The MRCS Part B OSCE is the final and practical component of the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons examination. It is a performance-based clinical assessment that evaluates a candidate’s readiness to progress from core surgical training to specialty training. Successfully passing this exam confirms that you have the essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional attributes required of a day-one ST3 surgical trainee.

What is MRCS Part B OSCE?

The MRCS Part B is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprising 17 stations. Each station is designed to assess a specific area of clinical competence under timed conditions.

• Number of Stations: 17
• Duration per Station: 9 minutes
• Reading Time Before Each Station: 1 minute
• Total Exam Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

Exam Breakdown: Content Areas & Scoring

The OSCE stations are grouped under Broad Content Areas (BCAs) and are evaluated across two major domains: Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills.

✅ Applied Knowledge — 8 Stations | 160 Marks

1. Anatomy and Surgical Pathology — 5 stations
2. Applied Surgical Science and Critical Care — 3 stations

This section assesses your theoretical understanding of surgical anatomy, pathology, and principles of critical care.

✅ Applied Skills — 9 Stations | 180 Marks

1. Clinical and Procedural Skills — 5 stations
2. Communication Skills — 4 stations

These stations evaluate how effectively you carry out procedures, communicate with patients and colleagues, and demonstrate clinical reasoning and professionalism.

Core Domains Assessed Across All Stations

Throughout the exam, candidates are assessed across four fundamental domains:

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Competence
• Professional Characteristics

These domains are embedded into each station, making a well-rounded preparation strategy essential.

Why is MRCS Part B OSCE Important?

The exam is carefully designed to assess whether you meet the expected standard of a newly appointed ST3 surgical trainee. It does not just test theoretical knowledge but places significant emphasis on real-world surgical competence — including communication, clinical judgment, procedural execution, and ethical reasoning.

How to Prepare Effectively

To succeed in MRCS Part B OSCE, a structured and expert-guided approach to preparation is crucial. Self-study alone may not be sufficient to grasp the practical and communication elements of the exam.

Preparing for Success in MRCS Part B OSCE

• Practice Clinical Scenarios: Simulate OSCE stations with peers or mentors.

• Master Key Topics: Revise anatomy, surgical pathology, and critical care thoroughly.

• Develop Procedural Skills: Hands-on skills like suturing, catheterization, and cannulation are vital.

• Work on Communication: Practice breaking bad news, explaining procedures, and dealing with difficult conversations.

• Take Mock Exams: Simulate full-length OSCEs under timed conditions to improve your confidence and time management.

StudyMRCS: Your Trusted Partner in MRCS Part B Preparation

If you’re planning to take the MRCS Part B OSCE soon, consider enrolling in a high-yield, expert-led preparation course. At StudyMRCS, we offer:

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Ready to Begin Your Journey to Surgical Success?

Connect with the StudyMRCS team today to explore the right course for your MRCS Part B preparation.