Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP)|21 April 2026|6 min read
The MRCS (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) is the postgraduate qualification required before entering higher surgical training. Part A is a written exam testing applied basic sciences and clinical knowledge. Part B is an OSCE testing clinical and communication skills. The Part A pass rate hovers around 50%, making it one of the more challenging UK postgraduate exams.
This guide covers the Q-bank options for the written components and the supplementary anatomy resources that are essential for Part A.
The Q-Banks
eMRCS — The Value Champion
eMRCS is the established, affordable MRCS Q-bank from the E-Medical Revision family (the same family as PassMedicine). Pricing is £35 for 4 months or £45 for 6 months — making it comfortably the best-value MRCS resource on the market.
The questions are structured similarly to the actual MRCS exam, with revision notes under each question. The platform offers timed tests, performance analytics, and peer comparison. It covers both Part A and Part B.
eMRCS is widely recommended by MRCS candidates in online communities. Its reputation rests on the quality-to-price ratio rather than on features or multimedia.
Compare eMRCS vs Pastest | Compare eMRCS vs Medibuddy | Compare eMRCS vs Pass the MRCS
Pastest — Premium with Multimedia
Pastest offers a premium MRCS module with decades of surgical exam publishing experience, tailored past papers, an AI tutor, video and podcast content, and a searchable textbook. Available with 3, 6, or 12 months access.
Pastest is the strongest choice for candidates who want multimedia learning and are willing to invest in a premium experience. The past papers reflecting recent exam themes are particularly valuable for understanding the current question style.
Medibuddy — Adaptive Challenger
Medibuddy offers an MRCS Part A Q-bank with claimed adaptive machine learning question selection. It provides a modern web interface with detailed analytics and also covers MSRA, MRCP, and other exams.
Medibuddy is worth considering if you value adaptive learning and want one platform covering MRCS alongside other exams you may be sitting.
Pass the MRCS — Anatomy-Focused
Pass the MRCS is a dedicated MRCS revision platform with a particular strength in anatomy-focused content and visual aids. For Part A, where anatomy questions are heavily weighted, this focus is a genuine advantage.
BMJ OnExamination — Check Trust Access
BMJ OnExamination offers MRCS modules. Check whether your NHS Trust provides free access before purchasing a personal subscription.
Anatomy Resources
Anatomy is the single largest topic area in MRCS Part A. Dedicated anatomy resources are essential alongside a Q-bank.
TeachMeAnatomy is a free online anatomy resource from the TeachMeSeries family, covering the full surgical anatomy syllabus with clear diagrams and clinical correlations.
Complete Anatomy is a 3D anatomy atlas with interactive models — excellent for spatial understanding of anatomical relationships.
Kenhub offers structured anatomy courses with integrated quizzes and progress tracking.
The combination of a Q-bank (eMRCS for value or Pastest for premium) and a dedicated anatomy resource (TeachMeAnatomy or Complete Anatomy) provides the strongest Part A preparation.
The MSRA Connection
Multiple surgical specialties use the MSRA for training recruitment. A strong MSRA score can bypass the interview stage in some programmes. iatroX offers a free MSRA Q-bank with AI-adaptive learning — relevant for surgical trainees at the application stage. While iatroX does not currently offer a dedicated MRCS bank, its free MSRA coverage serves the recruitment exam that surgical applicants need.
Information based on public sources as of 21 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.