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MRCEM SBA Tips

MRCEM SBA | Exam Preparation | Study Resources

About the MRCEM SBA

MRCEM SBA Exam – Step Two in the RCEM Pathway

The MRCEM SBA (Single Best Answer) exam is the second stage in the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) journey. It builds on the scientific knowledge tested in the Primary exam and emphasizes the clinical application of knowledge across all areas of Emergency Medicine.

Exam Details:

  • Type: Written theory

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions (Single Best Answer, SBA)

  • Number of Questions: 180

  • Duration: 4 hours (two 2-hour sessions with a 1-hour break)

  • Delivery: Pearson VUE test centres worldwide

  • Language: English

📖 Full details are published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine here: RCEM Exams

The MRCEM SBA tests your ability to recognise, investigate and manage the wide range of presentations encountered in the Emergency Department (ED).
It is case-based and reflects real-world emergency practice, covering:

  • Adult emergencies

  • Paediatric emergencies

  • Trauma & orthopaedics

  • Acute medicine

  • Surgery relevant to EM

  • Critical care and anaesthesia in the ED

  • Psychiatry and toxicology

The exam blueprint mirrors the RCEM Intermediate Syllabus, ensuring a broad and balanced coverage of emergency conditions.

  • Total: 180 questions

  • Format: All SBAs

  • Sections: 2 papers (2 hours each) with a 1-hour break

  • Marking: One correct answer per question, no negative marking

  • Pass Mark: Standard-set using RCEM methodology

(Full curriculum available via RCEM: RCEM Exams)

  • SBA questions require you to choose the most appropriate answer from a set of plausible options.

    Each question typically includes:

    1. Clinical vignette – a short scenario describing the case.

    2. Question stem – what you are asked to determine.

    3. Answer options – usually 5 choices, only one is the “best” answer.

    Example:
    A 24-year-old man presents with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath. His ECG shows right axis deviation, an S1Q3T3 pattern, and tachycardia.

    What is the most likely diagnosis?
    A) Myocardial infarction
    B) Pneumothorax
    C) Pulmonary embolism
    D) Pericarditis
    E) Aortic dissection

    Answer: C – Pulmonary embolism

Tips for Success in the MRCEM SBA Exam

Achieving success in the MRCEM SBA requires a combination of curriculum knowledge, clinical insight, and exam strategy:

  • Curriculum Familiarity: Study the RCEM Intermediate Syllabus thoroughly.

  • Clinical Knowledge: Focus on common and life-threatening Emergency Department presentations.

  • Practice Questions: Complete high-quality SBA question banks to build confidence and accuracy.

  • Exam Technique: Learn to recognize distractors and focus on key clinical clues.

Recommended Preparation:

  • Study Duration: At least 4–6 months of structured preparation.

  • Use Past Questions & Mocks: Simulate real exam conditions with previous papers and high-fidelity mock tests.

  • Balanced Revision: Allocate time wisely between strong and weak topics to maximize marks

MRCEM Practice – Comprehensive SBA Question Bank

MRCEM Practice offers one of the most complete, exam-focused SBA question banks for MRCEM Intermediate preparation:

  • Thousands of high-quality SBA questions crafted by experienced Emergency Medicine doctors

  • Fully aligned with the RCEM Intermediate Syllabus

  • Detailed explanations for every question, including why other options are incorrect

  • Mock exams simulating Pearson VUE conditions for realistic practice

  • Regularly updated to reflect the latest RCEM exam changes

Trusted by hundreds of candidates worldwide, MRCEM Practice helps you pass your MRCEM exams on the first attempt with confidence.

MRCEM Exam Day Tips

  • Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time at the Pearson VUE test centre.

  • Time Management: Don’t spend too long on difficult questions—keep moving.

  • Flag & Review: Mark uncertain questions and revisit them if time allows.

  • Focus on Key Clues: Read scenarios carefully and identify critical discriminators.

  • Stay Calm: Maintain focus—the exam tests applied clinical reasoning, not obscure facts.

Key Links

  • RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum

  • MRCEM Exam Dates & Fees

  • MRCEM Overview – RCEM

Master the MRCEM SBA Exam with MRCEM Practice

The MRCEM SBA exam is a crucial step toward Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). Success requires structured preparation, regular practice, and an exam-focused strategy.

By following the RCEM syllabus, mastering the SBA question format, and using high-quality resources like MRCEM Practice, you maximize your chances of first-attempt success.

Stay disciplined, practice consistently, and trust your preparation—your effort will pay off on exam day.

Best of luck on your MRCEM SBA journey!

"The SBA bank at EM Learning Centre was invaluable, it mirrored the style of the real exam and gave me the confidence I needed." — Dr. A. Patel, Emergency Medicine Trainee

"This is the best MRCEM SBA resource. The explanations were detailed and helped me understand why an answer was correct, not just memorise." — Dr. F. Ali, EM Registrar

"This resource gave me the structure and focus I needed for the SBA exam. The breadth of topics, clarity of explanations, and exam-style questions made a real difference to my preparation. I would strongly recommend it to anyone serious about passing first time." — Dr. A. Malik, Emergency Medicine Registrar