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
MRCOG Part 2
UK and The Republic of Ireland - £460
Band A - £464
MRCOG Part 3
UK and The Republic of Ireland - £455
Band A - £589
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,
Please click here for the full blue print.
MRCOG Part 1 Examination Format
This exam consists
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
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
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
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
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?
- 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. - 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
Practice Papers
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.
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (2019). Part 2 MRCOG exam.
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (2019). Part 3 MRCOG exam.
