Frequency and passing rates of SMC Qualifying Examinations

10 September 2012

Question No. 631

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef

Question

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how frequently does the Singapore Medical Council run the qualifying examination for foreign medical graduates from medical schools that are not listed on the list of recognised schools for practice locally; and (b) on average, how many candidates take these exams annually and what is the passing or qualifying rate.

Answer

1        The Qualifying Examination (QE) was made available in 1999 as an examination for graduates from foreign non-recognised medical schools who sought medical registration with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) to practice in Singapore.  This is necessary to ensure that registered medical practitioners are competent and fit to practice medicine. 

2        The qualifying examination is held once a year. Currently only Singapore citizens with non-recognized degrees returning to practise in Singapore are eligible to apply and sit for the qualifying examination.

3        For the past three years, an average of 10 candidates per year take the qualifying examination and the pass rate is around 17% (5 out of 30 candidates).