Book Batna

MRCPUK
Regulations and
Compiled and
published for the
Information for
Federation of
Royal Colleges of
Candidates
Physicians of the UK
by the MRCP(UK)
2003 Edition
Central Office
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow
Royal College of Physicians of London
6
MRCPUK
Regulations and
Information for
Candidates
MRCP(UK) Central Office
Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom

 2003 ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS

9 Queen Street
Edinburgh EH2 1JQ

234/242 St Vincent Street
Glasgow G2 5RJ

11 St Andrews Place
London NW1 4LE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior
permission of the copyright owners.
First Published 2003

F OREWORD
The MRCP(UK) Examination Regulations 2003 have been revised since the
last Regulations were published in 2002.
These Regulations apply from 1 January 2003 to the MRCP(UK) Examination

(General Medicine) and cover the two paper Examinations for the MRCP(UK)
Part 1 Examination and the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination, as well as
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).
There are separate Regulations governing the joint MRCP(UK) Part 2

Examination (Paediatrics)/MRCPCH Part 2 Examination.
Notice of future amendments to the Regulations

The MRCP(UK) Examination will continue to change to reflect developments
in medicine. While every attempt has been made to ensure that the
MRCP(UK) Examination Regulations 2003 are accurate, further changes to
the MRCP(UK) Examination and the Regulations may be implemented within
the next year. In such circumstances, notices will be issued indicating the
nature of these changes and will be available with the relevant Examination
Application Forms. In order that candidates are fully briefed about the status
of any proposed changes, they are advised to read these notices along with
this publication.
All changes will also be notified on the MRCP(UK) web site

http://www.mrcpuk.org.

11 St Andrews Place
London NW1 4LE
I
II
C ONTENTS
R EGULATIONS
1. Introduction 1
2. Constitutional framework: Powers and responsibilities of the
Royal Colleges of Physicians 3
3. Academic framework: Aims and objectives of the
MRCP(UK) Examination 4
4. Award of the MRCP(UK) Diploma 7
5. Admission to the MRCP(UK) Examination 8
5.1 Entry requirements 8
5.2 Exemptions 9
5.3 Testimonials 10
5.4 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) - Period
of Eligibility 11
6. Methods of assessment and Examination Regulations 13
6.1 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination-Method of assessment
for January 2003 13
6.2 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination-Regulations for
January 2003 14
6.3 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination-Method of Assessment
for May 2003 and September 2003 16
6.4 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination-Regulations for May 2003
and September 2003 16
6.5 Review of the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination by the
MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board 18
6.6 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination-Method
of assessment 18
6.7 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination-Regulations 20
6.8 Review of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination by
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examining Board 22
6.9 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) -
Method of assessment 22
6.10 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) -
Regulations 23
6.11 Poor performance in the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) 24
6.12 Review of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) by the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board 25
6.13 Confidentiality and Copyright Statement 26
7. Examination Procedures 27
8. Glossary of terms 28
9. MRCP(UK) Examination: Conduct of candidates 31
III
C ONTENTS
I NFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
10. Information for Paediatric candidates 37

10.1 Transfer of the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination
(Paediatric option) to the Royal College of Paediatrics
and Child Health (RCPCH) 37
10.2 Joint MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination (Paediatrics)/
MRCPCH Part 2 Examination 37
11. MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination & MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination – How to complete the answer sheets 40
12. Advice on Answers - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 42
13. MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) 44
14. Progress through the MRCP(UK) Examination 48
15. MRCP(UK) : Progress to Membership Diploma 50
16. Admission to the MRCP(UK) Examination 51
16.1 Admission to the MRCP(UK) Examination 51
16.2 How to enter the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination 51
16.3 Application check lists for the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination 53
16.4 How to enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination 54
16.5 Application check lists for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination 55
16.6 How to enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) 56
Clinical Examinations 57
17. MRCP(UK) Examination and MRCP(UK) Diploma fees 59
18. Attending the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination & Part 2 Written
Examination 60
19. Withdrawal from the MRCP(UK) Examination 61
20. How to claim exemption from part of the MRCP(UK)
Examination 62
21. Discounting of attempts 63
IV
22. Issuing of results 64
23. Assessment queries and requests for remarking an MRCP(UK)
Examination 65
24. Award of the MRCP(UK) Diploma 66
25. Training of a physician in the UK 67
26. Preparation for the MRCP(UK) Examination 69
27. Where to go for advice 70
28. MRCP(UK) Examination publications 71
29. Special advice for doctors working outside the UK 73
30. MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination: Centres in the UK 75
31. MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination: Centres outside the UK 76
32. MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination: Centres outside the UK 77
33. Addresses of MRCP(UK) Centres outside the UK 78
34. Examples of MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
Marksheets 83
35. Location of the Royal Colleges of Physicians 85
36. Order form for MRCP(UK) Examination publications 87
V
VI
1. I NTRODUCTION
There are three Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom:

9 Queen Street
Edinburgh EH2 1JQ
Tel: +44 131 225 7324
Fax: +44 131 225 2053
http://www.rcpe.ac.uk
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

234-242 St. Vincent Street
Glasgow G2 5RJ
Tel: +44 141 221 6072
Fax: +44 141 248 3414
http://www.rcpsglasg.ac.uk

11 St. Andrews Place
London NWI 4LE
Tel: +44 207 935 1174
Fax: +44 207 486 4514
http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians

and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Physicians of London
share a common Examination, the MRCP(UK). The Federation of the Royal
Colleges of Physicians of the UK has devolved responsibility for the
organisation of the Examination to the MRCP(UK) Central Office:

