Question 1

What is the EDIC exam (European Diploma in Intensive Care)?

Accepted Answer

The European Diploma in Intensive Care (EDIC) exam is a two-part postgraduate qualification awarded by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). It assesses theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning in intensive care medicine.

Question 2

What are the parts and format of the EDIC exam?

Accepted Answer

Part I: A three-hour written examination in English, consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (Type A — single best answer, and Type K — true/false statements).

Part II: An oral / clinical case exam (often structured as OSCE-style stations), evaluating clinical decision-making, interpretation of data, and patient management skills.

Question 3

Who is eligible to sit for EDIC Part I and Part II?

Accepted Answer

To apply for Part I, candidates must be fully registered medical doctors (having completed internship) and either enrolled in or having completed national specialty training (e.g. Anaesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, etc.).

To proceed to Part II, you typically must have passed Part I plus meet additional training / clinical experience requirements (as defined by ESICM).

Question 4

When are EDIC exams held, and how is registration done?

Accepted Answer

EDIC Part I is conducted twice a year, typically in spring and autumn, as an online written exam. Part II takes place several times per year at designated ESICM-accredited centres.

Registration for both parts is completed online via the official ESICM website, and early application is advised due to limited availability.

Note: For Part II, you can only register after you’ve passed Part I.

Question 5

How much does the EDIC exam cost?

Accepted Answer

The fees vary depending on whether you are an ESICM member or not. For example, the cost for Part I may be around €610 for ESICM members, and €810 for non-members. For Part II, fees are higher.

Question 6

Are wrong answers penalised? / Is there negative marking?

Accepted Answer

No. EDIC Part I does not use negative marking. Candidates are encouraged to answer every question, as incorrect responses do not reduce the score.

Question 7

What topics are covered in the EDIC syllabus?

Accepted Answer

The syllabus covers all core domains of intensive care medicine, including:

Physiology and basic medical science

Respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation

Cardiovascular support & hemodynamics

Kidney injury & renal replacement therapy

Sepsis, infections & antimicrobial therapy

Neurocritical care

Trauma, perioperative intensive care

Ethics, general ICU principles, monitoring & diagnostics

Data interpretation, imaging, lab tests, etc.

Question 8

What is the pass rate or difficulty of EDIC?

Accepted Answer

The pass rates are not always published openly in detail by ESICM, but candidates commonly consider the exam challenging given its breadth of subject matter, high standards, and emphasis on up-to-date evidence and guidelines. (You might highlight on your site how practicing many MCQs increases chances.)

Question 9

How often can you retake the exam if you fail?

Accepted Answer

Candidates who fail Part I must usually wait at least one year before retaking it.

For Part II, there may be limits on the number of attempts; this is subject to ESICM rules (check the latest guidelines).

Question 10

What is the best way to prepare for the EDIC exam?

Accepted Answer

Structured syllabus review covering all ICU core topics

Practice EDIC-style MCQs (Type A & Type K) under timed conditions

Use recent European guidelines and key clinical trials as reference

Simulated exams / mock tests to build exam stamina

For Part II: clinical scenario practice, data interpretation exercises, discussions with colleagues

Revision planning over months (not last minute)

Stay updated: ESICM’s official guidelines & publications

Question 11

Where can I find official EDIC guidelines and rules?

Accepted Answer

ESICM publishes the EDIC Guidelines & Regulations document (often in PDF) which governs exam format, eligibility, regulations, appeals, etc.

Question 12

Is EDIC recognised nationally / does it count for certification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The EDIC diploma is recognised across Europe and internationally as a standard of competence in intensive care medicine. It supports national board certification in several countries.

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