MRCS (ENT) exam is being phased out by the ICBSE and the four Surgical Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland.
This is pending approval from the GMC.
The goal is to standardise assessments between Core Surgical Training and Higher Surgical Training across all surgical specialties.
The final MRCS (ENT) OSCE exam will be held in February 2026.
Transition Plan:
Candidates have five more opportunities to take the MRCS (ENT) exam, starting with the October 2024 sitting.
First-time candidates must apply by August 15, 2024, to make the most of these attempts (4 regular + 1 discretionary attempt).
After October 2024, candidates will have fewer opportunities but can still apply for the remaining sittings.
Alternative Path:
Candidates entering ENT Higher Surgical Training who haven’t passed MRCS (ENT) by February 2026 must take the MRCS Part B exam to exit Core Surgical Training.
Candidates may now choose to take MRCS Part B instead of MRCS (ENT) OSCE if preferred.