EDEC Examination

The EDEC exam consists of written theoretical part (I), practical reporting part (II) and practical part in the form of objective clinical skill exam (OSCE) performed on mannequins (III).
It is necessary to pass all three parts which are scored separately, there is no compensation allowed.

1. Theoretical written part (I)

• 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• 5 true/false answers each question
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Run on iPads with calculators available, no other electronic devices including mobiles are allowed
• Marking: One point per correct answer, no negative marking

2. Practical reporting part (II)

• 30 Single Best Answer Questions
• 10 case studies with 3 questions per case
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Run on iPads with calculators available, no other electronic devices including mobiles are allowed
• Marking: One point per correct answer, no negative marking

3. Practical hands-on part (III, mannequins)

• OSCE format using mannequin trainer
• 6 TTE planes to be reported with description of main structures and purpose of the view
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Marking: Positive answers scored in given time pace

Exam Eligibility

Full details on dates and venues, and registration process, will be circulated with the ESICM newsletter and on the ESICM website. The candidate needs to register to sit for the exam one month prior to the actual exam date. A final information letter will be sent approximately 1 week before the exam – a candidate will need to contact the certification office if the information letter has not been received by this point.

A candidate may sit the examination at any time during the 24 months once a minimum of 30 TTE and 10 TEE reports have been completed and confirmed. Although the examination can be sat at any time throughout the 24-month period, the mandatory ESICM course should be undertaken within the first 12 months after initiation of the accreditation process.

Accreditation will only be awarded once a candidate has successfully passed all three parts of the exam and has completed the practical assessment (logbook). A satisfactory performance at the written and practical assessment alone does not allow for “partial accreditation”.