Changes to the MRCOG exam in September 2016

In September 2016 the Part 2 MRCOG examination will be changing.

There will be no changes to the Part 1 MRCOG. A new Part 3 MRCOG Clinical Assessment will be introduced in November 2016, replacing the existing Part 2 Oral Assessment. The Part 2 MRCOG written examination will be separated from the Part 3 MRCOG Clinical Assessment, and each will function as a standalone assessment.

Existing format (until May 2016)

New format (from September 2016)

Progression to the next examination can only occur once the previous examination has been passed.

Part 3 MRCOG Clinical Assessment

The Part 3 MRCOG Clinical Assessment aims to assess candidates’ ability to apply core clinical skills in the context of the skills, knowledge, attitudes and competencies as defined in the Part 2 MRCOG curriculum.

The examination will assess the following five core skill domains:

• Patient safety
• Communicating with patients and families
• Communicating with colleagues
• Information gathering
• Applied clinical knowledge

The examination will consist of 14 tasks in a circuit, each task based on one of the 14 O&G curriculum modules listed below:

Each task will be 12 minutes in length, which includes 2 minutes of initial reading time. A comparison to the existing Part 2 Oral Assessment is outlined below.

To allow for more depth in the assessment of applied clinical knowledge, a circuit may contain ‘linked tasks’, where the second task is connected to the first. Candidates will be expected to build on the knowledge acquired in the first task. There may also be tasks where candidates are required to undertake a writing task.

Attempts limit

All candidates (UK-based and non-UK-based) are permitted four attempts of the Part 3 MRCOG. If they do not pass within four attempts, they will be required to retake Part 2 MRCOG.

The existing Part 1 MRCOG and Part 2 MRCOG regulations regarding numbers of attempts will not change.

Validity of Part 2 MRCOG written examination passes

Candidates who pass the Part 2 MRCOG written examination must attempt the Part 3 MRCOG clinical assessment within seven years (pro rata). If they do not attempt the Part 3 MRCOG clinical assessment within this timeframe, they will be required to take the Part 2 MRCOG examination again.

Assessment of Training requirements

There is no change to the Assessment of Training requirements. Candidates are required to have their training assessed prior to taking Part 2 MRCOG as per the current regulations.

Timetable for introduction

• September 2016 - Part 2 MRCOG Written Examination
• November 2016 - Part 3 MRCOG Oral Assessment (London)

Frequently asked questions

For a list of all the FAQs on the changes to MRCOG exam in September 2016 please go to the FAQs page.