Egyptian Board General Surgery exam-day guide
Egyptian Board General Surgery · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Original identification document (national ID or passport)
Bring the same original photo ID you used during registration. Photocopies and expired documents are not accepted. Confirm with the provider which specific documents are accepted for your candidate category and whether a second form of ID is required.
Printed admission permit / exam card
Print the permit from the registration portal and check that your name, exam date, and venue match your ID. If the permit has not been issued, contact the provider; do not assume a screenshot will be accepted.
Venue and reporting-time confirmation
Verify the exact building, hall, and reporting time at least 24 hours before. Arrive with a buffer for security checks and document verification. Confirm with the provider whether late arrival after the start is grounds for exclusion.
Travel and accommodation plan
Plan to reach the city the day before if you live far away. Choose accommodation within a short, reliable commute of the venue and check the route in advance, including transport disruptions.
Layered clothing and comfortable shoes
Exam halls are often cold or poorly ventilated. Wear layers you can remove and shoes suitable for long standing stations. Avoid clothing with large logos or text.
Food, water, and any prescribed medication
Bring a light snack and water for breaks if the provider permits them. Carry prescribed medication in its original labelled packaging and inform the invigilator if you need it during the exam.
Analog watch (no smart features)
Some halls lack a visible clock. A simple analog or non-smart digital watch helps you pace stations. Smartwatches and phones are usually prohibited at the desk; confirm the provider's device policy.
Station-appropriate professional attire
For practical or OSCE-style stations, dress as you would for a clinical shift: clean, professional, and safe. Avoid loose sleeves, dangling jewellery, and strong perfume. Confirm whether a white coat or scrubs are required or prohibited.
Small notebook and pen (if permitted)
Some exams allow blank paper for notes during reading time. Confirm with the provider what writing materials are supplied and what you may bring; do not bring loose notes.
Leave valuables and prohibited electronics at home
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are typically not allowed in the exam hall. There may be no secure storage, so carry only what you need.
Review the provider's candidate instructions
Read the current candidate guide for rules on conduct, scoring, and misconduct. Policies change; use the version published for your exam session, not older material.
Backup contact and emergency plan
Save the provider's contact number and a local emergency contact. Know what to do if you are delayed or fall ill on the day. Confirm with the provider how to report an inability to attend.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: re-check the venue, reporting time, and your admission permit, and print two copies. Plan the route and, if needed, book or confirm accommodation. Gather the required original ID and place it in a dedicated folder. Review the provider's current candidate instructions for conduct and device rules. Do a final light revision of high-yield practical topics and station formats rather than starting new material. Protect sleep: shift bedtime earlier over these three nights.
Pack your bag with ID, permit, confirmation printouts, clothing layers, snack, water, and medication. Charge nothing you cannot bring in; leave electronics at home. Check transport schedules and weather. Eat a familiar meal and avoid alcohol. Do one short, confidence-building review of checklists and communication phrases, then stop. Set two alarms and aim for at least seven hours of sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Dress in layers and comfortable shoes. Leave earlier than the route requires, with a buffer for security and document checks. Re-read the reporting time and hall number on the permit. At the venue, keep your ID and permit accessible, follow signage, and use the restroom before entering the hall. If a station format is unfamiliar, read the instructions carefully during any reading time.
Follow the invigilator's instructions exactly. At each station, read the task and time allocation before acting. Introduce yourself to simulated patients, obtain consent for examinations, and verbalise your reasoning clearly. Manage time per station and move promptly at the signal. If you make an error, state the correction rather than freezing. Do not discuss stations with other candidates during breaks. If equipment fails or a station is unclear, raise it with the invigilator immediately and note the issue if the provider allows.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID used at registration; entry may be refused without it. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether a second ID is required.
Arrive at the reporting time stated on your admission permit. Late arrival may lead to exclusion; confirm the provider's late-entry policy in advance.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, are generally prohibited in the exam hall. Confirm the provider's device and storage rules and leave valuables at home.
Follow all invigilator instructions and treat simulated patients, staff, and other candidates with respect. Unprofessional or disruptive behaviour can be reported and may affect your result.
Do not communicate with other candidates about station content during breaks or after the exam until the provider permits it. Breaching confidentiality may be treated as misconduct.
Breaks are usually only at scheduled times; confirm the provider's policy on water, food, and restroom access during the exam. Raise medical needs with the invigilator before the start.
Scoring and pass standards are set by the provider and are not disclosed in advance. Do not rely on rumours about cut-scores; confirm any published scoring information with the provider.
If you believe an exam condition was unfair or equipment failed, report it to the invigilator at the time and follow the provider's complaints procedure. Confirm the deadline and format for any post-exam representation.