All examiners have their performance in the exam audited regularly by other examiners, are observed by both lay and external medical observers, and receive feedback at their examiner appraisal. This process has continued for online exams. Any comments made by auditors or observers on examiner behaviour which might adversely affect the candidates’ scores such as incorrect timing of stations or omission of questions are addressed in a timely fashion. Most examiners have experience of FFICM examining over 3-9 years. All examiners conduct both OSCE and SOE exams and examine all types of OSCE station except for the simulation station which is examined by a small group of examiners with expertise in simulation.
Online exam stations are videoed. This has allowed review of examiner performance in the very small number of instances in the first online exam when an examiner or candidate thought the station might have been mis-timed, or a candidate disadvantaged by a technical problem. In two instances in the first online exam (October 2020) additional marks were awarded to a candidate who had insufficient time on a question due to technical issues. No occurrences of these, or any other problems were reported in the October 2021 exam.