11 St. Andrews Place
London NWI 4LE
Tel: +44 207 935 1174
Fax: +44 207 487 2628
http://www.mrcpuk.org
1
The following Regulations apply to all candidates entering the MRCP(UK)
Examination. Any decision on the interpretation of these Regulations made
by any one Royal College of Physicians is binding on all three Royal Colleges
of Physicians.
The MRCP(UK) Examination is usually taken during the period of general

professional training in medicine which follows registration in the United
Kingdom. Success in the MRCP(UK) Examination leads to the award of the
Diploma of Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United
Kingdom. The MRCP(UK) does not confer specialist status; in the UK it is an
entry qualification for higher specialist training.
2
2. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK: POWERS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF
PHYSICIANS
The Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom have the power to:
(i) Determine the terms and conditions of entry to the MRCP(UK)

Examination. The Royal Colleges of Physicians reserve the right to refuse
admission to any part of the MRCP(UK) Examination;
(ii) Recognise appropriate periods of training, in fulfilment of the entry

requirements of the MRCP(UK) Examination, and determine when this
training has been completed successfully by candidates;
(iii) Confer the MRCP(UK) Diploma on persons who have passed the
MRCP(UK) Examination. No religious, racial or political test will be
imposed on any person as a condition of receiving the MRCP(UK) Diploma.
In exercising their powers, and to maintain the academic quality of the

Examination, the Royal Colleges of Physicians have the responsibility of:
(i) Appointing examiners with appropriate qualifications and experience;
(ii) Producing syllabuses for appropriate parts of the Examination;
(iii) Monitoring candidate performance;
(iv) Arranging suitable examination facilities.
In the exercise of these powers and responsibilities, the Royal Colleges of

Physicians will comply, and ensure compliance, with the requirements of
relevant legislation such as:
– Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
– Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Special Educational Needs and
Disabilities Act 2001
– Data Protection Acts 1984 and 1998.
3
3. ACADEMIC FRAMEWORK: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
OF THE MRCP(UK) EXAMINATION
Overall aims
The MRCP(UK) Examination plays an essential role in the overall educational
experience and continuing professional development of physicians in the
United Kingdom. It is a prerequisite for physicians wishing to undergo
training in a medically related specialty in the United Kingdom. The aim of
the MRCP(UK) Examination is to identify those physicians who, having
undertaken a period of general training, have acquired the necessary
professional knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to benefit from
a programme of higher specialist training with confidence and enthusiasm.
The MRCP(UK) Examination also plays an increasingly important role in the

international arena of postgraduate medical education. It provides a
professional standard against which physicians working outside the United
Kingdom may measure their level of attainment. It is also being used by
medical educationalists in other countries in respect of local postgraduate
assessments.
Overall objectives
The MRCP(UK) Examination evaluates competence of medical graduates at
the end of a specified minimum period of general professional training with
regard to:
(i) Core medical knowledge, including applied science, epidemiology and

statistics;
(ii) Skills
• Taking and interpreting a clinical history;
• Clinical examination;
• Communication skills;
• Practical skills;
• Management of common medical emergencies;
• Problem-solving skills in diagnosis and management;
• Dealing with ethical problems;
4
(iii) Attitudes to patients.
The demands of the various parts of the Examination will reflect the
improvement in knowledge, skills and attitudes which can be expected
during the period of General Professional Training, and are in keeping
with the principle of life-long learning.
MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

Purpose
The purpose of the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination is to identify those
physicians in training who, having satisfied the entry criteria (see Section 5.1),
possess a broad knowledge and understanding of clinical science as well as
common and important disorders.
Aims
To test the acquisition by a candidate of a representative sample of medical
knowledge as specified in the published Syllabus for the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination.
To measure a candidate’s ability to apply their medical knowledge of the

common and important topics outlined in the Syllabus and make
appropriate clinical judgements.
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination

Purpose
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination is taken by physicians in training
who have passed the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination or who have exemption
from the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination (see Section 5.2). Success in this
Examination demonstrates the attainment of a level of knowledge expected
at the completion of General Professional Training and an ability to apply this
knowledge to clinical problem solving and clinical practice.
Aims
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will test the ability to apply
knowledge, make clinical judgements and take responsibility for:
5
• Prioritising diagnostic or problem lists;
• Planning investigation;
• Selecting a plan for immediate management;
• Selecting a plan for long-term management;
• Assessing prognosis.
Areas covered by the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will also include:
• Social and cultural aspects of disease;

• Audit;
• Evidence-based practice;
• Literature reviews;
• Working with colleagues.
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)

Purpose
To demonstrate in the clinical setting the knowledge, skills and attitudes
appropriate for a physician who is eligible to take the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Clinical Examination (PACES) and is completing general professional training.
Aims
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will test the ability to:
• Demonstrate the clinical skills of history taking;

• Examine a patient appropriately to detect the presence or absence of
physical signs;
• Interpret physical signs;
• Make appropriate diagnoses;
• Develop and discuss, immediate and long-term management plans;
• Communicate clinical information to colleagues, patients or their
relatives;
• Discuss ethical issues.
6
4. AWARD OF THE MRCP(UK) D IPLOMA
4.1 Unless exemption is granted under Regulation 5.2, every candidate must
pass all parts of the MRCP(UK) Examination.
4.2 Candidates who pass the MRCP(UK) Examination will be eligible to apply
for the award of the MRCP(UK) Diploma.
4.3 Members of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom are
elected subject to the Laws, Bye-Laws, Statutes and Regulations of the
Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. Copies of the Laws,
Bye-Laws, Individual Statutes and Regulations relating to Members can
be inspected on application to the respective Colleges.
4.4 Before the MRCP(UK) Diploma can be awarded, candidates are required to:
(a) Pay a Diploma fee;
(b) Sign a Form of Faith.
The Form of Faith states,“l hereby faithfully promise to abide by the Laws,
Bye-Laws, Statutes and Regulations of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of
the United Kingdom as they apply to Members of the Royal Colleges of
Physicians of the United Kingdom, as from time to time modified,
amended or re-enacted and to keep myself informed of advances in
medicine.”
4.5 Candidates should refer to Section 24 on the Award of the MRCP(UK)

