Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM)

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) awards Membership by Examination after candidates pass MRCEM Primary, MRCEM SBA, and MRCEM OSCE in that order.

RCEM lists OSCE delivery in London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The locations offered can vary by examination diet; check the current calendar. These are delivery locations for the MRCEM OSCE, not separate national versions of the qualification.

The current name of the middle component is MRCEM SBA. The linked SBA blueprint pack retains the older heading MRCEM Intermediate SBA.

RCEM’s current information says its theory examinations are delivered through Surpass Assessment’s test-center network. RCEM prefers test-center delivery; remote invigilation may be considered in exceptional circumstances if a candidate cannot travel and meets the stated technical requirements.

Use the current RCEM Exam Calendar & Fees page for examination dates, locations, application windows, and fees. Applications are made online during the published application window.

MRCEM Primary

The linked Primary pack publishes the following 180-question blueprint. RCEM confirms that the current Basic Sciences Syllabus applies to the October 27, 2026 examination. The updated syllabus becomes the official reference from the April 21, 2027 examination onward, so check the updated material for later sittings rather than assuming this table remains unchanged.

MRCEM SBA

The linked clinical blueprint pack uses the older MRCEM Intermediate SBA heading. Its published blueprint is organized by Specialty Learning Outcome (SLO):

MRCEM OSCE

RCEM describes the OSCE as a practical clinical assessment of clinical and communication skills. Its current examination information specifies 16 timed stations, reading time, and two rest stations. Prepare for the station format and the clinical and communication skills being assessed; use the current RCEM examination and curriculum materials for the learning outcomes relevant to your sitting.

Candidates must meet the applicable requirements when they apply, not only by the examination date. RCEM’s current eligibility table distinguishes the components:

RCEM’s regulations also require candidates to be registered with the GMC or the statutory regulator in the country where they practice, without limitation on practice. Check the component-specific criteria and documentation requirements that apply to your registration route.

Other rules to check before applying:

• Candidates have 7 years from passing MRCEM Primary to complete the MRCEM examinations.
• The standard maximum is 6 attempts per component. After six failed attempts, a candidate may apply for one additional attempt, considered case by case.
• Only officially enrolled DRE-EM trainees with MRCS may be granted an exemption from MRCEM Primary.
• RCEM examinations are conducted in English. MRCEM OSCE applicants must meet the English-language requirement specified in the regulations; evidence may be requested at application.

MRCEM Primary: prioritize the published basic-science blueprint

For the October 27, 2026 sitting, use the current Basic Sciences Syllabus. In the published question allocation, anatomy and physiology together account for 120 of 180 questions. Build a study plan around those domains, then cover pharmacology, microbiology, pathology and hematology, and evidence-based medicine. Use active recall and timed single-best-answer practice to identify gaps.

For the April 21, 2027 sitting onward, use the updated syllabus as the official reference and check RCEM’s current materials for that examination date.

MRCEM SBA: revise by SLO and practice timed blocks

The largest published categories are SLO1 complex stable patients, SLO3 resuscitation and organ failure, and SLO4 injured patients. Plan dedicated revision for pediatric emergencies, procedural skills, and complex or challenging situations as well. Practice in two timed blocks of 90 questions, allowing 2 hours for each and reflecting the 1-hour break. Review why the best answer fits the task and why alternatives are less suitable.

MRCEM OSCE: rehearse timed clinical and communication stations

Practice within the 8-minute station format, including reading time. Rehearse organizing an encounter, communicating clearly, and presenting a focused clinical approach and plan. Use the current RCEM curriculum and examination materials to select the learning outcomes for practice; do not rely on written-question practice alone to rehearse a practical station format.

Primary syllabus transition

The syllabus boundary is date-specific: the current Basic Sciences Syllabus applies to the October 27, 2026 MRCEM Primary examination. The updated syllabus becomes the official reference from the April 21, 2027 examination onward. RCEM says the update builds on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and evidence-based medicine.

International candidates and OSCE locations

RCEM lists OSCE delivery in London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai, and Hyderabad, but the locations offered vary by diet. The regulations state that internationally delivered examinations are written, developed, and standard set in the same way as those delivered in the UK. Candidates traveling for an examination should check the current diet’s location and the destination’s entry requirements.

Applications and OSCE places

Use RCEM’s current calendar for application windows and locations. OSCE places are limited, and approval of an application does not itself confirm an examination place; allocation follows the College’s current arrangements. RCEM does not accept a provisional application to a subsequent MRCEM component while the previous component’s result is pending.