The first section of the examination leading to the Royal Colleges of Surgeons Membership Examination is called the MRCS Part A. Examining knowledge, abilities, clinical competence, and experience expected of surgical trainees at the conclusion of their core surgical training, it is a written test.
The second section of the membership examination is called an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Part B. Continue reading to learn important details about the MRCS Part A exam.
Content and Format of the Exam
The five-hour multiple-choice exam known as MRCS Part A. It consists of two papers (one in the AM and one in the PM) that must be taken on the same day. It assesses the fundamental knowledge required in each of the nine specialization areas as well as the applied and general surgical sciences.
The following are the two papers:
Applied Basic Sciences, Paper 1
Time: Prior to Noon
Three hours total, broken up into two 90-minute halves separated by a 10-minute comfort break.
180 questions in total
Paper 2: General Surgery Principles
Time: Following Midday
Time: Two hours
There are 120 questions.
You need to demonstrate a minimum degree of proficiency in each component in order to pass the MRCS Part A exam. You should also achieve the cumulative pass grade for the two papers, if not beyond it. The exam can be passed after a total of six tries.
MRCS Part A Exam Qualifications
In order to pass the MRCS Part A, candidates must demonstrate an understanding of applied fundamental science and general surgical principles equivalent to what a surgical trainee should have learned two or three years after qualifying.
The MRCS Part A exam is designed to evaluate your knowledge and abilities in a broad range of circumstances, not simply the specialty of surgery that you want to pursue further training in. This guarantees that you possess the fundamental information and abilities needed for successful completion of advanced courses. It should be noted that regardless of the specialization a trainee chooses, the MRCS only assesses knowledge at the level anticipated of all trainees completing core training.
MRCS Qualification Standards
To be fully or temporarily registered, you must possess a primary medical qualification recognized by the Medical Council of Ireland or the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom. To be eligible for the MRCS exam, you must do this.
Applicants who received their training outside of the United Kingdom or Ireland must possess a main medical degree that has been approved by the college councils.
I hope this information was useful to you. I wish you well on your MRCS Part A exam!
