MRCEM Primary revision: how to plan your preparation

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MRCEM Primary is the first exam in the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM). It tests the basic sciences behind emergency medicine. This guide sets out the exam format, a 12-week MRCEM Primary revision plan and how to use practice questions well.

Exam facts come from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and were checked on 11 October 2026. Confirm details on the RCEM MRCEM exams page.

The MRCEM Primary exam

  • 180 single best answer questions in one 3-hour paper.
  • Computer-based, at test centres worldwide, with sittings in April and October.
  • You need a primary medical qualification accepted by the GMC, and provisional or full registration.
  • The 2026 fee for a UK member is £429.

The syllabus changes in 2027

From the 21 April 2027 sitting, MRCEM Primary uses RCEM's new Basic Sciences Syllabus. The 27 October 2026 sitting uses the current curriculum. Check which one applies to your sitting before you plan. Source: RCEM news, 3 August 2026.

A 12-week MRCEM Primary revision plan

  1. Weeks 1 to 2: read the syllabus for your sitting and list every topic. Take a short diagnostic set of questions to find your weak areas.
  2. Weeks 3 to 8: work through the topics one at a time. Read, then answer questions on that topic the same day, and review every explanation, including for questions you got right.
  3. Weeks 9 to 10: mixed question sets under time pressure, aiming for the pace of 180 questions in 3 hours.
  4. Weeks 11 to 12: full timed mocks, then targeted review of the topics you still miss.

Using a question bank well

  • Read the explanation for every question, not only the ones you got wrong.
  • Flag questions you guessed and return to them a week later.
  • Track your scores by topic so revision time goes where you need it most.

MRCEM Primary Pro question bank

Next steps

The MRCEM Primary Pro question bank has exam-style questions with chapter-wise notes and detailed explanations, from £40 for 30 days. After Primary, move on to the MRCEM SBA Pro question bank and then the MRCEM OSCE. Our MRCEM exam guide covers all three stages.

Kung Medics is an independent training provider. It is not part of, or endorsed by, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in MRCEM Primary?

180 single best answer questions in one 3-hour paper, according to RCEM on 11 October 2026.

Is the MRCEM Primary syllabus changing?

Yes. From the 21 April 2027 sitting, MRCEM Primary uses RCEM's new Basic Sciences Syllabus. The 27 October 2026 sitting uses the current curriculum.

How long should I revise for MRCEM Primary?

Many candidates plan around 12 weeks alongside work. Adjust the plan to your starting point and the time you have each week.

Do I need full GMC registration to sit MRCEM Primary?

No. RCEM accepts provisional or full registration for MRCEM Primary, with a primary medical qualification accepted by the GMC.

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