Diploma before they apply to sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES).
7
5. ADMISSION TO THE MRCP(UK) EXAMINATION
5.1 Entry requirements

5.1.1 Every candidate for the Examination must hold a medical
qualification recognised by the Royal Colleges of Physicians.
5.1.2 Candidates will not be admitted to the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

before the expiry of 18 months from the date of graduation given on
their diploma of medical qualification.
5.1.3 Candidates for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination must have
passed the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination within seven years.
5.1.4 Before candidates can enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES), they must have passed the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination and completed a minimum period of training of two and
a half years from the date of graduation given on their diploma of
medical qualification (see Regulation 5.4.1 concerning the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Period of Eligibility). Within the
last 18 months of this period, and within the last five years before the
date of taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES), not
less than 12 months should have been spent in posts involving the
care of emergency medical patients, either adults or children. It would
be desirable for candidates to have spent a period of at least six
months in a post in which there is a strong emphasis on responsibility
for unselected emergency admissions.
It is assumed that all candidates in their first year after graduation

will have spent six months as a house physician. In the United
Kingdom this is a pre-requisite to obtaining full registration with the
General Medical Council. If this is not the case then an additional six
months should be spent involving the care of emergency medical
patients, either adults or children.
5.1.5 Overseas graduates who hold a postgraduate diploma which is

recognised by the Royal Colleges of Physicians (see Regulation 5.2)
and which requires a comparable period of training, may be admitted
to the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination with exemption from
the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination without the need for further
training.
8
5.1.6 Any candidate unsuccessful in passing the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination within a period of seven years of passing the MRCP(UK)
Part 1 (the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration Period) will be
required to take and pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination again.
5.1.7 All MRCP(UK) assessments are conducted in English. Candidates do

not need to have passed IELTS, the assessment of the Professional and
Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), or any other language
examination to sit the MRCP(UK) Examination. However, the Royal
Colleges of Physicians advise candidates that in order that they are
sufficiently prepared to sit the MRCP(UK) Examination, their English
language ability should be equivalent to IELTS Level 7 in each module.
It should be noted further that passing PLAB is necessary for those
intending to work in the UK as doctors with Limited Registration.
5.1.8 Candidates will also be required to pay Examination fees as

determined by the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United
Kingdom.
For further information on how to enter the MRCP(UK) Examination please

refer to Section 16.
5.2 Exemptions
5.2.1 Holders of the following diplomas may apply to any one of the Royal
Colleges of Physicians for exemption from the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination, providing that they have obtained the exempting
qualification within the seven years prior to sitting the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Written Examination:
(a) Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists;

(b) Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland;
(c) Fellowship of the College of Medicine of South Africa;
(d) Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan
-Medicine;
(e) Master of Medicine (Khartoum);
(f) Master of Medicine (Singapore) - Internal Medicine;
(g) Doctor of Medicine (Colombo) - Medicine;
(h) Doctor of Medicine (West Indies) - Internal Medicine;
(i) Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Bangladesh.
9
5.2.2 Members and Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
and those who have passed the FRACP Examination may apply for
exemption from the MRCP(UK) Part 1 and the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Written Examinations.
5.2.3 Holders of the following diplomas may apply to any one of the Royal
Colleges of Physicians for exemption from the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination, providing that they have obtained the exempting
qualification before 1 April 1999 and within the seven years prior to
sitting the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination:
(a) Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan-

Paediatrics;
(b) Master of Paediatrics and Child Health (Khartoum);
(c) Master of Medicine (Singapore) - Paediatrics;
(d) Doctor of Medicine (Colombo) - Paediatrics;
(e) Doctor of Medicine (West Indies) - Paediatrics.
To claim exemption, candidates should refer to Section 16.5.3.
Exemption qualifications are periodically reviewed. These details are correct at

the time of writing but may be subject to change and removal of recognition.
5.3 Testimonials
5.3.1 Candidates must submit testimonials from two proposers at their
first attempt at the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
and one new or updated testimonial at each successive attempt.
Candidates must have worked (or, for overseas candidates, must have
taken a clinical attachment or an honorary NHS appointment) post-
registration with a proposer, within five years prior to the date of the
attempt at the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).
5.3.2 The Royal Colleges of Physicians may require evidence of further

training before candidates who fail badly are permitted to re-enter
the examination.
5.3.3 Testimonials will be accepted only from Fellows of the Royal Colleges
of Physicians of the UK or from Members of the Royal Colleges of
Physicians of at least eight years standing.
10
5.4 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) - Period of
Eligibility
5.4.1 Candidates will be registered eligible for a period of two years to take
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES). This period will
commence after candidates have been notified of success in the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination (usually on the first day of the
month of the next PACES Main Assessment Point - see Note 1 below.
For an explanation of the Main Assessment Point - see Section 8).
Before taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
candidates must have completed a minimum period of training of
two-and-a-half years from the date of graduation given on their
diploma of medical qualification. (See Note 2 below, and also
Regulation 5.4.4).
NOTE 1: Candidates must complete the minimum period of training of

two-and-a-half years before they can sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES). The Period of Eligibility will commence for each
candidate when they pass the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination
regardless of whether they have completed the two-and-a-half year
training period. The Royal Colleges of Physicians have stipulated that
a pass in the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination, allowing progress
to the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES), should not be
valid for a period of more than two years.
NOTE 2: Within the last 18 months of this period, and within the last
five years before the date of taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES), not less than 12 months should have been spent
in posts involving the care of emergency medical patients.
5.4.2 Candidates may have up to three attempts at the MRCP(UK) Part 2

