6 Best-Selling EMQ Books Millions Trust

Trusted by experts including Justin C. Konje, Sherif W. Helmy, and Sri G. Thrumurthy, these EMQ books offer proven strategies for exam success

Updated on June 24, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially when it comes to mastering Extended Matching Questions (EMQs), a challenging exam format widely used in medical assessments. EMQs demand more than memorization; they require sharp clinical reasoning and exam savvy. These six best-selling EMQ books have stood the test of time, helping thousands of candidates sharpen their knowledge and boost confidence across surgical and obstetrics specialties.

Experts like Justin C. Konje, known for his comprehensive MRCOG guides, and Sherif W. Helmy, a seasoned clinician behind the trusted PLAB EMQ collections, have shaped these resources. Their deep clinical experience shines through, offering not just questions but insights that transform exam preparation from rote learning to strategic mastery.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific EMQ needs might consider creating a personalized EMQ book that combines these validated approaches with your unique background and goals. This ensures you get exactly the focus and depth you need for success.

Best for surgical exam candidates
EMQs for the MRCS Part A stands out as a focused resource designed specifically for surgeons preparing for the MRCS exam's extended matching questions. Published by Oxford University Press, it offers 250 detailed questions spanning vital surgical topics such as peri-operative care, trauma, and oncology. This book helps you practice different question styles, from basic fact recall to complex multi-step clinical reasoning, reinforcing knowledge and exam readiness. It meets a clear need for specialized revision material, making it a trusted companion for surgical trainees aiming to navigate the MRCS Part A successfully.
EMQs for the MRCS Part A (Oxford Specialty Training: Revision Texts) book cover

by Sri G. Thrumurthy, Tania S. De Silva, Zia M. Moinuddin, Stuart Enoch·You?

2013·176 pages·EMQ, Surgery, Exam Preparation, Clinical Reasoning, Perioperative Care

When Sri G. Thrumurthy and colleagues developed this revision guide, they aimed to meet the precise needs of MRCS candidates facing the challenging EMQ section. The book delivers 250 extended matching questions organized into 96 focused themes, covering surgical principles, peri-operative care, and trauma management, among others. You’ll find varied question types, from clinical cases to multi-step reasoning, designed to sharpen your exam technique and highlight areas needing further study. This isn’t just practice; it’s a deliberate training tool tailored for surgical trainees preparing for a demanding exam environment. If you’re working toward MRCS Part A, this book aligns closely with your revision strategy and exam demands.

View on Amazon
Best for MRCOG Part 2 comprehensive prep
This book distinguishes itself within EMQ literature by consolidating all MRCOG Part 2 exam question types into a single resource, ensuring broad appeal among test takers. It offers a structured approach starting with short answer questions and progressing through MCQs, EMQs, and OSCE stations, each accompanied by detailed explanations and strategies. Ideal for those preparing for this demanding exam, it addresses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in obstetrics, gynecology, and related specialties, helping you identify common mistakes and build a confident, well-rounded exam technique.
2009·480 pages·EMQ, Examination Preparation, Medical Education, Obstetrics, Gynecology

Drawing from his extensive experience in obstetrics and gynecology, Justin C. Konje crafted this book to serve as a comprehensive revision tool for the MRCOG Part 2 exam. You learn how to approach multiple examination formats—including SAQs, MCQs, EMQs, and OSCEs—while mastering the clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary for success. The book breaks down common pitfalls and offers detailed sample answers, making it especially useful if you want to understand not just what to answer but how to think during the exam. If your goal is to streamline your study and cover all exam aspects in one volume, this serves that purpose well, though it demands commitment given its dense content.

View on Amazon
Best for custom exam plans
This AI-created book on EMQ mastery is tailored to your unique background and goals. It focuses on the specific challenges and question types you want to master, blending proven exam techniques with your personal learning needs. By concentrating on your interests and experience, this book offers a focused path through EMQ preparation that helps you build confidence and skill efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·EMQ, EMQ Fundamentals, Exam Techniques, Clinical Reasoning, Question Analysis

