CMSA Fellowship Examination Structure

What is CMSA?

The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) is the statutory body responsible for administering fellowship examinations for specialist qualification in South Africa.

CMSA offers fellowships across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties.

Successful completion of the fellowship examination is a key requirement for specialist registration with HPCSA.

Role in Specialist Training

CMSA fellowship examinations are the standard pathway to specialist qualification in South Africa.

While universities offer Master of Medicine (MMed) degrees, the CMSA fellowship is the professional qualification that demonstrates specialist competence.

Important: Most training programs require completion of both the MMed degree and CMSA fellowship for full specialist qualification!

Examination Structure Overview

CMSA fellowship examinations typically consist of two main parts:

• Part I Examination: Usually taken early in the training period (often after 1-2 years of registrar training). This examination tests basic knowledge and understanding of the specialty.
• Part II Examination: Taken towards the end of training (typically after 3-4 years). This examination tests advanced clinical competence, judgment, and specialist skills.

Part I Examination

Format

The Part I examination format varies by specialty but commonly includes:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) covering basic sciences and clinical knowledge
• Written papers testing theoretical understanding
• In some specialties, a practical or clinical component

Timing

Part I is typically taken after completing the first 12-24 months of registrar training.

Candidates must be registered with HPCSA in an appropriate training category and be in an accredited training post.

Preparation

Preparation for Part I involves comprehensive study of basic sciences relevant to the specialty, review of core clinical knowledge, and practice with past examination papers where available.

Part II Examination

Format

The Part II examination is more comprehensive and typically includes:

• Written papers (short answer questions, case studies)
• Clinical examinations (OSCE - Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
• Oral examinations (viva voce)
• In some specialties, a dissertation or research project defense

Timing

Part II is usually taken in the final year of registrar training, after completing the required clinical rotations and meeting training program requirements.

Candidates must have passed Part I before attempting Part II!

Preparation

Part II preparation requires integration of clinical experience with theoretical knowledge.

Candidates should focus on clinical reasoning, case management, and specialist-level decision-making.

Examination Schedule

CMSA fellowship examinations are conducted twice annually, typically in:

• First sitting: May/June
• Second sitting: October/November

Exact dates vary by specialty and year. Candidates must check the CMSA website for current examination schedules and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

To apply for CMSA fellowship examinations, candidates typically need:

• HPCSA registration in an appropriate category
• Current appointment in an accredited training post
• Completion of required training duration (varies by specialty)
• Approval from the head of department or training program
• Payment of examination fees
• Completion of CMSA application forms

Examination Fees

Examination fees vary by specialty and examination part.

Fees are published on the CMSA website and must be paid by the application deadline. Late applications may incur additional fees.

Number of Attempts

Candidates are typically allowed a limited number of attempts for each examination part.

The specific number varies by specialty and is outlined in CMSA regulations. After exhausting allowed attempts, candidates may need to complete additional training or meet other requirements before re-attempting.

Results and Certification

Examination results are typically released 6-8 weeks after the examination.

Successful candidates receive notification from CMSA and are awarded the fellowship certificate.

This certificate, along with university MMed degree completion, enables application for specialist registration with HPCSA.

Important Considerations

• Examination requirements and structures vary by specialty - always check specialty-specific requirements!
• Training program requirements and examination requirements are interconnected - ensure both are met.
• Plan examination timing carefully to align with training program milestones.
• Stay informed about any changes to examination structure or requirements through CMSA communications.
• Seek guidance from supervisors and senior colleagues when preparing for examinations.