About MRCPI Obstetrics and Gynaecology Part II OSCE/Clinical

The Part II OSCE/Clinical examination consists of an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and a clinical exam.

The OSCE has seven ten-minute stations and at least one rest station. The OSCE stations test your knowledge and understanding of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as well as problem-solving, diagnosis, investigation, treatment, clinical and communication skills. There's no patient at the rest station; it's a short break and an opportunity to prepare for the next station.

At the clinical exam, you will see one long clinical case in either Obstetrics or Gynaecology. You have 25 minutes fully observed with two examiners to take a history and examine the patient before discussing the case with the examiners.

From May 2021 the examination remains the same, however, due to current social distancing restrictions we have introduced some adjustments:

• The clinical component will be simulated, this component will not be based in a hospital and will not have patient interaction.
• This clinical exam has a duration of 25 minutes in which you will be examined by a pair of examiners on a simulated clinical case using model equipment in either Obstetrics or Gynaecology. You may also be expected to interact with a roleplayer.
• There will be no change to the format of the OSCE part of the examination apart from following social distancing protocols, hand sanitising, mask wearing, reduced numbers and the removal of rest stations. We will closely monitor all movements at the examination centre to limit close contacts.

COVID-19: Impact on RCPI exams

Clock here for the latest information on the COVID-19 impact across all exams.

Update regarding Covid vaccinations in our Clinical and OSCE exams from September 2021 until further notice:

• Full COVID vaccination for candidates, examiners and others involved in the clinical examinations of the RCPI is strongly advised.
• In the absence of that, the RCPI Examinations Team will require email confirmation of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the examination or proof of a COVID positive test in the previous nine months

Upcoming Exams

We are pleased to announce that the next MRCPI O&G OSCE/Clinical Exams are scheduled to take place on Friday 25^th & Saturday 26^th November 2022 in Muscat, Oman and only on Saturday 26^th November 2022 in Dublin, Ireland.

Applications open at 12pm on Wednesday, 3 August and close on Wednesday, 28 September at 5pm.

This exam will not take place in any other locations for this diet. These exams are only held in person, there is no online/remote option.

The next exams after this will be in 2023.

All dates and venues are subject to change due to any local or international restrictions coming into effect.

Apply for this exam

Applications are now open below from 12pm on Wednesday, 3 August and close on Wednesday, 28 September at 5pm.

You can only apply for one location.

IMPORTANT: Places in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Part II OSCE/Clinical Examination are limited, therefore you may not get a place in this exam when you first apply.

You will not be asked to pay the exam fee upon first application, if you are successful in your application you will receive an email after the final closing date for applications with a link for payment and confirmation of your place in the exam.

If we can't offer you a place in the OSCE/Clinical exam, you will be placed on a waiting list and you will be offered a place if one becomes available.

Examinations Calendar 2023

Please click the button below to visit the RCPI Examinations Calendar for 2023. This includes examination dates, application opening and closing dates and examination fees.

Application fee

The fee for MRCPI examination has increased in line with the rising costs associated with delivering the exams, effective for all exams taken after 1 August 2022. Modest fee increases are spread across the three exam components.

The fee to sit Part II OSCE/Clinical Exam is

• €820 in Ireland
• €1,420 if you are taking the exam outside Ireland

The method of payment is credit or debit card, taken at the end of the online application process.

If you require a visa

If you require a visa to sit an exam, it is your responsibility to ensure the visa application is made in sufficient time before the examination date. We have no role in granting or refusing visas. A refund will not be given if you are unable to attend the examination as a result of a visa-related problem.

How to prepare

It's important to prepare for MRCPI exams and not to underestimate how long it takes to get ready to sit your first exam. Having an understanding of how each exam is formatted and how questions are constructed will help you prepare and develop good answering strategies.

When you're preparing your study plan, make sure to refer to the curriculum for Basic Specialist Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as the MRCPI in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is based on this curriculum. It serves as a 'blueprint' for the exam.

Cancellation policy

Before you apply, please read our Cancellation policy.

Contact us

We have a dedicated examinations support team in our Dublin headquarters. They are there to guide you through your full exam journey, from application to MRCPI conferring. They are present at every exam and always happy to answer your questions.