100+ Free CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Practice Questions
Pass your Fellowship of the College of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeons of South Africa Part I Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Exam
R 12,950
Official CMSA Exam Fee
CMSA Fee Schedule
50%
Minimum Pass Mark per Paper
CMSA Examination Regulations
3 Hours
Duration per Written Paper
CMSA Blueprint
4 Domains
Basic Science Content Outlines
FC MFOS(SA) Syllabus
Max 3
Permitted Examination Attempts
CMSA Senate Policy
The FC MFOS(SA) Part I Examination is the primary basic science gateway for maxillofacial surgery specialization under the CMSA in South Africa. The official exam consists of written papers (3 hours each) covering Anatomy & Embryology (~30%), Physiology (~25%), Pathology (~25%), and Pharmacology (~20%). Candidates must achieve at least 50% in each subject paper to pass. The official registration fee is R 12,950. Candidates must hold an HPCSA-registerable dental or medical degree. Disclaimer: This test preparation module provides 100 multiple-choice practice questions as an English-language study adaptation designed to support candidate preparation for the official CMSA assessment.
Sample CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which anatomical structure forms the posterior boundary of the pterygopalatine fossa and transmits the maxillary nerve (CN V2)?
2Which nerve enters the infratemporal fossa via the foramen ovale to provide motor innervation to the muscles of mastication?
3The mylohyoid muscle separates which two fascial spaces of the floor of the mouth?
4Ludwig's angina is classically defined as a rapidly spreading, bilateral cellulitis involving which fascial spaces?
5Parasympathetic secretomotor innervation to the parotid gland originates from the inferior salivatory nucleus and synapses in which ganglion?
6Stensen's duct pierces which muscle before opening into the oral cavity opposite the maxillary second molar?
7Surgical injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve results in paralysis of which muscle?
8Which branch of the maxillary artery passes through the foramen spinosum to supply the dura mater and skull vault?
9Severe posterior epistaxis encountered during Le Fort I osteotomies originates predominantly from branches of which artery?
10Which cranial nerve lies directly within the venous lumen of the cavernous sinus alongside the internal carotid artery, making it the most vulnerable to early compression in cavernous sinus thrombosis?
About the CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Exam
The Fellowship of the College of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeons of South Africa Part I Examination (FC MFOS(SA) Part I) is the fundamental basic sciences qualification for registrars and trainees pursuing specialist registration in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery in South Africa. Administered by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA), the examination evaluates mastery of applied head and neck anatomy, embryology, maxillofacial physiology, general and oral pathology principles, and applied pharmacology and anesthesia. Passing Part I is mandatory before proceeding to the Intermediate (Part IB) and Final (Part II) exit fellowship examinations. Please note: This online question bank is an English-language study adaptation developed independently to assist candidates preparing for the official CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I assessment.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours per paper
Passing Score
50% average per subject paper
Exam Fee
R 12,950 (College of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeons of South Africa (CMSA))
CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Exam Content Outline
Head and Neck Anatomy & Embryology
Osteology of the facial skeleton, skull base, and cranial foramina; neuroanatomy of cranial nerves (CN V, VII, IX, X, XII); deep fascial spaces of the neck and face; arterial branches of external carotid and maxillary arteries; venous drainage and cavernous sinus; temporomandibular joint complex; branchial arch and facial embryology; and salivary gland anatomy.
Applied Maxillofacial Physiology
Bone cellular kinetics (osteoclasts/osteoblasts/RANKL), primary and secondary bone fracture healing, neurophysiology of mastication and trigeminal pain transmission, vascular hemostasis and coagulation pathways, salivary gland secretion mechanics, upper airway physiology, and cardiovascular shock mechanisms.
General Pathology & Oral Pathology Principles
Odontogenic cysts (radicular, dentigerous, OKT), odontogenic tumors (ameloblastoma, CEOT, myxoma), oral squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland neoplasia, inflammatory bone diseases (osteomyelitis, MRONJ, ORN), fibro-osseous lesions (fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, CGCG), and wound repair kinetics.
Applied Pharmacology & Anesthesia in Maxillofacial Surgery
Local anesthetic pharmacology, lipid solubility, toxicity (LAST) recognition and Intralipid rescue protocol, intravenous sedation agents (propofol, midazolam, ketamine), neuromuscular blocking drugs and reversal agents (sugammadex, neostigmine), perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, and analgesic/anti-inflammatory regimens.
How to Pass the CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 50% average per subject paper
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours per paper
- Exam fee: R 12,950
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FC MFOS(SA) Part I examination?
The FC MFOS(SA) Part I is the Primary examination conducted by the College of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeons of South Africa under the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). It tests applied basic sciences—Anatomy & Embryology, Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology—required for specialist training in maxillofacial and oral surgery.
Is this practice question bank an official CMSA product?
No. This question bank is an independent English-language study adaptation created specifically as a practice resource for candidates preparing for the official CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I examination. It is not directly affiliated with or endorsed by the CMSA.
What is the fee for the CMSA FC MFOS(SA) Part I exam?
The official examination fee set by the CMSA is currently R 12,950. Fees are updated annually by the CMSA Senate and should be confirmed on the official CMSA website prior to application deadlines.
What is the passing score for the FC MFOS(SA) Part I?
Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 50% in each subject paper to pass the examination. Conditional credit may be granted if a candidate passes two subjects and achieves at least 40% in the failed subject, allowing a re-attempt of that single subject at the next two consecutive sittings.
What eligibility requirements must candidates meet?
Candidates must hold a primary medical or dental qualification (MBChB, BDS, BChD, or equivalent) that is registered or registerable with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Registration must be approved by the CMSA Senate.
What is the format and duration of the official exam?
The official examination consists of written papers (3 hours per subject paper) comprising single-best-answer MCQs and extended matching questions (EMQs). There is no oral or clinical component for the Part I examination.
How many attempts are permitted for the FC MFOS(SA) Part I?
Candidates are permitted a maximum of three attempts to pass the Primary Part I examination. Sitting all subjects in a single session is required on initial entry.