FRCEM SBA Exam Format and Curriculum

The FRCEM Final SBA consists of multiple-choice questions with a single best answer (SBA). The exam is divided into two sections, with a total of 180 questions. Candidates will have four hours to complete the exam, split into two sessions of two hours each, with a one-hour break in between.
The exam follows the Emergency Medicine 2021 Curriculum, covering the following:

FRCEM SBA Exam Application

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the FRCEM Final SBA exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a GMC-approved medical qualification.
2. Have MRCEM post-August 2012 or passed FRCEM Primary and Intermediate exams. Pre-August 2012 MRCEM holders need additional evidence of eligibility (their CV and record of their latest appraisal).
3. Experience:
   • UK/Irish Trainees: 12 months of training in Emergency Medicine at ST4/ST5 or equivalent. Subspecialty training in Paediatric Emergency Medicine or Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine is not counted.
   • Non-trainees: Six years of training post-qualification, with four years in Emergency Medicine and one year at a level above ST3/SHO.

If you took the FRCEM OSCE exam first, you are required to pass the FRCEM SBA within seven calendar years of the date you pass the FRCEM OSCE.

Fee, Dates, Location

The FRCEM SBA exam fee for 2024 is £369. UK Emergency Medicine trainees can claim tax relief, including exam expenses.

Upcoming exam dates 2024 and 2025:

For updates on exam dates, refer to the RCEM Examination Calendar.

The exam is conducted globally through Pearson VUE Test Centres. For locations, visit the Pearson VUE website.

Application Process

1. Apply online via the RCEM website.
2. Confirm and book the test with Pearson VUE.

Candidates must submit their applications online during the specified application window, opening at 10:00 AM (UK time) on the designated start date and closing automatically at 4:00 PM (UK time) on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

There is normally no restriction on the number of places available but candidates may not always be allocated their first choice of venue.

FRCEM SBA exam results

Pass mark and pass rate

Results are published approximately five weeks after the exam. You’ll be able to access results through your RCEM website account. The pass mark is determined using a modified Angoff method, with one standard error of measurement added to the cut score.

The FRCEM SBA is a difficult exam; for example, according to RCEM statistics for 2023, more than half of the candidates (53%) failed the exam.

Candidates who have sat this exam and feel their performance was affected by a procedural irregularity and/or exceptional circumstances have the right to appeal in line with the RCEM Appeals Policy.

Number of Attempts

Candidates have four attempts for each FRCEM component (FRCEM SBA: 4 attempts, FRCEM OSCE: 4 attempts). Attempts post-August 2016 count towards this limit. In exceptional circumstances, additional attempts may be granted at the Dean’s discretion. Candidates diagnosed late with neurodiverse conditions can request to expunge prior attempts.

Attempts before August 2016 do not count towards the limit if the maximum attempts have not been exceeded.

You can find out more about the FRCEM Final SBA Exam in this information pack.

FRCEM SBA Exam Preparation

To practice for the FRCEM SBA under exam-like conditions and identify your strengths and weaknesses, consider joining our FRCEM SBA course, available in-person or online. Booking a course includes three months of free access to our FRCEM SBA Online Resources, featuring practice questions with detailed video explanations. Fill in the form below to receive a free short quiz, providing a sample of our Online Resources Package.