Tips and Tricks to Pass MRCP UK Exams

What is MRCP(UK)?

The Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP(UK)) is a postgraduate medical diploma in the UK. It is an internationally recognized qualification that assesses physicians' clinical knowledge and skills. This exam is essential for doctors who want to become specialists in internal medicine and progress into higher specialty training (ST3+) in the UK.

MRCP(UK) is jointly run by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians – namely the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. The diploma is a marker of excellence and competence, not only in the UK but across many countries globally.

How Many Exams Are in MRCP(UK)?

The MRCP(UK) consists of three parts:

1. Part 1 – This is the entry-level written examination that tests the basic knowledge of medicine.
2. Part 2 Written – This is a more advanced written exam that evaluates clinical knowledge and decision-making.
3. PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) – A practical, hands-on exam that assesses clinical skills, including history taking, examination, and communication.

Each part must be passed sequentially. Only after passing Part 1 can you apply for Part 2 Written, and only after passing Part 2 Written can you apply for PACES.

Duration and Structure of MRCP(UK)

• MRCP(UK) Part 1
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Format: Two papers, each lasting 3 hours, consisting of 100 best-of-five multiple choice questions (BOFs)
  • Total questions: 200
  • Subjects: Cardiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Oncology, Renal Medicine, etc.
• MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Format: Two papers, each 3 hours, 100 BOFs per paper
  • Total questions: 200
  • Focus: Clinical scenarios and data interpretation
• PACES
  • Duration: Half a day (typically)
  • Format: 5 stations, each 20 minutes
  • Stations include:
    • Station 1: Respiratory and Abdominal Examination
    • Station 2: History Taking
    • Station 3: Cardiovascular and Neurological Examination
    • Station 4: Communication and Ethics
    • Station 5: Brief Clinical Consultations

Eligibility Criteria

• You must hold a primary medical qualification that is recognized by the UK General Medical Council (GMC).
• For Part 1: At least 12 months of postgraduate experience is required.
• For Part 2 and PACES: You should have passed the previous exam in the sequence.

Exam Frequency and Centers

• Part 1 and Part 2 exams are conducted three times per year (January, May, September) in the UK and many overseas centers.
• PACES is held more frequently throughout the year, but places can be limited, especially outside the UK.

How to Prepare for MRCP(UK)

Part 1 Preparation:

1. Study Duration: 3–6 months of focused study
2. Resources:
   • Medical Masterclass (RCP)
   • Pastest MRCP(UK) Part 1
   • Passmedicine
   • Kalra’s Essential Revision Notes
3. Strategy:
   • Cover all major specialties
   • Focus on high-yield topics like cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, and endocrine
   • Practice timed mock exams
   • Review explanations in question banks

Part 2 Preparation:

1. Study Duration: 4–6 months after passing Part 1
2. Resources:
   • Pastest MRCP Part 2
   • Passmedicine Part 2
   • Data Interpretation for Medical Finals and MRCP
   • BOF-style clinical case books
3. Strategy:
   • Master data interpretation (ECGs, X-rays, ABGs)
   • Practice clinical reasoning
   • Get used to long case stems

PACES Preparation:

1. Study Duration: 3–6 months after Part 2
2. Resources:
   • PACES 180
   • Cases for PACES
   • Clinical Examination books (Talley & O’Connor)
   • MRCP(UK) official videos
3. Strategy:
   • Practice clinical exams with real patients or peers
   • Join PACES teaching groups or academies
   • Use mirror practice for communication skills
   • Record and review your own performance

Tips for Passing MRCP(UK) Successfully

• Consistency is Key: Studying regularly is more effective than cramming.
• Active Learning: Use flashcards, quizzes, and peer teaching to retain information.
• Mock Exams: Simulate real exam conditions. Time yourself strictly.
• Revision Schedule: Create a revision calendar covering all specialties evenly.
• Peer Study Groups: Discuss clinical cases and tricky scenarios.
• Clinical Attachments: Gain practical experience by observing senior physicians and asking questions.
• Stay Updated: MRCP(UK) syllabi evolve; make sure you use updated resources.
• Mental Well-being: Avoid burnout by balancing preparation with breaks, exercise, and sleep.
• Communication Practice: For PACES, your ability to communicate with empathy and clarity is crucial.
• Feedback-Oriented Practice: Allow mentors and peers to give honest feedback and improve accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring weak specialties (e.g., dermatology or rheumatology)
• Neglecting ethics and communication for PACES
• Over-relying on reading without question practice
• Not adhering to time limits during practice
• Avoiding practical clinical exposure

Average Time to Complete MRCP(UK)

• Most candidates take 1.5 to 3 years from Part 1 to PACES, depending on clinical workload and exam scheduling. Some finish faster with structured planning.

Validity and Recognition

• MRCP(UK) is recognized for internal medicine training in the UK and by medical councils in many countries such as UAE, Singapore, India, and parts of Europe.
• It is also considered a route toward GMC registration for international medical graduates (IMGs).

Cost of MRCP(UK) Exams

• Fees vary by location:
  • Part 1 (UK): ~£460
  • Part 2 Written (UK): ~£460
  • PACES (UK): ~£657
  • Overseas centers may charge more due to logistical arrangements