The Royal College of Surgeos of Edinburgh offers internationally recognised postgraduate examinations, including MRCS and MFDS, designed to support surgeons and dentists at every stage of their career. Our rigorous assessments set the benchmark for professional development and ensure the highest standards in surgical and dental practice and patient care.
These exams are designed to assess and certify the knowledge, skills and competence of candidates at different stages of their careers, from surgical trainees to consultant specialists.
Exams are held at the historic RCSEd Edinburgh campus and at numerous locations across the UK and internationally, ensuring accessibility for candidates worldwide.
View the full list of exams offered by the College.
Surgical and Dental Exams
Exam Calendar
View the RCSEd exam calendar to explore our full range of surgical and dental exams.
Search examsGlobally Recognised Surgical and Dental Exams
Select an exam from the categories below, or search for a specific exam.
Search exams
Dental Exams
Search exams
Intercollegiate Specialty Fellowship Exams
Search exams
Ophthalmology Exams
Search exams
Otolaryngology (ENT) Exams
Search exams
Pre-Hospital Care Exams
Search exams
Retrieval and Transfer Medicine Exams
Search exams
Sport & Exercise Medicine Exams
Search exams
Surgical Exams
Search examsMRCS Exam
The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) exam is aimed at surgical trainees, testing core surgical competencies and knowledge. It is a crucial step towards specialty training.
Intercollegiate MRCS Part A
The Intercollegiate MRCS Part A exam is designed to assess the knowledge expected of a surgical trainee two to three years after qualification. It is a five-hour multiple choice question (MCQ) exam, comprising two papers taken on the same day: Paper 1 - Applied Basic Science and Paper 2 - Principles of Surgery in General.
Book hereIntercollegiate MRCS Part B - OSCE
The Intercollegiate MRCS Part B (OSCE) integrates basic surgical scientific knowledge and its application to clinical surgery. Its purpose is to build on the test of knowledge in Part A and assess how this is applied in clinically appropriate contexts. This is done through a series of stations reflecting elements of day-to-day clinical practice.
Book hereMFDS Exam
The MFDS (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) exam is designed for dentists in the early stages of their careers, assessing essential knowledge and skills for modern dental practice.
MFDS Part 1 Exam
Part 1 of the MFDS is a three-hour written examination comprising of 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions. This question paper is designed to test your knowledge and the deeper understanding and application of that knowledge in a clinical context.
Book hereMFDS Part 2 Exam
Part 2 of the MFDS is a two-hour Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), designed to assess your communication skills and your knowledge, understanding and management of a range of common conditions. The examination consists of 10 stations which are examined, plus a number of rest stations.
Book hereUpcoming RCSEd Surgical & Dental Exam Dates
RCSEd Exam Calendar
Browse the full range of RCSEd exams, including MRCS Part A & Part B and MFDS Part 1 & Part 2, offered across the UK, Ireland and internationally. Stay up to date with exam dates, registration deadlines and booking options to plan your surgical or dental career progression.
Explore here
Exam Information
Find all the essential details for your exam journey, including access to the latest exam results, information about the College's key examination policies and procedures, step-by-step instructions to help you apply for exams smoothly online, and answers to frequently asked questions about our exams.
Learn more
Ceremonies
Find full details on how to attend your Diploma ceremony and what to expect on this special day with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Learn moreBecome an Examiner
Become an integral part of the College and contribute to the success of our exams by applying for our Examiner vacancies.
Search examiner vacancies
Exams FAQ
Exam Policies and Procedures
Access the College’s key examination policies and procedures. Detailed regulations specific to each exam are available during the application process to help you prepare with confidence.
Learn more
Guide to Applying Online
Find out how to apply online for RCSEd exams, including setting up an account, required information for first-time applicants, the payment process and the importance of keeping your contact details updated. Restrictions on overseas exam applications and contact details for support are provided.
Learn more
Examination FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about RCSEd examinations, including exam schedules, postponements, booking and cancellations, fee policies, exam location changes and how the College communicates updates. Guidance on exam progression and priority booking is included.
Read hereSuccessful Candidates are Eligible for RCSEd Membership
Join a network of over 33,000 professionals worldwide. Whether as an Affiliate, Member or Fellow, you will gain access to exclusive resources, CPD opportunities, career development and a supportive global community.
Not yet a Member? Find out how to join the College and start enjoying exclusive benefits today.
Membership
Join RCSEd as an Affiliate, Member or Fellow and make your mark in an organisation dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in surgical practice.
Contact us
For any queries, please email the relevant department in the first instance:
- Surgical Exams: surgical.exams@rcsed.ac.uk
- Dental Exams: dental.exams@rcsed.ac.uk
- Faculty Exams: examinations@rcsed.ac.uk