A Beginner’s Guide to the MRCS Exam

For many young doctors, especially those dreaming of a surgical career, the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) exam is the first big step. If you’re wondering what it is, how it works, and how you can prepare — this guide is for you.

What is the MRCS Exam?

The MRCS is an intercollegiate exam, meaning it’s the same whether you sit with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Ireland. It’s designed to test whether you have the knowledge, skills, and professional values required to enter higher surgical training.

In the UK pathway, the order looks like this:

➡️ Core Training → MRCS Exam → Specialty Training → FRCS/CCT

So, think of MRCS as your gateway from being a junior doctor to becoming a surgical trainee.

Parts of the MRCS

The exam has two parts — Part A and Part B.

MRCS Part A

• Format: A written test, fully online, made up of MCQs.

• Structure: Two papers, taken on the same day.

  • Paper 1 (180 marks): Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Imaging, Data & Audit

  • Paper 2 (120 marks): Surgical conditions, Perioperative care, Trauma, Paediatric surgery, Medicolegal topics

• Time: 5 hours total (300 minutes).

• Sessions: January, April, September.

• Fee: £607 (rising to £625 from April 2025).

MRCS Part B

• Format: An OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Exam). You move around 17 stations that test both knowledge and practical skills.

• Stations include: Anatomy, Pathology, Critical care, Procedures, Clinical examination, History-taking, Counselling.

• Location: In-person, multiple times a year across centres worldwide.

• Fee: £1,099 (rising to £1,132 from April 2025).

Who Can Apply?

The requirements are simple:

• You must have an MBBS/PMQ certificate.

• You don’t need prior surgical training.

• A valid ID is required.

That’s it — no extra barriers at this stage.

How Do You Book the Exam?

Booking is straightforward but needs to be done carefully:

1. Create an account on the website of one of the Royal Colleges.

2. Fill in the exam application and pay online (credit card works best).

3. Send a scanned copy of your MBBS certificate.

4. About a month before the exam, you’ll get an email to book your seat at a Pearson VUE centre.

How to Prepare for MRCS Part A

This is the most common question! Preparation usually takes 4–6 months if you’re consistent. Here’s a roadmap:

• Start with a good question bank (eMRCS or Pastest). Spend 2–3 months working through it carefully.

• Revise once fully (about a month).

• Use Fawzia sheets and recall questions to reinforce high-yield points.

• Read standard books: Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, Netter Atlas, and your undergraduate texts.

• Go through NICE and ATLS guidelines, as they’re often tested.

• If time allows, do a second quick revision of your Q-bank focusing on weak areas.

Or, you can buy our highly popular book Notes on MRCS Part A book, which contains all of them, organized, in a better way.

Consistency is key — even 2–3 hours a day, every day, adds up.

What MRCS Can and Cannot Do

✅ What it provides

• An internationally recognized surgical qualification.

• Strong orientation with international standards and guidelines.

• Eligibility to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK.

• Exemption from ST1–ST2 level training in the UK.

❌ What it doesn’t provide

• Direct entry into higher surgical training.

• A guaranteed job or training post.

Think of it as the passport — it lets you in, but you still need to apply for the visa (training jobs).

Life After MRCS

Once you’ve cleared both parts, you’re closer to working abroad, especially in the UK. Here’s the typical GMC pathway:

1. Pass Part A and Part B.

2. Pass an English test — IELTS or OET.

3. Get your qualifications verified through EPIC.

4. Apply to the GMC, submit documents, and pay the fee.

From there, you can apply for surgical posts and progress towards specialty training.

Busting the Myths About UK Training

You may have heard some of these:

• “Doctors from Bangladesh can’t even touch patients in the UK.”

• “It’s impossible to enter surgical specialties.”

• “GP is the only option for IMGs.”

All false. With MRCS and GMC registration, surgical training is very much achievable. It’s competitive, yes — but not impossible.

Final Thoughts

The MRCS exam may sound intimidating, but with a clear plan and the right resources, it’s absolutely doable. It’s not just about passing an exam — it’s about becoming a safe, competent surgeon who can work anywhere in the world.

If you’re starting your journey, give yourself 4–6 months of focused preparation, build a strong study routine, and stay consistent. The effort pays off — MRCS is your ticket to an international surgical career.