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Intercollegiate MRCS Part A

Exam overview

Part A of the Intercollegiate MRCS is a five-hour MCQ exam consisting of two papers taken on the same day. The AM paper is three hours and the PM paper is two hours in duration. The standard price is £539, however in some non-UK centres a local administration fee is also included.

The exam uses both single best answer MCQs and extended matching MCQs designed to test knowledge of both applied basic science and principles of surgery in general to a level that a surgical trainee should have achieved two to three years after qualification.

Intercollegiate MRCS Part B OSCE
  • £596.50
£596.50
Booking options

Eligibility

To be eligible to sit the MRCS exam, you must hold a medical degree that is acceptable to 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 or Medical Council (Ireland) must submit their original certificate (or an authenticated copy) of a medical degree acceptable to the councils of the four colleges.

Full details on candidate eligibility can be found on the intercollegiate MRCS exam website.

Application for admission to the exam must reach us no later than 5pm on the closing date.

Exam format

Part A is a five-hour MCQ exam consisting of two papers, an AM paper of three hours and a PM paper of two hours duration, taken on the same day.

The papers cover generic surgical sciences and applied knowledge, including the core knowledge required in all nine specialties as follows:

  • Paper 1: applied basic sciences
  • Paper 2: principles of surgery in general

To achieve a pass in Part A, you will be required to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in each paper in addition to achieving or exceeding the pass mark set for the combined total mark for Part A.

Candidates may attempt to pass Part A of the MRCS exam six times.

Syllabus

The MRCS exam will only test knowledge at the level expected of all trainees completing core training irrespective of their chosen specialty.

The syllabus is divided into 10 modules:

  • Module 1: basic science knowledge relevant to surgical practice
  • Module 2: common surgical conditions
  • Module 3: basic surgical skills
  • Module 4: the assessment and management of the surgical patient
  • Module 5: perioperative care of the surgical patient
  • Module 6: assessment and early treatment of the patient with trauma
  • Module 7: surgical care of the paediatric patient
  • Module 8: management of the dying patient
  • Module 9: organ and tissue transplantation
  • Module 10: professional behaviour and leadership skills

For detailed information on the MRCS syllabus please visit the intercollegiate exam website.

Booking options

UK and Ireland Exams

UK and Ireland

Application Deadline
Exam date
Price (includes local fee where applicable)
Available in
Mon
17
Feb
2020
Tue
21
Apr
2020
£550.00
Multiple Locations
Book Now

Apply before: 17 Feb 2020

Application for admission to the exam must reach us no later than 5pm on the closing date.

21 Apr 2020

£550.00

Price (includes local fee where applicable)

£550.00

Multiple Locations

Locations:

  • NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, United Kingdom
  • LONDON, United Kingdom
  • CARDIFF, United Kingdom
  • Coventry, United Kingdom
  • MANCHESTER, United Kingdom
  • NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom
  • STIRLING, United Kingdom

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International Exams

Asia

Middle East, Europe & Central Asia

Africa

Application Deadline
Exam date
Price (includes local fee where applicable)
Available in
Mon
17
Feb
2020
Tue
21
Apr
2020
£678.00
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates
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Apply before: 17 Feb 2020

Application for admission to the exam must reach us no later than 5pm on the closing date.

21 Apr 2020

£678.00

Price (includes local fee where applicable)

£678.00

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates

Location:

Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort
Baniyas Hall
ABU DHABI
United Arab Emirates
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Mon
17
Feb
2020
Tue
21
Apr
2020
£636.00
Ahmedabad, India
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Apply before: 17 Feb 2020

Application for admission to the exam must reach us no later than 5pm on the closing date.

21 Apr 2020

£636.00

Price (includes local fee where applicable)

£636.00

Ahmedabad, India

Location:

Four Points by Sheraton
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad
India
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Mon
17
Feb
2020
Tue
21
Apr
2020
£643.00
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt
Book Now

Apply before: 17 Feb 2020

Application for admission to the exam must reach us no later than 5pm on the closing date.

21 Apr 2020

£643.00

Price (includes local fee where applicable)

£643.00

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt

Location:

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
399 El Geish Road
ALEXANDRIA
Egypt
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Related

Exams FAQ
On this page we provide answers to frequently asked questions about RCS exams, such as how to apply, who to contact and when you will receive your certificate.
Exams Guidance
General candidate guidance in relation to applying for surgical and dental exams administered by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Courses
Browse more than 70 surgical and dental courses designed to add to and develop your skills and knowledge at all stages of your career.
Membership Benefits
Join us today to develop your knowledge and skills and get the support you need for your career.

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