Changes to surgical training in the UK have resulted in changes to the MRCS Examination. As of September 2008 there are 2 different formats of the Intercollegiate MRCS Examination being run by the College. In Autumn 2008 the Colleges introduced a new examination in the UK only which comprises of Part A and Part B (OSCE). Details of this examination can be found under Section 1 below. Commencing from January 2011 the Intercollegiate MRCS which comprises of Parts 1, 2 and 3 and is still currently available in the overseas centres will be replaced by a Part A and Part B (Oral Clinical and Communications). See Section 2 below for information on this examination.
Intercollegiate MRCS Examination - Options
The College has prepared the following PowerPoint presentation which should be viewed in conjunction with the Announcement to Candidates on Forthcoming Changes for Overseas Trainees: April 2010.
Download the presentation (238KB).
1. Intercollegiate MRCS (Part A & Part B (OSCE)) held in the UK from September 2008
The examination consists of two parts; Part A and Part B. Part A is a written examination consisting of two MCQ papers. Part B is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The examination will be held in the UK only.
It will be possible for existing MRCS candidates to transfer to the new examination, provided they have not exceeded the time limit in which they were given to pass the examination they first sat. Each set of Regulations are unique and should be viewed individually.
Application forms and the Regulations >>
2. Intercollegiate MRCS (Parts 1, 2 & 3)) to be replaced by Part A and Part B (Oral Clinical and Communications) from January 2011
The examination introduced in January 2004 consisting of three Parts (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) has already been phased out in the UK with the last diet being held in October/November 2010. Outside the UK this Examination will also be phased out and replaced with Part A and Part B (Oral Clinical and Communications). The announcement below details these changes.
Download: Announcement to Candidates on Forthcoming Changes for Overseas Trainees: April 2010
To view the documents related to this examination, visit the RCSEd Exam Booking Website and select a diet of the examination.
Intercollegiate MRCS Annual Report 2008/09
The purpose of this report is to provide a definitive source of information about the examination for all interested stakeholders including candidates, trainers, Assigned Education Supervisors and the public. In addition to providing summary statistical data about the MRCS examinations held during the period it provides a report on the quality assurance of the examination.
Download 2008/09 report: Intercollegiate MRCS Annual Report 2008/09
Download previous 2007/08 report: Intercollegiate MRCS Annual Report 2007/08
Careers Department
August 2009