Medical Sciences Council online examination

Exam at a glance

Questions

150

Duration

180 minutes

Pass mark

75 %

Sections

150 MCQs with 4 options (generic and scope-specific), 180 min, 75 % in each category

Exam type

Written

Language

English

Authority

MSC

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 12 modules · 349 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Analytical principles: laboratory mathematics, statistics, instrumentation and method validation22 questions · 6.3 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A scientist prepares a dilution of a serum sample by adding 2 mL of serum to 8 mL of saline diluent. What is the dilution factor?

   A4B5C8D10

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Clinical biochemistry86 questions · 24.6 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A patient admitted with sepsis has total calcium 2.05 mmol/L and albumin 25 g/L. Using adjusted calcium = total calcium + 0.02 × (40 − albumin in g/L), what is the adjusted calcium?

   A2.05 mmol/LB2.20 mmol/LC2.30 mmol/LD2.35 mmol/L

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Haematology and haemostasis34 questions · 9.7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: blood cells, haematopoiesis and haemostasis

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 34-year-old woman presents with fatigue and heavy menstrual bleeding. Results: haemoglobin 92 g/L, MCV 68 fL, RDW raised, ferritin 6 µg/L. Which set of iron studies is most consistent with the cause of her anaemia?

   ASerum iron high, transferrin saturation high, TIBC lowBSerum iron low, transferrin saturation low, TIBC highCSerum iron low, transferrin saturation low, TIBC lowDSerum iron normal, transferrin saturation normal, TIBC high

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Histology and cytology20 questions · 5.7 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A section of the wall of a bladder fixed in a distended state shows a lining of several cell layers. The most superficial cells are large and flattened. When the bladder is relaxed, the same cells are dome-shaped. Which epithelium is this?

   ASimple squamous epitheliumBTransitional epithelium (urothelium)CStratified columnar epitheliumDNon-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Immunology and serology20 questions · 5.7 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   During a first exposure to a new bacterial pathogen, which immunoglobulin class is produced earliest and activates the classical complement pathway most efficiently?

   AIgGBIgMCIgADIgE

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Medical microbiology32 questions · 9.2 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: bacteria, the Gram stain and antibiotic targets
   • Foundations: infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship
7. 07Molecular diagnostics and genetics20 questions · 5.7 % of the bank
8. 08Pre-analytical phase: specimen collection, identification and transport21 questions · 6 % of the bank
9. 09Professional practice, ethics and legal framework (HPCA Act, consumers' rights, cultural safety)24 questions · 6.9 % of the bank
10. 10Quality management, accreditation and ISO 1518922 questions · 6.3 % of the bank
11. 11Laboratory safety, biosafety and hazardous materials21 questions · 6 % of the bank
12. 12Transfusion science and blood group serology27 questions · 7.7 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: blood cells, haematopoiesis and haemostasis

What you get

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From registration to licence

The usual steps with MSC. Details can change; check the current rules with MSC before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with MSC and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

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