Preparing for the MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam can feel overwhelming. With the vast syllabus and the pressure to perform, it’s crucial to have a well-structured and realistic study plan. The good news? With the right strategy, you can tackle it efficiently and walk into the exam confident and prepared.
Here’s a practical guide to structuring your study plan for success:
1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Before you even open your books, get familiar with the RCEM curriculum. The MRCEM Intermediate SBA covers the breadth of emergency medicine — from resuscitation to paediatrics to toxicology. Download the latest RCEM syllabus, print it out, and mark your weak and strong areas. Knowing what’s expected of you is half the battle won. Break down the syllabus into topics and subtopics — it’ll make it much easier to manage.
2. Create a Realistic Timeline
Count how many weeks you have until the exam. Be brutally honest about how many hours you can study each day, factoring in work shifts, family commitments, and personal time. Based on that, divide your study material accordingly.
Example:
- Week 1-8: Cover the entire syllabus once (primary reading)
- Week 9-10: Revise weak areas
- Week 11-12: Focus entirely on solving practice questions and mock exams
Don’t cram everything into the last few weeks — consistency over time is key.
3. Use Active Learning, Not Passive Reading
Simply reading textbooks isn’t enough for the SBA format. You need to actively engage with the material.
Incorporate methods like:
- Active recall: Quiz yourself after every topic.
- Spaced repetition: Review information at increasing intervals to cement it.
- Mind maps: Great for linking concepts and remembering algorithms.
After studying a topic, close the book and teach it out loud to an imaginary patient or colleague. If you struggle, you need another round of revision.
4. Invest Time in Practising SBA Questions
This exam is Single Best Answer based. Familiarising yourself with the question style is non-negotiable.
Spend at least 40–50% of your study time solving questions. Initially, do them topic-wise, then later, start mixing subjects to simulate the exam environment.
Sources:
- RCEM Learning SBA banks
- Pastest
- EMQs from reputable sources
After every set of questions, review your answers — not just the wrong ones but also the correct ones. Understand why each answer is right or wrong.
5. Make a Personal Mistake Log
Every time you get a question wrong or guess one right, write it down in a Mistake Notebook. Include:
- Topic
- Why you made the mistake
- Key takeaway or memory aid
Revisiting your Mistake Log weekly can dramatically reduce repeat errors.
6. Simulate the Exam Environment
At least three to four times before the real exam, sit down and attempt full-length timed mocks. Replicate the pressure and fatigue of answering around 180 questions over 3 hours.
This will:
- Build your mental stamina
- Fine-tune your time management
- Expose any content or exam technique gaps
Post-mock analysis is as important as the mock itself.
7. Prioritise High-Yield Topics
Certain topics like trauma management, cardiac emergencies, sepsis, and paediatrics are frequent flyers in the exam.
While you must cover the entire syllabus, make sure you’re very strong in high-yield areas. Mastering these can give you a significant score boost.
8. Take Care of Yourself
Burnout is real, especially when preparing alongside busy ED shifts.
Make time for:
- Regular exercise (even a 20-minute walk)
- Adequate sleep
- Proper meals
- Breaks between study sessions (Pomodoro technique works well)
A healthy mind and body will perform infinitely better under exam conditions.
Final Thoughts
The MRCEM Intermediate SBA is challenging, but with a solid plan, discipline, and smart work, it’s absolutely achievable. Remember, studying for this MRCEM exam isn’t about memorising random facts — it’s about understanding core concepts and thinking clinically.
Start today. Build momentum. Believe in your preparation.
