Skip to main content

IMM OBGY 2026: Complete Guide to the Theory Exam & TOACS

IMM OBGY 2026: Complete Guide to the Theory Exam & TOACS

By MedHome Global OBGYN Academy | Updated 2026

The Intermediate Module in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (IMM OBGY) is a major milestone for FCPS trainees, forming a mandatory eligibility requirement before candidates can sit FCPS-II. This guide breaks down the theory exam structure, the TOACS clinical assessment, and a topic-by-topic prep strategy.

Note: Exact station timings and the obstetrics/gynaecology station split can vary by exam cycle. Always cross-check current-year specifics against your official CPSP circular before your exam.

Exam Structure Overview

Candidates must pass the written theory examination before becoming eligible for TOACS.

Theory Examination

  • Paper I — 100 SBA MCQs (Obstetrics-weighted)
  • Paper II — 100 SBA MCQs (Obstetrics-weighted)
  • Overall syllabus weighting: Obstetrics 70% / Gynaecology 30%

TOACS (Task-Oriented Assessment of Clinical Skills)

  • Interactive stations, each supervised by a single examiner
  • Assesses history-taking, examination technique, counselling, procedural knowledge, and clinical reasoning
  • Station distribution broadly follows the 70:30 Obstetrics:Gynaecology weighting

Gynaecology Syllabus (30%)

Core topics candidates must master:

  • Congenital anomalies of the female genital tract
  • Amenorrhoea, PCOS, hirsutism & virilisation
  • Endometriosis, PID, Bartholin gland disorders
  • Vaginal discharge & STIs
  • Menstrual disorders — menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, PMS, DUB
  • Early pregnancy problems — miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, GTD
  • Menopause & HRT
  • Pelvic organ prolapse & pelvic floor disorders
  • Infertility, contraception, sterilisation
  • Pre-op/post-op assessment, cervical smear, pessary insertion, HSG, gynae ultrasound
  • Minor operative gynaecological procedures

Basic-knowledge-only areas: gynaecological oncology, radiotherapy, endoscopy, urinary fistula.

Obstetrics Syllabus (70%)

1. Normal Pregnancy, Labour & Puerperium

Preconception counselling, folic acid, rubella vaccination, genetic counselling, antenatal/intrapartum care, maternal & fetal monitoring, labour analgesia/anaesthesia, postpartum care, breastfeeding, normal puerperium, prenatal diagnosis.

2. Abnormal Pregnancy, Labour & Puerperium

Malpresentation/malposition, dysfunctional labour, CPD, obstructed labour, third-stage complications, induction of labour, preterm labour, surgical emergencies in pregnancy (appendicitis, acute abdomen, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, renal colic), neonatal resuscitation.

3. Medical Disorders in Pregnancy

Cardiac, renal, endocrine, liver, GI, haematological disease, VTE, psychiatric, neurological, dermatological disorders, and malignancy in pregnancy.

How to Prepare for TOACS

History Stations

Introduce yourself → confirm identity → consent → focused history → summarise → likely diagnosis → investigations → management → safety-net.

Examination Stations

Introduce → consent → explain the examination → perform systematically → present findings → differentials → management plan.

Counselling Stations

Demonstrate empathy, clear communication, shared decision-making, balanced risk-benefit discussion, and appropriate follow-up advice.

High-Yield TOACS Topics

Obstetrics: antenatal counselling, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, reduced fetal movements, CTG interpretation, labour management, shoulder dystocia, PPH, instrumental delivery counselling, VBAC, previous CS, preterm labour, PROM/PPROM, multiple pregnancy, FGR, stillbirth, breastfeeding counselling.

Gynaecology: abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhoea, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, menopause & HRT, contraception (incl. emergency), pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, PID.

Time Management in an Interactive Station

  • Read the task & plan
  • Introduction and consent
  • Core history / examination / counselling
  • Diagnosis, investigations, and management
  • Summary and safety-netting

Final Preparation Tips

Success in IMM OBGY comes from combining sound theory with safe clinical practice and effective communication. Focus on:

  • Evidence-based management (NICE, RCOG, FIGO where applicable)
  • Structured history & examination approaches
  • Patient-centred counselling
  • Common obstetric emergencies
  • Core gynaecological conditions
  • Timed TOACS practice

Prepare with MedHome Global OBGYN Academy
Structured IMM OBGY theory + TOACS courses, SBA banks, and mock stations.
📱 WhatsApp: +92 301 4843695

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Theory: What Should You Actually Study?

MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology Theory: What Should You Actually Study? Preparing for the MRCPI Obstetrics & Gynaecology written examination can feel overwhelming. The syllabus is extensive, but success comes from studying the right topics in the right way. The examination tests safe clinical practice, evidence-based decision-making, and the application of current Irish and international guidelines. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is studying random resources without a structured plan. Instead, focus on core concepts, guideline-based management, and regular recall practice. 1. Master the Core Obstetric Topics A large proportion of the examination focuses on common obstetric scenarios. Revise: Antenatal care and routine screening Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy Diabetes in pregnancy Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and SGA Preterm labour and PPROM Multiple pregnancy Antepartum haemorrhage Labour management CTG interpretation Operative vaginal birt...

Failed MRCOG Part 2? Here's How to Plan a Retake That Actually Works

Failed MRCOG Part 2? Your Complete Retake Strategy | MedHome Failed MRCOG Part 2? Here's How to Plan a Retake That Actually Works A disappointing MRCOG Part 2 result is not a verdict on your ability as a doctor. Every diet, strong candidates miss the pass mark by a handful of marks — and go on to clear it comfortably next time. The difference is almost never more hours of study. It's a sharper, more targeted plan built around exactly where marks were lost. If you've just come out of Part 2 without the result you wanted, here's how to turn it around. Why Candidates Miss MRCOG Part 2 Strong on SBAs but losing marks on EMQs, or the reverse — the two formats test differently and need separate practice Not enough timed, exam-standard mock exams to build clinical reasoning speed Preparing in isolation, with no feedback on answer technique or where reasoning went wrong Relying on outdated or UK-only sources when RCOG GTG, NICE, TOG, FSRH and BASHH...

IMM OBGY TOACS 2026: Must-Coming Stations You Cannot Afford to Miss Exam Format Each Station time

IMM OBGY TOACS 2026: 12 Must-Coming Stations You Cannot Afford to Miss | MedHome IMM OBGY TOACS 2026: 12 Must-Coming Stations You Cannot Afford to Miss The IMM OBGY TOACS is not an exam you can pass on theory knowledge alone. It tests whether you can perform, communicate, and reason like a specialist under a strict 7-minute-per-station clock, across 12 structured stations . Every year, CPSP draws its stations from a recognisable, recurring pool — and candidates who understand this pattern walk in with a real strategic advantage. Based on years of recall analysis and past paper trends, up to 60% of the IMM OBGY TOACS exam can be predicted from patterns that repeat cycle after cycle. This blog breaks down all 12 stations in detail — what to expect, how they're structured, and how to prepare for each one. Understanding the IMM OBGY TOACS Format 12 OSCE stations + 2 resting stations 7 minutes per station — no extensions Late arrival beyond 15 minutes ma...