Intercollegiate MRCS exams
The MRCS exam assesses the skills and knowledge required of surgeons in training. It includes Part A (written) and Part B (OSCE). Read more about each part below.
MRCS Part A
MRCS Part A is the first stage of assessment in the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of the United Kingdom qualification.
MRCS Part B OSCE
The MRCS Part B OSCE is a practical examination that assesses the essential surgical skills, clinical competence and professional behaviours expected of a surgeon in training.
Applications to the MRCS
To apply for the MRCS examinations, you must first register or log in to your account with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Candidates can then choose from the available examination diets for Part A or Part B and complete the online application process.
You will need to provide supporting documentation, including proof of primary medical qualification, and pay the applicable exam fee online. Once your application is processed, you will receive confirmation and further instructions for your exam.
Exam locations
You can apply to our College to complete all stages of the MRCS exams. As well as Glasgow, we also run centres in the following locations:
Part A
MRCS Part A is a written exam delivered online via Pearson VUE test centres, meaning candidates can book a centre that is:
- Available across the UK, including Glasgow, London, Manchester, Birmingham and more.
- Offered internationally, with Pearson VUE centres operating in regions such as:
- Europe
- Middle East
- South Asia (e.g. India, Pakistan)
- Southeast Asia
- Africa
- Australia and New Zealand
Candidates select their preferred location during the application process based on availability.
Part B OBSE
MRCS Part B is an in-person objective structured clinical examination, with locations including:
- Glasgow, UK
- Bristol, UK
- International centres (subject to availability and demand), such as:
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Trivandrum and Pune, India
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Cairo and Alexandria Egypt
- Other host cities on a rotating basis depending on the exam diet
Not all locations are offered every year. Specific locations and dates are confirmed during each application window.
MRCS Part B OSCE savings package
Apply to sit your MRCS Part B OSCE in Glasgow and unlock a savings package worth up to £203.
As a candidate, you will receive:
- Free Affiliate membership (save £15)
- Discount on the MRCS Part B OSCE preparation course (save up to £80)
- No membership subscription fees for up to 12 months after passing (save up to £87)
We also offer the lowest surgical membership fees in the UK.
Offer applies to candidates with a confirmed place on the Glasgow exam diet.
Your Diploma
Following your successful completion of the MRCS examination, you will be awarded your Diploma and become eligible for membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Once you have passed both Part A and Part B of the MRCS, we will send your Diploma by post.
We also invite you to celebrate your achievement, and your admission to the College as a Member, at one of our Diploma Ceremonies, held multiple times each year at our College in Glasgow.
Advance your career with college membership
Joining the College offers you the unique opportunity to become part of a global network committed to excellence in patient care and medical innovation.
As a Member, you’ll gain access to invaluable resources that’ll support your professional growth, including substantial discounts on world-class courses and conferences, a suite of digital learning tools tailored to your needs and the use of internationally recognised postnominals.
You can start your journey with us as an Affiliate Member for just £16 per year while you complete your MRCS exams.
Frequently asked questions
Candidates can sit any part of the exam through any of the four Royal Colleges: Glasgow, Edinburgh, England, or Ireland. Read the full MRCS regulations (January 2025) for complete details.
MRCS Part A consists of a five-hour multiple choice question exam in two parts: Applied Basic Science and Principles of Surgery in General.
MRCS Part B is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination. This consists of 18 examined stations of nine minutes’ duration, examining Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills.
Yes. Please see our webpages for the upcoming dates and locations.
To enter, a candidate must possess a primary medical qualification that is acceptable to:
- the UK General Medical Council for full or provisional registration, or
- the Medical Council in Ireland for full or temporary registration.
Overseas candidates must hold a primary medical qualification acceptable to the Councils of the Colleges. Candidates who wish to check the acceptability of their medical degree should check the World Directory of Medical Schools.
For further details on the MRCS exam, including sample questions, recommended textbooks and background, please refer to the Candidate Guide issued by the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations. This is a living document that is frequently updated.
Have a question about your exam journey?
Our Examinations Team is here to help with queries about MRCS, exam preparation, application support, and more.
Contact us