MRCEM Primary: sittings, booking and prep

Next sitting to book 21 Apr 2027 · 4 sittings listed

About

The MRCEM Primary is the first RCEM theory exam, a 3-hour paper of 180 single best answer questions mapped to the Emergency Medicine 2021 Curriculum and the Basic Sciences Curriculum.

Who can sit

You need a primary medical qualification accepted by the GMC, provisional or full registration and 2 years post primary medical qualification; the exam is in English and IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard.

Next booking£543
21 Apr 2027 · Booking opens 20 Jan 2027, 10am · closes 27 Jan 2027

Every sitting

27 Oct 2026
Booking closed · results from 1 Dec
21 Apr 2027 · Next sitting
Booking opens 20 Jan 2027, 10am · closes 27 Jan 2027 · results from 2 Jun 2027£543
20 Oct 2027
Booking opens 23 Jun 2027, 10am · closes 30 Jun 2027 · results from 1 Dec 2027£543
26 Apr 2028
Booking opens 9 Feb 2028, 10am · closes 16 Feb 2028 · results from 7 Jun 2028

Before you book

How do I get a place on MRCEM Primary?
Apply online on the RCEM website during the published window, which opens at 10am UK time and closes at 4pm UK time on the closing date; late applications are not accepted.
What is the format?
One 3-hour multiple choice paper of 180 single best answer questions.
How is it marked?
Machine marked at 1 mark per correct answer with no negative marking; the pass mark is set by the Angoff method.
Where is it sat?
Computer-based at Surpass Assessments test centres worldwide.
When are results?
Results are published by 17:00 on a pre-advised day, about 6-8 weeks after the exam, to your College website account.
What comes after MRCEM Primary?
Passing MRCEM Primary is required before MRCEM SBA, then MRCEM OSCE, to achieve MRCEM.