Clinical Examination (PACES) during the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) Registration Period of Eligibility before having to
resit and pass the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination.
5.4.3 Candidates may not normally resit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) less than three months after their failed
attempt (this means that candidates will normally be required to
11
wait until the next Main Assessment Point before reattempting the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)).
5.4.4 Should the seven year MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration

Period elapse during the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) Period of Eligibility, and the candidate is unsuccessful in three
attempts at the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES), he/she
will be required to resit and pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination
before re-attempting the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination.
5.4.5 Candidates can attempt the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination at

any time during their seven year MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination
Registration Period. Once the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination
has been passed, a two year MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) Period of Eligibility will be permitted regardless of whether
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration period has expired.
However, the requirements set out in Regulation 5.4.4 will be applied
if the candidate fails the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) on three occasions or the period of two years elapses.
5.4.6 Applications to the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will

be accepted on a first come, first served basis depending on the
number of places available (please see Section 16.6.6).
12
6. M ETHOD OF ASSESSMENT AND E XAMINATION
R EGULATIONS
6.1 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination-Method of assessment for

January 2003
6.1.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination consists of two papers and is held
simultaneously at all examination centres and may be taken in
General Medicine only.
6.1.2 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s

knowledge and understanding, both of those aspects of clinical
sciences which are relevant to medical practice and of common or
important disorders, to a level appropriate for entry to specialist
training.
6.1.3 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Paper 1 contains 60 multiple true-

false questions including approximately 14 MCQs on all aspects of
clinical science (molecular and membrane biology, anatomy,
physiology, biochemistry, metabolism, immunology, genetics,
elementary statistics, epidemiology, evidence-based medicine,
microbiology, and pharmacology) and some 46 MCQs which will test
a candidate’s knowledge of a wide range of common and important
disorders in General Medicine as set out in the published Syllabus.
The composition of Paper 1 is as follows:
Clinical Science 14
Cardiology 4
Clinical haematology 4
Clinical pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology 6
Dermatology 1
Endocrinology 4
Gastroenterology 4
Infectious diseases and tropical medicine 4
Nephrology 4
Neurology 4
Psychiatry 4
Respiratory medicine 4
Rheumatology 2
Miscellaneous (e.g. ophthalmology, 1
sexually transmitted diseases)
13
6.1.4 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Paper 2 contains 100 multiple
choice questions in one from five (best of five) format, where a
candidate chooses the best answer from five possible answers.
The composition of Paper 2 is as follows:
Cardiology 8
Clinical haematology and oncology 8
Clinical pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology 10
Dermatology 6
Endocrinology and metabolic medicine 8
Gastroenterology 8
Infectious diseases, tropical medicine and sexually
transmitted diseases 8
Nephrology 8
Neurology 8
Ophthalmology 4
Psychiatry 6
Rheumatology 8
Statistics 2
6.2 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Regulations for January 2003

6.2.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination will be criterion referenced from
2002/2 and will assess a candidate’s performance in relation to an
external standard of performance (pass mark) set by the examiners.
As Paper 1 and Paper 2 are testing different areas of the Syllabus, using
questions in different formats, candidates must achieve a pass in
each Paper in order to pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination overall.
6.2.2 One mark (+1) will be awarded for each correct answer:
• A true statement indicated as true in Paper 1;
• A false statement indicated as false in Paper 1;
• A correct answer to a one from five question in Paper 2.
6.2.3 No marks will be deducted for any incorrect answers.
14
6.2.4 No marks will be awarded or deducted if the question is left
unanswered.
6.2.5 No marks will be awarded if more than the required number of

responses are recorded in Paper 2.
6.2.6 In Paper 1 a total of five marks are allocated to each question, giving a
total of 300 for Paper 1 as a whole. The final score is converted to a
percentage.
6.2.7 In Paper 2 one mark is awarded to each question, giving a total of 100
for Paper 2 as a whole. The final score is expressed as a percentage.
6.2.8 No marks will be awarded to any candidate who does not complete
the Answer Sheet in accordance with the MRCP (UK) Part 1
Examination instructions and produces an answer that the OMR
(optical mark reader) queries as:
(a) Insufficiently erased;

(b) Smudged;
(c) Identified as a double response to a question.
In these circumstances the Royal Colleges of Physicians do not

consider it is appropriate to interpret a candidate’s intentions.
6.2.9 Candidates who pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination can proceed
immediately to sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination in
General Medicine.
6.2.10 There is a charge of £100.00 if a candidate requests that their

Examination is remarked. This charge is refundable if an error is
identified. (Please note that these arrangements are separate from an
appeal against an Examination result and candidates cannot request
that a check be conducted as an outcome of an Appeal). Candidates
should also refer to Section 23.
Note: Candidates are reminded that their Examination scripts are

held for one year only.
15
6.2.11 Candidates are asked to note that any allegation of academic or
professional misconduct that is sustained against a candidate is likely
to be reported to employers, sponsors and the relevant professional
bodies such as the UK General Medical Council.
6.3 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination – Method of Assessment for

May 2003 and September 2003.
6.3.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination will consist of two papers both
containing 100 multiple choice questions in one from five (best of five)
format, where a candidate chooses the best answer from five possible
answers.
The composition of each Paper will include questions on the

following specialties:
Clinical Science
Cardiology
Clinical haematology and oncology
Clinical pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology
Dermatology
Endocrinology and metabolic medicine
Gastroenterology
Infectious diseases, tropical medicine and sexually
transmitted diseases
Nephrology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Psychiatry
Respiratory medicine
Rheumatology
Statistics
6.4 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Regulations for May 2003 and

