Exams

MRCEM Primary exam

What the exam covers, how it is run, and when the next sittings are. Always check the latest details on the RCEM website.

• 180 questionsin one paper
• 3 hoursfor the whole paper
• Computer-basedat Pearson VUE

Exam structure

The MRCEM Primary examination is a Single Best Answer (SBA) paper. The examination comprises 180 questions to be answered in three hours. Sample questions are available on the RCEM website. RCEM delivers its written examinations electronically via computer-based testing company, Pearson VUE. The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of MRCEM examinations.

Exam content

The MRCEM Primary examination is mapped to the RCEM Basic Science Curriculum (June 2010) and RCEM 2021 Emergency Medicine curriculum. All applicants are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the Basic Sciences Curriculum in preparation for sitting the examination.

Questions per subject:

• Anatomy60 questions
• Physiology60 questions
• Pharmacology24 questions
• Microbiology17 questions
• Pathology9 questions
• Evidence Based Medicine10 questions

Exam dates

Dates from the RCEM exam calendar. Always confirm on the RCEM website before applying.

MRCEM Primary 2027: new syllabus and dates

All MRCEM and FRCEM exam dates →

Fees differ by RCEM membership status (member or non-member) and location (UK or international). Up to date MRCEM Primary Examination Dates and Fees are published on the RCEM website.

Exam applications

Online applications for all examinations will open at 10am (UK time) on the listed application opening date and close automatically at 4pm (UK time) on the listed application closing date. Applications must be completed before 4pm on the closing date, late applications will not be accepted. The link to the MRCEM Primary Examination Application Form will be made available on the Royal College of Emergency Medicine website on the listed application opening day.

Exam results

The MRCEM Primary examination is standard set using the Angoff Method. The MRCEM Primary examination results will be released on the pre-advised day by 17:00, approximately five weeks after the date of the examination. Results will be released to candidates’ College website accounts where results letters can be downloaded on demand. Examination results will not be issued or confirmed by telephone or email.

More information

Please see the MRCEM Primary Examination Information Pack (July 2021) for detailed information for this 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 1999.