CICM First Part Examination Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
The CICM publishes per-component pass rates for the CICM First Part Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- MCQ, candidates successful: 73% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
- SAQ, candidates successful: 57% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
- Successful in both written papers: 52% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
- Oral, candidates successful: 81% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
CICM publishes no single headline pass rate; each sitting's exam report gives the proportion of candidates successful in each component. In 2026.1, 83 candidates sat the written examination: 61 (73%) were successful in the MCQ, 47 (57%) in the SAQ, and 43 (52%) in both and were invited to the oral; with 9 carrying a written pass, 52 sat the oral and 42 (81%) passed the exam. Pass marks are separate from pass rates and are set every sitting: Angoff for the written (MCQ 69.4%, SAQ 47.95% in 2026.1) and borderline regression for the oral (56.96%).
How the standard is set
For the CICM First 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
Two written papers (MCQ + SAQ), then cross-table vivas.
Examiner reports and feedback consistently flag the following preparation pitfalls among candidates who fall short:
- 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 breadth of content: equipment, measurement, and data interpretation appear regularly.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- 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 find out exactly where your preparation stands.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the CICM First Part Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26-52 weeks of structured preparation for the CICM First 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 First Part Examination?
Two written papers (MCQ + SAQ), then cross-table vivas.
What is the pass rate for the CICM First Part Examination?
The CICM publishes per-component pass rates for the CICM First Part Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- MCQ, candidates successful: 73% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
- SAQ, candidates successful: 57% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
- Successful in both written papers: 52% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
- Oral, candidates successful: 81% (2026.1) - official source, verified 2026-09-24.
CICM publishes no single headline pass rate; each sitting's exam report gives the proportion of candidates successful in each component. In 2026.1, 83 candidates sat the written examination: 61 (73%) were successful in the MCQ, 47 (57%) in the SAQ, and 43 (52%) in both and were invited to the oral; with 9 carrying a written pass, 52 sat the oral and 42 (81%) passed the exam. Pass marks are separate from pass rates and are set every sitting: Angoff for the written (MCQ 69.4%, SAQ 47.95% in 2026.1) and borderline regression for the oral (56.96%).
What are the most common failure modes in the CICM First Part Examination?
- 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 breadth of content: equipment, measurement, and data interpretation appear regularly.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the CICM First Part Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the CICM First Part Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.