Exam Details - Intercollegiate MRCS (ENT)

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Intercollegiate MRCS (ENT)

The Intercollegiate MRCS (ENT) is an intercollegiate exam for doctors intending to undertake practice within an otolaryngology department in a trainee position. The purpose of this exam is to test the breadth of knowledge, the clinical and communication skills and the professional attributes considered appropriate by the Colleges for someone in this position. This examination is also relevant for those who wish to practise within another medical specialty, but have an interest in the field of otolaryngology.

Applicants who successfully complete the Intercollegiate MRCS Part A exam and then successfully sit this exam will be eligible to apply for MRCS (ENT) membership of one of the Royal Surgical Colleges.

Membership of the College

By choosing to sit your Intercollegiate MRCS (ENT) at the RCSEd, you will be joining our membership network of approximately 30,000 professionals in over 100 countries worldwide. As well as joining a College renowned for its friendliness and approachability, the College offers a wide range of membership services to support you through every step in your career and professional development.

Exam Format

The Intercollegiate MRCS (ENT) is an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) lasting approximately three-and-a-half-hours. The exam consists of up to 28 active stations and a number of preparation stations and rest stations. The 28 active stations include approximately five stations designed to assess clinical skills, clinical examination, clinical history-taking and communication skills.

Costs

Exam Fee: £1047

Exam Eligibility

To be eligible to sit this exam, all applicants must:

  • hold a medical qualification that is acceptable to the UK General Medical Council for Full or Provisional Registration or to the Medical Council in Ireland for Full or Temporary Registration. Overseas candidates must hold a medical qualification acceptable to the Councils of the Colleges
  • have been awarded a pass in Intercollegiate MRCS Part A (or MRCS Parts 1 and 2)

Candidates are allowed up to four attempts at the Intercollegiate MRCS (ENT).

Additional Information

Before applying for this exam, please ensure you have read and understood the relevant documentation.

Our Exam Policies and Procedures page will provide you with more general information about sitting an exam at the College.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to sit this exam with a basic medical degree?

Candidates must possess a primary medical qualification that is acceptable to the UK GMC or the IMC. For international medical qualifications, these must be acceptable to the Council of RCSEd.

How many attempts do I have?

Candidates have 4 attempts in which to complete Intercollegiate DOHNS Part 2 for the award of MRCS (ENT) exam.

I have used all 4 attempts, can I have another attempt?

There is an Intercollegiate policy which allows candidates to apply for an additional attempt. More information, including the relevant application form, can be found on the College website under Exams Policies and Procedures.

How long do I have to complete Intercollegiate DOHNS Part 2 for the award of MRCS (ENT)?

Candidates have 7 years in which to pass their Intercollegiate DOHNS Part 2 for the award of MRCS (ENT) exam. The 7 year period begins when a candidate passes their Intercollegiate MRCS Part A.

I am a first-time applicant, what additional documentation do I need to submit?

You will be asked to submit a certified copy of primary medical qualifications (unless you have a GMC/IMC Number), 2 passport photographs, and a signed declaration to confirm that you have read and understood the regulations.

I am a re-sit applicant, what additional documentation do I need to submit?

You will need to submit a signed declaration form to confirm you have read and understood the regulations.

How can I apply for an examination?

You can apply for an examination via the RCSEd College website by completing the application form online or by downloading the paper application and submitting this to the Examination Section by post.

Where and when are the examinations held?

We hold examinations in the UK and Internationally. Please check the College website for exact dates and locations.

Where do I send my supporting documents?

Surgical Examinations

You can submit supporting documents electronically by scanning copies and emailing these to surgical.exams@rcsed.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can send it by post to the College address of FAO Examinations Department, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW.

FPHC Examinations - FIMC / DIMC / DRTM / DUMC

You can submit supporting documents electronically by scanning copies and emailing these to fphc.exams@rcsed.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can send it by post to the College address of FAO FPHC OFFICE, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW.

I want to postpone my examination, what do I do?

Sadly, we cannot allow candidates to postpone their examination to a later diet. You will need to withdraw from the examination and then re-apply for the examination diet you wish to sit.

I want to withdraw from an examination, how do I do that?

You must advise the Examinations Department in writing (via email) that you wish to withdraw from an examination. Depending on when you request to withdraw, you may be asked to provide supporting evidence. If you withdraw before the closing date for application, there is no requirement to submit evidence. However, following the closing date, you will be required to submit evidence which must be received by the College within 14 days of the examination commencement date.

What are suitable reasons for withdrawing from an examination?

There are a number of number of reasons for needing to withdraw from an examination; these are:

  • medical reasons (illness prior or illness on the day of an examination)
  • compassionate grounds (e.g. bereavement)
  • unable to secure time off work
Can I get a full refund following my withdrawal from an examination?

Candidates who withdraw from an examination will be subject to a 20% administrative fee. 80% of your fee will be returned via the original payment method used to pay for the examination.

When will I receive my candidate notice?

Candidate notices are usually sent 4-6 weeks prior to the examination commencement date.

Will I be quarantined?

Occasionally candidates need to be quarantined. This depends on the examination session you are allocated to. For most examinations, we quarantine candidates who sat the morning examination session until the afternoon examination session has commenced. A light lunch is normally provided for you. You will receive information about whether you need to be quarantined in your candidate notice.

Is there somewhere to store my belongings?

Yes - where possible, we will provide you with a securely locked cloakroom to store your belongings. If this is not possible, we will have a designated area in the examination hall for this.

Can I keep my mobile phone and other electronic devices on my person?

When you register for the examination on the day, you will be asked to hand over your mobile phone and any other electronic devices (e.g. tablets, smartwatches) to the RCSEd Coordinator. Your device(s) will be placed in an envelope marked with your candidate number and stored securely in the RCSEd Administration Office while you undertake your examination.

When will my results be published?

Each examination varies. Results are normally published around 6 weeks after the examination has taken place. The intended results publication date will be stated on your candidate notice, and it will also be mentioned at your examination sitting.


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Get in touch

If you have any questions about this exam, please contact us and a member of our Examinations team will be happy to help you.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Examinations Section

Phone: +44 (0)131 527 1600
Fax: +44 (0)131 527 6406

Email: dohns.exams@rcsed.ac.uk