Quick answer: international doctors can sit all three MRCEM exams. The MRCEM Primary and MRCEM SBA are computer-based and held at test centres in many countries, and the MRCEM OSCE is currently held in London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai and Hyderabad. You need a primary medical qualification accepted by the GMC. Full MRCEM is on the GMC’s list of acceptable postgraduate qualifications, so it can be a route to full GMC registration without taking PLAB, provided you also meet the GMC’s other requirements, including English language.
This guide covers eligibility, English language, where you can sit each exam, and how MRCEM fits into GMC registration. The facts come from RCEM’s MRCEM exams page and eligibility criteria, and from the GMC’s guidance on acceptable postgraduate qualifications and evidence of English.
Why international doctors choose MRCEM
- A PLAB-free route to the UK: full MRCEM is an acceptable postgraduate qualification for GMC registration.
- Most of it can be done from home: the Primary and SBA can be taken in your own country, so you only need to travel for the OSCE.
- A recognised emergency medicine qualification: it shows UK employers that you have been assessed against the RCEM curriculum.
Eligibility for international candidates
The eligibility rules are the same for everyone, wherever you trained:
| Exam | What you need |
|---|---|
| MRCEM Primary | A primary medical qualification (PMQ) accepted by the GMC. No emergency medicine experience is needed. |
| MRCEM SBA | A pass in the Primary, and completion of the UK Foundation Programme or equivalent. |
| MRCEM OSCE | Passes in the Primary and SBA, Foundation training or equivalent, and 24 months of experience, including six months in emergency medicine at a level above FY1. |
The exams must be passed in that order, and you have a maximum of six attempts at each. For more on how the three exams fit together, read MRCEM Primary vs MRCEM SBA vs OSCE: Which Exam, When?
“Or equivalent” for overseas training: RCEM does not publish a detailed list of which overseas internships or posts count as equivalent to UK Foundation training. If you are unsure whether your training or experience qualifies, contact the RCEM exams team at exams@rcem.ac.uk before you apply.
English language: two different standards
Candidates often confuse the English standard for the exams with the standard for GMC registration. They are not the same.
- For the MRCEM exams: RCEM advises IELTS Level 7 as the expected standard. It is advice about the level of English the exams assume.
- For GMC registration: the GMC requires IELTS Academic with an overall score of at least 7.5 and at least 7.0 in each of the four areas, in one sitting. Alternatively, it accepts the OET Medicine test with at least grade B in each area. Certificates are valid for two years.
The GMC also accepts some other types of evidence, such as a primary medical qualification taught and examined in English in certain circumstances. Check the GMC’s guidance for your situation, because the rules change from time to time.
Where you can sit each exam
| Exam | Where | Format |
|---|---|---|
| MRCEM Primary | Computer-based test centres worldwide | 180 SBAs in 3 hours |
| MRCEM SBA | Computer-based test centres worldwide | 180 SBAs in two 2-hour papers |
| MRCEM OSCE | London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai and Hyderabad (current RCEM list) | 16 stations of 8 minutes |
When you book, check the list of test centres for your country, as availability can vary between sittings. OSCE places at the overseas centres can fill quickly, so apply as soon as the window opens. Our MRCEM exam dates 2026–27 guide lists the sittings and application windows.
MRCEM and GMC registration
The GMC lists Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) as an acceptable postgraduate qualification. RCEM explains that doctors who hold it can apply for full GMC registration without taking the PLAB test. In practice, you will still need to:
- Pass all three MRCEM exams and be awarded MRCEM.
- Show evidence of English that meets the GMC standard (IELTS or OET, as above, or another accepted route).
- Have your qualifications verified: both your primary medical qualification and your postgraduate qualification are verified through the ECFMG’s EPIC service.
- Meet the GMC’s other requirements, such as good standing and internship or clinical experience rules.
Always check the GMC’s current guidance before applying, as requirements can change.
Some doctors also come to the UK through the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), which RCEM supports for emergency medicine. It has its own criteria, and priority is given to applicants from certain low and lower-middle income countries. See RCEM’s international pages for details.
Preparing from outside the UK
- Learn UK guidelines, not local ones. The exams follow NICE, the Resuscitation Council UK and RCEM guidance. If your hospital uses different protocols, revise from the UK versions. Our NICE guidelines and RCEM guidelines pages collect the links in one place.
- Get used to UK drug names and systems. Questions use UK drug names, units and NHS pathways such as referral and safeguarding processes.
- Practise at exam pace. With about 80 seconds per SBA question, speed matters as much as knowledge. Use timed papers, as in our 12-week MRCEM SBA revision plan.
- Avoid common traps. Read our guide to the 10 common mistakes in MRCEM SBA questions.
Summary
- International doctors with a GMC-accepted PMQ can sit all three MRCEM exams.
- The Primary and SBA are held worldwide. The OSCE is held in London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai and Hyderabad.
- RCEM advises IELTS 7 for the exams. The GMC requires IELTS Academic 7.5 overall (7.0 in each area) or OET grade B in each area for registration.
- Full MRCEM is an acceptable postgraduate qualification, so it can replace PLAB for GMC registration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sit the MRCEM exams outside the UK?
Yes. The Primary and SBA are held at computer-based test centres in many countries. The OSCE is held in London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai and Hyderabad.
Does MRCEM replace PLAB?
Full MRCEM is on the GMC’s list of acceptable postgraduate qualifications, so it can be used instead of PLAB for full registration. You still need to meet the GMC’s English language and verification requirements.
What IELTS score do I need for MRCEM?
RCEM advises IELTS Level 7 for its exams. For GMC registration you need IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each area, or OET grade B in each area.
Does my internship count as Foundation training?
RCEM accepts Foundation training “or equivalent” but does not publish a list of equivalent programmes. Contact the RCEM exams team if you are unsure.
Do I need UK experience to sit the MRCEM OSCE?
The OSCE needs 24 months of experience, including six months in emergency medicine above FY1 level. RCEM’s criteria do not say this must be in the UK, but check with RCEM how your experience will be assessed.
Next steps
Whether you are in India, Pakistan, the Gulf or anywhere else, you can start preparing today. Try our 20 free MRCEM SBA sample questions to see how UK-style SBA questions work. When you are ready, the MRCEM Pass question bank has over 2,200 questions with detailed explanations, plus timed mock tests and key facts mapped to the RCEM curriculum, all available online wherever you are. View membership plans.
Information checked against RCEM’s and the GMC’s published guidance on 30 September 2026. Requirements can change, so always confirm with RCEM and the GMC before applying.