MRCS Part A vs Part B: What Changes and How to Bridge the Gap

Passing Part A is a big step, but Part B tests something different. Here is how the two parts compare and how to adjust your preparation.

Part A: a written exam

MRCS Part A is a multiple-choice exam with two papers: applied basic sciences (anatomy, physiology and pathology) and principles of surgery in general. It tests what you know.

Part B: a clinical OSCE

Part B is an objective structured clinical examination. Around a circuit of short stations you are assessed on applied knowledge (anatomy, surgical pathology, and applied surgical science and critical care) and applied skills (clinical examination, procedures, history taking and communication). It tests how you apply what you know, in front of an examiner and against the clock.

The main differences

• From recognising to explaining. In Part A you pick the right answer. In Part B you have to say it clearly and defend it.
• From knowledge to behaviour. Communication, professionalism and patient safety are marked directly.
• From hours to minutes. Each station lasts around nine minutes, so a rehearsed structure is essential.
• Two domains to pass. You must pass both the knowledge and the skills domains.

How to bridge the gap

1. Turn your Part A notes into spoken answers: explain each anatomy region or pathology topic out loud in two minutes.
2. Learn examination routines on real people, not from diagrams.
3. Start communication practice early. It takes the longest to improve.
4. Sit a mock with examiners a few weeks before the exam.

Starting out? Try our free Part A anatomy revision, then move on to the Part B OSCE lecture series.