The Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) in Infectious Diseases

 

 

This specialist examination has been introduced as part of the assessment of the knowledge base of all trainees wishing to obtain a CCT in Infectious Diseases (with or without Medical Microbiology/Clinical Virology or Tropical Medicine). The exam is compulsory for trainees who started at ST3 level on or after 1 August 2007, and is expected to be sat by people in their penultimate year of training, so that if they fail the first attempt, they can have a second attempt before their expected CCT date.

 

The exam consists of 2 “papers”, each of 100 multiple choice questions in “best of 5” multiple choice format. Each “paper” lasts 3 hours, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and is taken at designated computer centres throughout the UK (mostly theory driving test centres). The exam covers all aspects of the infectious disease curriculum approved by the SAC, and is set a clinical level expected of someone who is just qualifying as a consultant. We anticipate that about 90-95% of ID trainees will pass. The exam is only available once a year; this year it will be on 15 September 2010 and the registration dates for the UK are 14 June - 12 July.

 

The exam costs £800 for those sitting in the UK and £1000 for those who sit overseas. For those who sit the exam in 2010 but fail, retakes will be free. Trainees who are just starting their fourth year of higher specialist training (around ST6) may wish to sign up for this year’s exams, knowing that a free retake is available next year if they need it.  

 

Further details about the SCE (including sample questions) can be found at:-

 

The Curricula in Infectious Diseases are at:

 

Nick Beeching (Academic Lead)

Ann Chapman (Secretary)