POSTGRADUATE EXAMS
A summary of Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialisation exams for trainees in Ireland.
For more details about the exams, click on the links for the respective exams.
For more advice on learning resources, your senior trainees can be a fountain of knowledge!
PART 1 MEMBERSHIP OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS & GYNAECOLOGY (MRCOG)
This is the starting point to attaining your Obstetrics & Gynaecology memberships in Ireland and UK. You will need to pass this exam before you can attempt the Part 2 MRCOG or the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology exam.
This exam is accepted as an equivalent to MRCPI Part 1 when you are assessed on your eligibility to attempt MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology. However, as MRCPI Part 1 is not accepted as equivalent for Part 2 MRCOG; MRCOG Part 1 is the recommended exam for those considering a career in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
There is a strong emphasis on basic medical science subjects; so it is advisable to attempt it not long after graduating medical school. You can start attempting this exam during your internship or first SHO year.
DIPLOMA IN OBSTETRICS & WOMEN'S HEALTH (DOWH)
Since November 2019, it has been redeveloped into 19 modules that will take approximately 6 months to complete. Completion of all modules and passing the end-of-module assessments will lead to a RCPI postgraduate qualification in obstetrics and gynaecology.
DIPLOMA OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS & GYNAECOLOGISTS (DRCOG)
The UK version of DOWH aimed at General Practitioners trainees with a special interest in Women's Health. It can also be attempted by Obstetrics & Gynaecology trainees before they are eligible to attempt the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
There is no specific period of training required before attempting this exam.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL PHYSICIANS OF IRELAND (MRCPI) OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
Held in 5 different locations throughout the world, this exam is a requirement for entry into Higher Specialist Training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Ireland. You will need to attain MRCOG Part 1 or MRCPI Part 1 before you can attempt MRCPI in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Aside from that, there is a requirement for at least 2 years of clinical experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology before you attempt this exam.
PART 2 & 3 MEMBERSHIP OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS & GYNAECOLOGY (MRCOG)
The gold standard qualification for career progression in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, it is the target of trainees in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on completion of their specialisation training.
Part 2 MRCOG is a written assessment held in a number of locations in the world while Part 3 MRCOG is a clinical-skills based assessment held only in UK.
EUROPEAN FELLOW OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY EXAM (EFOG-EBCOG)
The EFOG-EBCOG Examination consists of 2 parts:
- Part 1: Knowledge Based Assessment (KBA)
- Part 2: Clinical Skills Assessment (OSCE)
When both parts of the examination have been passed the certificate of the EFOG-EBCOG will be awarded.
Passing the exam does not confer or imply a license to practice obstetrics or gynaecology in any country of Europe or elsewhere, but successful candidates become EBCOG Fellows in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EFOG-EBCOG) and will be given a certificate of Fellowship