September 2003
6.4.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination will be criterion referenced and will
assess a candidate’s performance in relation to an external standard
of performance (pass mark) set by the examiners.
16
6.4.2 Both papers carry equal weight and one mark will be given for each
correct answer.
6.4.3 No marks will be deducted for any incorrect answers.
6.4.4 No marks will be awarded or deducted if the question is left

unanswered.
6.4.5 No marks will be awarded if more than the required number of

responses are recorded.
6.4.6 One mark is awarded to each question, giving a total of 100 for each
Paper as a whole. The final score is expressed as a percentage.
6.4.7 No marks will be awarded to any candidate who does not complete
the Answer Sheet in accordance with the MRCP (UK) Part 1
Examination instructions and produces an answer that the OMR
(optical mark reader) queries as:
(a) Insufficiently erased;

(b) Smudged;
(c) Identified as a double response to a question.

consider it is appropriate to interpret a candidate’s intentions.
6.4.8 Candidates who pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination can proceed
immediately to sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination in
General Medicine.

identified. Candidates should also refer to Section 23.

17
bodies such as the UK General Medical Council.
6.5 Review of the Part 1 Examination by the MRCP(UK) Part 1

Examining Board
6.5.1 Results are released when the Chairman and Medical Secretary of the
MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board are satisfied that the Examination
has been conducted appropriately and in accordance with the
procedures of the Royal Colleges of Physicians.
6.5.2 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board considers each question prior
to its appearance in the Examination and subsequently reviews the
question’s performance. In addition to the final scores obtained by
the candidates, the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board will also note
the mean score for the Examination and the mean scores for, and the
discriminatory power of, the questions that comprise the paper. A
detailed analysis of the responses to each item (including a separate
index of discrimination for every item), and a coefficient indicating
the internal reliability of the Examination as a whole are also
considered by the Board. In the light of these analyses, the MRCP(UK)
Part 1 Examining Board makes modifications to the questions that it
deems desirable to ensure that the quality of the Examination is
maintained.
6.6 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination-Method of assessment

6.6.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination is held simultaneously at
all examination centres and may be taken in General Medicine or
Paediatrics. Paediatric candidates will need to contact the Royal
College of Paediatrics and Child Health for details of the Examination
Regulations for the joint MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination
(Paediatrics)/MRCPCH Part 2 Examination (see Section 10).
6.6.2 Some material on adolescent medicine will be included in both the

General Medicine and Paediatric Examinations. Questions will be
asked about the diagnosis and management of patients using MCQs
18
that are either one from five, where a candidate must choose the best
answer from five possible answers or ‘n’ from many where two or
three choices are made from a list of 10 or 15 options. There will also
be questions addressing the aims of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination (see Section 3).
6.6.3 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will consist of two papers
each lasting two-and-a-half hours. Both papers will contain up to 100
multiple choice questions. All questions will have a clinical scenario
and may include the results of investigations and may be illustrated.
The composition of each Paper will be approximately as follows:
Number of questions (+/-2)
Adolescent medicine 2
Cardiology 9
Dermatology 4
Endocrinology 9
Gastroenterology 9
Haematology 4
Infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases 9
Metabolic medicine 2
Nephrology 8
Neurology 9
Oncology 6
Psychiatry 4
Rheumatology 6
Therapeutics 10
100
6.6.4 Answers should be recorded on the answer sheets provided.
6.6.5 For one from five questions, only the correct answer will attract a
mark.
19
6.6.6 For ‘n’ from many questions, only the correct answers will attract
marks. Thus, it is vital that candidates follow the instructions given
with the question.
6.6.7 Credit will not be given for answers in excess of the number required;
where additional answers are recorded no marks will be scored. Thus,
if two investigations are asked for and three are given, the candidate
will score no marks for the question.
6.6.8 It should be noted that drugs will almost invariably be referred to by
their International Non-proprietary Name (rINN) rather than by their
trade names.
6.6.9 Biochemical and other measurements will be expressed in SI units

(normal ranges or reference ranges will be provided where these are
likely to be in doubt).
6.7 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination-Regulations

6.7.1 Both Papers carry equal weight with one mark given for each correct
answer. There are two types of questions used – “Best of Five”
requiring a single response and ‘ “n” from many’ requiring two
responses.
6.7.2 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will be criterion referenced

and will assess a candidate’s performance in relation to an external
standard of performance (pass mark) set by the examiners.
6.7.3 Under the current Regulations, the marking system adopted for the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination is as follows:-
(i) Each item has an equal value;

(ii)One mark (+1) will be awarded for each correct answer;
(iii)
No marks will be deducted for any incorrect answers;
(iv)No marks will be awarded or deducted if a question is left
unanswered;
(v) No marks will be awarded if more than the required number of
responses are recorded;
20
(vi) The final mark for each candidate is the sum of the marks given
in the two Papers expressed as a percentage. To pass the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination it is not necessary
therefore for candidates to obtain a pass mark in each of the
two Papers, so long as the total mark achieved by the candidate
reaches the required pass mark for the Examination as a whole;
(vii) No marks will be awarded to any candidate who does not
complete the Answer Sheet in accordance with the MRCP (UK)
Part 2 Written Examination instructions and produces an
answer that the OMR (optical mark reader) queries as:
• Insufficiently erased;
• Smudged;
• Identified as a double response to a question.

consider it is appropriate to interpret a candidate’s intentions;
6.7.4 MRCP(UK) General Medicine candidates who pass the Part 2 Written
Examination enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
Period of Eligibility and may attempt PACES as soon as the entry
criteria are satisfied (see Section 5.4).

identified. (Please note that these arrangements are separate from an
Appeal against an Examination result and candidates cannot request
that a check be conducted as an outcome of an Appeal.) Candidates
may also wish to refer to Section 23.