This tailored book explores proven methods specifically designed to help you conquer Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) efficiently. It focuses on your background and goals, combining widely validated exam techniques with insights that match your unique learning style. Readers engage with content that reveals how to navigate question patterns, sharpen clinical reasoning, and build confidence under exam conditions. The personalized approach ensures you dive deep into areas most relevant to your needs, making preparation more targeted and effective. This book examines popular EMQ strategies through a lens that aligns perfectly with your individual interests and skill level, making your study experience both productive and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Exam Strategy Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for MRCOG Part 1 exam readiness
Get Through MRCOG Part 1: MCQs and EMQs is crafted specifically to meet the needs of candidates preparing for the MRCOG Part 1 examination, reflecting the current syllabus with a substantial collection of 350 multiple-choice and 40 extended matching questions. This book has gained widespread adoption due to its clear explanations and alignment with the exam's style and difficulty, making it a trusted tool for those seeking to assess and deepen their understanding of obstetrics and gynaecology. Its methodical approach, developed by practicing clinicians, addresses the challenges trainees face in mastering both basic and applied sciences, providing a focused path toward exam readiness and confidence.
Get Through MRCOG Part 1: MCQs and EMQs book cover

by Rehka Wuntakal, Tony Hollingworth·You?

2010·232 pages·EMQ, Medical Education, Examination Preparation, Obstetrics, Gynaecology

Unlike most EMQ preparation books that focus solely on rote memorization, this work by Rehka Wuntakal and Tony Hollingworth draws from their clinical experience as a Specialist Registrar and Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The book offers 350 multiple-choice questions and 40 extended matching questions aligned with the MRCOG Part 1 syllabus, designed to sharpen your knowledge of both basic and applied sciences in the specialty. Explanations accompanying each answer help you understand the reasoning, making it more than just practice but a tool for deeper learning. If you're aiming to solidify your grasp on obstetrics and gynecology concepts in exam format, this book is tailored for you.

View on Amazon
Best for PLAB clinical practice
This book provides a thorough collection of 1000 extended matching questions that reflect the current standards of the PLAB exam, developed by Sherif W. Helmy, whose clinical expertise informs each explanation. Its methodical approach helps you navigate the nuances of EMQ-style questions, making it a popular choice among candidates aiming to practice effectively and understand NHS clinical requirements. The detailed answer discussions serve not just to quiz but to deepen your clinical understanding, making it a practical resource for final-year medical students and international doctors stepping into the UK medical system.
2011·290 pages·EMQ, Medical Exams, Test Preparation, Extended Matching Questions, Clinical Reasoning

Sherif W. Helmy's extensive clinical experience as a medical professional shines through in this meticulously crafted guide for the PLAB examination. The book distills complex medical scenarios into 1000 extended matching questions that mirror actual exam content, complete with detailed explanations to clarify reasoning. You gain not just exposure to diverse clinical topics but also practical strategies for identifying key clues within questions, enhancing your test-taking skills. Ideal for final-year medical students and international medical graduates preparing for the NHS system, this book offers a focused way to build confidence and competence before your Senior House Officer role.

View on Amazon
Best for surgical clinical reasoning
EMQs for Surgery offers a focused approach to mastering Extended Matching Questions, a format increasingly favored in medical assessments. This book brings together expertise from surgical specialists to provide a question bank tailored for postgraduate exams like the MRCS and FRCS in the UK, with relevance extending internationally. It supports surgical trainees aiming to translate their medical knowledge into practical clinical decisions, addressing the evolving landscape of medical assessments. By practicing with these questions, you engage with the type of reasoning expected in high-stakes exams, making this an essential tool for those committed to surgical career advancement.
EMQs for Surgery book cover

by Dr Louis Fligelstone MB BCh MD FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Gen), Dr Alun H Davies MA DM FRCS·You?

2004·344 pages·EMQ, Medical Education, Surgery, Assessment, Clinical Reasoning

What started as a need to better assess clinical reasoning in surgical trainees became a focused effort by Dr Louis Fligelstone and Dr Alun H Davies to compile a targeted collection of Extended Matching Questions (EMQs). Drawing on their extensive surgical experience and contributions from specialists across key clinical fields, they've crafted questions that mirror the challenges faced in postgraduate exams like the MRCS and FRCS in the UK. You'll gain insight into applying medical knowledge practically in surgery, honing your ability to navigate complex clinical scenarios. This book suits surgical trainees preparing for board exams and anyone seeking to deepen their clinical decision-making skills through structured self-assessment.

