Blogs > Postgraduate Qualifications

Overview of MRCOG

• June 19, 2019

To work at ST3+ level within Obstetrics and Gynaecology, you will need to obtain MRCOG.

MRCOG is an internationally respected gold standard qualification. The exam is a three-part assessment, the first two exams are written, and the third exam is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

After you obtain MRCOG, you will also need a pass in IELTS or OET to evidence your English language skills. Holding MRCOG and a pass in IELTS or OET will make you eligible for GMC Registration and thus the ability to apply for NHS posts.

Examination Fees

MRCOG Part 1

UK and The Republic of Ireland - £460

Band A - £464

Band B - £427

Band C - £380

MRCOG Part 2

UK and The Republic of Ireland - £460

Band A - £464

Band B - £427

Band C - £380

MRCOG Part 3

UK and The Republic of Ireland - £455

Band A - £589

Band B - £550

Band C - £550

Banding applies to the centre in which you are taking your exam, click here to find out which band your country falls under.

What will the MRCOG exams test me on?

Clinical skills, information technology, clinical governance and research, core surgical skills, postoperative care, surgical procedures, antenatal care, maternal medicine, management of labour, management of delivery, postpartum problems, gynaecological problems, subfertility, sexual and reproductive health, early pregnancy care, gynaecological oncology, urogynaecology and pelvic floor problems.

Please click here for the full blue print.

MRCOG Part 1 Examination Format

This exam consists off two written papers, each consisting of 100 single-best-answer questions.

Each paper has the same value. However, there is no minimum score required for each paper, the outcome is determined only by a candidate’s overall (combined) mark.

Paper 1 – 2 hours 30 minutes in duration and there are 100 single-best-answer questions

Paper 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes in duration and there are 100 single-best-answer

MRCOG Part 2 Examination Format

To sit MRCOG Part 2, you must have passed MRCOG Part 1.

There are two written papers and each paper counts for the same amount of marks.

Paper 1 – 3 hours in duration and you will have to answer 50 single-best-answer questions and 50 extended-matching questions. The Royal College recommends that you spend 70 minutes on the single-best answer questions and 110 minutes on the extended-matching questions.

Paper 2 – 3 hours in duration and you will have to answer 50 single-best-answer questions and 50 extended-matching questions. The Royal College recommends that you spend 70 minutes on the single-best answer questions and 110 minutes on the extended-matching questions.

MRCOG Part 3 Examination Format

You will be eligible to sit MRCOG Part 3 after you have successfully passed MRCOG Part 1 &2.

The purpose of MRCOG Part 3 is a clinical assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies.

The clinical assessment consists of 14 tasks in a circuit, each task is based on one of the 14 modules detailed on the syllabus (mentioned above).

Each of the modules is assessed against 5 criteria:

• Patient safety
• Communication with patients and their relatives
• Communication with colleagues
• Information gathering
• Applied clinical knowledge

Each task will assess your clinical practice, patient communication, clinical knowledge or communicating with colleagues involving all aspects of patient safety.

Each task is 12 minutes in length, which includes 2 minutes of initial reading time.

What types of tasks are there within MRCOG Part 3?

1. Simulated patient/colleague tasks – You will interact with an actor who has been trained and fully briefed in the role they are there to play. The actor will know all of the relevant details pertaining to the case and they will have some scripted questions to prompt if needed.
2. Structured discussion task – You will interact directly with a clinical examiner who will ask you a detailed list of questions regarding the task at hand.

Please note, you be also be required to write during any of the tasks.

Useful Revision Resources

Books

Revision Notes for MRCOG Part 1

Part 2 MRCOG: 500 EMQs and SBA

Tasks for MRCOG Clinical Assessment

Part 3 MRCOG, Your Essential Revision Guide

Question Banks

Pass MRCOG

Ace Online

MCQ’s for MRCOG Part 1

MCQ’s for MRCOG Part 2

Practice Papers

MRCOG Part 1

MRCOG Part 2 - Obstetrics

MRCOG Part 3 – Gynaecology

MRCOG Part 3 Clinical Scenarios

Relocation to the UK

Are you an international doctor who plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS? Send your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to guide and support you on your journey to the UK. From securing an NHS post to assisting you with finding schools for your children.

IMG Advisor

Are you a member of our Facebook Group, IMG Advisor? We publish regular blog posts, you can receive professional guidance and support and get the chance to meet other IMGs.

References

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (2019). Part 1 MRCOG exam. [online] Available at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/mrcog-exams/part-1-mrcog/ [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019].​

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (2019). Part 2 MRCOG exam. [online] Available at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/mrcog-exams/part-2-mrcog/ [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019].

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (2019). Part 3 MRCOG exam. [online] Available at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/careers-training/mrcog-exams/part-3-mrcog-exam/ [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019].