In an attempt to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional final examination an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was introduced into the final examination in surgery at the University of Dundee. In this approach are tested at 20 stations through which the candidates rotate. At some stations the students are assessed, by an examiner using a check list, on their ability to take a history or examine a patient. At other stations objective questions are used to assess the students' findings and their interpretation, his (or her) management of the patient, and his assessment of laboratory investigations. This approach to the final examination is more reliable and more valid than traditional methods and has practical advantages over them.