Introduction

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Purpose

The primary aim of The European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS) is to encourage high standards and excellence in cardiothoracic surgery common to all European countries and beyond.  This prepares the way for the mutual recognition of these qualifications between European countries and elsewhere. It is a way of surgeons demonstrating their knowledge and judgement to their peers, patients and hospitals through an objective, high quality assessment of their ability.

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Standards

The standards are set to award certificates from the Board to surgeons who have attained the required standards and levels of knowledge, clinical judgement and proficiency that can be recognised as appropriate for their independent specialist practice in cardiothoracic surgery and sub-specialist areas such as critical care. 

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Question writing panel

The Board has an experienced question writing panel comprised of examiners appointed for their experience in education, training and research for the Level One MCQ examination. Examiners after selection and appointment undergo regular training in assessment science and contribute questions regularly for peer review and refinement.

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The Candidates

Candidates’ applications are reviewed in detail by Board members to ensure that they are eligible to take the examination. Candidates should read the Regulations of the European Board carefully before applying to ensure that they comply with the requirements to take the examination.

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Application for examination

The Board holds examinations at least once a year. All applications and required documents will have to be submitted online before the advertised deadline for the examination. Late application cannot be accepted.​

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The documents required are:

• A completed EBCTS online application form

• A recent photograph

• A copy of national medical diploma.

• A copy of licence to practice medicine

• A copy of ‘national specialist diploma’ or CCST (Completion of Specialist Training) and/or official Specialty recognition registration number issued by the appropriate official body of that Country.

• Two completed Structured Reference Form’s (one must be from the Head of Department or Head of Training) (template provided during application)

• A detailed logbook of procedures performed and assisted (template provided during application)

Note: all documents which are not in English must be accompanied by an official signed and stamped translation.

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Examination Fee

• The fee for the Level one examination will be €750.

• The file will not be processed until payment is received in full. If the candidate is found not to meet the eligibility criteria.

• Should a candidate be unable to sit the examination on the appointed date, he will be offered one alternative date and the fee will be held.

• If the candidate does not take the examination and does not inform the EBCTS Secretariat one month in advance, no fee will be refunded.

• The candidate who attends the examination and is not successful will be offered a further five opportunities to re-take the examination (6 attempts maximum). A fee of €450 will apply to each speciality re-sit.

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The MEBCTS Examination - What to expect

The Level One examination is a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination consisting of a 4 hour, 180 question paper.  This examination will be quality assured using standard set questions and a scientifically derived passmark.

 

The Level One examination will be held at Test Centres across Europe. This method of professional delivery of high stakes examinations is established and secure.

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Marking

The examination paper will be marked and results issued within 1 month of the examination date.

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Diplomas

Confirmation of the examination results will come by e-mail from the EBCTS office.  A copy of your diploma will be sent by email.  A hard-copy by post on request.