Important announcement of changes to the MRCSEd Ophthalmology and the FRCSEd (Ophth) Examinations
The MRCSEd in Ophthalmology Examination is being discontinued in a phased manner and the format of the FRCSEd Examination is to change over the timescales detailed below. The new-format FRCSEd (Ophth) Examination has been designed for use as a conjoint examination with partner organisations overseas and is not intended for use by UK trainees. Although the examination is not recognised by PMETB as an assessment that would contribute towards the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), UK trainees may apply for this examination if they wish to do so.
Trainees who have commenced specialty training from August 2007 onwards will NOT be permitted to use the RCSEd examinations for PMETB recognised training assessments. ONLY the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ assessments and examinations may be used for training assessment leading to a PMETB approved Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
Timeline for phasing-out the MRCSEd in Ophthalmology Examination:
The final diet of the Part 1 examination was held in September 2007.
The last opportunity to sit Part 2 for the first time was autumn 2008. The final diet of the Part 2 examination will be held in spring 2009 and will be open to re-sit candidates only.
The last opportunity to sit Part 3 for the first time will be autumn 2009. The final diet of the Part 3 examination will be held in spring 2010 and will be open to re-sit candidates only.
Timeline for phasing-out the current FRCSEd (Ophth) Specialty Fellowship Examination:
The last scheduled diet of the existing Specialty Fellowship Examination for all candidates will be held in autumn 2008. There may be additional diets for UK trainees if required. After 2008, UK trainees who were in Specialist Registrar (SpR) posts at the beginning of August 2007 will be permitted to apply to be examined for the existing Specialty Fellowship; this will continue until the end of the MMC transition period. Candidates in this category can be assured that their FRCSEd (Ophth) will be considered by PMETB towards the award of a CCT. However, SpRs who are currently in the early stages of training, while entitled to take the FRCSEd exam are advised to move to the RCOph examination system. See below for specific guidance for UK trainees.
Introduction of the new format FRCSEd (Ophth) Examination
Part 1 and Part 2 Examinations
The first diet of Part 1 was held in April 2008 The first diet of Part 2 was held in September 2008.
Part 3 (Clinical Skills Certificate) Examination
The first diet of Part 3 will be held in Spring 2009 in Hong Kong and Singapore only.
Part 4 (Final) Examination
The first diet of the Final FRCSEd (Ophth) Examination will be held in Spring 2009 in Hong Kong Only.
The Information Section will be able to provide you with all the information you need to apply for the examination. If you also wish to receive guidance on the new FRCS Examination from a junior trainee's perspective then please send your comments to the Examinations Section at examinations@rcsed.ac.uk. Your enquiry will then be sent to the appropriate Specialty Advisory Board member(s) for reply.
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