Intercollegiate MRCS Part A | Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Overview

MRCS Part A is a written examination that tests the applied knowledge of basic sciences and of principles of surgery in general. It is held online at a Pearson VUE test centre.

The Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) qualification is recognised by the four Surgical Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland. The assessment is run jointly with the other Colleges of Surgeons in the UK and Ireland through the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE).

Award of the diploma indicates that a candidate has enhanced their knowledge, understanding, experience and clinical competence well beyond primary qualification level.

This assessment is a key step for surgical trainees seeking to demonstrate their core surgical competence before progressing to MRCS Part B and ultimately to full membership of our College.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 30 October 2025.

Apply now for MRCS Part A

Sit your exam with us

By choosing the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for your MRCS exams, you can access many benefits.

Exam package

Digital learning materials
Video lectures
Guidance to help you feel exam ready

Outstanding exam environment

Choice of a Pearson VUE test centre that's convenient to you
Specific exam dates, to help you plan your time

Pathway to College membership

Successful candidates are eligible for College membership
Members can use the postnominal MRCS(Glasg)

Exam preparation

Our digital learning course for MRCS Part A consists of a combination of supporting materials and a number of video lectures delivered by a topic specialist to help you prepare for the MRCS Part A examination.

The course provides guidance on the format of the exam. It gives a broad understanding of the major topics in the syllabus through video lecture and knowledge checks. Plus there is a platform to allow discussion and questions.

For trainees anticipating a career in surgery and preparing for basic surgical examinations, we recommend completing our in-person one-day Essential Surgical Skills Course and/or our two-day Basic Surgical Skills Course.

Key details

All the important information that you need to know about the MRCS Part A exam.

Content

Application status: Open
Closing date: 30 October 2025
Examination date: 21 January 2026
Exam centre venue: Pearson VUE test centres
Fee: £625

Apply now for MRCS Part A

Follow these steps to apply for the MRCS Part A exam through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Create an account
– If you don't already have an account, register via the College's online portal.
Log in to apply
– Select your preferred exam date from the drop-down list above and click 'Apply now' to be taken to the online portal login page. Enter your email and password to log in.
Choose your examination diet
– Select the exam centre from the list. Exams are delivered online at Pearson VUE test centres - information on how to book a test centre will be provided once your application has been processed.
Submit your application
– Complete all required fields and upload any supporting documentation if requested.
Make payment
– Pay the exam fee securely online. You'll receive confirmation and further instructions by email.

To apply for the MRCS Part A examination, you must meet the following criteria:

Hold a primary medical qualification accepted by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) or the Medical Council in Ireland, or that is acceptable to the Colleges.

There is no requirement to complete any specific number of years in surgical training before applying.

The Part A examination is an online examination held at a Pearson VUE test centre.
The College may either cancel an examination centre if there are insufficient candidates or restrict numbers should this be necessary.
In the unlikely event that the College has to cancel an examination, the examination fee shall be reimbursed, but the College shall incur no further liability.
Fees are correct at the time of publication. The College may amend these fees prior to the closing date.
Important notice for candidates in India regarding examination fees: Please be informed that an additional 18% tax has been applied to examination fees for candidates sitting the examinations in India. This tax is mandated by local Indian tax regulations and is not determined by the College.