1 July, 2026
As the global medical community continues to face the evolving complexities of respiratory health, the demand for standardized, high-level clinical expertise has never been greater. With the registration deadline for the European Respiratory Society (ERS) HERMES (Harmonised Education in Respiratory Medicine for European Specialists) examinations fast approaching on 17 August, a spotlight has been placed on the qualification that defines excellence in the field.
The HERMES examinations in adult and paediatric respiratory medicine serve as the benchmark for professional competence across Europe and beyond. For practitioners, these exams are more than a certification; they are a transformative professional milestone. By hearing from those who have navigated the rigors of these assessments and ascended to leadership roles within the examination committees, we gain insight into why this qualification remains the ultimate test of a pulmonologist’s mettle.
Main Facts: The HERMES Standard
The HERMES initiative was born out of a need to harmonize respiratory training standards across Europe. It provides a comprehensive framework that ensures all specialists—regardless of their training origin—meet a rigorous, universally recognized level of proficiency.
The examination is split into two distinct pathways: Adult Respiratory Medicine and Paediatric Respiratory Medicine. Both are designed to challenge the candidate’s depth of knowledge, clinical judgment, and ability to handle the diverse pathology of the respiratory system.
Key takeaways for prospective candidates:
- Registration Deadline: 17 August 2026.
- Scope: The examinations cover the full spectrum of respiratory conditions, from common ailments to rare, complex, and chronic diseases.
- Purpose: To offer a "European benchmark of excellence," fostering a unified, high-quality standard of care for patients across borders.
- Accessibility: Open to both those currently in training and established specialists seeking to validate their expertise.
Chronology: A Path to Professional Maturity
The trajectory of a HERMES-certified physician often follows a predictable yet rewarding arc. For many, the journey begins immediately after national board certification, serving as a "capstone" experience that bridges the gap between local training and international clinical standards.
1. The Preparation Phase:
Candidates describe the months leading up to the examination as a period of intense intellectual growth. The syllabus is intentionally broad, preventing the "siloing" of knowledge. Whether it is an adult pulmonologist brushing up on rare interstitial lung diseases or a paediatrician revisiting the latest protocols in cystic fibrosis management, the preparation forces a comprehensive review of the discipline.
2. The Assessment:
The exam itself is structured to test not only rote memory but the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios. It is a grueling, multi-faceted process designed to identify "high achievers"—those who demonstrate an exceptional command of the field.
3. The Post-Examination Transition:
Success in the HERMES examination often serves as a catalyst for career advancement. Many successful candidates find that the qualification acts as a "passport" for professional mobility, opening doors to academic positions, leadership roles in hospital departments, and, notably, invitations to join the ERS HERMES examination committees.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Professional Certification
Evidence suggests that standardized, high-level certifications like HERMES lead to measurable improvements in clinical confidence and patient outcomes.
A survey of past candidates reveals several consistent benefits:
- Reduction in "Overspecialisation": By requiring a broad knowledge base, the exam ensures that practitioners do not neglect critical areas of the respiratory system.
- Confidence in Clinical Decision-Making: Practitioners report a higher degree of certainty when diagnosing complex, multi-system respiratory conditions.
- Peer Respect: The HERMES credential is recognized internationally by department heads and academic institutions as a mark of rigorous training.
- Formative Preparation: The inclusion of mock exams and structured preparatory courses has been shown to increase pass rates and decrease anxiety, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the examination’s unique format.
Official Responses: Insights from the Committee
Two distinguished members of the HERMES examination committees, Dr. Goran Glodić and Dr. Kelechi Ugonna, provide a firsthand account of the transformative nature of this qualification.
Dr. Goran Glodić: A Benchmark for Adult Pulmonology
Dr. Glodić, a member of the ERS HERMES adult examination committee, recalls his decision to apply as a strategic move to solidify his professional standing.
"I decided to apply for the HERMES examination just after finishing my national board exam in pulmonology," he notes. "I wanted to consolidate my knowledge and test it against an international benchmark. Throughout the preparation, I broadened my knowledge and addressed gaps in my understanding of areas within respiratory medicine that I hadn’t practiced as frequently during my training. The exam is well-balanced, which helps candidates become more well-rounded specialists."
For Dr. Glodić, achieving the status of "High Achiever" was a career-defining moment. "It gave me confidence in my everyday practice and earned me the respect of my peers. It eventually opened the door for me to join the committee, where I can now contribute to the evolution of the exam itself."
Dr. Kelechi Ugonna: Renewing Paediatric Expertise
Dr. Kelechi Ugonna, a member of the paediatric respiratory examination committee, offers a different perspective, having taken the exam ten years into her career as a consultant.
"I completed the HERMES examination in 2021 as a way of bringing my knowledge up to date," Dr. Ugonna explains. "Even for experienced consultants, the breadth of the paediatric respiratory syllabus is a challenge. The preparation course and the formative mock exam were invaluable in getting me back into the ‘exam mindset’ and ensuring I was prepared for the specific HERMES format."
Dr. Ugonna emphasizes that the process is not just for the young or those just starting. "It is an excellent way of consolidating a broad range of knowledge, which is highly valuable in day-to-day clinical practice. I would strongly encourage all current respiratory specialists to consider it. It is a rewarding process that supports both professional development and clinical confidence."
Implications: The Future of Respiratory Medicine
The ongoing success of the HERMES program carries significant implications for the future of European healthcare. As the medical landscape becomes increasingly integrated, the need for a common language in clinical practice is paramount.
Elevating the Standard of Care
When practitioners participate in the HERMES program, the primary beneficiary is the patient. A more knowledgeable, well-rounded specialist is better equipped to identify early signs of respiratory failure, implement evidence-based treatment plans, and navigate the complexities of long-term chronic disease management.
Shaping the Next Generation of Educators
By inviting successful candidates to join the examination committees, ERS ensures that the assessments remain relevant and rigorous. These committee members bring current clinical perspectives into the room, ensuring that the examination content evolves alongside medical breakthroughs in biologics, lung transplantation, and precision medicine.
Global Professional Mobility
In an era where medical professionals frequently move between countries to seek training or practice, the HERMES examination provides a universal currency. It removes the ambiguity regarding a candidate’s skill level, allowing hospitals to hire with confidence and ensuring that patients receive high-quality care regardless of which European institution they visit.
A Call to Action
The window for the 2026 examination cycle is closing. For those who view themselves as lifelong learners, the HERMES exam is the next logical step in a career defined by commitment to the highest standard of respiratory medicine. Whether you are a trainee looking to solidify your foundation or an experienced consultant seeking to sharpen your expertise, the process of preparation—and the achievement of the certification—serves as a cornerstone for a lifetime of clinical excellence.
Interested candidates can learn more and register for the 2026 examinations via the official ERS portal. The journey toward international validation begins with a single application; for those who take the challenge, the rewards of professional growth and peer recognition are substantial and enduring.
