MRCEM · Study plan
MRCEM Study Plan — Primary, SBA & OSCE
MRCEM is the UK RCEM's membership exam, structured in three parts: Primary (basic sciences), SBA (single best answer, clinical), and OSCE. This guide gives a targeted schedule for each stage — using RescueEM's clinical audio, slides, and MCQ formats to consolidate the SBA and OSCE stages.
Quick facts
| Governing body | Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM, UK) |
|---|---|
| Structure | Primary (basic science MCQ) → SBA (clinical MCQ) → OSCE |
| Primary format | 180 SBA questions on basic sciences |
| SBA format | 180 clinical SBA questions across 3 hours |
| OSCE format | 16-station circuit, ~7 min per station |
| Eligibility | Varies by stage — check RCEM current bylaws |
Exam formats change — always confirm current rules with the official governing body before your sitting.
Week-by-week schedule
Weeks 1–2 (Primary)
Anatomy + Physiology core
- Cardiac / respiratory physiology
- Upper & lower limb anatomy
- Cranial nerves
- Renal & endocrine physiology
Study format: Slides + 40 basic-science MCQs/day (external Primary bank)
Weeks 3–4 (Primary)
Pharmacology + Microbiology + Pathology
- EM-relevant pharmacology (analgesics, sedatives, cardiovascular)
- Common ED microbiology
- Inflammation & shock pathology
Study format: Slides + MCQs · daily 30–40 blocks
Weeks 5–8 (SBA)
Clinical EM by system
- Cardio, resp, trauma, neuro, tox, peds, envs — use the ABEM-style rotation
- Emphasize UK guidelines (NICE, RCEM best practice)
Study format: Audio on commute · slides at lunch · 40 SBA-style MCQs/day
Weeks 9–11 (OSCE)
OSCE-specific drilling
- Procedure stations (LP, chest drain, cric)
- Communication (breaking bad news, angry relative, capacity)
- ECG / imaging / lab interpretation stations
- Teaching stations
- Resuscitation stations with team leadership
Study format: Timed 7-min station drills with a partner
Week 12
Mock + polish
- Full-length SBA mock
- Full OSCE circuit dress-rehearsal
- Weak-area drill
Study format: One mock each · focused review
How to use RescueEM for MRCEM
- Audio — every topic as a podcast for the drive to work.
- Slides — quick lunchtime review of the same topic.
- Infographic — one-page visual before bed.
- MCQs — exam-style questions with rationales + SM-2 spaced repetition.
High-yield topics
- ALS / APLS / ATLS algorithms
- NICE head injury CT criteria
- RCEM sepsis bundle
- PE work-up (Wells + PERC + YEARS)
- Difficult airway plan (DAS 2015)
- Consent, capacity, & Gillick competence
- SPIKES protocol for breaking bad news
- Common ECG danger patterns
Exam-day tips
- OSCE: read the door prompt fully — the task instruction tells you exactly what earns marks.
- Introduce, wash hands, confirm identity — every station.
- In communication stations, use ICE (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations) as your scaffold.
- SBA: flag long stems, don't dwell — 60 seconds per question average.
FAQ
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