Due to the current rise in COVID-19 infections, which has led to new lockdown restrictions and increased pressure on the health services in the UK and Ireland, the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE) and the four Surgical Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom and in Ireland have taken the difficult decision to cancel the MRCS Part B and DO-HNS Part 2 examinations that had been scheduled to take place in February 2021.
We recognise that cancelling the exams will be disruptive and may cause anxiety to candidates but the health and safety of all candidates, examiners and staff is paramount. Given the increased transmissibility of the new variant of Covid-19, we could not guarantee that the examinations could proceed safely.
A decision on any potential replacement MRCS Part B and DO-HNS Part 2 exams later in 2021 will be made by the end of January and will be communicated to candidates as soon as possible. We are currently reviewing all available options in an effort to minimise the potential impact on candidates, and provide certainty as soon as possible.
ICBSE and the four Colleges would like to thank candidates for their ongoing understanding and patience in these very difficult circumstances.
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