100+ Free Dermatology SCE Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Dermatology SCE Exam
The Federation lists Dermatology SCE 2026/01 for 8 October 2026, with applications from 18 June to 16 July 2026, reasonable adjustment deadline 24 July 2026, results six weeks after the exam, and certificates eight weeks after results release. The 2027/01 diet is listed for 7 October 2027. The exam is an in-centre computer-based two-paper test with 100 best-of-five questions per 3-hour paper. 2026 fees are GBP 700 (UK) and GBP 875 (international).
Sample Dermatology SCE Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Dermatology SCE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A florist develops hand eczema that flares after handling chrysanthemums. Patch testing is planned. Which allergen group is most relevant?
2A hairdresser has chronic fingertip dermatitis worse with wet work and shampooing. Patch tests are negative. What is the most likely diagnosis?
3Three weeks after starting carbamazepine, a patient develops fever, facial oedema, lymphadenopathy and a morbilliform eruption with eosinophilia. What diagnosis is most likely?
4Patch testing is performed while a patient continues high-dose oral prednisolone for bullous pemphigoid. Which statement is most accurate?
5A theatre nurse develops urticaria and wheeze within minutes of donning powdered latex gloves. What mechanism is most likely?
6Direct immunofluorescence from perilesional skin in bullous pemphigoid typically shows which pattern?
7A biopsy of classic plaque psoriasis is most likely to show which histological feature?
8In invasive cutaneous melanoma, which histopathological measurement most strongly drives initial staging and prognosis?
9A photosensitive facial plaque is biopsied. Which combination best supports discoid lupus erythematosus?
10Palpable purpura on the legs is biopsied. Which finding confirms leukocytoclastic vasculitis?
About the Dermatology SCE Exam
The Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology is the Federation SCE assessing applied dermatology knowledge for UK specialty trainees and equivalent candidates. It maps to the JRCPTB Dermatology specialty training curriculum and covers inflammatory disease, paediatric and genetic dermatology, skin cancer, therapeutics, allergy, photobiology, surgery, dermatopathology, dermoscopy and skin of colour presentations.
Assessment
Computer-based Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology with 200 best-of-five questions across two 3-hour papers on the same day. The updated 2023 blueprint domains include cutaneous allergy, dermatopathology, dermoscopy, dressings and wound care, formulation and systemic therapy, general dermatology and primary care dermatology, genito-urinary and oral medicine, infectious disease, paediatric and genetics, photodermatology, psychodermatology, skin biology and research, skin of colour, skin oncology, and skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology.
Time Limit
Two 3-hour papers with a one-hour break
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced standard setting with equating across diets; no fixed current percentage is listed on the reviewed Federation specialty or fees pages.
Exam Fee
GBP 700 UK centre fee for 2026; GBP 875 international centre fee (Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK)
Dermatology SCE Exam Content Outline
Cutaneous allergy
Contact dermatitis, patch testing, hypersensitivity and occupational dermatoses.
Dermatopathology
Inflammatory patterns, immunofluorescence and skin tumour histology correlation.
Dermoscopy
Dermoscopic patterns for melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions.
Dressings and wound care
Ulcer assessment, dressing choice, compression and infection management.
Formulation and systemic therapy
Vehicles, corticosteroids, systemic agents, biologics and monitoring.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary health care
Common dermatoses, hair and nail disease, urticaria and referral decisions.
Genito-urinary disorders and oral medicine
Genital dermatoses and oral mucosal disease.
Infectious disease
Bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic skin infections.
Paediatric and genetics
Paediatric dermatoses, vascular anomalies and genodermatoses.
Photodermatology
Photosensitivity, phototherapy and photoprotection.
Psychodermatology
Psychocutaneous disease and psychosocial impact of skin conditions.
Skin biology and research
Barrier biology, immunology and evidence appraisal.
Skin of colour
Pigmentary disorders and disease presentation across skin phototypes.
Skin oncology
Melanoma, keratinocyte cancers and cutaneous lymphoma pathways.
Skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology
Surgical margins, Mohs surgery, lasers and cosmetic complications.
How to Pass the Dermatology SCE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced standard setting with equating across diets; no fixed current percentage is listed on the reviewed Federation specialty or fees pages.
- Assessment: Computer-based Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology with 200 best-of-five questions across two 3-hour papers on the same day. The updated 2023 blueprint domains include cutaneous allergy, dermatopathology, dermoscopy, dressings and wound care, formulation and systemic therapy, general dermatology and primary care dermatology, genito-urinary and oral medicine, infectious disease, paediatric and genetics, photodermatology, psychodermatology, skin biology and research, skin of colour, skin oncology, and skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology.
- Time limit: Two 3-hour papers with a one-hour break
- Exam fee: GBP 700 UK centre fee for 2026; GBP 875 international centre fee
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Dermatology SCE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Dermatology SCE?
The Federation lists Dermatology 2026/01 for 8 October 2026, with applications open from 18 June to 16 July 2026 and a reasonable adjustment deadline of 24 July 2026.
How many questions are on the official Dermatology SCE?
The SCE format is 200 best-of-five multiple-choice questions split across two 3-hour papers taken on the same day with a one-hour break.
What does the Dermatology SCE blueprint cover?
The Federation blueprint updated 2023 distributes 200 questions across cutaneous allergy, dermatopathology, dermoscopy, dressings and wound care, formulation and systemic therapy, general dermatology and primary care dermatology, genito-urinary and oral medicine, infectious disease, paediatric and genetics, photodermatology, psychodermatology, skin biology and research, skin of colour, skin oncology, and skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology.
Are there entry requirements for the Dermatology SCE?
The Federation states there are no entry requirements, although UK trainees normally sit the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training.
What is the Dermatology SCE fee in 2026?
The Federation exam dates and fees page lists GBP 700 for UK centres and GBP 875 for international centres.