The MCQ test is still being moulded to its purpose. The 'bank' of questions is expanding, and further revisions are being undertaken. More recently, the standard has been lowered from SHO level to final qualifying examination level because it was felt that even minimal language difficulty could depress the MCQ results below the equivalent found in native speakers. The MEQ test has been used to test written English. This has not been at all easy to score. It is still considered desirable to use patientconfrontation as a part of the assessment, but this has not so far been possible. There would be major logistic problems in organizing such a clinical examination on a formal basis: some form of clinical attachment may be needed as a part of the assessment, but even this would not be straightforward.

The MCQ test is still being refined and revised, and patient-confrontation assessment is still desirable, but logistical problems make it impractical to include it in the assessment process.

Periodic Reregistration

Key Takeaway: The MCQ test is still being refined and revised, and patient-confrontation assessment is still desirable, but logistical problems make it impractical to include it in the assessment process.