Post-graduate Medical Examinations
Membership examinations are a core element of post-graduate training. Whilst all doctors will have experience of sitting exams, preparing for, and succeeding in, membership examinations whilst balancing busy clinical careers can pose unique challenges. Robust preparation gives individuals the best chance of exam success. Previously successful study techniques may need to be adapted in light of complex clinical content of the exams, and requirement to study alongside clinical work.
This simple Exam Preparation Checklist is a good starting point to ensure you are preparing well for any upcoming exam.
Remember your wellbeing whilst preparing for exams is important! Here’s a 5 Steps to Wellbeing Animation as a reminder of how to stay well.
Short Videos from Dr Julie Reid, TPD for Exam and Performance Support (West of Scotland):
For Resident Doctors: Preparing for Exams: Dr Reid provides a concise overview to help resident doctors get ready for their exams. https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1091193470
For Trainers: Helping Resident Doctors Pass Exams: Dr Reid introduces ways trainers can support their resident doctors in exam success https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1091179196
Management after Unsuccessful Examination Attempts
In medical training, unsuccessful attempts in mandatory examinations are a common reason for delayed progress in training. Examination failure is stressful for doctors due to the potentially high stakes of extension to, or release from, training, as well as the financial and psychological burden of repeat attempts. Many exam issues will be remediable with support from the local training team.
This Review Checklist after Exam Failure has been developed for use by trainees and trainers together, to help signpost to useful resources and consider adaptation to approach after an unsuccessful exam attempt.
Suggested next steps after unsuccessful examination attempt include:
First attempt – Doctors in training should arrange a meeting with their Educational Supervisor to discuss the reasons for the failure and to establish a forward plan. Educational Supervisors may wish to refer to the checklist above when conducting post-exam failure review meetings.
Two or more unsuccessful attempts – Two or more consecutive unsuccessful attempts at the same exam, should prompt consideration of the possibility of an undetected neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia. See section below about dyslexia screening.
If there are concerns that wellbeing, health, or neurodivergent conditions may be contributing to exam failure, we encourage seeking a referral to the TDWS for support.
Consider undiagnosed dyslexia
To assist doctors in identifying whether dyslexia may be a factor impacting upon their training, we recommend doctors undertake a self-funded screening assessment through Dyslexia Scotland’s approved online screening tool which can be accessed here. It costs £34.50 and takes around 1 hour to complete.
Where the screening report suggests borderline or positive indicators of underlying dyslexia, a full assessment should be requested by submitting a Contact Us form and sending a copy of the initial report to tdws@nes.scot.nhs.uk. The TDWS team will then refer the doctor for a funded assessment which may result in a formal diagnosis and aid recommendations for reasonable adjustments both in future examination sittings and the workplace.
Reasonable adjustments for exams
Doctors in training with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions are eligible for reasonable adjustments when sitting exams. While each Royal College or Faculty has its own guidelines, common adjustments include:
· 25% additional time for completing the exam to accommodate processing or cognitive delays
· Comfort breaks during the exam to manage fatigue or other physical needs
· Assistive technology or alternative exam formats to aid exam completion
· Adjustments for physical accessibility for candidates with mobility impairments
· Other specific accommodations tailored to the condition
Requests for reasonable adjustments are made directly to the College/Faculty providing the exam and are not guaranteed. Each request is carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure that appropriate support is provided, maintaining fairness and accessibility throughout the examination process.
Exam support and ARCP progression
While referral to the TDWS is not mandatory for individuals receiving a developmental outcome at their ARCP review, we strongly encourage such referrals in specific circumstances. For instance, individuals experiencing difficulties at critical progression points or those facing ARCP outcome 4, and at risk of being released from training, should consider seeking support from TDWS to address developmental needs and ensure wellbeing.
Referrals are particularly encouraged when additional support or accommodations are necessary due to factors such as wellbeing, health issues, or neurodivergent conditions impacting training or exam performance.
Useful Resources:
TDWS Exam Preparation Checklist
Review Checklist after Exam Failure
Principles of exam preparation: The Academy of Medical Royal colleges has published guidance to support individuals after exam failure. Guidance for trainers is on page 4. Going through can provide structure and identify areas of focus.
Principles for nullifying exam attempts and the provision of additional exam attempts to a candidate: These principles ensure fair and equitable examination practices.
Managing Access Arrangements for Candidates requesting adjustments in High Stakes Assessments: Colleges and Faculties have a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled candidates overcome disadvantages in assessments. These reasonable adjustments can be applied to any aspect of the assessment process, except for the core competence standards.
This page was last updated on: 19.06.2025 at 15.16
