The European Specialty Examination in Nephrology (ESENeph) is the knowledge exam for nephrologists in the UK and across Europe. In the UK it is the GMC-approved mandatory knowledge assessment for trainees in renal medicine, so passing it is needed for the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). It is delivered jointly by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, the European Renal Association (ERA), the European Section and Board of Nephrology and the UK Kidney Association.

ESENeph at a glance

  • Next exams: 9 September 2026 (applications 20 May – 17 June 2026) and 5 May 2027 (applications 13 January – 10 February 2027).
  • Format: two computer-based papers of three hours each, with 100 best-of-five questions per paper. One mark per correct answer, with no negative marking.
  • Where: test centres.
  • Fees: £700 in the UK, €800 in EU and member countries, £875 elsewhere.
  • Eligibility: no formal entry requirements. UK trainees dual-accrediting in general internal medicine and nephrology are advised to attempt it in ST5. Candidates who have already passed the old Nephrology SCE cannot apply.
  • Results: about six weeks after the exam.

Always confirm the latest details on the official ESENeph pages before applying.

What does ESENeph cover?

  • Acute kidney injury – causes, investigation and management, including in critical care.
  • Chronic kidney disease – progression, cardiovascular risk, anaemia and CKD–mineral bone disorder.
  • Glomerular disease – nephrotic and nephritic syndromes, vasculitis and immunosuppression.
  • Dialysis – haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, access and complications.
  • Kidney transplantation – immunology, rejection, infection and long-term care.
  • Fluids, electrolytes and acid–base disorders.
  • Hypertension, inherited kidney disease, pregnancy and kidney disease, and conservative kidney management.

How to prepare

Start early: allow at least three months. Begin with a timed diagnostic block of questions to find weak areas.

Use guidelines: KDIGO guidelines, UK Kidney Association guidance and NICE are the backbone of many questions.

Practise data interpretation: urine results, renal biopsy descriptions, acid–base calculations and transplant immunology results.

Finish with timed mocks: two three-hour papers need stamina, so practise full-length sessions in the final weeks.

Practise with License Medical

Our ESENeph and Nephrology SCE question bank includes 250 best-of-five questions with explanations, written and reviewed by UK consultant physicians. Try the free sample questions first.