MRCOG Exam Dates 2026: Complete Schedule for Part 1, 2 & 3

This post is out of date

This post covered the 2026 sittings, most of which have now taken place. For the 2027 exam dates, use our exam calendar, which we keep up to date from the dates the RCOG publishes.

See the current MRCOG exam calendar, including 2027

Planning your MRCOG preparation starts with knowing when the exams are. Here is the complete schedule for all three parts of the MRCOG examination in 2026, including registration deadlines and preparation timelines.

MRCOG Part 1: 2026 Dates

  • January sitting: typically mid-January. Registration opens approximately 3 months before.
  • June sitting: typically mid-June. Registration opens approximately 3 months before.

Part 1 consists of 200 SBAs across 2 papers. Pass rate is historically 30-40%. Fee: £580 (UK) / £635 (international).

MRCOG Part 2: 2026 Dates

  • January sitting: typically mid-January.
  • July sitting: typically early July.

Part 2 consists of 100 SBAs + 100 EMQs across 2 papers. Pass rate is historically 40-50%. The EMQ component carries 60% of the marks.

MRCOG Part 3 (OSCE): 2026 Dates

  • May sitting: typically mid-May.
  • November sitting: typically mid-November.

Part 3 consists of 14 OSCE tasks, each 12 minutes including 2 minutes of reading time. Tasks include patient tasks, colleague tasks, and structured discussions.

How to Plan Your Preparation Timeline

Most successful candidates recommend 6 months of dedicated preparation for Part 1, 4-6 months for Part 2, and 3-4 months for Part 3. Working backwards from your chosen exam date:

  • Months 1-3: systematic coverage of all knowledge areas, building your question bank
  • Months 4-5: focused revision of weak topics, intensive question practice with spaced repetition
  • Month 6: mock exams, timed practice, final review of high-yield topics

Registration Tips

  • Register early, as popular centres fill up quickly, especially international centres
  • Check the RCOG website for the exact registration opening and closing dates each year
  • Ensure your GMC/medical registration documents are up to date before applying
  • International candidates: allow extra time for document verification

Start your preparation today with MRCOG AI. Free: 5 days full access, then 50 questions. No card. You get AI-powered explanations and spaced repetition to go with it.

MRCOG AI is an independent educational tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).