The MRCS examination is an intercollegiate examination run jointly with the other Colleges of Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland. Award of the Diploma of Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons proves that a candidate has improved his or her knowledge, understanding, experience and clinical competence beyond primary qualification level.
Membership is open to surgeons who have passed all parts of the Intercollegiate Membership examination and meet the criteria set out in the regulations. Candidates will be eligible for membership once they successfully complete Part B of the examination. Read on to know more about this final hurdle to get the membership.
MRCS Part B Exam in Detail
Part B of the Intercollegiate MRCS is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). The exam is an evaluation of the following:
- Anatomy and surgical pathology
- Applied surgical science and critical care
- Clinical and procedural skills
- Communication skills
Eligibility For MRCS Part B Exam
The Eligibility for MRCS Exam you should have a medical degree that is accepted by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for full or provisional registration or to the Medical Council in Ireland for full or temporary registration.
First time applicants whose names do not appear on the registers of the GMC of Medical Council (Ireland) must submit their original certificate (or an authenticated copy) of a medical degree acceptable to the councils of the four colleges.
Format of MRCS Part B Exam
MRCS Part B consists of an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). The OSCE consists of 18 examined stations each of 9 minutes duration.
These stations will examine the following areas:
Applied Knowledge
This consists of anatomy, surgical pathology, applied surgical science and critical care
Applied Skills
This entails communication skills in giving and receiving information, history taking and clinical and procedural skills.
The MRCS Part B exam is difficult, but with the right preparation one must be able to pass it. Start your preparation early and ensure you cover the complete syllabus. Make sure that you work on your communication skills too. All the best for your exam.
