The College is currently not taking applications for MFDS Examiners. Please check back for updates.

The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination is delivered by RCS England and is run intercollegiately. This means the examination is identical regardless of the surgical College through which a candidate applies.

The MRCS is divided into two parts:

• Part A: A written examination held in third-party test centres.
• Part B: An OSCE-style (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) practical examination delivered at venues in the UK and internationally.

Examiner roles for MRCS Part B

We appoint three types of examiners for the Part B OSCE: Surgical Examiners, Basic Science Examiners, and Lay Examiners. At present, we are recruiting Clinical (Surgical) Examiners and Lay Examiners only. We welcome applications from the UK and internationally.

Surgical Examiners

Eligibility criteria:

• You are at least 8 years post-MRCS qualification.
• You are currently practicing in surgery.
• You have demonstrable experience in surgical practice, including outpatient care, in-patient management, independent operating, and emergency on-call work.
• Must be a Fellow or Member of RCSEng. You can find more info on how to join here.

This role offers a rewarding opportunity to help the surgeons of tomorrow and contribute to the improvement of surgical care internationally.

Lay Examiners

Lay Examiners play a crucial role in representing the patient perspective to the exam, ensuring candidates are assessed on communication, empathy and professionalism.
 
You can apply if you:

• Are aged 18 or over.
• Have no medical or scientific background (including no current or prior work or training as a healthcare professional in any field).

This is a meaningful opportunity to ensure patients have a voice in surgical training while working alongside leading professions and developing new skills.

Basic Science Examiners

We are not recruiting Basic Science Examiners. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested, you are welcome to submit your application, and we will contact you should opportunities arise. 

Examination Locations and Attendance

The exams, referred to as diets, are delivered in the UK and internationally with locations including Egypt, India, Malaysia and the UAE. 

Examiners would examine approximately 40 candidates per day, split across a morning and afternoon session. The number of successive days required varies per diet. We ask Examiners commit to 5 days per year, although additional availability is always welcome we understand this may not be possible due to other commitments. 

• Examiners based in the UK are invited to examine at both UK and international exams.
• Examiners based internationally (e.g. India, Malaysia, UAE) would be invited to examine at their nearest exam location.      

Court of Examiners

Once appointed, all Examiners become members of the Court of Examiners. 

As a member of the Court, you will receive:

• Invitations to an annual Court Day event
• Regular Examiner newsletters
• Opportunities for professional development and networking
• The chance to contribute to the Court of Examiners Executive Committee, helping to shape the future of the exam

How to Apply

• MRCS Examiner Application Form
• MRCS Examiner Person Specification and Reference Form
• MRCS Lay Examiner Application Form
• MRCS Lay Examiner Person Specification

In your e-mail containing your application form, please include the name(s) of any current examiners on the Court of Examiners who you have not listed as a referee, as they may be contacted to offer insight into your suitability for the role.

If you are based outside of the UK know the Host of a specific venue, you may also mention their name if you do not know anyone, please state this within your email.

Applications should be sent to surgicalexaminers@rcseng.ac.uk.

I am applying to be a Clinical Examiner and want to know more:

Join a weekly drop-in session – Thursdays between 12:30pm and 1:30pm.The exams team will provide an overview of what to expect in the role, the application process and provide useful tips. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Please email surgicalexaminers@rcseng.ac.uk to request the Teams link.

Application Process:

To become an MRCS examiner there are several steps within the application process. Once you have advised your referees and submitted your application, it is reviewed by the Chair of the Court of Examiners & Chair of the Dental and Surgical Exams Committee and then approval is sought from the ICBSE Chair. These meetings are held monthly, and final ratification takes place at the monthly Council meeting. Before you receive an invitation to your first diet you are required to complete online EDI training.

This thorough process can take time, and we encourage you to join the drop-in session as mentioned above if you would like further clarification.

This is a rolling recruitment with no fixed deadline. However, we reserve the right to close recruitment at any stage once the required number of Examiners has been appointed.

For further information about the examination itself, please visit the ICBSE website.

Applications are invited to join the Panel of Assessors for the Tri-Collegiate Specialty Membership Examinations.

Information on the application form, job description and person specification can be accessed below:

• Advert
• Assessor- Job Description
• Assessor- Person Specification
• Requirements for Examiners and Assessors

This is a rolling recruitment with no deadline. 

We are currently looking to recruit Intercollegiate Dental Specialty Fellowship Examiners.

Full information is provided in the person specification and job description.

ISFE Assessor Role Description

ISFE Examiner Recruitment

To apply, please complete the application form.

ISFE examiners application form

This is a rolling recruitment with no deadline.

Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations

There are currently no vacancies available. Please check back for updates.

Restorative Specialty Membership Examination Board Specialty Leads

There are no vacancies at present. Please check back for updates.