MRCEM Primary 2027: the new syllabus and key dates
Last updated: 18 October 2026
RCEM is introducing an updated Basic Sciences Syllabus for the MRCEM Primary. It applies from the 21 April 2027 exam onwards. This page sets out what is confirmed, what is still to come, and the dates you need. We update it as soon as RCEM publishes anything new.
The short version
- Sitting on 21 April 2027 or later? You'll be examined on the new syllabus.
- The detailed new syllabus hasn't been published yet. RCEM has said it will be introduced later in 2026, with further information and resources before it starts.
MRCEM Primary dates for 2027
| Exam date | Applications open | Applications close | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 April 2027 | 20 January 2027 | 27 January 2027 | 2 June 2027 |
| 20 October 2027 | 23 June 2027 | 30 June 2027 | 1 December 2027 |
Application windows open at 10am UK time and close at 4pm UK time on the closing date. They stay open for seven days only, so put the date in your calendar now.
April 2027 is the first sitting under the new syllabus.
2027 exam fees (theory exams, including the MRCEM Primary)
| Location | RCEM member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £444 | £543 |
| International | £502 | £630 |
Member fees apply only if your membership is paid at least 24 hours before the application window opens. Some countries also add local taxes on top.
What we know about the new syllabus
- It is an updated Basic Sciences Syllabus, which RCEM describes as developed to reflect modern Emergency Medicine practice.
- It builds on the same six subjects: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology and evidence-based medicine.
- The exam format is a three-hour paper of 180 questions. (RCEM has not announced any change to this.)
What we don't know yet
- The detailed topic list under each subject.
- Whether the number of questions per subject will change.
- Exactly which topics are added, moved or removed.
We won't guess. As soon as RCEM publishes the new syllabus, we'll explain in plain English what has changed, and what it means for your revision on MrcemUltra, here and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
What to do now
If you're sitting in April 2027:
- Note 20–27 January 2027, the application window.
- Keep building your basic sciences. The six subjects aren't changing, so time spent on core anatomy and physiology is not wasted.
- Check back here when RCEM publishes the new syllabus, later in 2026.
If you sit on 27 October 2026 and need to resit: results are released on 1 December 2026. A resit in April 2027 would be under the new syllabus, so check this page then.
How MrcemUltra will handle the change
When the new syllabus is published, we'll review our 3,000+ MCQs and theory notes against it, and show clearly which topics they cover.
Frequently asked questions
I'm resitting after the October 2026 exam. Which syllabus applies to me?
The new one. Every MRCEM Primary sitting from 21 April 2027 onwards uses the new syllabus.
When is the first exam under the new syllabus?
21 April 2027. Applications open on 20 January 2027 and close on 27 January 2027.
Has RCEM published the new syllabus?
Not yet (as of 18 October 2026). RCEM has said it will be introduced later in 2026.
Are the subjects changing?
RCEM says the new syllabus builds on the same six disciplines: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology and evidence-based medicine.
MrcemUltra is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by RCEM. Always check the official RCEM website before applying.