examinations (updated March 2021).

By virtue of entering an examination candidates are deemed to have understood and agreed to abide by all examination regulations and policies, including the code of conduct for candidates and applicants (applicable from 1 January 2020)

Any allegations of misconduct raised by an invigilator, examiner or fellow candidate will be investigated and acted upon in accordance with the Misconduct Policy for MRCEM and FRCEM Examinations (applicable from 21 April 2016).