Once you have cleared MRCEM primary (previously MRCEM Part A or FRCEM primary), the next step is MRCEM intermediate exam. Let’s get to know more about it.
Eligibility
A candidate will be eligible to enter the MRCEM Intermediate SBA examination provided they fulfill the following criteria:
- Registration – Hold a medical qualification approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of registration. (If you were allowed to take the Primary exam, that means you have the necessary qualification).
- Foundation year – Completed the UK foundation programme or equivalent. (FY1 is house surgeonship / internship. FY2 is next year of training post)
- Primary – Passed the FRCEM Primary or MRCEM Part A after 1st August 2012 or MRCEM Primary SBA (2021).
Or
DREEM trainee and has been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary,
Or
MRCEM Part A or MRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1 January 2012
2024 MRCEM Intermediate exam schedule
| Examination | Exam Dates | Centres | Application Dates | Results Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRCEM SBA | 12 Sep 2024 | Pearson VUE | 12 – 19 Jun 2024 | 23 Mar 2024 |
Exam fee
As on 21 May 2024, the RCEM page lists the MRCEM Intermediate SBA fee as – £369
Number of attempts
Candidates are permitted a maximum of six attempts. Previous attempts at the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ taken after August 2016 will be counted. In exceptional circumstances candidates may apply for approval for an additional attempts (approval at the discretion of the Dean, whose decision is final).
In case the college changes the exam pattern or decides to void previous PASS status, you’ll be given 24 months of validity for current ‘pass’ status.
Exam structure
The MRCEM Intermediate SBA examination consists of a multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper of 180, single best answer questions (SBAQ).
The examination is delivered as two, two-hour examination papers each containing 90 questions. The two papers are
delivered on the same day with a one-hour break.
RCEM delivers its written examinations electronically via computer-based testing company, Pearson VUE.
Curriculum
The 180 marks have been divided into the following sub categories. So, concentrate on high yield topics to clear the exam.
| Curriculum Category | Syllabus categories/highlighted descriptors | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| SLO 1 Complex stable patient SLO1 Key capabilities SLO1 Descriptors | Allergy | Cardiology Dermatology | Ear, nose and throat Elderly care / frailty | Endocrinology Environmental emergencies Gastroenterology and hepatology Haematology | Infectious diseases Maxillofacial / dental | Mental Health Musculoskeletal (non-traumatic) Nephrology | Neurology Obstetrics & Gynaecology Oncological Emergencies Ophthalmology | Pain & sedation Pharmacology and poisoning Respiratory | Sexual health Surgical emergencies Urology | Vascular | 60 |
| SLO3 Resuscitate ACCS LO8 organ failure (Excluding major trauma) SLO3 Key capabilities SLO3 Descriptors | Resuscitation Palliative and end of life care Trauma including other clinical presentations | 40 |
| SLO4 injured patient SLO4 Key capabilities SLO4 Descriptors | Pain and sedation Major trauma including other clinical presentations | 30 |
| SLO 5 PEM SLO5 Key capabilities SLO5 Descriptors | All clinical syllabus categories as applicable to PEM, and additional PEM specific categories: Neonatal emergencies Safeguarding and psychosocial emergencies in children | 25 |
| SLO6 Procedural skills ACCS LO7 basic anaesthetic care SLO6 Key capabilities SLO6 Descriptors ACCS LO7 key capabilities ACCS LO7 Descriptors | Advanced airway management Chest drain External pacing Fracture/ dislocation manipulation Lumbar puncture Pain and sedation POCUS Vascular access in emergency- IO, femoral vein Wound management | 10 |
| SLO7 Complex or challenging situations SLO7 Key capabilities SLO7 Descriptors | Legislation and legal framework 10 Organ/tissue donation Information governance Safeguarding Evidence and guidelines | 15 |
Sample questions
RCEM has provided some sample questions to help you familiarize with the new MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam pattern
Scoring and results
The MRCEM Intermediate SBA is standard set using a modified Angoff Method. One standard error of measurement (SEM) will be added to the cut score identified using the Angoff method to calculate the required final pass mark for the examination. (What is angoff method? It uses a group of experts to judge how difficult each question is in an exam to determine the cut-off score). Some questions may be deleted later on.
The results will be published on a pre-advised day by 17:00 (GMT), approximately five weeks later.
Previous pass mark for September 2021 batch is 109
RCEM
February 2022 batch – 106 (17 Qs removed)
How to check RCEM results?
