OSCE for the Medical Licensing Examination in Korea

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) will be introduced in the Medical Licensing Examination in Korea next year. To evaluate the competency of new medical graduates, a written examination is not sufficient to test the clinical skills and attitudes of medical school graduates. The Korean Society of Medical Education and National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board have been preparing for OSCEs to be included in the licensing examination for a number of years, following the declaration by the Minister of Health and Welfare, of the Korean Government. One center in Seoul will provide two identical sets of stations. The OSCE will have 12 stations. Six short stations will test procedural techniques and skills, and six long stations will feature standardized patients. The test items for the short stations and the clinical presentations of the long stations will be made available to applicants. However, the checklists will not be made available. It is hoped that the OSCE will raise the standard of competencies of new medical doctors and change clinical education in the medical schools.