ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
ACEM publishes no fixed Fellowship pass-rate percentage. The Fellowship is criterion-referenced; the standard is set by examiner judgement (modified Angoff / borderline regression) and results are released per sitting, with no single official headline percentage. You can review the official position at the ACEM source.
How the standard is set
For the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM), ACEM assesses candidates against a defined competency standard rather than ranking them against each other, so the proportion who pass reflects how a cohort performs against that bar and varies between sittings. Where a verified figure is published it appears above with its source; where the examining body publishes none, PRIMEX states that plainly rather than estimating one.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) is Two components: a written paper (SAQ + SCQ) and a multi-station OSCE over two days. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Unstructured SAQ answers - the written paper rewards a clear management framework with prioritised steps, not comprehensive lists.
- OSCE station anxiety: candidates who practise structured responses aloud under simulated time pressure consistently outperform those who only read.
- Neglecting low-frequency but high-stakes presentations: toxicology, resuscitation of special populations, and procedural stations.
- Leaving OSCE preparation too late - clinical skill stations require repeated practice, not last-minute review.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- SAQ grading with AI feedback calibrated to ACEM examiner expectations for the written paper.
- OSCE simulation prompts covering all station categories for structured practice.
- Curriculum-mapped content across all FACEM Fellowship domains.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
Most candidates dedicate 26-52 weeks of structured preparation for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM). The exact duration depends on your prior knowledge base, clinical experience, and available study time per week. Starting earlier generally produces better outcomes than compressing preparation into a short period.
What is the format of the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
Two components: a written paper (SAQ + SCQ) and a multi-station OSCE over two days.
What is the pass rate for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
ACEM publishes no fixed Fellowship pass-rate percentage. The Fellowship is criterion-referenced; the standard is set by examiner judgement (modified Angoff / borderline regression) and results are released per sitting, with no single official headline percentage. You can review the official position at the ACEM source.
What are the most common failure modes in the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
- Unstructured SAQ answers - the written paper rewards a clear management framework with prioritised steps, not comprehensive lists.
- OSCE station anxiety: candidates who practise structured responses aloud under simulated time pressure consistently outperform those who only read.
- Neglecting low-frequency but high-stakes presentations: toxicology, resuscitation of special populations, and procedural stations.
- Leaving OSCE preparation too late - clinical skill stations require repeated practice, not last-minute review.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM). Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.