MRCEM Intermediate SBA Information

The MRCEM intermediate SBA (often referred to as just the MRCEM SBA) is the second exam on the path to obtaining membership to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). The MRCEM SBA came into existence in the second half of 2021 when it replaced the FRCEM intermediate SAQ. It is mapped to the 2021 RCEM curriculum which itself is organised into SLOs (Specialty Learning Outcomes). The combined MRCEM examinations cover SLOs 1-7 & 9 with the MRCEM SBA covering SLO1 and SLOs 3-7. The exam structure and blueprint is shown in detail in the section below.

MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam dates

When is the next sitting of the MRCEM SBA?

MRCEM Examination Fees

How much does the MRCEM SBA cost?

This depends on your status as an RCEM member and if you are UK based or international. The fees for 2025 are shown in the table below:

FAQ's

What is the pass rate for the MRCEM Intermediate SBA?

The percentage of candidates sitting the MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam who pass is typically 45-50%

What is the format of the MRCEM Intermediate SBA exam?

The MRCEM Intermediate SBA consists of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions delivered in two 120 minute papers with 90 questions per paper.

How is the exam structured?

A SLO (Specialty Learning Outcome) typically describes a broad learning goal that can often be applied to several different parts of the clinical syllabus. The SLOs being examined in the MRCEM SBA follow the blueprint below

Curriculum Category	Syllabus categories/highlighted descriptors	Questions
SLO 1 Complex stable patient	Allergy Cardiology Dermatology Ear, nose and throat Elderly care / frailty Endocrinology Environmental emergencies Gastroenterology and hepatology Haematology Infectious diseases Maxillofacial / dental Mental Health Musculoskeletal (non-traumatic) Nephrology Neurology Obstetrics & Gynaecology Oncological Emergencies Ophthalmology Pain & sedation Pharmacology and poisoning Respiratory Sexual health Surgical emergencies Urology Vascular	55
SLO3 Resuscitate ACCS LO8 organ failure (Excluding major trauma)	Resuscitation Palliative and end of life care Trauma Including other clinical presentations	40
SLO4 Injured patient	Pain and sedation Major trauma including other clinical presentations	30
SLO5 PEM All clinical syllabus categories as applicable to PEM and additional PEM specific categories	Neonatal emergencies Safeguarding and psychosocial emergencies in children	25
SLO6 Procedural skills (ACCS) ACCS LO7 basic anaesthetic care	Advanced airway management Chest drain External pacing Fracture/ dislocation manipulation Lumbar puncture Pain and sedation POCUS Vascular access in emergency- IO, femoral vein Wound management	20
SLO7 Complex or challenging situations	Legislation and legal framework Organ/tissue donation Information governance Safeguarding Evidence and guidelines	10

What are the eligibility criteria for the MRCEM intermediate SBA?

New eligibility criteria for all MRCEM and FRCEM exams have been introduced for exams taking place in 2025 onwards. MRCEM SBA applicants must:

• Hold a PMQ accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC)
• Have a current full medical registration with a license to practice
• Have 2 years medical experience post primary medical degree level qualification (including internship/house jobs completed post-degree)
• Have passed the MRCEM Primary

How many times can I attempt the MRCEM intermediate SBA?

Candidates can have a maximum of six attempts at each MRCEM exam component, and a maximum of four attempts at FRCEM exam components.

Candidates will have seven years to complete all MRCEM exams. After completing MRCEM, candidates will then have seven years to take and pass their first FRCEM exam, and seven years to complete FRCEM exams once they have passed their first FRCEM component.

Where can i get more information on the MRCEM intermediate SBA?

The RCEM has lots of useful information on the MRCEM SBA. Links to their resources are shown in the footer along with other vaulable revision tools.

How do I apply for the MRCEM intermediate SBA?

Each exam sitting has a 7 day application window. The application window opens at 10am UK time (7 days before the deadline date shown in the table above) and closes at 4pm UK time on the closing date. Applications can be filled in at the RCEM application page The RCEM has an email reminder service so you don't miss the application window. You can sign up for email reminders here