MRCEM Practice — Helping Emergency Medicine Physicians to Succeed…

It’s a difficult exam for sure with a low pass rate … Failed the first time around by 6 marks using mrcem Practice and success.

MRCEM Primary Tips

MRCEM Primary | Exam Preparation | Study Resources

About the MRCEM Primary

MRCEM Primary – Your First Step to RCEM Membership

The MRCEM Primary exam is the foundational stage for Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). It assesses the core basic sciences that form the backbone of clinical emergency medicine. With a strong emphasis on anatomy and physiology, which make up nearly two-thirds of the paper, the exam demands focused preparation and mastery of key concepts.

  • Format: 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Language: English 

  • Syllabus: RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum

  • Anatomy – 60 questions
  • Physiology – 60 questions
  • Pharmacology – 24 questions
  • Microbiology – 17 questions
  • Pathology – 9 questions
  • Evidence-Based Medicine – 10 questions

MRCEM Primary Exam Preparation Tips

  • Start Early: Begin at least 6 months before your exam.

  • Focus on Anatomy & Physiology: These subjects make up the majority of the paper.

  • Follow the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum: Use it as your structured roadmap.

  • Use Recommended Textbooks: Supplement your study with RCEM-approved resources.

  • Avoid Non-Essential Topics: Skip areas not required for the exam (e.g., minor muscle attachments).

  • Give Attention to Smaller Sections: Stay disciplined with microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and EBM.

  • Mix Revision with Practice Questions: Regular practice helps identify weak areas and boost exam confidence.

  • Stay Consistent: Stick to your study methods—consistency is the key to success.

MRCEM Primary Exam: Single Best Answer (SBA) Questions

The MRCEM Primary exam uses Single Best Answer (SBA) questions, each consisting of three components:

  1. Scenario or Statement – a clinical or scientific context

  2. The Question – asking for the most appropriate answer

  3. Answer Options – several choices, with one correct answer

Example SBA Question:
A patient sustains an injury to the arm affecting the inferior posterior cutaneous nerve.

Question: Which area is supplied by this nerve?

Options:

  • Medial half of the palm

  • A tapered strip of the middle portion of the posterior forearm ✅

  • Part of the posterior upper arm

  • Posterior surface of the lateral three-and-a-half digits and palm

  • Lateral aspect of the palm

Answer: B. A tapered strip of the middle portion of the posterior forearm

Explanation: The radial nerve has four sensory branches. The posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm supplies a narrow strip in the posterior mid-forearm, making B the correct choice.

MRCEM SBA Question Strategy Tips

  • Read Strategically: Go through the question first, then the answer options, and finally the scenario.

  • Spot Key Clues: Highlight abnormal findings, investigation results, or critical details.

  • Eliminate Wrong Answers: Cross out choices that are clearly incorrect.

  • Identify Distractors: Be aware of plausible but incorrect options that can mislead you.

  • Review if Time Permits: Check all questions before submitting your paper.

  • Trust Your Instincts: In uncertain cases, your first answer is often correct.

Why Choose MRCEM Practice?

Choose MRCEM Practice for its curriculum-aligned resources, data-driven feedback, and exam-focused content—turn your study hours into real success.

MRCEM Practice Formula: E-Learning + RCEM Curriculum + Question Banks = Maximum Results

Key Study Tips:

  • Focus on Application: Prioritize understanding and applying concepts, not rote memorization.

  • Active Recall: Practice recalling answers before reviewing options.

  • Prioritize High-Weight Topics: Spend more time on anatomy and physiology, which dominate the exam.

  • Use Practice Tests Strategically: Treat them as feedback loops to identify and strengthen weak areas.

Key Links

  • RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum

  • MRCEM Exam Dates & Fees

  • MRCEM Overview – RCEM

  • EM Learning Center

Ace the MRCEM Primary with MRCEM Practice—

The MRCEM Primary exam is challenging, but with structured preparation, regular practice, and curriculum-focused study, success is within reach. Begin early, prioritize high-yield topics like anatomy and physiology, and sharpen your skills with realistic exam-style questions.

Maximize your chances of first-attempt success with MRCEM Practice. Good luck!

I found EM Learning Centre very helpful when preparing for the primary examination. In my opinion this is the best online revision site available for this difficult exam.” — Dr. Nebras Yahya, A&E Middle Grade, Surrey

Your question bank and explanations are exceptional. I wish I had done it the first time I took my exam. Thank you so much for everything.” — Dr. B. Mazhari, Emergency Medicine Doctor, Ireland

“This website is a fantastic revision tool for the MRCEM Primary examination. The questions are challenging, well written and really represent what you will encounter in the actual exam.” — Dr. Anbin Naidoo, Emergency Medicine Registrar, London