Reasonable Adjustments Policy

Published 30/07/2024

11. Guidance for disability assessors for Clinical Oral examinations

Competence standards and curriculum extracts are located on the web pages for each clinical oral exam component:

Primary FRCA SOE

Primary FRCA OSCE

Final FRCA SOE

FFICM SOE

FFICM OSCE

FFPMRCA SOE

Each reasonable adjustment request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The following reasonable adjustments for SOE and OSCE exams are not exhaustive and are provided as examples only:

Example of disability

Example of reasonable adjustments

Dyslexia

Specific Learning Difficulty/Difference

Visual impairment

ADD/ADHD/Autism

  • Extra reading or exam time (for processing and responding to information) as specified in the assessor’s report for SOE.
  • Judgements will be made on a station-by-station basis according to competence standards being assessed in OSCE.
  • If there are longer amounts of text than is typical within an OSCE station, extra time may be granted for reading time.
  • Changing the font size or colour contrast for written artefacts.
  • Provision of candidate station information in hard copy (OSCE only).
  • Separate examination room (SOE only).

Hearing impairment or deafness

  • Inform relevant examiners.
  • Hearing induction loop.
  • Contact the College exam department if special arrangements are required.

Speech impairment

  • Inform the relevant examiners.
  • Contact the College to discuss the report.

Mobility problems that may restrict access to examination areas

  • Adjusting exam cubicles to allow wheelchair access.
  • Provision of access lifts, accessible toilets, and staircase ramps.

Temporary conditions due to illness or injury

  • Use of a scribe, depending on the nature of the injury.
  • Rest breaks for candidates with certain medical conditions or to allow medication
    to be taken.