View on Amazon
Best for daily skill building
This AI-created book on EMQ preparation is tailored to your specific goals and background. By focusing on daily exercises that fit your skill level and interests, it helps you build consistent practice habits. You tell us which EMQ topics matter most to you and your current challenges, and the book covers exactly what you need to boost your exam readiness efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·EMQ, EMQ Fundamentals, Clinical Reasoning, Question Analysis, Focused Practice

This tailored book explores focused daily exercises designed to accelerate your mastery of Extended Matching Questions (EMQs). It combines reader-validated knowledge with your unique background and goals, providing a personalized pathway to sharpen clinical reasoning and exam skills. The content covers essential EMQ formats, question analysis, and targeted practice that matches your interests, helping you develop confidence through consistent, relevant daily practice. By tailoring the material to your specific needs, this book enables you to efficiently strengthen critical thinking and apply clinical knowledge in exam settings. It reveals practical ways to engage with EMQs, ensuring your preparation is both effective and aligned with your learning objectives, without unnecessary detours.

Tailored Handbook
Clinical Reasoning Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for obstetrics EMQ mastery
What makes this book unique in the EMQ field is its direct focus on the MRCOG Part 2 exam, known for its demanding extended matching questions. This guide by Justin C Konje offers a structured approach to revising obstetrics and gynecology concepts specifically tailored to the exam's format. Its practical layout addresses the needs of candidates by blending theory with clinical application, helping you bridge knowledge and practice. If you're preparing for MRCOG Part 2, this book addresses the challenge of mastering EMQs with clarity and focus, supporting your journey toward professional qualification.
2017·200 pages·Obstetrics and Gynecology, EMQ, Exam Preparation, Clinical Knowledge, Maternal-Fetal Medicine

After extensive clinical experience, Justin C Konje developed this guide to simplify preparing for the MRCOG Part 2 exam. You gain targeted practice on extended matching questions that challenge both theoretical knowledge and practical application in obstetrics and gynecology. The book breaks down complex topics into manageable segments, helping you focus on exam-relevant areas such as maternal-fetal medicine and gynecologic pathology. If you're an obstetrics trainee aiming to master the MRCOG Part 2, this book offers a structured way to sharpen your exam technique and deepen your understanding of essential clinical scenarios.

View on Amazon

Proven EMQ Strategies, Personalized for You

Get expert-backed EMQ study methods tailored to your unique goals and background.

Targeted exam focus
Efficient learning plans
Boosted confidence

Validated by thousands of EMQ exam takers and medical educators

EMQ Mastery Blueprint
30-Day EMQ Accelerator
Strategic EMQ Foundations
EMQ Success Code

Conclusion

This collection reveals a clear theme: focused, expert-backed preparation is key to conquering EMQs. Whether you're aiming for surgical exams with EMQs for the MRCS Part A and EMQs for Surgery or targeting obstetrics success with Get Through MRCOG volumes, these books provide structured question banks that hone reasoning and exam technique.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Get Through MRCOG Part 1 or 1000 EMQs for PLAB for broad clinical coverage. For validated approaches that emphasize practical application, combine SAQS, MCQS, EMQS and OSCES for MRCOG Part 2 with Get Through MRCOG Part 2.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized EMQ book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, offering a reliable path through the challenging EMQ landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with the book that matches your exam. For MRCOG Part 1, Get Through MRCOG Part 1 is ideal. If you’re focusing on surgery, EMQs for the MRCS Part A offers targeted practice. Choosing by exam relevance keeps your prep efficient.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to EMQ?

Not at all. Many books like 1000 EMQs for PLAB are designed for early learners and international graduates. They build foundational skills gradually, making them accessible whether you’re new or experienced.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Focus first on the book aligned with your upcoming exam, then supplement with broader resources. For instance, start with Get Through MRCOG Part 2 if tackling that exam, then use SAQS, MCQS, EMQS and OSCES for MRCOG Part 2 for deeper drill-down.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can succeed by picking one that fits your exam and learning style. These books are comprehensive individually. However, combining two can offer broader coverage and varied question styles if time permits.

Are there any books here that contradict each other?

No significant contradictions. Each book focuses on specific exams or specialties, so they complement rather than conflict. Differences mostly reflect exam format variations rather than content disputes.

Can I get tailored EMQ prep instead of generic books?

Yes! While these expert books offer proven methods, personalized EMQ books tailor content to your background and goals, combining popular approaches with your unique needs. Check out personalized EMQ books for a custom fit.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!