What are the FRCEM examinations?

The Fellowship examination consists of the following components:

• FRCEM Primary Single Best Answer (SBA)
• FRCEM Final Single Best Answer (SBA)
• FRCEM Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

All FRCEM components are blueprinted to the RCEM 2021 Emergency Medicine Curriculum – focusing on Specialty Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 1-7 and 9. Questions used in each component are tagged to the RCEM Basic Science Curriculum and RCEM Clinical Syllabus. The SLOs and the capabilities relevant to each SLO are set out in the Assessment Blueprint. Candidates must pass all parts to be awarded FRCEM.

What is the FRCEM Primary?

This is a Single Best Answer (SBA) paper, which replaced the FRCEM Primary.

This examination samples the RCEM Basic Science Curriculum and ensures a sound background knowledge in the basic science underpinning Emergency Medicine care. It comprises 180 questions to be answered in three hours.

[Learn more about the FRCEM Primary Exam]

What is the FRCEM Final?

This is a Single Best Answer (SBA) paper, which replaced the FRCEM Final SAQ.

This examination samples the RCEM Clinical Syllabus and ensures a sound understanding of the full range of conditions and presentations that may present to the Emergency Department. It samples how the trainee synthesizes and interprets data and clinical findings to make decisions and inform management plans. It comprises 180 questions to be answered in four hours, presented as two 90-question papers with two hours per paper sat on the same day with a one-hour break.

[Learn more about the FRCEM Final Exam]

What is the FRCEM OSCE?

This is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which replaced the FRCEM Intermediate SJP.

This examination objectively samples the clinical and communication skills of trainees and ensures they are those of someone ready for Higher Training. It includes history taking, examination, communication, decision making, dealing with challenging situations, and resuscitation scenarios, using medium fidelity simulation. There are 18 stations blueprinted to SLOs 1-7 and 9 and to the RCEM Clinical Syllabus.

Where can I find more information?

Please see the RCEM Examination Regulation and Information Packs for detailed information for each examination component.

For further queries, please contact the Royal College of Emergency Medicine directly by email: exams@rcem.ac.uk or phone: +44 (0)20 7404 1933.