bodies, such as the UK General Medical Council.
21
6.8 Review of the Part 2 Written Examination by the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Examining Board
6.8.1 Results are released when the Chairman and Medical Secretary of the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examining Board are satisfied that the Examination
has been conducted appropriately and in accordance with the
procedures of the Royal Colleges of Physicians.
6.8.2 After every Examination, the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examining Board
reviews the performance of each question and the Examination as a
whole.
6.9 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) - Method of

Assessment
6.9.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) [Practical
Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills] is the clinical component
of the MRCP(UK) Examination and is separate from the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Written Examination. On passing the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES), candidates will be eligible to receive the award
of the MRCP(UK) Diploma, subject to meeting the necessary
administrative requirements detailed in Section 4.
6.9.2 An annual timetable is published detailing when the MRCP(UK) Part

2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will be conducted. There are three
points in the year (Main Assessment Points) when the MRCP(UK) Part
2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is scheduled to run (February/March,
June/July and October/November) and it is anticipated that most
candidates will be examined at these times.
6.9.3 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is composed of five

Stations (three clinical and two “talking”), each assessed by two
independent examiners. Candidates will start at any one of the five
Stations, and then move round the carousel of Stations, at 20-minute
intervals, until the cycle has been completed. The Stations are:
Station 1 - Respiratory system examination (10 minutes)

- Abdominal system examination (10 minutes)
Station 2 - History taking skills (20 minutes)
Station 3 - Cardiovascular system examination (10 minutes)
- Central nervous system examination (10 minutes)
22
Station 4 - Communication skills and ethics (20 minutes)
Station 5 - Skin, locomotor, endocrine, eye examination (20 minutes)
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) lasts a total of 120

minutes (including breaks).
6.9.4 Fourteen marksheets in total will be completed by the examiners:
One by each examiner at Stations 2, 4 and 5 (total 6);

Two by each examiner at Stations 1 and 3 (total 8).
The overall marks awarded on all fourteen marksheets will determine

the candidate’s total overall MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) score.
6.9.5 All marks are recorded on a four point grading system and are
detailed on the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) mark-
sheets. These are:
• Clear fail
• Fail
• Pass
• Clear pass.
These grades are converted to a numeric value of 1-4 (clear fail=1, fail=2,
pass=3, clear pass=4). Grade descriptors are provided to both examiners
and candidates in order to make the process of assessment transparent.
6.9.6 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is marked out of a

total of 56 marks (being the maximum available from the fourteen
mark-sheets). The nominal pass mark for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) is 42. A candidate will automatically fail the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) if they are awarded
three ‘clear fail’ grades (by three separate examiners) regardless of the
overall total achieved.
6.10 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) - Regulations

6.10.1 Success or failure in the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examination (PACES) is
confirmed ultimately by the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board. The
Board will decide whether a candidate should be awarded a “Pass”;
“Fail”; or “Deferral” (see Section 8 Glossary of terms).
23
6.10.2 The MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board may adjust the pass mark for
all candidates in a particular cohort. The MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining
Board would need to be satisfied that the standards of the MRCP(UK)
would not be compromised by taking such action.
6.10.3 Success in the MRCP(UK) Examination overall is subject to the

candidate passing all components of the MRCP(UK) Examination as
stipulated in the MRCP(UK) Regulations, and completing the
necessary administrative arrangements for conferring the MRCP(UK)
Diploma which grants Membership of the Royal Colleges of
Physicians of the UK.
6.10.4 Aggressive or inconsiderate behaviour, either physical or verbal, to a

patient will result invariably in failure.
6.11 Poor performance in the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical

Examination (PACES)
6.11.1 All doctors practising in the UK, including examiners and the Officers
of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, are governed by the principles
outlined by the UK General Medical Council in the publication Duties
of a Doctor. The Royal Colleges of Physicians acknowledge that some
good doctors may perform badly and aberrantly under examination
conditions. However, where there are genuine concerns that a
doctor’s fitness to practise is called into question by facts coming to
light during the course of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES), the Royal Colleges of Physicians are duty bound to inform
those to whom the candidate is contractually or professionally
responsible. In exceptional circumstances, where no such person can
be identified, there may have to be direct communication with the UK
General Medical Council or similar professional body.
6.11.2 The candidate concerned will be informed by letter whether their

performance in the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
constitutes poor performance that warrants referral to a sponsor,
employer, or professional body as outlined above. Reporting will
normally take place only for consistently poor performance in
repeated Clinical Examinations but, in exceptional circumstances, it
24
may take place as a result of poor performance in a single
Examination.
6.11.3 Before the candidate may re-enter any part of the MRCP(UK)
Examination, (or any Examination run under the auspices of any of
the three Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK) written evidence
must be received from the sponsor, employer or professional body
confirming that remedial action has been taken.
6.11.4 It will be for the Chairman of the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board
to confirm whether the evidence presented is satisfactory to warrant
re-entry to the MRCP(UK) Examination. The Chairman of the
MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board will also be available to consider
any representations that the candidate may wish to submit.
6.12 Review of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)

by the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board
6.12.1 The MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board has overall responsibility for
policy and procedures relating to, and the organisation of, the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).
6.12.2 The MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board will consider reports from
Senior Examiners (and others as necessary) on the delivery of the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) at centres within and
outside the UK.
6.12.3 The MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board is responsible for confirming

the pass mark and success or failure in the Examination. Results are
released only when the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board is
satisfied that the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) has
been conducted appropriately and in accordance with the procedures
of the Royal Colleges of Physicians.
6.12.4 After every Examination, the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board will
review the whole Examination. To do so, it has before it statistical
analyses of each candidate’s performance, together with the
comments of the examiners. In the light of these analyses and
25
opinions, the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board may:
(a) Agree that the pass mark should be changed from 42:
(b) Make modifications to the structure and format of the MRCP(UK)

Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) that it deems desirable to
ensure the validity of the Examination.
6.13 Confidentiality and Copyright Statement

Question papers or any part of them or any individual questions must not be
copied or removed from the examination room. All MRCP(UK) Examination
questions are confidential and are copyrighted by the Royal Colleges of
Physicians. A candidate may not communicate any question or part of a
question to any other person. To do so would be a serious breach of
Copyright.
26
7. E XAMINATION P ROCEDURES
7.1 MRCP(UK) Examination Procedures have been produced to regulate
specific MRCP(UK) policies and activities. These Procedures form an
integral part of the MRCP(UK) Examination Regulations.
7.2 The following Procedures have been approved:
(i) MRCP(UK) Examination: Conduct of Candidates

(This is set out in full in Section 9);
(ii) MRCP(UK) Examination: Academic and Professional Misconduct;
(iii) MRCP(UK) Examination: MRCP(UK) Appeals Procedure and

guidance for candidates submitting an Appeal.
7.3 Full details of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Procedure and
the Appeals Procedure are held by MRCP(UK) Central Office. These will be
issued on request.
27
8. G LOSSARY OF TERMS
This glossary aims to define some of the terms used in the Regulations,
though the glossary does not itself have the status of a Regulation.
Appeals
A candidate may appeal against an assessment decision. A candidate may
not appeal until the Examination result has been communicated to them
formally. The grounds for appeal are stated in the MRCP(UK) Appeals
Procedure (Schedule 3). A candidate who is dissatisfied with other aspects of
assessment (for example, with the administrative processes) may make a
general complaint, but this will not meet the criteria for appeal.
Deferral
Deferral is a decision made by the relevant MRCP(UK) Examining Board on
grounds of mitigating circumstances (see below). A candidate allowed
deferral will have their attempt expunged and may repeat the relevant
MRCP(UK) Examination without losing an attempt. An extension to the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Registration Period of
Eligibility may also be added at the discretion of the MRCP(UK) Clinical
Examining Board.
Fail in the MRCP(UK)

A candidate not achieving the pass mark in the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination
or the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will be deemed to have failed
the Examination.
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) may be failed in the

following ways:
(i) The candidate may not achieve the pass mark.

Note: The candidate may not achieve the pass mark but is permitted a
further attempt in accordance with the Regulations governing the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES);
(ii) A candidate will automatically fail the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical

Examination (PACES) if they are awarded three ‘clear fail’ grades (by three
separate examiners) regardless of the overall total achieved.
28
(iii) A candidate who has failed the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) after three attempts during the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) Period of Eligibility, or the period itself has expired,
will be deemed to have failed the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) and will be required to sit again either the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination or the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination.
(iv) A candidate may fail the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) at
their first or second attempt and be deemed by the MRCP(UK) Clinical
Examining Board to require more clinical experience before
re-attempting the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).
Main Assessment Point

The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will normally take place
during three two week periods within any given year. These will be referred
to as the Main Assessment Points.
Misconduct
Academic or professional misconduct is an attempt by a candidate, or an
attempt to aid a candidate, to gain an unfair advantage in an assessment or
in application for the MRCP(UK) by deception or by fraudulent means.
Candidates are advised to read Section 9: Conduct of candidates.
Mitigating circumstances
Mitigating circumstances are circumstances outside a candidate’s control,
where the candidate has provided documentary evidence, and which the
relevant Examining Board has accepted as a valid reason for poor
performance or non-completion of that part of the Examination.
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration Period

The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration Period means that a
candidate has commenced a seven year period when they are eligible to take
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination. The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Registration
Period begins when success in the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination has been
confirmed. The maximum period of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Registration Period
is seven years.
29
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination - Pass
A Pass in The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination, allowing progress to the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES), will be valid for a period of no
more than two years.
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Registration Period

of Eligibility
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Registration Period of
Eligibility forms part of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration Period
and means that a candidate has commenced the period when they are
eligible to take the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES). The
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Registration Period of
Eligibility begins when success at the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination
has been achieved. However, candidates may not proceed to take the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) until a minimum period of
training of two and a half years from the date of graduation given on their
diploma of medical qualification has been completed. The maximum length
of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Registration Period of
Eligibility is two years.
No-show for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)

The demand for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is very high
and, as a consequence, some candidates may be unable to take the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) even if they apply before the closing date.
Unless there are mitigating circumstances, the MRCP(UK) Policy Committee
has agreed that candidates who fail to notify the Colleges within three weeks
of the published date (the first day) of the UK PACES will be classed as a ‘No-
show’ and will use up one of their three attempts (see Sections 19.6 and 19.7).
Pass
A pass is awarded when a candidate has successfully completed a
component of the MRCP(UK) Examination. The three components are:
MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
30
9 . MRCP(UK) E XAMINATION : C ONDUCT OF
CANDIDATES
9.1 Examination Procedure: Preliminary information

9.1.1 Candidates presenting themselves for the MRCP(UK) Examination
must have complied fully with all admission requirements, including
the payment of fees.
9.1.2 Candidates are warned that any breach of MRCP(UK) Examination

Rules and Regulations will result in severe penalties, including the risk
that the relevant Examining Board may permanently debar the
candidate from taking any further Examinations.
9.1.3 Any infringement of these Regulations may be reported to the Head

of the MRCP(UK) Central Office for consideration in accordance with
the MRCP(UK) Procedures on Academic or Professional Misconduct.
9.1.4 The MRCP(UK) Examination Rules set out below apply to all parts of
the MRCP(UK) Examination.
9.2 Before the MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 Written Examinations

