The Intercollegiate Specialty Examinations

The Intercollegiate Specialty Boards have now established a completely new examination format in line with the best available evidence in medical education. This represents the most fundamental change in the structure of the examinations since their inception two decades ago. The assessments in each surgical discipline have been carefully structured and designed to adequately sample each component of the relevant curriculum. The curriculum content and the standards expected at various stages of training can be viewed here. The standard tested in the Intercollegiate Specialty Examinations is that of a new consultant in the NHS.

The examination now consists of two sections:

Section 1 is a written test composed of a combination of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) in single best answer format; 1 from 5 and Extended Matching Item questions (EMI). Each paper is carefully prepared to cover those elements of curriculum content which can be best assessed in this way. A process of standard setting using an Angoff method is carried out by trained and experienced examiners and this sets the pass mark for each of the papers.

Candidates must meet the required standard in Section 1 before gaining eligibility to proceed to Section 2.

Section 2 is the clinical component of the examination. It consists of a series of carefully designed and structured interviews on clinical topics – some being scenario based (orals) and some being patient based (clinicals). Candidates will have up to three attempts to pass Section 2. The exact style is specialty specific and further details can be seen in the relevant guidance notes which can be located in the relevant section of this site. The new regulations, examination calendar, all the guidance notes for both applicants and referees and structured reference forms are available for download. Please note that applicants will still need to complete a formal (colour coded) application form for their specialty - available from the Intercollegiate Specialty Board Secretariat.

Those in current UK based training programmes can apply for the new examination. In addition access to the examination has been opened to applicants who are NOT currently in UK based higher specialist training programmes. All applicants will be considered eligible on the basis of three supportive structured references from trainers or senior colleagues on the UK or Irish Specialist Register. In the case of those currently in training one of the referees must be the trainee’s Programme Director. For those not in training one of the referees must be the applicant’s Medical/Clinical Director or Head of Department.

It is abundantly clear that the design and maintenance of an assessment system which fits the requirements of our profession is a complex and demanding task. I believe that the new examination system offers significant enhancements in terms of fairness, quality, validity and reliability. It is a real privilege to work with colleagues in all the surgical specialties who are so committed to and enthusiastic about the development and improvement of the examination programme.