Examination structure

The content of the exam is 50 per cent anatomy, 25 per cent pathology and 25 per cent physiology. Questions are designed around the syllabus.

The exam format is a combination of 100 multiple choice questions (MCQ) and 6 “spot” questions.

The multiple choice questions are a combination of Type A, Type B and Type X questions:

• Type A

These questions consist of a stem and require selection of the 'most appropriate' response. Whilst all the distractors may be correct, one is 'better' than the rest. There is only one correct answer and a correct answer is worth one mark.

• Type B

These questions consist of a statement (S) and a reason (R) and the candidate is required to determine the relationship between the two. Firstly, determine whether S and R are true or false; if S and R are both true, then you must determine whether R explains S.

There is only one correct answer and a correct answer is worth one mark. Mark the answer sheet according to the key:
A. S is true, R is true and is a valid explanation of S
B. S is true, R is true but is not a valid explanation of S
C. S is true and R is false D - S is false and R is true E - both S and R are false

• Type X

These questions consist of a stem and four distractors. A candidate needs to answer whether each distractor is true or false. A correct answer to each distractor is worth one mark. Each type X question, as a whole, is therefore worth up to four marks.

These questions require short text answers and relate to an illustration. The entire question is worth eight marks. Marks are divided between the various sections for each spot question with four marks related to anatomy, two marks related to pathology and two marks related to physiology.

The examination will contain six spot questions; two questions with a focus on otology, two questions with a focus on rhinology and two questions with a focus on head and neck/laryngology.