Complete MRCP Membership

The MRCP Part 1 is primarily taken by doctors who have completed a minimum of 12 months of postgraduate medical experience and wish to pursue a specialist career in medicine in the UK. This includes both UK-trained doctors and international medical graduates (IMGs). It's an essential step for those aiming to enter higher specialist training in the UK, and is recognised in many other countries as well.

MRCP Part 1 covers a broad range of topics essential for a physician. The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of common and important disorders, general principles of health and disease, patient management, and ethical and legal issues related to medical practice.

It includes subjects like cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and many others.

For more details, visit the MRCP Part 1 Exam page.

The MRCP Part 1 is a one-day exam, consisting of two three-hour papers.

Each paper contains 100 multiple-choice questions (best of five format).

The exam is computer-based and can be taken at test centres internationally or online in the UK.

Preparing for the MRCP Part 1 requires a solid study plan focusing on the breadth of medical knowledge.

Here are some detailed tips:

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  Practice Questions: Engage with a significant number of practice questions to test your knowledge and understanding of various topics. This will also familiarise you with the MRCP Part 1 format and question style.

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  Targeted Reading: Engage with online knowledge resources and guidelines covering the core subjects that will come up in Part 1. Focus on understanding concepts as well as high yield testable facts.

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  Mock Exams: Attempt mock exams or question quizzes under timed conditions to simulate the real exam environment. This helps in building your confidence and time management skills.

Applications for the MRCP Part 1 are made online. To find out about application dates, fees, and the application process, you can visit the MRCP Part 1 Dates and Fees page.

The MRCP Part 2 Written examination is designed to test the doctor’s knowledge of clinical medicine as relevant to their practice. The aim is to ensure the candidate understands common and important disorders that they may come across during their specialist training, at an entry level.

It can only be taken by doctors who have passed the MRCP(UK) Part 1 exam.

Achieving the full MRCP diploma is an essential step for those aiming to enter higher specialist training in the UK, and is recognised in many other countries as well.

In the MRCP Part 2 exam, the questions are usually complex, with longer stems requiring the candidate to integrate several pieces of clinical information, including the results of investigations, in order to come to the correct answer. The questions may require the candidate to apply two-step logic more frequently, for example by first coming to the diagnosis based on the information given, but the question being about treatment rather than the underlying diagnosis.

It includes subjects like cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and many others.

For more details, visit the MRCP Part 2 Exam page.

These more complex question stems are designed in order to mimic clinical reasoning and clinical medicine as may be experienced in clinical practice; this is in contrast to Part 1, where the stems are usually shorter, with single-step logic, and a greater focus on clinical sciences.

The questions in MRCP Part 2 written therefore tend to have a slightly more clinical focus, asking the candidate to either make a diagnosis, or identify the next best step in management, treatment, or investigation.

The MRCP Part 2 is a one-day exam, consisting of two three-hour papers.

Each paper contains 100 multiple-choice questions (best of five format).

The exam is computer-based and can be taken at test centres internationally or online in the UK.

Preparing for the MRCP Part 2 requires a solid study plan focusing on the breadth of medical knowledge.

• 

  Practice Questions: Engage with a significant number of practice questions to test your knowledge and understanding of various topics. This will also familiarise you with the MRCP Part 2 format and question style.

• 

  Targeted Reading: Engage with online knowledge resources and guidelines covering the core subjects that will come up in Part 2. Focus on understanding concepts as well as high yield testable facts.

• 

  Mock Exams: Attempt mock exams or question quizzes under timed conditions to simulate the real exam environment. This helps in building your confidence and time management skills.

Preparing for the MRCP Part 2 requires a solid study plan focusing on the breadth of medical knowledge.

• 

  Practice Questions: Engage with a significant number of practice questions to test your knowledge and understanding of various topics. This will also familiarise you with the MRCP Part 2 format and question style.

• 

  Targeted Reading: Engage with online knowledge resources and guidelines covering the core subjects that will come up in Part 2. Focus on understanding concepts as well as high yield testable facts.

• 

  Mock Exams: Attempt mock exams or question quizzes under timed conditions to simulate the real exam environment. This helps in building your confidence and time management skills.

Applications for the MRCP Part 2 are made online. To find out about application dates, fees, and the application process, you can visit the MRCP Part 2 Exam dates and fees page.

The MRCP PACES is a practical assessment of clinical examination skills, designed to test your ability to assess patients safely, effectively, and efficiently. Unlike the MRCP Written exams, PACES is a face-to-face assessment where you demonstrate your clinical acumen in a variety of stations, emulating real-world clinical scenarios.

Doctors aiming for speciality training in the UK must complete the MRCP PACES. Whether you're aiming for a career in Cardiology, Gastroenterology or many other medical specialties passing the PACES is a pivotal step in your journey.

It is also a recognised post-graduate qualification in many other countries as well.

PACES consists of five stations, each assessing different aspects:

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  Respiratory and Abdominal system examination

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  History taking

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  Cardiovascular and Neurological system examination

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  Communication skills and ethics

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  Integrated clinical assessment

Each station will assess your ability to identify clinical signs, your proficiency in examination techniques, your diagnostic acumen, and your ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

In each station, you're assessed against a set of predetermined criteria, and your performance is rated by two independent examiners. While clinical skills are paramount, effective communication, professionalism, and ethical considerations are equally crucial to achieve success.

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  Clinical Exposure: Engage in regular bedside teaching and ward rounds. Nothing substitutes real patient interactions to pick up key signs

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  Videos: Supplement your revision by watching high quality station videos to guide you on how to tackle each station type.

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  Practice: Use colleagues or friends for mock stations. Simulate exam conditions and obtain feedback.

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  Books and Courses: Invest in PACES-specific books as reference resources. Attend revision courses if possible.

PACES has specific exam dates and application deadlines. Fees differ based on the location of the exam, with the UK and international centres having different rates. Ensure you plan well in advance to secure your preferred date.

To find out about application dates, fees, and the application process, you can visit the MRCP PACES Page.