FFICM Examination Report March 2021

The online OSCE and SOE take longer than the face-to-face version as the movement of candidates between stations online is more time consuming than in person. In addition, internet connection problems for any individual introduces a delay for the whole rotation to allow the affected candidate best opportunity to complete their examination. However, the actual examining time is unchanged.

The face-to-face OSCE takes 104 -120 minutes exam time (depending on the number of rest stations) plus approximately 20-30 minutes ‘call’ time before this and additional time for any delays between stations (rarely more than 5 minutes overall).  A ‘standard’ exam time (without delays) is 135 minutes. If a candidate with extra reading time (reasonable adjustment) is present, there is additional time between stations for all candidates. 

The online exam takes 143-165 minutes (depending on the number of rest stations) plus 30 minutes for ‘call time’ and security check, and any additional time for any delays between stations. The additional examination time is caused by the time taken to move candidates into and out of stations individually, time to read the candidate instructions and an extra minute per station to compensate for any minor internet issues. Delays between stations, caused by any internet connection problems, can be longer in the on-line exam (rarely up to 10 minutes) and occur more frequently. Because of the sequential movement of candidates from station to station, if one candidate incurs a delay, the whole circuit has to be paused while getting that candidate back into the exam. Some exams have no delays, some have several.  

Because of the increased time overall, the online OSCE has a 10-minute break where candidates and examiners can leave their screen for refreshments/toilet break etc. after seven stations (mid exam). Candidates are also able to leave their screens for a short break after the briefing but before the security check, which precedes the first station.  A standard exam time (without delays) is 30 minutes then a short break then 160 minutes with a break after approximately 85 minutes.

If a candidate with additional reading time is present in the online exam, they are moved earlier into a station, so no additional delay occurs for other candidates. 

 

The only change to the delivery of the OSCE in October 2021 was to prevent candidates from using paper during the exam (previous online exams had allowed one sheet of blank paper). This was in order to come more in line with the face-to-face examination experience, where notepaper is not allowed, and to prevent misconduct in the examination and therefore remain fair for everyone. Instead, all candidates were told they could ask the examiner to show the initial question information again at any point during the station, if required. Paper is not allowed in the face-to-face OSCE exam, so the change made in the October 2021 exam mirrored that of the face-to-face exam.

The online SOE also takes longer than in person. Four minutes extra is added to each station, for introductions, candidate reading and thinking time and to allow for minor internet issues. The overall exam time is 80 minutes, plus 30 minutes ‘call’ time and security check, plus any additional internet delays.