Your pathway through the Medical Microbiology residency
- 1Selection exam (OMRSE)
150 single-best-answer MCQs in 2 hours 45 minutes, delivered by Pearson VUE. Required for entry to OMSB residency.
Practise for the OMRSE → - 2Application & interview
Apply through the OMSB e-portal (typically November–December), then interview with the Medical Microbiology Education Committee (January–February). Matching follows in April and results in May.
- 3Residency training
Training starts on 1 September, with end-of-year written exams (pass mark 50% in R1–R2 and 60% from R3) and workplace assessments.
- 4OMSB Part I
Written exam of 2 hours 30 minutes, usually taken in R2. It must be passed to progress from R3 to R4; a maximum of three attempts applies.
- 5OMSB Part II
Final written exam (4.5 hours) followed by a clinical exam for those who pass the written part — first sitting in the last six months of training.
- 6Specialty certificate
“Oman Medical Specialty Board in Medical Microbiology”.
Medical Microbiology Part I blueprint
- 1Clinical syndromes35%
- 2Antimicrobials18%
- 3Basic microbiology (epidemiology and pathogenesis)17%
- 4Virology17%
- 5Common competencies4%
- 6Infection control (including vaccination) & public health4%
- 7Mycobacteriology1%
- 8Serology1%
- 9MALDI ToF1%
- 10Molecular testing1%
- 11Lab/quality management1%
- Accepted difference: +/-10% overall
Medical Microbiology Part II blueprint
- 1Clinical syndromes35%
- 2Antimicrobials18%
- 3Basic microbiology (epidemiology and pathogenesis)17%
- 4Virology17%
- 5Common competencies4%
- 6Infection control (including vaccination) & public health4%
- 7Mycobacteriology1%
- 8Serology1%
- 9MALDI ToF1%
- 10Molecular testing1%
- 11Lab/quality management1%
Admission requirements
Eligibility
- MBBS/MD or equivalent from an accredited college
- Completed internship year
- Medically fit for the chosen specialty
- Pass the OMRSE selection exam and the interview
- Three consultant recommendation letters and sponsor release approval
- Non-Omanis: financial sponsorship for the full training period
Documents
- Employer approval form and OMSB-format CV
- National ID / passport and 2×2 photo
- MD certificate and transcripts (foreign degrees attested and equated)
- Internship certificate
- Valid BLS and ACLS
- Health assessment with serology results
- Non-Omanis: good standing, non-conviction and Dataflow-verified certificates
Frequently asked questions
How do I get into the OMSB Medical Microbiology residency?
Applicants need an MBBS/MD or equivalent, a completed internship and medical fitness. They then sit the Oman Medical Residency Selection Examination (OMRSE), apply through the OMSB e-portal and attend an interview with the programme’s Education Committee. Non-Omani applicants need financial sponsorship for the full training period.
What is in the OMSB Medical Microbiology Part I exam?
The Part I written exam lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and covers 11 blueprint categories. The published blueprint allows an overall difference of ±10% from the stated weights.
What is in the OMSB Medical Microbiology Part II exam?
The Part II written exam lasts 4.5 hours and covers 11 blueprint categories. Candidates who pass the written part go on to the clinical part.
How many attempts are allowed for OMSB Part I and Part II?
OMSB’s Part I & II examination rules allow a maximum of three Part I attempts, with re-sits within one year of the first attempt. For Part II, candidates who fail may have further attempts within three years of the first attempt, after which additional training is required. Rules can change, so always check the current OMSB policy.
What certificate do I receive?
Residents who complete training and pass Part II receive the OMSB Specialty Certificate, titled “Oman Medical Specialty Board in Medical Microbiology”.
Blueprints are taken from the official OMSB Written Examination Section documents. Programme details come from omsb.gov.om. This is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Oman Medical Specialty Board — always confirm current rules with OMSB.