The MRCEM Primary exam is a key milestone for anyone pursuing Emergency Medicine in the UK. This guide breaks down when to sit the exam, costs, booking tips, format, and what to expect on the day. It also shares practical revision strategies, including question banks, high-yield topics, and study planning, helping you prepare effectively, reduce stress, and maximise your chances of passing first time.

This guide shares a foundation doctor’s experience of sitting MRCS Part A during FY2, covering optimal timing, revision strategy, question banks (Pastest, eMRCS, Teach Me Anatomy), exam costs, booking tips, and what to expect on the day. It offers practical advice on balancing shift work with revision, improving anatomy and physiology knowledge, and preparing for Core Surgical Training (CST) applications, with honest reflections on results, stress management, and exam success