Specialty training in occupational medicine requires trainees, in approved training posts, to pass two examinations. The first, Part 1 MFOM, is taken in the first year.
This examination is also available to doctors who are training outwith approved training posts, subject to certain conditions.
The regulations for the Part 1 MFOM are based on the MCQ section of the Regulations for the Diploma in Occupational Medicine. The syllabus is also related to the DOccMed’s syllabus, which must be read in conjunction with the Regulations for the award of Membership.
The Part 1 MFOM examination comprises a multiple choice question (MCQ) paper. It is the same examination as set for the MCQ component of the Diploma in Occupational Medicine. The Part 1 MFOM, however, will not include the portfolio and oral defence components of the Diploma, which are tested by other means and at a different level during the specialist training programme.
The Regulations for the award of Membership recommend that, in preparation for the Part 1 MFOM examination, candidates undertake an appropriate academic course, such as a Faculty-approved Diploma Training Course. This is not mandatory (i.e. Diploma regulation D2 does not apply) if the intention is only to sit the Part 1 examination. Some candidates may elect voluntarily to attempt the Diploma in Occupational Medicine (although this is not a requirement of specialist training). Please see the Diploma in Occupational Medicine page for a list of appropriate academic courses.
As a consequence of the ongoing global COVID-19 situation, the FOM has taken the decision to postpone the Part 1 MFOM examination that were scheduled to take place on 9th and 10th November 2020.
This exam will now take place online on Monday 22nd February 2021 and candidates should by now have received an email with more details regarding this.
Candidates who are unable to take the examination on this date can request to be refunded in full by contacting our payments team, who will make the necessary arrangements.
Monday, 10th May 2021 (MCQ)
Please note that registration for the May 2021 exam is currently open and will close at 5.00pm on Monday 15th March 2021.
Monday, 8th November 2021 (MCQ)
Registration for the November 2021 exam will open at 9.00am on Monday 26th July 2021 and close at 5.00pm on Monday 13th September 2021
Due to the ongoing need to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19, there may be changes in the way that examinations are organised. Candidates will be notified of any changes prior to the examinations being held.