Exams

During your O+G training you will need to pass the MRCOG which consists of 3 parts. The MRCOG exams are tough and require revision. Even if you found exams at medical school relatively painless, professional membership exams are much harder. You will need several months to prepare as you will be juggling revision around your busy on call commitments and other training priorities. For the most up to date information about the exams including the syllabus, exam format, dates and deadlines, please see the RCOG Exam pages (link https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/mrcog-exams/). Below is a short summary of each exam and how to book along with some hints and tips from previous candidates.

MRCOG Part 1

• This is a written exam to evaluate basic and clinical sciences relevant to O+G.
• Must be passed by the end of ST2.
• Consists of two papers: Each 100 Single-Best Answer questions
• This is an all day exam with 1 paper before lunch and 1 paper in the afternoon

How to book:

• First Time Candidates - Apply for assessment of eligibility
  • This is essentially that you have graduated from medical school and are registered with the GMC.
  • Must be done before you can book the exam.
  • The deadline is SEVERAL MONTHS before the exam so please check the RCOG website for the dates/deadlines
• Expression of Interest
  • Must be done in order to receive an exam booking token
  • The deadline is SEVERAL MONTHS before the exam so please check the RCOG website for dates and deadline
• Exam booking token
  • Once your expression of interest is processed you will be sent an exam booking token
  • This does NOT guarantee you a place on the exam – just allows you to book
• Book a country location
  • Once the booking window opens, you can book and pay for your exam
  • This is on a first come, first served basis so make sure you set a reminder in your calendar for the date and time booking opens
• Book into an exam centre
  • About a month or so later, you will get an email with a link to book the test centre you wish to attend for your exam
  • This is on a first come, first served basis so make sure you set a reminder in your calendar for the date and time booking opens

MRCOG Part 2

• Written examination that assesses the application of O+G knowledge
• Must attempt the Part 2 within 7 years of passing the Part 1
• Computer based examination
• Consists of two papers (one before lunch and one after lunch) which are weighted equally (i.e. both count for 50% of the mark)
• Each paper consists of
  • 50 Single best answer questions – worth 40% of total mark
  • 50 Extended matching questions – worth 60% of total mark

How to book:

• Expression of Interest
  • Must be done in order to receive an exam booking token
  • The deadline is SEVERAL MONTHS before the exam so please check the RCOG website for dates and deadline
• Exam booking token
  • Once your expression of interest is processed you will be sent an exam booking token
  • This does NOT guarantee you a place on the exam – just allows you to book
• Book a country location
  • Once the booking window opens, you can book and pay for your exam
  • This is on a first come, first served basis so make sure you set a reminder in your calendar for the date and time booking opens
• Book into an exam centre
  • About a month or so later, you will get an email with a link to book the test centre you wish to attend for your exam
  • This is on a first come, first served basis so make sure you set a reminder in your calendar for the date and time booking opens

MRCOG Part 3

• A stand-alone clinical skills exam
• Assesses candidates’ ability to apply core clinical skills
• UK trainees must pass Part 2 and Part 3 MRCOG before progressing from ST5 to ST6
• Consists of 14 tasks in one circuit, each task is based on one of the 14 modules in the syllabus
• Each task assesses between three and four of the following 5 domains:
  • Patient safety
  • Communication with patients and their relatives
  • Communication with colleagues
  • Information gathering
  • Applied clinical knowledge
• Each task is 12 minutes in length
• You must attempt the Part 3 at least once within 7 years of passing the Part 2.
• If you do not pass the Part 3 within 4 attempts, you must resit the Part 2 examination

How to book:

• There has been a lot of disruption to the part 3 examinations due to Covid – the most recent examinations have been conducted remotely. Please keep an eye on the RCOG website for the most up to date information
• Assessment of training form to be submitted
  • Must be done in order to be able to book the exam
  • The deadline is SEVERAL MONTHS before the exam so please check the RCOG website for dates and deadline
  • The form can be submitted at any time following passing the Part 1. You do not need to wait for your Part 2 results to submit it
  • You must be at ST3 level or above on the date that you submit your form
• When you pass your part 2 examination (as long as you have had your Assessment of Training form approved), the RCOG will contact you with details on how to book the part 3 examination (the process is not detailed on the RCOG website as it is changing regularly at present)

Hints and Tips

• Start studying early
• Find a study buddy to keep you on target and motivated
• Do the RCOG practise exam questions
• Borrow books from senior colleagues – you shouldn’t need to buy loads of new books
• Book your study leave early as you won’t be the only person sitting the exam
• Ask colleagues which revision courses they found most helpful and check if any local ones are running

This page was last updated on: 03.11.2021 at 13.53