The Part One MRCOG examination is a test of basic science knowledge as applicable to obstetrics and gynaecology. While the format of the examination (two papers each of 300 multiple true/false questions) has remained unaltered over the past two decades, the syllabus and mix of questions has undergone considerable updating. The trainees of today will experience a massive influx of scientific knowledge in their practice over a lifetime, and the examination aims to equip trainees as best possible to understand, interpret and apply new knowledge properly.

With that principle in mind, the Part One Sub-committee of the RCOG has worked to introduce new and up-to-date questions into each examination. These are initially ‘test’ questions, which are marked and analysed by the Committee, but the marks do not count towards candidates' final score. This allows ‘good’, discriminating questions to be selected into the question bank and for ‘poor’ questions to be amended or discarded. Candidates' marks are therefore derived only from properly validated questions.

This publication is a landmark in the history of the Part One MRCOG. For the first time, candidates are able to study real questions and to self-assess their chances of passing the examination. The members of the Examination Committee hope that this information will encourage candidates to sit the examination when they are ready, while discouraging those who are too early in their cycle of learning.