All parts of the examination are marked by two examiners, neither of whom sees the marks awarded by the other.
Module 1
Paper 1 (OSPE) is criterion-marked on the basis of model answers. Each question carries equal weight. A standard setting procedure is used to determine the notional passmark and appropriate scaling. This paper carries 60% of the available marks for Module 1.
Paper 2 is marked using the College closed marking scheme. This paper carries 40% of the available marks for Module 1.
Module 2
Paper 3 is criterion-marked on the basis of model answers. The clinical cases and journal article sections of this paper carry equal weight. This paper carries 60% of the available marks for Module 2.
The Oral examination is marked on the basis of model answers using standard mark descriptors and the College closed marking scheme. This paper carries 40% of the available marks for Module 2. The College operates an Egregious Error policy, and candidates who propose and persist in a course of action which in the examiners’ opinion is likely to result in death or serious harm to patients will be deemed to have failed.
Module 3
Dissertations are reviewed by two examiners and are graded as follows:
- A = pass
- B = modification or additional work required
- C = unacceptable.
The majority of dissertations receive a B grade from at least one examiner on first submission. Examiners’ comments are returned to the candidate. Resubmissions should include a covering letter which describes how the dissertation has been modified in response to the examiners’ comments; a resubmission which does so satisfactorily is likely to receive an A grade.
Dissertations must be of a standard equivalent to that required for peer-reviewed publication in order to achieve a Grade A.
MD or PhD theses and portfolios of published works are assessed in the first instance by the Chair of the Panel of Examiners, who will refer them to other examiners for further assessment if necessary.