ST EMLYN’S · FRCEM REVISION GUIDE
FRCEM revision guide
WELCOME TO THE GUIDE
Using this guide
Created by Dr Trudie Pestell, this free guide brings together revision notes, OSCE approaches and links to learning resources for the FRCEM examinations.
Start with the SBA and OSCE overview chapters, then use the station guides to organise your preparation and practise with colleagues.
The guide was first published in 2021. Use the current RCEM pages below for examination requirements, dates and fees.
Explore the guide contentsOFFICIAL RCEM RESOURCES
Current exam information
- FRCEM examinations: SBA and OSCE
- Exam calendar, application windows and fees
- Exam regulations and policies
- Emergency Medicine curriculum
- Theory exams and FAQs
- OSCE exams and FAQs
Links checked on 6 October 2026.
FROM THE AUTHOR
Trudie’s original foreword
April 2021
The original foreword and editor’s welcome are retained below as the history of the guide. Their references to the “new” curriculum, exam changes and chapter numbers describe the guide at launch in 2021.
Preparation for my FRCEM SAQ and OSCE was a fairly long process of information gathering in order to develop a set of notes to work from for the SAQ, and scripts for the OSCE which I used to practice, practice, practice!
Often, I think, we fail to appreciate the time required to gain the breadth and depth of knowledge needed to pass the new SBA and OSCE, and whilst everyone has different approaches to revision I found it really useful to try and gather everything in one place. Whilst there are a number of excellent resources available, I think a resource that attempts to gather all the information, or the links at least, in one place and focuses on the approach and technique needed to hopefully pass the exam will be a useful addition, and this is what we have aimed to do by developing this guide.
Whilst I am aware we are approaching a curriculum change, the feeling is that the knowledge and skills that will be required to pass the FRCEM exams will likely be unchanged. Where appropriate, I have been guided by the new curriculum. Whilst we endeavour to keep this guide up to date, please ensure you check the RCEM website for the most up to date exams advice.
Everything you need is accessible from the interactive contents page.
Lastly, I am just one person, if there are areas or topics that you feel haven’t been covered please email me at: [email protected].
Good luck!
April 2021
FROM THE EDITOR
Original editor’s welcome
Simon Carley · 2021
We are absolutely thrilled that Trudie has allowed us to share this incredible resource on St Emlyn's. As you use it you will realise the huge amount of work that she has singlehandedly done to make this guide as comprehensive and usable as possible: 11 Chapters, 37 individual OSCE station guides and hundreds of links to other resources.
When Trudie first shared her draft with us we discussed how she might like to take it forward: as a printed publication; a paid for e-book; or as #FOAMed content. Her reply was instantaneous – whatever will make sure the most people are able to access it.
We hope you find this guide useful. We are planning to adapt it in the future for the MRCEM examinations (and undergraduates too)
Simon