Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP)|21 April 2026|7 min read
The MRCOG (Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) is a three-part examination that trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology must pass to progress through specialty training. Part 1 tests basic sciences (anatomy, embryology, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, biochemistry, and genetics). Part 2 tests clinical knowledge and decision-making with SBA and EMQ questions. Part 3 tests clinical and communication skills through structured discussion stations and simulated patient tasks.
The MRCOG resource market is smaller than the MRCP or MSRA markets, but has grown significantly with the arrival of MasterMRCOG. This guide covers every significant Q-bank available in 2026.
The Platforms
MasterMRCOG — The Volume Leader
MasterMRCOG claims the largest MRCOG Q-bank available: 9,000+ questions spanning Part 1 (4,000+ SBAs), Part 2 (5,000+ SBAs and EMQs), and Part 3 (300+ structured discussions and simulated patient tasks). It includes past exam recalls from 2012–2025, 20 mock exams in exam format, and a user interface designed to mimic the real MRCOG exam.
The inclusion of 14 years of past recalls is a significant differentiator. Exam recalls — questions remembered and reconstructed by previous candidates — are a standard preparation tool for Royal College exams, and having them systematically compiled and explained in one platform is valuable.
MasterMRCOG also covers Part 3, which is unusual. Most Q-banks focus on Parts 1 and 2 only. The 300+ Part 3 items provide structured discussion and simulated patient task practice that is otherwise difficult to access outside formal courses.
Compare MasterMRCOG vs PassMRCOG | Compare MasterMRCOG vs Pastest
PassMRCOG — The Established Affordable Option
PassMRCOG is part of the PassMedicine family and offers 2,000+ questions across Part 1 (1,000+ SBAs) and Part 2 (1,000+ SBAs and EMQs). It uses the proven PassMedicine exam engine with peer comparison histograms, timed tests, revision notes under each question, and rich visual content including illustrations, diagrams, and tables. All content is updated for the 2026 RCOG syllabus.
PassMRCOG's advantage is the mature exam engine and typically lower pricing compared to MasterMRCOG and Pastest. It does not cover Part 3.
Compare PassMRCOG vs Pastest | Compare PassMRCOG vs BMJ OnExamination
Pastest — The Premium Publisher
Pastest brings decades of RCOG exam publishing experience to the MRCOG. Its MRCOG module offers tailored past papers reflecting recent exam themes, a searchable textbook, video and podcast content, and an AI tutor for question clarification. It is available with 3, 6, or 12 months access.
Pastest is the strongest choice for candidates who benefit from multimedia learning and who want the polish of an established publisher. The AI tutor is useful for clarifying confusing explanations in real time.
BMJ OnExamination — Check Your Trust
BMJ OnExamination offers an MRCOG module within its broader exam platform. The key consideration: many NHS Trusts provide free BMJ OnExamination access through library subscriptions. Before purchasing any MRCOG resource, email your Trust library and ask. Free institutional access effectively makes this a zero-cost primary resource.
Compare MasterMRCOG vs BMJ OnExamination
Part-by-Part Resource Recommendations
For Part 1, any of the four platforms above provides adequate coverage. MasterMRCOG has the largest Part 1 bank (4,000+). PassMRCOG uses the proven PassMedicine engine. Pastest adds multimedia. BMJ OnExamination may be free.
For Part 2, MasterMRCOG's 5,000+ Part 2 bank with EMQ coverage is the most comprehensive. PassMRCOG's 1,000+ Part 2 bank is solid but smaller. Pastest's tailored past papers are particularly valuable for Part 2 EMQ practice.
For Part 3, MasterMRCOG is the only Q-bank with dedicated Part 3 content (300+ SDs and SPTs). Other candidates rely on formal Part 3 courses, study groups, and self-directed structured discussion practice.
DRCOG vs MRCOG: An Important Distinction for GP Trainees
The DRCOG (Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) is not the same exam as the MRCOG. The DRCOG is a diploma for GPs with an interest in women's health. The MRCOG is a Royal College membership examination for O&G specialists. They have different syllabi, different formats, and different target audiences.
GP trainees preparing for the DRCOG should not use MRCOG resources as their primary preparation. iatroX offers a dedicated DRCOG bank with 600+ questions as part of its specialist diploma subscription (£29/month or £99/year), alongside DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, and DTM&H.
Our View
For most MRCOG candidates, the optimal approach combines MasterMRCOG (for volume and recalls) with either PassMRCOG (for the proven exam engine at lower cost) or Pastest (for multimedia and the AI tutor). Check BMJ OnExamination Trust access first — it may be free.
Information based on public sources as of 21 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.
