100+ Free MRCS Part A Practice Questions
Pass your MRCS Part A (Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons Part A) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
A patient with a long-standing groin lump has a biopsy showing a tumour composed of mature adipocytes. This benign tumour of fat is best termed a:
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Sample MRCS Part A Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your MRCS Part A exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A patient sustains a mid-shaft fracture of the humerus. Which nerve is most at risk of injury, leading to wrist drop and loss of extension at the wrist and fingers?
2During an open inguinal hernia repair, the surgeon must protect the structures within the spermatic cord. Which of the following is NOT a normal content of the spermatic cord in the male?
3A surgeon ligates a vessel close to the lower border of the first rib. Which structure marks the point where the subclavian artery becomes the axillary artery?
4A thyroidectomy is complicated by injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. What is the expected clinical consequence?
5Which vertebral level corresponds to the transpyloric plane of Addison, an important surgical landmark for the pylorus, neck of pancreas and fundus of the gallbladder?
6A patient develops a deep neck space infection. The retropharyngeal space communicates inferiorly with which structure, allowing spread of infection?
7During a difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which structure forms the anterior boundary of the epiploic foramen (foramen of Winslow)?
8A patient requires emergency cricothyroidotomy. The incision is made through the cricothyroid membrane, which lies between which two cartilages?
9A surgeon performing an appendicectomy notes the base of the appendix. The base of the appendix is reliably located at the convergence of which structures?
10Which of the following arteries provides the dominant blood supply to the femoral head in the adult, and is therefore most threatened by an intracapsular neck of femur fracture?
About the MRCS Part A Exam
MRCS Part A is the written, computer-based knowledge stage of the intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons examination, common to all four UK and Ireland surgical Royal Colleges. It consists of two single best answer MCQ papers totalling 300 questions, sat on one day, and tests applied basic science and principles of surgery to the standard expected two to three years after qualification.
Assessment
Two single best answer MCQ papers taken on the same day: Paper 1 Applied Basic Sciences (180 questions) and Paper 2 Principles of Surgery in General (120 questions).
Time Limit
Five hours: three-hour Applied Basic Sciences paper (AM) and two-hour Principles of Surgery in General paper (PM)
Passing Score
Set by standard setting each diet; the overall pass mark is typically around 70-72%, with a minimum standard required in both papers in combination
Exam Fee
Approximately GBP 650 for UK and international centres (additional local tax may apply, e.g. 18% for candidates sitting in India) (Intercollegiate Surgical Examinations (RCS England / RCS Edinburgh / RCPS Glasgow / RCSI))
MRCS Part A Exam Content Outline
Applied Surgical Anatomy
Regional anatomy of thorax, abdomen, pelvis, limbs, spine and head and neck, with embryology, histology, surface and imaging anatomy.
Applied Surgical Physiology
Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine physiology, fluid and acid-base balance, shock and the surgical stress response.
Applied Surgical Pathology
Inflammation, wound healing, cell injury, neoplasia, haematology, transfusion and transplantation immunology.
Microbiology and Pharmacology
Surgical microbiology, antimicrobials and resistance, blood-borne viruses, and pharmacology for safe surgical prescribing.
Imaging
Principles and appropriate selection of diagnostic and interventional imaging in surgical patients.
Principles of Surgery in General
Perioperative care, common surgical conditions, trauma and critical care, basic surgical skills, transplantation, paediatric and palliative surgery, and professionalism.
How to Pass the MRCS Part A Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Set by standard setting each diet; the overall pass mark is typically around 70-72%, with a minimum standard required in both papers in combination
- Assessment: Two single best answer MCQ papers taken on the same day: Paper 1 Applied Basic Sciences (180 questions) and Paper 2 Principles of Surgery in General (120 questions).
- Time limit: Five hours: three-hour Applied Basic Sciences paper (AM) and two-hour Principles of Surgery in General paper (PM)
- Exam fee: Approximately GBP 650 for UK and international centres (additional local tax may apply, e.g. 18% for candidates sitting in India)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
MRCS Part A Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the MRCS Part A exam?
MRCS Part A has 300 single best answer multiple choice questions in total: 180 in the three-hour Applied Basic Sciences paper and 120 in the two-hour Principles of Surgery in General paper, both taken on the same day.
What is the pass mark for MRCS Part A?
There is no fixed pass mark; it is set by standard setting for each diet and is typically around 70-72%. Candidates must demonstrate the required standard in both papers in combination, with marks combined for a total Part A score. There is no negative marking.
How much does MRCS Part A cost and who provides the exam?
The fee is approximately GBP 650 for UK and international candidates, with local taxes added in some countries (for example, 18% for candidates sitting in India). The exam is delivered at Pearson VUE computer-based testing centres on behalf of the four surgical Royal Colleges.
How many attempts are allowed at MRCS Part A?
Candidates are permitted a maximum of six attempts to pass the intercollegiate MRCS Part A examination.