What to expect on exam day
Candidates are expected to arrive at test centres at least 30 minutes before the examination is due to start. Candidates who arrive late will not be able to take the examination and will not normally be able to claim a refund of fees.
Identification
On arrival at a centre candidates must provide:
- two identification documents, one showing their name, photograph and signature (i.e. a valid passport or UK photocard driving licence), the other their name and signature (e.g. a credit card)
- proof of identity must match examination registration details
- proof that they have registered and paid for the examination.
Candidates who do not provide identity documents which match examination registration details will be unable to sit the examination. If the names are different (e.g. one is their maiden name and the other their married name), candidates must present an original official document that links the two names (e.g. a marriage certificate). If proof cannot be provided, the candidate will not be permitted to take the examination as Pearson VUE must be sure the person sitting the examination is the person who registered with the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.
Test room
Please be aware that candidates will be taking the exam in a centre where other tests are taking place, the centre will not be exclusively for SCE candidates.
Candidates will not be permitted to take anything into the test room where the examination is taking place. This includes:
- any electronic or electrical equipment (including mobile phones and pagers)
- paper of any kind
- bags and coats
- purses and wallets
- food and drink (water)
- non-essential medicines.
The test centres provide water and secure lockers for the storage of candidates’ belongings. Wipe-clean board and pens are available for each candidate for any workings out. Candidates may leave the room temporarily but no additional time will be allowed to complete the assessment.
There is a one-hour break between papers 1 and 2. Candidates will be permitted to leave the test centre but anyone who returns late will be not be allowed into the test room.
Delivery of exams
We recognise that examinations are an important and sometimes stressful experience for candidates, and we do all we can to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Sometimes things can go wrong, but we have tried and tested procedures in place to ensure that all candidates have a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge being tested.
At our Part 1 and Part 2 Written examinations, by pencil-and-paper, we have trained invigilators to manage any problems that may occur. At our SCEs, administered by our test provider Pearson VUE, any technical or other issues that may arise should be immediately brought to the attention of the Test Administrator. Minor issues are normally rectified quickly and without significant impact.
If you experience any problems taking an SCE please alert us as soon as possible by emailing us at: sce.queries@mrcpuk.org and provide the following details:
- your name
- RCP number
- centre you sat the exam
- details of the problem.
In this way you can ensure that we are fully aware of any incidents and where there is evidence that a candidate’s performance has been affected we will make sure that appropriate steps are taken.
Please be assured, on the rare occasion where technical or other issues do prove significant, we have put contingency plans in place to minimise their impact, ensure results are not delayed, and make sure that all candidates are treated fairly.
Security
There will be identity checks and test centres operate closed circuit television cameras.