Unsuccessful candidates

The examinations to become a diplomate are the hardest exams most individuals will ever sit. The standards comply with the European Qualifications framework at level 8. This means that even after years of specialist training some candidates will not be successful in individual attempts.

1. General examination - Candidates who are unsuccessful in the General examination have to re-sit both MCQ papers (G1 and G2) of the general examination.
2. Certifying examination -  Candidates who are unsuccessful in the certifying examination only need to retake the failed components, however, candidates must re-take all the papers they have not yet passed each time they attempt to complete the examination.

Time limit: All parts must be completed within 8 years of the initial application (not including any early entry into the general examination).

Attempt limit: Candidates may only attempt each examination FOUR times (ie 3 resit opportunities).

This applies to candidates who sit all parts of the examination at once as well as to candidates of category 1a, who sit the General Examination already during their residency before taking the Certifying Examination. The college has no mechanism for allowing candidates a further attempt since this rule has been established by EBVS.

If your examination attempt is unsuccessful, the college would like to support you in maximizing the likelihood of success in future attempts.

1. Access your examination mastery report for the multiple choice papers
   • All candidates will receive mastery reports by the exam blueprint area through ui.examsoft.io
   • This will enable you to identify topics where you have gaps in knowledge and understanding. You will see your performance, against the performance of the cohort
   • Unsuccessful candidates will also receive a mastery report by reference sources. This may help you to identify resources that may help in future attempts

     

     
      

2. For the case management examinations, consider gaps based on topics, but remember that it is unlikely that the same aspect of the blueprint would be covered in future years
3. For the clinical justification examinations, please feel free to contact the examination chair on exam-committee@eceim.info for further information.
4. Contact your supervisor for assistance to help you develop a study plan for the next year.
   
   1. If you have completed your programme and are unable to get the support from your previous supervisor please contact the examination committee chair who will try and identify someone who may be prepared to act as a mentor. This person would be a volunteer and not a member of the examination committee.
5. If you have been unsuccessful on multiple occasions please make contact with the examination committee chair. The college is committed to supporting candidates as appropriate
6. Re-enter the examination at the next suitable time
   
   1. You do not need to resubmit an examination application (unless undertaking an additional exam), but should email the examination committee to inform them of your intent to sit the examination before 1st September the year before you intend to resit.
   2. You must submit an examination entry form before 1st November
7. Communicate with the examination committee.
   
   1. The examination committee are there to maintain the standards and integrity of the examination process, but can provide support and guidance. They do this formally through summer school and through pre-examination briefings. However are open to signposting other sources of support