The intercollegiate MRCS (ENT) tests the knowledge, clinical and communication skills and professional attributes expected of a doctor intending to join an otolaryngology department in a trainee position.

The MRCS (ENT) examination consists of two parts; the MRCS Part A (MCQ) and the MRCS (ENT) OSCE.

The MRCS Part A is a five-hour single best answer MCQ examination consisting of a three-hour paper (Applied Basic Science) followed by a two-hour paper (Principles of Surgery in General), taken on the same day. The MRCS (ENT) OSCE is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), lasting approximately three-and-a-half hours. Passing both leads to the award of the MRCS (ENT).

You are strongly advised to read the guide below before sitting the MRCS (ENT) examination. It covers the following key topics:

  • topics and skills that may be examined
  • entry requirements
  • Exam format and duration
  • candidate admittance and conduct
  • results

Syllabus and recommended reading

MRCS (ENT) Content Guide

This document provides a full breakdown of the MRCS (ENT) syllabus and the recommended reading required for the examination. The document also provides essential information on the format of both MRCS Part A and the MRCS (ENT) OSCE, and our standard-setting process.


Remote exam delivery - Candidate Resources

From October 2020, the written component of the MRCS (ENT) OSCE will be delivered remotely using the Practique system provided by Fry-IT, with remote proctoring services being provided by ProctorExam. Below are some important resources to aid candidates in preparing to take the exam on their own device:

This resource outlines information about the online exam process and gives links to information about setting up the exam environment for remote proctoring:

MRCS (ENT) OSCE written component online exam process information 

This resource provides guidance about the minimum system requirements for your device to take the exam:

Minimum system requirements Guidance for Candidates

This resource provides guidance about the pre-exam checks in relation to ProctorExam you will need to do:

PROCTOREXAM Pre checks

This resource provides some additional notes about the exam-day actions and guidelines and provides answer to Frequently Asked Questions about the Practique and ProctorExam systems that will be used to deliver the written component of the MRCS (ENT) OSCE:

Additional notes for candidates and FAQs  

This resource is a how-to guide for candidates to give them information about how the Practique exam system and ProctorExam will work on the day of the exam:

PROCTOREXAM Practique On The Day Guide

This resource is a GDPR consent form for the ProctorExam system that candidates must read, sign and return to the College to whom they applied for the MRCS (ENT) OSCE:

PROCTOREXAM GDPR Consent form 

Candidate guidance

MRCS ENT OSCE Candidate Guidance Notes

This document provides candidates with information relating to the MRCS (ENT) OSCE exam including the format of the exam, assessment domains, the marking and standard setting process, misconduct regulations and the release of results.


Privacy policy notice

From October 2020, the written component of the MRCS (ENT) OSCE will be delivered remotely using Practique, a computer-based exam system provided by Fry-IT, with remote proctoring provided by ProctorExam. Please read the Privacy Policy below for details of how personal data collected in the system will be used:

ICBSE MRCS (ENT) written online Exams Privacy Policy Notice