SLMC
Examinations
The Sri Lanka Medical Council conducts and oversees examinations that assess whether individuals possess the required knowledge, skills, and professional competence to practise safely in Sri Lanka.
ERPM
Exam for Registration to Practise Medicine
ERPDS
Exam for Registration to Practise Dental Surgery
Required
For All Overseas Qualified Practitioners
Standard
Nationally Accepted Professional Standards
Overview & Purpose
What SLMC examinations are, why they exist, and what they assess.
Learn moreTypes of Examinations
The ERPM for medical graduates and the ERPDS for dental graduates with foreign qualifications.
Learn moreStructure & Eligibility
Examination formats, components, and the eligibility criteria candidates must meet.
Learn moreOutcomes & Standards
What happens after the examination, re-application rules, and standards of fairness.
Learn moreOverview
The Sri Lanka Medical Council conducts and oversees examinations that assess whether individuals possess the required knowledge, skills, and professional competence to practise safely in Sri Lanka.
These examinations are an essential part of the regulatory process to ensure that all practitioners meet nationally accepted standards before being granted registration.
Purpose of Examinations
SLMC examinations are designed to:
- Ensure that practitioners meet the minimum standards required for safe practice
- Assess clinical knowledge, skills, and professional judgement
- Maintain consistency in the quality of healthcare professionals entering the workforce
- Protect patients and uphold public trust
Importance of Examinations
SLMC examinations play a vital role in:
- Ensuring patient safety
- Maintaining professional standards
- Standardising the competence of practitioners entering the healthcare system
Important Advisory for Students
Students are advised to verify that their chosen university is recognised by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) for medical education prior to commencing studies, regardless of whether their programme is self-funded or supported by a government scholarship.
Verify Institution RecognitionFurther Information
Detailed information regarding examination schedules, application procedures, syllabi, and guidelines is available through the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
Types of Examinations
The SLMC conducts two principal examinations for overseas-qualified practitioners seeking registration to practise in Sri Lanka.
Examination for Registration to Practise Medicine (ERPM)
The ERPM is conducted for medical graduates who have obtained their primary medical qualification from institutions outside Sri Lanka.
The Examination Assesses
- Basic medical sciences
- Clinical knowledge and decision-making
- Practical and clinical skills
Successful completion of the ERPM is required for eligibility to obtain registration to practise medicine in Sri Lanka.
Examination for Registration to Practise Dental Surgery (ERPDS)
The ERPDS is conducted for dental graduates with foreign qualifications seeking registration to practise dentistry in Sri Lanka.
The Examination Evaluates
- Core dental knowledge
- Clinical competence
- Professional standards required for dental practice
Passing this examination is required for registration to practise dentistry in Sri Lanka.
Register for an Examination
Download examination application forms and submit via the SLMC e-Services portal. Check the portal for current examination dates and registration windows.
Structure of Examinations
SLMC examinations are designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. The structure is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current medical and dental practice.
Examination Formats
SLMC examinations may include:
- Written examinations (Multiple Choice Questions, structured questions)
- Clinical examinations (OSCE / OSPE)
- Practical assessments
- Oral examinations (viva voce), where applicable
Standards & Fairness
The Sri Lanka Medical Council ensures that examinations are:
- Conducted in a fair, transparent, and objective manner
- Aligned with national and international standards
- Regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current medical practice
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria specified by the Sri Lanka Medical Council, which may include:
- Possession of a recognised primary qualification
- Submission of required documentation
- Compliance with application procedures and deadlines
Local Graduates — Exemption
Graduates from SLMC-recognised Sri Lankan medical and dental faculties are generally exempt from the ERPM and ERPDS. Only overseas-qualified practitioners are required to sit these examinations.
View recognised local institutionsOutcomes
Following the examination, candidates will receive a result. Those who pass may proceed with the registration process, subject to fulfilling all other requirements.
Successful Candidates
Candidates who successfully complete the relevant examination may proceed with the process of registration, subject to fulfilling all other requirements set by SLMC.
- Apply for degree certificate approval from SLMC
- Proceed with the provisional registration process
- Commence the compulsory internship period
- Apply for full registration on internship completion
Unsuccessful Candidates
Candidates who are unsuccessful may reapply in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Council. Contact the SLMC Examinations Division or check the e-Services portal for re-application procedures and upcoming examination dates.
Further Information
Detailed information regarding examination schedules, application procedures, syllabi, and guidelines is available through the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
- Examination dates are announced via official gazette notice
- Application forms are available via the SLMC e-Services portal
- Eligibility requirements and syllabi are published on the SLMC website
- Results are notified through official SLMC channels
- Contact the Examinations Division for specific queries
Check Examination Dates & Apply
Access current examination schedules, registration windows, and application forms on the SLMC e-Services portal.
Sri Lanka Medical Council
Ready to Register for an Examination?
Check upcoming examination dates, download application forms, and submit your examination registration through the SLMC e-Services portal.