MRCS A exam pattern is changing from January 2017. Exam will be 5 hours. Basic Sciences 3 hrs exam and there will be 180 MCQs. Anatomy questions increased from 45 to 75. Principles of Surgery 2 hrs exam and there will be 120 MCQs. Overall: Basic Science 60% and Principles of Surgery 40%. Below is the excerpt from the circular published by RCS.
- The total number of questions will increase from 270 to 300.
- The total time available to candidates will increase from 240 minutes to 300 minutes, to allow 1 minute per question (candidates currently have to work at the rate of 1.13 questions per minute).
- The balance of Applied Basic Science (ABS) and Principles of Surgery in General (PoSG), currently equal at 135 questions for each, will change to become 60% ABS (180 questions, an increase of 45) and 40% PoSG (120 questions, a decrease of 15).
- The administrative model will be one three-hour session for ABS and a second two- hour session for PoSG with a break in between. There will be proportionally greater time available for candidates for whom special accommodation is made, as at present.
- The number of questions testing anatomy will increase from 45 to 75 (that is, from 16.7% to 25% of Part A as a whole).
- Candidates will continue to be judged by the aggregate score on Part A as a whole, with no requirement to pass ABS and PoSG as separate examinations.
- The secondary requirement that passing candidates will be required to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in each of the ABS and PoSG paper will be retained.
Circular Link: http://www.intercollegiatemrcsexams.org.uk/new/pdf/MRCS%20Part%20A%20change%20notice
More about MRCS Part A preparation:
HOW TO CRACK MRCS PART A AND THE BEST BOOKS FOR MRCS PART A PREPARATION
http://www.worldsurgeryforum.net/2016/04/how-to-crack-mrcs-part-and-best-books.html
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MRCS EXAM PREPARATION
http://www.worldsurgeryforum.net/2016/10/frequently-asked-questions-for-mrcs.html
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DOING MRCS
http://www.worldsurgeryforum.net/2017/07/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-MRCS.html
More about MRCS Part A preparation:
HOW TO CRACK MRCS PART A AND THE BEST BOOKS FOR MRCS PART A PREPARATION
http://www.worldsurgeryforum.net/2016/04/how-to-crack-mrcs-part-and-best-books.html
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MRCS EXAM PREPARATION
http://www.worldsurgeryforum.net/2016/10/frequently-asked-questions-for-mrcs.html
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DOING MRCS
http://www.worldsurgeryforum.net/2017/07/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-MRCS.html
