Blogs > Postgraduate Qualifications

Overview of Specialty Certificate Examinations | MRCP

• April 16, 2019

The Royal College of Physicians launched the Specialty Certificate Examinations in 2008. An MRCP Sce is a ‘gold standard’ postgraduate qualification for Medicine doctors looking to progress in their sub-specialty.

Sces are available in the following sub-specialties:

• Acute Medicine
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Oncology
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Palliative Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine
• Rheumatology

The purpose of the MRCP Sce is for doctors to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge needed to fulfill a Consultant’s role and responsibility in their chosen specialty.

Examination Format

The Sce is a computer-based, multiple-choice test which is divided into two papers, each paper has 100 items.

You will have three hours to answer each paper. Each paper will present you with clinical scenarios with additional information such as test results, investigations, images, scans and the exam will test your medical knowledge and your competency in diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis. You will be asked to answer from five listed options.

When is the best time to sit Sce?

The Royal College of Physicians advises that you should sit your Sce exam towards the end of your specialist medical training. However, there are no restrictions on when you may take your first attempt and it is also not necessary for doctors to have first obtained MRCP, but this is typically the order.

To apply for your Sce, click here.

What countries can I sit Sce in?

Australia, Barbados, Brunei, Canada, Egypt, France, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kurdistan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Malta, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Republic of Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Trinidad, UAE, Uganda, USA, Zimbabwe.

If you would like the Royal College of Physicians to send you further information on your Sce and tips on revision and preparation, register your details on their website here.

Does having an Sce grant me GMC Registration?

No. A Specialty Certificate Examination does not grant you GMC Registration. To work at ST3+ level within a Medicine sub-specialty, you will need full MRCP and a pass in IELTS or OET.

What is the advantage of having an Sce?

Having MRCP and Sce in most cases, will allow you to secure an NHS post within your exact specialty. In most cases, specialist medicine doctors who hold MRCP have to go into General Medicine NHS posts first and then apply to their subspecialty after they have NHS experience.

Support Relocating to the UK and joining the NHS

If you are an international doctor with MRCP, who needs support relocating to the UK and joining the NHS – send your CV to [email protected] and we will be in touch.

Join our Facebook Group

If you would like access to relocation blog posts, YouTube videos and the chance to meet other IMGs – join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor.

References

Mrcpuk.org. (2019). Specialty Certificate Examinations: Qualifications to broaden your horizons. [online] Available at: https://www.mrcpuk.org/sites/default/files/documents/specialty-certificate-examinations-qualifications-to-broader-your-horizons.pdf [Accessed 16 Apr. 2019].