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The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) is a prestigious postgraduate qualification for doctors who dream of a global career with high earnings. This exam is divided into two parts: MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written and Part 2 OSCE. The Part 2 Written exam is conducted to test the candidates’ knowledge in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, while the MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE assesses the diagnosis, investigation, clinical, and communication skills. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes the OSCE exam more challenging than the written exam.
MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written: Exam Structure and Eligibility
As mentioned above, the MRCPI OBG 2 Written exam contains questions specifically designed to assess candidates’ knowledge in obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as other relevant aspects of medical disciplines. The exam structure is as follows:
Mode of examination: Computer-based written test
- Number of papers: 1
- Frequency: Twice annually (March and September)
- Number of questions: 100 SBAs in BOF format
- Exam Duration: Three hours
- Marking System: No negative marking
Now, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria for MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written:
RCPI does not conduct a phase 1 examination specifically for MRCPI OBG. You are eligible to attend the Part 2 Written exam if you have any of these qualifications.
- MRCOG Part 1 (exemption from MRCOG Part 1 is not accepted)
- RCPI Professional Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (only awarded from 2022 onwards)
- MRCPI Part 1 (General Medicine or Paediatrics) obtained within the last six years.
- MRACOG (Australia)
- MRNZCOG (New Zealand)
- FCOG (SA)
- FCPS (O&G) (Pakistan)
- MRANZCOG
- MMed (O&G) (Malaysia)- 2008 onwards only.
You should also have:
- Completed 18 months of post-registration training in recognised posts, with 9 months in Obstetrics and 9 months in Gynaecology (or in combined posts)
- Not exceeded six times.
MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE: Exam Structure and Eligibility
This is the final gateway to achieving the prestigious RCPI membership. This Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) tests the candidates’ communication, diagnosis, investigation, and clinical skills.
- Mode of Examination: Objective Structured Clinical Exam
- Number of cases: 7 short cases and 1 long case
- Duration: 10 minutes per station
The eligibility criteria for MRCPI OBG 2 OSCE are:
- Successful completion of MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written Exam
- Appearance for the exam within three years of passing Part 2 Written
- Ensure you pass the exam within six attempts
What Makes the MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE More Challenging?
Unlike the MRCPI OBG 2 Witten, candidates find the MRCPI Part 2 OSCE more challenging to pass, as it requires a fundamental shift from cognitive recall to behavioural competence. Here’s what makes this exam more challenging:
- Mental Shift from Written to Practical: While attending the Written exam, you are behind a safety net, which allows you to deliberate, recall guidelines, and select the correct answer from a list of options. However, in the MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE exam, you must perform all the proper medical practices while simultaneously communicating with a panicked “mother” and directing a team, all under the close watch of an examiner.
- The Practical Exam Pressure: While performing in the practical exam, you are under constant observation by examiners who critique your medical practice accuracy, your communication tone, your body language, and confidence while performing, and the strict 10-minute time limit builds mental pressure that is far different from that of the written exam.
- Communication and Empathy: This is the main difference between these two exams: the human elements. It is easy to score on a written exam by writing the facts about a particular question. However, delivering those facts in the OSCE without empathy, checking for understanding, or addressing the patient’s hidden concerns will increase the chance of failing.
Key Difference Between MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE and Part 2 Written Exam
These are the key differences between the MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written and the Part 2 OSCE
Key Difference Between MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE and Part 2 Written Exam
| Feature | MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written | MRCPI OBG Part 2 OSCE |
| Primary Focus | Theoretical Knowledge: Tests your understanding of facts, guidelines, statistics, and clinical theory. | Clinical Competence: Tests your ability to apply knowledge safely, communicate effectively, and perform skills. |
| Format | Static Assessment: Single Best Answer (SBA) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQs). | Dynamic Circuit: A circuit of active stations (typically 7 stations of 10 minutes each) involving role-players or tasks. |
| Interaction | Solitary: You interact only with a computer screen or paper. No interpersonal interaction is required. | Interactive: You interact with role-players (actors), examiners, and mannequins. |
| Time Management | Self-Paced: You manage your own time across the entire duration of the paper. You can skip and return to the questions. | Strictly Timed: The bell controls you. You have exactly 10 minutes per station, and once the bell rings, you must move on immediately. |
| Core Skills Tested | Cognitive Recall: Memory, analysis of data, and diagnostic reasoning. | Behavioural Skills: Communication, empathy, history-taking, manual technical skills, and patient safety. |
| Patient Safety | Theoretical Safety: Selecting the correct drug dose or contraindication from a list. | Practical Safety: Demonstrating safety (e.g., washing hands, checking allergies, calling for help) in real-time. |
| Preparation Style | Reading & Memorising: Focus on textbooks, guidelines, and question banks. | Role-Play & Simulation: Focus on verbalising answers, practising with study partners, and refining body language. |
| Marking | Binary: Answers are usually right or wrong. | Domain-Based: You are marked on multiple domains (e.g., Communication, Clinical Skills, Managing Concerns) within a single station. |
The Perfect Study Partner for MRCPI OBG Part 2 Written and OSCE: StudyMRCPI
You need a strategic plan to excel in MRCPI OBG Part 2, both in the Written and OSCE, and StudyMRCPI is the perfect study partner for your success.
For your written exam, StudyMRCPI offers an advanced LMS 3.0 that comes with high-yield, guideline-aligned resources to master the theory. For the OSCE exam, StudyMRCPI provides you with live circuit courses for perfect practice and detailed long courses for complete conceptual understanding, all led by MRCPI -specialists.
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Written By: Muhammed Farzeen
By : patrick
