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The Specialty Certificate Examination in Acute Medicine (SCE) evaluates the expertise of doctors aiming for a career in acute medicine. Administered by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in the UK, this exam assesses knowledge and skills in diagnosing, managing and treating various acute medical conditions.
1. What are the eligibility requirements for taking the Acute Medicine SCE?
While there are no strict entry requirements for the Acute Medicine SCE, candidates in UK training posts typically sit the exam during their penultimate year of higher specialty training. Applicants are typically in a recognised training position, though exceptions may apply. Generally, candidates undertake the Acute Medicine SCE after completing basic medical training and advancing partway through specialty training, highlighting the importance of completing this foundational training before attempting the examination. Always consult the official JRCPTB website for the most current information.
2. How is the Acute Medicine SCE structured and what question types are asked?
The Acute Medicine SCE is a computer-based exam comprising two papers. Paper 1 is taken in the morning, followed by Paper 2 in the afternoon. Each paper lasts for three hours and there is a one-hour break between the two papers. These papers encompass 100 multiple-choice questions, all in the 'best of five' format and cover various subjects within the Acute Medicine curriculum. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge equivalent to that of a practising consultant in Acute Medicine, encompassing an understanding of basic science, clinical scenarios and pertinent guidelines and scoring systems.
The 200 questions are drawn from a question bank provided by acute physicians practising in the UK, focusing on common acute clinical issues encountered in Acute Medical Units (AMUs). The answers reflect current UK medical practice and national guidelines.
3. What resources are available to prepare for the Acute Medicine SCE?
At Learna | StudyPRN, we offer an online Acute Medicine SCE revision resource to help you prepare effectively for the exam. With our resource, you will have access to 696 Acute SCE questions that reflect the MRCP Acute Medicine SCE blueprint. Gain deeper insights beyond correct answers through instant feedback, which will provide you with detailed explanations and recommended further reading - enhancing your specialist knowledge. Our team of experts continuously review and add new Acute Medicine SCE MCQs, so you can stay ahead with the latest revision material. Enhance your learning experience by comparing responses with peers, creating online revision notes and seeking guidance from our Resource Editor. With 24/7 access, you can study at your convenience with round-the-clock access to our Acute Medicine SCE questions, requiring only an internet connection. What’s more, if you wish to try the resource before committing, we offer a free trial of the Acute Medicine SCE revision resource - no card details are required.
4. How often is the Acute Medicine SCE offered and how do I register for it?
The Acute Medicine SCE is offered every nine months. To register for the exam, you must apply within the specified application period and ensure any reasonable adjustment requests are submitted by the designated deadline. All SCEs are conducted by Pearson VUE at test centres located in the UK or internationally.
For UK candidates, the registration process entails:
- Online registration via My MRCP(UK), where candidates can also request any necessary special arrangements
- Payment of the examination fee
- Selection of a test centre through Pearson VUE
International candidates follow a similar process:
- Online registration through My MRCP(UK) with the option to request special arrangements
- Selection of the test country and city
- Payment of the applicable examination fee
- Test centre booking by Pearson VUE on behalf of international candidates, with the test centre confirmation sent three weeks before the exam date
5. How is the Acute Medicine SCE scored and what is the passing grade?
The scoring system for the Acute Medicine SCE is dynamic and subject to annual adjustments. It's crucial to understand that the pass mark can vary from year to year. For instance, in the 2022 SCE in Acute Medicine, the pass mark was determined by equating it with the performance of UK trainees in 2019, excluding the OTH group. Following a review of examination standards in February 2022, the pass score was raised from 449 to 493. Subsequently, all upcoming examinations will adhere to the 493 passing score until further revisions by the Acute Medicine SCE Examination Board.
6. What happens if I fail the Acute Medicine SCE? Can I retake it?
In line with MRCP SCE regulations, candidates have up to six attempts for each SCE Examination, as stipulated by the GMC. Should a candidate fail to pass after these attempts, additional educational experiences are mandated for each subsequent retake. Evidence of these experiences must be provided as part of the retake process.
7. How does passing the Acute Medicine SCE affect my career in acute medicine?
Passing the Acute Medicine SCE is pivotal for demonstrating your proficiency in this specialised area. It opens doors for career advancement opportunities in Acute Medicine, both domestically and internationally. Successfully clearing this exam empowers healthcare practitioners to explore diverse avenues within Acute Medicine, enabling them to play a significant role in providing crucial care to patients in acute medical settings.
8. What is the format of the Acute Medicine SCE?
The Acute Medicine SCE comprises questions spanning the curriculum, outlined in a predetermined blueprint. Some of the topics covered in the blueprint include cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, hepatology and respiratory medicine. These topics are indicative of the breadth of content assessed in the examination, with questions distributed across both papers. The full blueprint can be found here.
9. Conclusion
In summary, the Acute Medicine SCE stands as a pivotal evaluation for healthcare practitioners, encompassing critical assessments of their proficiency in diagnosing, managing and treating diverse acute medical conditions. Diligent preparation is key to conquering this examination, which is available every 9 months only. Leveraging reliable revision materials, such as the Acute Medicine SCE resource offered by Learna | StudyPRN, will significantly enhance your readiness, minimising the risk of exam failure and the need for resitting.