The Part I MRCOG examination is a summative, primary assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the basic science principles which are relevant to the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. This knowledge of the principles of basic science is important; these principles constitute the ‘building blocks’ of further knowledge and clinical judgement. However, we are increasingly aware of the role the Part I examination fulfils as an assessment of clinical competence in the early years of training. The aim of achieving a more effective balance between coverage of basic science content and relevance to clinical duties has resulted in a change to the Part I MRCOG from March 2012. The change will entail a shift of emphasis to make the examination more relevant to the continuing learning and development objectives of the specialty training programme.

This book is to aid those sitting the new-style Part I examination. The introduction to the single best answer format, with examples of how this question format interacts with the syllabus, should help all those attempting the Part I MRCOG examination.