The MRCOG part 1 exam is an important test for doctors who want to become specialists in women’s health and childbirth. This computer-based test checks your basic knowledge in medical sciences related to obstetrics and gynecology. Knowing how the exam works and what happens on test day can help you feel more confident and do better. In this article, we discuss the structure of the MRCOG Part 1 Exam and what to expect on Test Day
What is the MRCOG Part 1 Exam Format?
The Mrcog part 1 has a clear structure designed to test your medical knowledge step by step. This exam has two separate papers, and each paper has 100 multiple-choice questions. Both papers are taken on computers at special test centers around the world.
Each paper takes exactly 2.5 hours to complete. This means you will spend 5 hours total taking the test. Between the two papers, you get a one-hour lunch break to rest and eat. Both papers are equally important, and each counts for 50% of your final score.
Key Exam Components
The exam structure includes several important parts that you need to know:
- Total Questions: 200 questions across both papers
- Question Distribution: 100 questions in each paper
- Time Allocation: 150 minutes for each paper
- Break Period: One hour break between papers
- Marking System: No points taken away for wrong answers
Single Best Answer Question Format
The MRCOG part 1 exam only uses Single Best Answer questions. These replaced older question types that were used before. Each question shows you a medical situation and then gives you five possible answers labeled A, B, C, D, and E.
You must pick the one best answer from these five choices. Sometimes more than one answer might seem right, but only one is the best choice based on current medical knowledge. This question style tests both what you know and how well you can think through medical problems.
Time Management Strategy
With 100 questions to answer in 150 minutes, you have about 1.5 minutes for each question. Managing your time well is very important for success. The computer system lets you mark questions to come back to later if you have time.
Since wrong answers don’t lose you points, you should try to answer every question. Even if you’re not sure about an answer, making a good guess can only help your score.
Core Knowledge Areas Tested
The Mrcog part 1 covers 15 main knowledge areas divided into four groups:
Understanding Cell Function includes how the body works, hormones, and body chemistry. This section tests how organs work, especially the reproductive system, hormone processes, and chemical reactions in cells.
Understanding Human Structure focuses on body structure, how babies develop, and genetics. Questions here test your knowledge of reproductive anatomy, baby development, and genetic factors that affect women’s health.
Understanding Measurement and Manipulation includes medical physics, health statistics, data reading, and drug knowledge. This section checks if you can read medical data and understand how medicines work.
Understanding Illness covers immune system, germs, disease processes, and treatment methods. These areas test your knowledge of diseases, infections, and treatment approaches for women’s health.
Test Day Experience and Procedures
On exam day, you must arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Coming early gives you enough time to check in and helps reduce stress before the exam.
The test centers provide a professional environment with computer stations and proper supervision. Staff members watch candidates to make sure the exam is fair and follows the rules.
What to Bring
Important items for test day include:
- Valid photo ID from the government
- Exam confirmation details
- Comfortable clothes for different room temperatures
You cannot bring phones, bags, or study notes into the testing area. Test centers have safe storage for your personal items during the exam.
Scoring and Pass Mark Determination
The MRCOG part 1 exam uses a special method to decide the passing score. A group of experts looks at each question and decides how hard it is and how important it is for medical practice.
The passing score usually ranges between 60-70% but changes with each exam based on how difficult the questions are. This approach makes sure the test is fair across different exam sessions.
Recent pass rates have been between 25-35% per exam, with some improvement to 50-60% in recent years. Your combined score from both papers decides if you pass, and there’s no minimum score needed for each individual paper.
Preparation Tips for Success
To get ready for the MRCOG part 1 exam, you should have a good study plan. You should also practice with sample questions often. Focus on key topics like how the body works for reproduction, the anatomy of the pelvis, and how medicines work. These topics are often in the exam.
Going over your notes often helps you remember things and see what you need to study more. Practice exams help you get used to how the real test feels and get better at managing your time.
Conclusion
Knowing how the MRCOG part 1 exam is set up and what happens on test day gives you a great start for studying. The test is on a computer and has 200 questions in two parts. It checks all your knowledge in medical topics. If you prepare well, manage your time smartly, and know what to expect, you can feel confident on test day and have the best chance to pass.