Start with the adult syllabus and blueprint. Combine the ERS handbook and current guidance with case-based teaching; the official preparation course and mock assessment provide exam-style practice. Review ProctorU equipment and room requirements in advance.
European Respiratory Society
HERMES Examination in Adult Respiratory Medicine
A European respiratory knowledge assessment. RCPI strongly encourages an attempt early in Respiratory HST. ERS offers in-training, self-assessment and European Diploma categories; early trainees should not assume they qualify for the Diploma.
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Components
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Dates listed
Examining body: European Respiratory Society
Cost: 2026 in-training/self-assessment standard fee: €210 ERS members / €320 non-members (early bird €180 / €280). Diploma standard €360 / €500. Future fees should be checked with ERS.
Who can sit it
In-training: doctors working toward respiratory specialist qualification, excluding final-year trainees. Diploma: accredited respiratory specialists or final-year trainees within 12 months of completion; diploma issued only after evidence of national certification. Self-assessment is open to medical practitioners.
When NCHDs sit it
RCPI encourages sitting before the end of the second clinical respiratory year, no later than HST Year 3. Check the category with your trainer.
Exam format
Adult HERMESAnnual/yr
90 English-language questions: single-best-answer and K-prime formats; remotely proctored online without a break. · 3 hours
Dates
No upcoming dates are listed in this guide. Check the examining body’s current schedule before applying. Earlier dates are retained below for reference.
- 19 Sept 2026SittingAdult HERMES 2026 (historical sitting) (Adult HERMES)
Training links
HST Respiratory Medicine
Recommended. Detailed curriculum requirements strongly encourage HERMES by the end of the second clinical respiratory year, no later than Year 3. Confirm any cohort-specific requirement with your trainer.
Preparation resources
College guidance, question banks, books and courses, grouped by format. Descriptions identify their coverage; provider pages give current prices and access terms.
College guidance
Official structure, eligibility and ERS preparation links.
2027 registration is scheduled to open in March 2027; check for the examination date.
Check the provider for current prices and access terms. No affiliate links.
Preparing
Facts last verified 2026-10-25.