CICM First Part Examination Format Explained
Overall structure
The CICM First Part Examination consists of Written examination (MCQ and SAQ) testing basic sciences relevant to intensive care medicine.
The CICM First Part covers physiology, pharmacology, and the basic sciences underpinning intensive care, assessed via written examination.
What the format means for your preparation
The single most common preparation mistake is studying as if the examination only had an MCQ component. Format-aware preparation looks like this:
- MCQ components reward high question volume and pattern recognition. Read explanations, not just answers, and revisit weak domains with spaced repetition.
- Short answer / SAQ components reward a prioritised, structured response under time pressure. Practise writing complete answers in the available time, not just outlining points.
- Viva or OSCE components reward verbalised structured reasoning. Practise aloud, ideally with feedback, rather than rehearsing silently.
- Practical or image-based components reward repeated exposure under time pressure. Build a routine that includes timed slide or image interpretation.
What separates pass from fail under this format
Across multiple sittings, these failure modes recur:
- Insufficient physiology depth: the CICM First Part demands mechanistic understanding, not memorised definitions.
- Neglecting the pharmacology component, which is highly weighted and requires systematic study.
- Limited SAQ practice: candidates who only read theory consistently underperform those who write practice answers under timed conditions.
- Underestimating the breath of content: equipment, measurement, and data interpretation appear regularly.
How PRIMEX maps to the format
- SAQ practice bank mapped to the CICM First Part curriculum, with AI feedback on answer structure and content.
- MCQ question bank with spaced repetition to reinforce the physiology and pharmacology domains.
- Weak-area targeting so you spend revision time where your personal gaps are largest.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the CICM First Part Examination and practise in the format you will actually sit.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
What is the format of the CICM First Part Examination?
The CICM First Part covers physiology, pharmacology, and the basic sciences underpinning intensive care, assessed via written examination.
How many components does the CICM First Part Examination have?
The examination comprises Written examination (MCQ and SAQ) testing basic sciences relevant to intensive care medicine. Each component is examined and weighted as the college specifies; consult the official examination guide for the current marking schedule.
Which component is hardest?
Difficulty varies by candidate. Most fail-tier outcomes trace back to underprepared structured-answer technique or insufficient question practice volume rather than to one specific component.
How should the format change how I prepare?
Match your practice mode to the format. SAQ paper means write structured timed answers; viva or OSCE means rehearse speaking aloud under time pressure; MCQ means build pattern recognition through high-volume practice.
Does PRIMEX cover every component?
PRIMEX covers each component of the CICM First Part Examination with format-specific practice: MCQ banks, AI-graded SAQ practice, and viva or OSCE simulation as the format requires.