FCEM(SA) Part 1: The Complete Guide

The FCEM(SA), Fellowship of the College of Emergency Medicine of South Africa, is the specialist qualification for emergency medicine awarded by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). Part 1, the primary examination, is the basic-sciences foundation that registrars sit early in their training.

What is the FCEM(SA) Part 1 exam?

FCEM(SA) Part 1 is a written, knowledge-based examination that tests the foundational basic sciences required for emergency medicine practice. It confirms that a trainee has the scientific grounding needed to reason about acutely unwell patients before progressing to the clinically focused Part 2.

FCEM(SA) Part 1 format and structure

Part 1 consists of two online multiple-choice question papers, each three hours long and each carrying 100 questions and 100 marks:

• Two online MCQ papers.
• 100 questions and 100 marks per paper.
• Three hours allowed per paper.
• Set and administered by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA).

The papers test four core basic-science disciplines, anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology, which together form the theoretical foundation candidates must demonstrate before progressing to Part 2. Confirm the current specification and entry requirements on the CMSA website when you apply.

Who can sit FCEM(SA) Part 1?

Eligibility requires a post-internship qualification to practise medicine that is registered or registrable with the HPCSA. Candidates typically sit the primary early in their emergency medicine training, as it is the gateway to the rest of the fellowship. Note that candidates must complete Part 2 within six years of passing Part 1, or they are required to retake Part 1, so timing your primary sensibly within your training is worth planning.

FCEM(SA) Part 1 syllabus: the four sciences

The exam is built on four disciplines, and because they are weighted across two papers, none can be neglected:

• Anatomy, applied anatomy relevant to resuscitation, procedures and trauma.
• Physiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and neurological physiology and the body's response to critical illness.
• Pathology, the mechanisms of disease relevant to acute presentations.
• Pharmacology, the drugs used in resuscitation, analgesia, sedation and acute care.

A realistic FCEM(SA) Part 1 study plan

Most candidates prepare over three to four months alongside demanding emergency-department shifts.

• Weeks 1–6, build coverage across all four sciences, doing questions topic by topic in tutor mode. Deliberately balance the four disciplines rather than defaulting to your strongest.
• Weeks 7–10, consolidate through a question bank, logging weak areas and checking that your four subject scores are rising together.
• Weeks 11–14, simulate. Sit timed, two-paper mocks to build pacing and stamina, review your analytics, and taper in the final week.

Exam technique that earns marks

Across two online 100-question papers, technique and stamina matter. Read each stem fully before the options and commit to an answer before the choices sway you. Because the papers are delivered on screen, rehearse navigating, flagging and reviewing questions in a computer-based setting so nothing is unfamiliar on the day. Flag slow questions and return to them, keep a steady pace so you finish each paper, and, with no negative marking, leave nothing blank. Treat the gap between papers as a genuine reset.

The best way to revise for FCEM(SA) Part 1

As two entirely multiple-choice, online papers, FCEM(SA) Part 1 rewards a question bank that mirrors the CMSA style, covers all four sciences in balance, explains the reasoning behind each option, and tracks your performance so a single weak discipline does not sink you.

Passmed's FCEM question bank is written by qualified doctors, covers anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology in CMSA style, and includes timed online exam simulation with a dashboard that tracks each science separately. Explore the question banks →

Frequently asked questions

How many papers are in FCEM(SA) Part 1?

Two online multiple-choice papers of three hours each, with 100 questions and 100 marks per paper, covering anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology.

Is there a time limit to complete FCEM after Part 1?

Yes. Candidates must complete Part 2 within six years of passing Part 1, or they are required to retake Part 1. Confirm the current regulation with the CMSA.

How long should I study for FCEM(SA) Part 1?

Three to four months of consistent, question-led preparation suits most candidates working alongside clinical duties.

Exam format and scoring details were checked against the official examining bodies (accessed July 2026). Specifications, dates and fees change, always confirm the current details on the CMSA website before you sit.