CICM Second Part Paediatric Examination Format Explained
Overall structure
Two written SAQ papers (30 SAQs, 300 marks), then an oral section of 8 vivas and 2 paediatric ICU hot cases. Held once a year.
Components and structure
The CICM Second Part Paediatric Examination is assessed across the following components:
- Written Paper 1 (short-answer (SAQ)) — 15 questions, 150 min. Each SAQ worth 10 marks (~10 min/SAQ). Contributes to the 300-mark written total; Angoff cut-off required to progress.
- Written Paper 2 (short-answer (SAQ)) — 15 questions, 150 min. Each SAQ worth 10 marks (~10 min/SAQ). Contributes to the 300-mark written total; Angoff cut-off required to progress.
- Hot Cases (clinical) (long case) — 2 stations, 20 min. 20-min bedside encounter in a PICU + 2 min intro per case. Must not perform poorly in the clinical (hot case) section.
- Vivas (viva) — 8 stations, 12 min. 12-min structured encounter (2 min reading + 10 min discussion). 8 viva stations across the oral section.
To progress from the written to the oral section: total score of at least 50%, no more than one section failed, and no poor performance in the clinical section.
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:
- Applying adult ICU frameworks without adjusting for paediatric physiology, weight-based dosing and age-specific targets.
- Hot-case anxiety in the PICU: an unstructured bedside examination that misses the marks in each scored domain.
- Thin coverage of neonatal and congenital-heart presentations and of paediatric-specific emergencies (DKA with cerebral oedema, status epilepticus, single-ventricle physiology).
- SAQ answers that list differentials instead of giving a prioritised, child-specific management plan with doses per kilogram.
How PRIMEX maps to the format
- SAQ practice with AI grading benchmarked to CICM Second Part Paediatric examiner expectations, marking on age-appropriate management and weight-based pharmacology.
- Hot-case and viva simulation for the PICU oral section, with a timed bedside-to-discussion structure and a distinction-grade model answer.
- Curriculum-mapped study notes and flashcards across the full breadth of paediatric intensive care, from neonate to adolescent.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the CICM Second Part Paediatric Examination and practise in the format you will actually sit.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
What is the format of the CICM Second Part Paediatric Examination?
Two written SAQ papers (30 SAQs, 300 marks), then an oral section of 8 vivas and 2 paediatric ICU hot cases. Held once a year.
How many components does the CICM Second Part Paediatric Examination have?
The examination has 4 assessed components, examined and weighted as the examining body specifies. The structured breakdown above reflects the official examination materials.
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 Second Part Paediatric Examination with format-specific practice: MCQ banks, AI-graded SAQ practice, and viva or OSCE simulation as the format requires.