Congratulations on clearing MRCOG Part 2! You’re now one step closer to earning your membership in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The final hurdle — MRCOG Part 3 — requires a different approach as it assesses clinical skills, communication, and applied knowledge. To help you succeed, here are five must-know tips to ace MRCOG Part 3.

Table of Contents

1. Understand the Exam Format Thoroughly

MRCOG Part 3 is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with 14 stations, each lasting 10 minutes. The exam tests your ability to handle real-world clinical scenarios, including:

Communication with patients and colleagues
Data interpretation
Clinical decision-making
Ethical considerations

Each station is designed to assess the core competencies required of a safe and effective obstetrician and gynaecologist. Familiarizing yourself with the structure will help you manage time effectively and reduce exam anxiety.

2. Develop Strong Communication Skills

Clear, empathetic, and structured communication is critical in MRCOG Part 3. You’ll be assessed on how well you interact with patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals. To excel:

Practice active listening and use layman’s terms when speaking to patients.
Show empathy and reassure patients when delivering sensitive information.
Organize your response logically, starting with a greeting, followed by assessment, management plan, and patient education.

Practicing with a study partner or recording yourself can help you refine your communication skills.

3. Master Clinical Guidelines and Evidence-Based Practice

The examiners expect you to apply the latest RCOG guidelines when managing cases. Keep yourself updated with:

Green-top Guidelines
NICE Guidelines
WHO Recommendations

Familiarizing yourself with common clinical scenarios such as pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and gestational diabetes will improve your ability to answer confidently.

4. Simulate Exam Conditions with Mock OSCEs

Practicing in a simulated exam setting is one of the best ways to prepare. Consider joining a study group or enrolling in a formal MRCOG OSCE course. When practicing:

Time yourself to complete stations within 10 minutes.
Role-play different examiner and patient interactions.
Get feedback from peers and mentors to identify areas for improvement.

Simulating real exam conditions will boost your confidence and improve your performance under pressure.

5. Stay Calm and Confident on Exam Day

Exam stress can affect performance, but a calm and composed approach will help you think clearly. To stay confident:

Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the exam center.
Take deep breaths and maintain a positive mindset before each station.
If you struggle with one station, move on and focus on the next one.

Remember, MRCOG Part 3 is not just about knowledge — it’s about demonstrating your clinical competence and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Clearing MRCOG Part 3 requires dedication, practice, and confidence. By understanding the exam format, improving communication skills, mastering guidelines, practicing with mock OSCEs, and maintaining composure, you can increase your chances of success. Keep pushing forward, and soon you’ll achieve your goal of becoming an MRCOG certified obstetrician and gynaecologist!

Best of luck with your MRCOG Part 3 journey!

MRCOG Part 2 Cleared? 5 Must-Know Tips to Nail Part 3!