Overview
The Examination for Registration to Practise Medicine (ERPM) is run by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) for medical graduates whose primary medical qualification comes from an institution outside Sri Lanka. Passing it is required to be eligible for registration to practise medicine in Sri Lanka. Practising medicine in Sri Lanka without valid SLMC registration is a legal offence.
The SLMC runs a matching exam for foreign-qualified dental graduates, the ERPDS, which is a separate exam.
Who can apply
You must meet the eligibility rules set by the SLMC. The Council says these may include holding a recognised primary qualification, submitting the required documents, and following the application procedures and deadlines. The Council advises students to check that their university is recognised by the SLMC for medical education before they start studying.
Exam pattern
The SLMC describes the ERPM as testing three things: basic medical sciences, clinical knowledge and decision-making, and practical and clinical skills. Its examinations in general may include written papers (multiple-choice and structured questions), clinical exams (OSCE and OSPE), practical assessments and, where applicable, viva voce. The Council posts an ERPM structure chart, a 2025 revised guideline on changes to the ERPM format, and an ERPM booklet on its Education page, so read those for the current format.
After the exam
You can check ERPM results online on the SLMC site. Successful candidates can go on to apply for registration, once they meet all the other requirements. Unsuccessful candidates may reapply under the Council's rules.
FAQs
Who needs to take the ERPM?
Medical graduates whose primary medical qualification is from outside Sri Lanka.
Where do I find the current exam format?
On the SLMC Education page, which carries the ERPM structure chart, the 2025 revised guideline and the ERPM booklet.