What is MRCS Degree?
The MRCS degree is amongst the oldest medical qualifications in England. The first examinations were held by the Royal College of Surgeons back in April 1, 1859. The MRCS is an intermediate qualification required as preparation for specialist training for surgeons.
The MRCS exam includes two 3 hour papers called surgical papers which include questions on surgery, medicine, and pathology. The last third year at a medical school is spent studying for these exams. If successful you get awarded a certificate with the title MRCS (Member of the Royal Colleges – Master/Mistress being lower than this). Then you can apply to a fellowship again via MCSA or other boards depending on specialty or country of practice.
Like we said before, there are three exams for the FRCS: Surgical exam which is held in January and covers surgery, medicine, and pathology (called MRCS Part I), Clinical exam which covers specialist training, and is called FRCS(C) or FRCS (Ophth) depending on specialty (called MRCS Part II) and finally the Professional exam which covers practice and ethics, and is called MRCP (UK) or (Part III).
The MRCS qualification is to be considered as a preliminary step in becoming a surgeon. It should not be confused with being equivalent to obtaining an MD degree. Obtaining an MD degree requires the completion of an approved medical school program (MD), followed by a residency in the specific specialty (or subspecialty) that awards the degree.
The MRCS qualification is awarded by one of two Royal Colleges – the Royal College of Surgeons or The Royal College of Physicians, depending on whether candidates wish to become surgeons (which include some specialized physicians) or GPs respectively. The MRCS is awarded by both colleges, and this distinction is important for qualification recognition purposes.
Eligibility for MRCS - Requirement
The initial examination for the award of the MRCS was conducted by the Royal Colleges in 5 parts. However, with amendments to The Surgeons Act (1860) and The Medical Act (1968), this requirement changed to allow only one examination by one or other of the Royal Colleges. The MRCS is awarded by both colleges, and this distinction is important for qualification recognition purposes.
To be eligible for the MRCS examination you need to have completed a surgical or medical degree from an approved institution in the UK (or an equivalent qualification approved by one of the two Royal Colleges) which includes at least 2 years of supervised training (or 6,000 hours of supervised practice). If you have not completed the above already then don’t worry as you can complete a foundation program.
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Content & Exam Structure
The MRCS exams are now split into three parts: Part I is a written or online examination that tests general knowledge across all surgical fields and consists of two papers, papers 1 and 2. Part II also includes a written examination as well as an oral examination (the clinical exam). The pass rates for the MRCS exams in 2014 were 64% for part I, 70.8% for part II, and 67.3% overall. To receive the MRCS degree you must pass all 3 parts of the exam first and only then be awarded the degree.
The pass criteria for each part of the examination depend on what specialty you are training in. The overall pass rate is based on an average of all the different specialties that students take as their exams are weighted differently i.e. more difficult surgeries become a higher % of your total score.
How to Apply for MRCS exam?
Applications can only be made via one of the two Royal Colleges, as you will need to find out what is required and to apply directly. This differs between specialties.
The general requirements for any college MRCS exams are:
Apply at least 3 months before the exam date. You must have completed your degree (this includes medical school or surgical training if you have not completed your degree yet). You must have passed the FRCS exam (or another RCSEd exam of equivalent standard) or be a member of one of the two Royal Colleges, and you must be registered with that College. The college will provide information to help you check this Requirement only applies to clinical exams (part II). You must be a member of the GMC (UK or equivalent).
Where Can You Take The Exam?
The MRCS exams are taken at a Medical or Surgical exam center. The Royal College of Surgeons has an online search facility where you can find your nearest center (NB: You do not need to be an RCS member in order to use this search tool). If you are unable to sit the MRCS examinations in the UK, you may be eligible to sit them overseas. Please contact the Royal College of Surgeons for further advice.