OMSB Family Medicine (OEFM) exam-day guide
OMSB Family Medicine (OEFM) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID document the exam provider accepts, such as a passport or national/resident ID, with the same name as your booking. Check expiry and name spelling. needs_review: confirm the exact accepted ID with the exam provider before travelling.
Admission or booking confirmation
Carry a printed and offline digital copy of your exam confirmation, including candidate number and venue. Confirm whether a printed copy is mandatory. needs_review: verify paper-copy requirements with the exam provider.
Stethoscope and simple clinical tools
Bring a working, labelled stethoscope if the exam provider requires you to use your own. Do not bring procedure kits unless explicitly instructed. needs_review: confirm whether stethoscopes and any other equipment are supplied at stations.
Black or blue pens and a pencil
Pack at least two pens, a pencil, and an eraser for any written instructions, station notes, or candidate details. Confirm whether notes are permitted in stations. needs_review: check the stationery policy with the exam provider.
Simple analogue watch
A plain watch helps you track station time if clocks are not visible. Smartwatches and wearable devices are commonly restricted. needs_review: confirm whether any watch is allowed and whether timing signals are provided.
Professional attire and closed shoes
Wear clean, comfortable professional clothing and closed shoes suitable for standing, moving between stations, and simulated clinical tasks. A white coat should be worn only if instructed. needs_review: confirm the dress code and whether a white coat is required.
Infection-control items
Pack a mask and hand sanitizer only if current local policy requires or permits them. Follow station hand-hygiene instructions even if sanitizer is supplied. needs_review: check the current infection-control policy with the exam provider.
Water and a light snack
Bring water and a small snack only if breaks are scheduled and food is permitted in the waiting area. Avoid noisy wrappers and strong-smelling food. needs_review: confirm break timing and food/drink rules with the exam provider.
Venue and travel plan
Confirm the exact building, entrance, reporting time, and parking or public-transport options. Aim to arrive well before the reporting time to allow ID checks and security screening.
Phone and valuables plan
Leave valuables at home where possible. If you bring a phone, switch it off and store it as instructed; do not keep it in your pocket during stations. needs_review: confirm the phone-storage policy with the exam provider.
Format and timing review
Know the current number of stations, reading time, station length, rest stations, and whether there is a separate written component. Practise reading a stem quickly and entering the station with a clear opening line. needs_review: confirm the current practical format and timing with the exam provider.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue address, reporting time, ID requirements, dress code, equipment rules, and break policy. Print or download your admission confirmation and plan your journey.
Do focused practice rather than new-content cramming. Run two or three timed mock stations with a colleague: a family-medicine consultation, a communication or counselling scenario, and a practical or data-interpretation task.
Prepare your bag and clothes early. Test your stethoscope, pack pens and ID, and decide what you will leave at home. Protect sleep in the nights before the exam.
Review a structured consultation approach: greet and confirm identity, explore the patient's agenda, take a focused history, explain clearly, check understanding, and close with safety-netting. Keep it flexible rather than rehearsed word-for-word.
Switch to light review only: common family-medicine presentations, red flags, counselling frameworks, and basic procedural safety. Stop studying early enough to sleep well.
Recheck your admission confirmation, ID, transport, and alarm. Charge any permitted device or watch, prepare your clothes, and pack water or a snack only if allowed.
Eat a normal meal, avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, and set two alarms. If you become unwell, contact the exam provider as early as possible to ask about their illness policy. needs_review: confirm the illness and deferral policy with the exam provider.
Eat a light breakfast, hydrate, and dress according to the confirmed dress code. Arrive at the venue with enough time for ID checks, security, and finding the candidate waiting area.
Switch off your phone and store it as instructed. Keep only permitted items with you. Use the restroom before the briefing and note the location of rest stations.
Read each station stem carefully during reading time. Identify the task, the patient's likely concern, and the one or two safety issues you must not miss. Enter with a clear introduction and confirm the patient's identity and consent.
Use time deliberately: open, explore, explain, close. For procedures, state the indication, confirm consent, maintain asepsis, and explain aftercare. For communication stations, use plain language, check understanding, and summarise a plan.
If a station ends early, use the remaining time to summarise, safety-net, or ask whether the patient has questions. At the signal, stop promptly and move on without discussing the station with other candidates.
Rules to check
Bring only items the exam provider permits. Phones and smart devices must be switched off and stored as instructed; keeping a phone in the station area may be treated as misconduct. needs_review: confirm the exact permitted-items and phone policy with the exam provider.
Carry valid photo ID with the same name as your booking. Without acceptable ID you may be refused entry. needs_review: confirm which ID documents are accepted and whether a candidate number or admission letter must also be shown.
Follow examiner instructions and time signals. Stop when told to stop and do not continue writing, speaking, or performing a task after the station ends.
Do not discuss station content, patient scenarios, or examiner behaviour with other candidates during the exam or afterwards on social media. Confidentiality applies to all practical stations.
Use only designated breaks and rest stations. Do not leave the candidate area without permission. If you need water, medication, or the restroom urgently, speak to a staff member. needs_review: confirm break and rest-station rules with the exam provider.
Scoring is typically done by trained examiners using station-specific checklists and global ratings of clinical and communication performance. Results are not usually given on the day. needs_review: confirm the scoring, results-release, and appeals process with the exam provider.
If you feel unwell or believe there is an equipment or safety problem, tell a staff member immediately rather than continuing silently. Do not attempt to fix equipment yourself unless instructed.