Overview of role
The Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE) is seeking new members to join the Part A MCQ Paper Panel.
The panel meets six times per year and is responsible for overseeing the development, review and standard setting of the MRCS Part A examination. Members contribute specialist expertise to ensure examination content remains current, relevant and reflective of contemporary surgical practice.
We are particularly keen to receive applications from individuals with expertise in:
- Neurosurgery
- Paediatric Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Urology
Meetings are currently held remotely via Microsoft teams and in person.
Key responsibilities
Panel members will be expected to:
- Attend six panel meetings each year.
- Review and contribute to the development of Part A examination questions.
- Participate in standard setting activities.
- Review examination performance data and item analysis.
- Support the maintenance and development of the question bank.
- Provide specialist clinical input within their area of expertise.
- Assist with the review and amendment of existing questions to ensure accuracy, relevance and fairness.
- Contribute to discussions regarding examination quality assurance and assessment standards.
Members will work closely with representatives from the four Royal Surgical Colleges and the ICBSE assessment team.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants should:
- Have knowledge of the MRCS Part A examination.
- Be a current or former Consultant, or hold an equivalent senior clinical appointment.
- Be on the medical register.
- Be a member of at least one Royal Surgical College.
- Have prior examining experience (desirable)
ICBSE is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals from all backgrounds.
Activity and commitment
| Activity | Commitment |
| Panel meetings | Six meetings per year |
| Question review and development | Approximately 2-4 hours per month |
| Standard setting and quality assurance activities | As required |
| Electronic review of examination material | Periodic throughout the year |
Remuneration
This post is voluntary. Reasonable expenses incurred in undertaking approved duties will be reimbursed in accordance with the relevant expenses policy.