United Kingdom
Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists - Part 1
Foundation science exam for O&G trainees. Covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology in the context of obstetrics and gynaecology.
- Exam body
- RCOG
- Frequency
- 3 times yearly
- Eligibility
- MBBS or equivalent
- Format
- Best-of-five and EMQ format (2 papers)
MRCOG Part 1: overview
Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists - Part 1 is administered by RCOG. Foundation science exam for O&G trainees. Covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology in the context of obstetrics and gynaecology.
In practical terms the assessment is delivered as Best-of-five and EMQ format (2 papers), and candidates are measured against a approximately 70%. It is scheduled 3 times yearly, so building a realistic timeline back from the sitting you intend to take is the first planning step.
Exam pattern at a glance
- Exam format
- Best-of-five and EMQ format (2 papers)
- Pass / selection standard
- Approximately 70%
- Frequency
- 3 times yearly
- Eligibility
- MBBS or equivalent
Subjects covered
Syllabus
- Anatomy (Pelvis, Obstetric Anatomy)
- Physiology (Reproductive)
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
Subject focus and weightage
Candidates who score well tend to protect time for the highest-yield areas rather than reading everything evenly. For MRCOG Part 1, the topics that repeatedly carry weight include pelvic anatomy, reproductive endocrinology, placental physiology, obgyn pharmacology. Working these to mastery first, then broadening outward, is a more reliable use of limited revision time than a single linear pass through the syllabus.
The syllabus spans core subjects including Anatomy (Pelvis, Obstetric Anatomy), Physiology (Reproductive), Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology. A blueprint-led plan - allocating study hours in proportion to how heavily each subject is examined - usually beats spending equal time on every subject.
High-yield areas
Study priorities
- Pelvic anatomy: uterine blood supply, ligaments
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Placental physiology
- ObGyn pharmacology
How to prepare
A dependable preparation cycle for MRCOG Part 1 moves through three repeating phases. Learn: build the core concept for each topic once, from structured notes, so the framework is solid before you test it. Recall: convert that understanding into durable memory with active recall and spaced repetition rather than re-reading. Practise: apply it under exam conditions with question banks, reviewing every wrong answer until you understand why the correct option wins - which for this exam is where clinical-reasoning gaps surface.
Timed, full-length practice in the exam's own format is what converts knowledge into a score: it trains pacing, and the stamina a long paper demands. Analyse each mock not just for the total but for which subjects and question-types are dragging the score, then feed that back into the next study block.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MRCOG Part 1 exam and who conducts it?
Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists - Part 1 is conducted by RCOG. Foundation science exam for O&G trainees. Covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology in the context of obstetrics and gynaecology.
What is the MRCOG Part 1 exam pattern?
The stated format is Best-of-five and EMQ format (2 papers). The pass or selection standard is Approximately 70%. Because pattern and marking can be revised between cycles, confirm the current structure on the official notification before you sit.
Who is eligible for the MRCOG Part 1?
Broadly, eligibility is: MBBS or equivalent. This is a summary only - the definitive eligibility criteria, documentation and any registration or attempt limits are published by RCOG for each sitting.
Sources and currency
Sources: official examination-body notifications and information bulletins (NBEMS, NMC, GMC, the relevant UK Royal College, USMLE/NBME, AMC, MCC and the Gulf health authorities as applicable). Exam patterns and eligibility change between cycles - always confirm the current sitting's rules, dates and fees on the official body's own notification before you apply. Last verified July 2026.
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