Introduction This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for surgical trainees preparing for the MRCS Part A, the initial stage of the Membership Examination of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (MRCS). This exam is essential for progressing to higher levels of specialist surgical training and attaining membership in one of the four Royal Colleges of Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland.

Exam Overview

• Part A: A written paper assessing knowledge and skills in generic surgical sciences and applied knowledge.
• Part B: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
• Specialties Requiring MRCS: Includes Cardiothoracic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, and more.
• Format of part A: Two papers (Applied Basic Sciences and Principles of Surgery in General) completed on the same day.

Exam Details

• Paper 1 (Applied Basic Sciences): 180 questions, 3 hours.
• Paper 2 (Principles of Surgery in General): 120 questions, 2 hours.
• Passing Criteria: Minimum competence in each paper and a combined pass mark.
• Attempts: Maximum of six.

Eligibility

• A primary medical qualification accepted by the UK General Medical Council or the Medical Council in Ireland.
• Check specific eligibility requirements on the Intercollegiate MRCS Exam website.

Application Process

• Apply through one of the four Royal Colleges of Surgeons’ websites.
• Exams held three times a year (January, May, September).

Preparation Resources

• Syllabus: Ten modules covering basic science to professional behavior.
• Question Bank: Adaptive Medibuddy MRCS Part A question bank.