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For international medical graduates who want to work in the NHS, UK, as emergency medicine specialists, pursuing MRCEM is a smart choice. Achieving the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) helps you get GMC registration and it also shows you have the skills needed to work in emergency departments in the UK.

To earn the MRCEM qualification, you need to pass three exams: MRCEM Primary, MRCEM Intermediate SBA and MRCEM OSCE. Here, we are going to focus on the second step—MRCEM Intermediate SBA.

Understanding the structure of MRCEM Intermediate SBA

The MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam consists of 180 questions divided into two sections. You will get a total of four hours (2 hours per section) to complete it. The exam is aligned with the Specialty Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for Year 1–3 of the 2021 Emergency Medicine Curriculum. It is very important to review the key capabilities and descriptors for each SLO to understand the skills and knowledge required.

MRCEM Intermediate SBA: A quick overview

• Exam type: Theory
• Format: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Single Best Answers (SBAs)
• Number of questions: 180
• Sections: 2
• Duration: 4 hours (2 x 2 hours with a 1-hour break)
• Mode of exam: Computer-based exam
• Content: Covers a broad range of conditions and scenarios commonly encountered in emergency departments.

Preparation tips for MRCEM Intermediate SBA

• Take mock exams to practice time management, understand the format and identify weak areas.
• Join a preparatory course for structured guidance, expert mentoring and curated materials.
• Seek advice from mentors or colleagues who have successfully cleared the MRCEM exams for practical tips and insights.
• Refer to the RCEM assessment blueprint to understand the syllabus. Prioritise topics based on marks. For example:

SLO1: Complex Stable Patients is worth 55 marks and includes topics like allergies, oncological emergencies, sexual health and more.

SLO7: Complex or Challenging Situations, which covers topics such as safeguarding and organ/tissue donation, carries only 10 marks. So, allocate your preparation time accordingly.

• Create a well-organised study plan and stick to it, focusing on high-yield topics while setting aside time for revision.
• Use reliable resources, RCEM guidelines and online question banks to build a solid foundation.

Hope this information helps you with your preparation. If you are planning to take the MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam, StudyMRCEM offers expert-led courses to help you clear it on your first attempt. Contact us today to learn more about our courses.

Authored By: Sarath