What happens in the DOccMed exam
The Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed), awarded by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM), is the core UK qualification for doctors working in occupational health practice. The examination consists of a written Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper and a 20-minute portfolio-based oral examination with two examiners. Candidates submit a portfolio beforehand and are questioned for 10 minutes by each examiner on their submitted case work and the wider DOccMed syllabus.
Checked against the official sources on 24 October 2026.
The parts, in order
The first 10-minute half of the 20-minute oral examination: one examiner questions the candidate on a clinical occupational health case from their submitted portfolio, testing occupational exposure assessment, workplace risk control, clinical reasoning, fitness-for-work advice, reasonable adjustments and ethical reporting.
The second 10-minute half of the 20-minute oral examination: the second examiner starts from the candidate’s portfolio and widens out across the DOccMed syllabus, including workplace health and safety legislation, COSHH, noise and vibration regulations, statutory health surveillance, RIDDOR reporting, fitness standards and rehabilitation.
How it is marked
Two Faculty of Occupational Medicine examiners conduct the 20-minute oral together, questioning for 10 minutes each and marking the candidate’s performance against the FOM DOccMed oral assessment criteria.
Passing
Candidates must complete an FOM-approved DOccMed training course, pass the written MCQ paper, submit an acceptable portfolio and pass the 20-minute oral examination to be awarded the Diploma in Occupational Medicine.
Worth knowing
- To enter the DOccMed examination, candidates must hold GMC registration (or acceptable medical registration) and have completed a Faculty-approved Diploma training course.
- Candidates submit their portfolio ahead of the oral examination diet, and the oral takes 20 minutes in total with no separate reading window on the day.
Sources
- Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed) | Faculty of Occupational Medicine
- DOccMed Regulations and Guidance | Faculty of Occupational Medicine
Formats change. MedMock is not affiliated with any examining body; always check the current regulations on the official site before you book.
Practise the DOccMed out loud
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