The MRCEM OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is the final component of the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. It assesses your ability to apply clinical knowledge, communication, and procedural skills in realistic emergency medicine scenarios.
Successful completion demonstrates competence to work safely and effectively as a Middle Grade / ST3+ Emergency Physician.

The MRCEM OSCE is based on the RCEM 2021 Curriculum and assesses core clinical and non-clinical competencies through Specialty Learning Outcomes (SLOs) including:

• SLO 1 – Care of the complex stable patient

• SLO 2 – Managing the acutely unwell or injured patient

• SLO 3 – Resuscitation and stabilisation

• SLO 4 – Procedural and practical skills

• SLO 5 – Paediatric emergency presentations

• SLO 6 – Managing complex or challenging situations

• SLO 9 – Supervision and teaching

(Full curriculum available via RCEM: RCEM Exams )

Candidates rotate through a circuit of simulated clinical encounters, which may include:

• Assessment and management of an acutely unwell adult or child

• Performing procedures (e.g., airway manoeuvres, joint reduction, suturing)

• Communicating with patients, relatives, or colleagues

• Prioritisation and resuscitation scenarios

Each scenario reflects real emergency medicine challenges requiring both technical and interpersonal skills.

Effective preparation combines knowledge, structure, and rehearsal.

• Review RCEM’s domain marking guidance and practice structured answers

• Simulate mock OSCE circuits under timed conditions

• Focus on communication, leadership, and reflection in each task

• Learn the expected approach for each domain: clinical assessment, decision-making, team working, professionalism

• Consider joining our EM Learning Centre MRCEM OSCE Interactive Course for examiner-marked cases and feedback

The EM Learning Centre  offers:

• Comprehensive coverage of all RCEM SLOs

• Interactive online OSCE scenarios with marking guidance

• Recorded mock circuits and debriefs by UK EM faculty

• Communication and procedural skills modules

• Access to examiner-style feedback and peer comparison

• Arrive early: late entry is not permitted once registration closes.

• Bring valid photo ID matching your RCEM account.

• Dress in professional attire or plain scrubs (names/logos should be covered).

• You do not need to bring a stethoscope—equipment is provided.

• Manage your own time—no timer will be displayed, though a wall clock is available.

• Treat every patient or actor as real—professionalism and empathy count.

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Key Links

• RCEM OSCE FAQs 

• RCEM Curriculum (2021) 

• RCEM Learning Modules 

• Domain-Based Marking Guidance PDF

• EM Learning centre

Passing the MRCEM OSCE requires composure, reflection, and deliberate practice. Beyond clinical knowledge, it measures your ability to prioritise, communicate, and perform under real-life pressure—skills that define a competent Emergency Physician.