CICM Second Part Examination Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
The CICM publishes per-component pass rates for the CICM Second Part Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- Vivas (May 2024): 82% (May 2024) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Written (May 2024): 59% (May 2024) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Hot cases (May 2024): 72% (May 2024) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
CICM publishes no single headline pass rate; per-sitting reports give per-component pass marks/rates. The written Angoff cut varies 48.6%-52.62% by sitting; oral pass = >=50% of oral marks (>=35/70). No fixed numerical pass mark.
How the standard is set
For the CICM Second Part Examination, CICM 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 CICM Second Part Examination is Two written SAQ papers, then a clinical (hot cases) and viva oral section. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Vague SAQ answers without clinical prioritisation - examiners want a management framework, not a list of differentials.
- Clinical station anxiety disrupting the structured thinking that scores marks in each domain.
- Gaps in less-common ICU presentations: toxicology, obstetric emergencies, and paediatric ICU are tested.
- Over-relying on clinical experience without structured examination preparation in the final months.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- SAQ practice with AI grading benchmarked to CICM Fellowship examiner expectations.
- Viva simulation for structured clinical reasoning practice under timed conditions.
- Curriculum-mapped notes across all CICM Fellowship domains.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the CICM Second Part Examination and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the CICM Second Part Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26-52 weeks of structured preparation for the CICM Second Part Examination. 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 CICM Second Part Examination?
Two written SAQ papers, then a clinical (hot cases) and viva oral section.
What is the pass rate for the CICM Second Part Examination?
The CICM publishes per-component pass rates for the CICM Second Part Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- Vivas (May 2024): 82% (May 2024) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Written (May 2024): 59% (May 2024) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Hot cases (May 2024): 72% (May 2024) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
CICM publishes no single headline pass rate; per-sitting reports give per-component pass marks/rates. The written Angoff cut varies 48.6%-52.62% by sitting; oral pass = >=50% of oral marks (>=35/70). No fixed numerical pass mark.
What are the most common failure modes in the CICM Second Part Examination?
- Vague SAQ answers without clinical prioritisation - examiners want a management framework, not a list of differentials.
- Clinical station anxiety disrupting the structured thinking that scores marks in each domain.
- Gaps in less-common ICU presentations: toxicology, obstetric emergencies, and paediatric ICU are tested.
- Over-relying on clinical experience without structured examination preparation in the final months.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the CICM Second Part Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the CICM Second Part Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.