9.2.1 Candidates should assemble outside the examination hall at least
thirty minutes before the commencement of the Examination and
should not enter until instructed by the invigilator(s).
9.2.2 Candidates will not be admitted unless they produce suitable

identification in addition to the Admission Document. This would
normally be a passport. Where candidates do not possess one, some
other form of identification may be acceptable, providing that it
includes both the photograph and signature of the candidate
concerned. Admission to the Examination will be at the discretion of
the invigilator(s).
9.2.3 Candidates must not bring into the examination hall any papers,
bags, calculators, mobile phones, pagers (or any electronic audio or
communication device), textbooks or documents or items of any kind
other than those specifically allowed for that particular Examination
and previously notified to them. The use of calculators, mobile
phones, pagers, personal stereos or electronic wrist watches or any
31
other such device that is either audible or can be used for
communication is strictly forbidden.
9.2.4 Where Examination halls do not have secure areas to store personal
items; coats, bags or other item(s) brought into the examination hall
should be deposited as directed by the invigilator(s). Electronic items
must be deactivated and placed away from the candidate’s desk.
9.2.5 With prior approval, candidates may bring into the examination hall
aids which will enable them to remedy a disability e.g. of sight and/or
hearing.
9.2.6 If a candidate has unwittingly brought any unauthorised paper or

item into the examination hall, this should be handed to the
invigilator(s) before the Examination commences or at the earliest
possible opportunity thereafter.
9.2.7 Candidates who infringe the Examination Rules or who are found
during the Examination in possession of unauthorised devices will be
reported to the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
9.2.8 Smoking is not permitted in any part of the MRCP(UK) Examination.
9.3 During the MRCP(UK) Part 1 or Part 2 Written Examinations

9.3.1 Candidates will not be admitted to either Paper of the Examination if
they arrive after the Examination has started, other than
exceptionally with the express permission of the invigilator(s).
9.3.2 Candidates must not commence reading or completing the

Examination questions until the start of the Examination is
announced by the invigilator(s).
9.3.3 Candidates may use only the stationery approved by the Royal
Colleges of Physicians. Any rough work must be completed on the
approved stationery and handed in with the completed papers.
9.3.4 Candidates will comply with all instructions given to them by

invigilator(s). Such instructions may include the instruction to leave
32
the examination hall and not to return during the period of the
Examination. It is the duty of a candidate to comply with an
invigilator’s instruction notwithstanding that they may judge the
instruction to be unreasonable (there is the right of appeal if a
candidate considers the invigilator has not acted in accordance with
these Regulations). Candidates who fail to follow the invigilator’s
instructions will be reported to the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central
Office.
9.3.5 Whilst in the examination hall a candidate must not attempt to read
the work of any other candidate or communicate in any way with any
other candidate without the express permission of the invigilator.
Candidates who infringe the Examination Rules or who are found
during the Examination in possession of unauthorised material will
be reported to the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office. Any
unauthorised material will be confiscated.
9.3.6 Where an invigilator suspects a candidate/candidates of infringing

MRCP(UK) Examination Regulations/examination hall rules he/she
shall:
(a) Confiscate any unauthorised material in the possession of the

candidate;
(b) Endorse the front cover of the candidate’s script with a note of
the time when the alleged infringement was discovered. In cases
of suspected collusion, invigilators should endorse the script of
each candidate suspected of being involved. Wherever possible
an invigilator should require another invigilator to act as witness
by countersigning the endorsement;
(c) Allow the candidate(s) in question to continue the Examination

(see Note below);
(d) Inform the candidate(s) in question at the end of the Examination

that a written report of the incident will be submitted to the
Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
33
(e) Prepare within three working days a written report on the alleged
incident and send it with any confiscated materials to the
MRCP(UK) Central Office.
9.3.7 Any invigilator or examiner present is empowered to refuse to allow

a candidate to continue with the Examination on grounds of
misconduct. Ejection from the examination hall should normally take
place only in the event of a candidate’s conduct causing disruption to
other candidates (see also Section 9.4.2).
9.3.8 Candidates who wish to attract the attention of the invigilator(s)

during the Examination should do so by raising a hand.
9.3.9 Candidates should bring to the attention of the invigilator any factor
(e.g. distracting noise) that is adversely affecting them during the
Examination. Where necessary they should communicate the same in
writing to Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office immediately
following the Examination concerned.
9.3.10 Once admitted to each part of the Examination, candidates must stay
for the full duration of each Paper. Candidates may not leave the
examination hall as a result of finishing the Examination Paper early.
These who attempt to do so will be deemed to have breached the
Examination Regulations and will be reported to the Head of the
9.3.11 Candidates must not leave the examination hall temporarily, for
example to use the toilet, during the Examination, unless given the
express permission by the invigilator(s) to do so. If such permission is
given, they must not attempt to contact any other person or consult
any material relating to the Examination whilst outside the
examination hall. They should report to the invigilator(s) on returning
to the examination hall. Failure to report on returning will be
reported to the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
9.3.12 Candidates may not temporarily leave the examination hall during
the first hour of either Paper or in the ten minutes before the
scheduled end of each Paper. Any candidate attempting to leave the
34
examination hall during these periods will be deemed to have
breached the Examination Regulations. The matter will be reported to
the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
9.3.13 Candidates who leave the examination hall during the period of the
Examination, without the express permission of the invigilator, will
be deemed to have breached the Examination Regulations. The
matter will be reported to the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
9.4 During the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)

9.4.1 Where an examiner considers a candidate is acting in an
unprofessional or inappropriate manner during the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Clinical Examination (PACES) they shall:
(a) Ask the candidate to stop that particular part of the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES);
(b) Endorse the candidate’s clinical mark sheet with a note of the
time when the alleged infringement occurred and request their
co-examiner to act as witness by countersigning the
endorsement;
(c) Decide whether the candidate in question may continue with the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) (see 9.4.2 below);
(d) Inform the candidate in question at the end of the MRCP(UK) Part
2 Clinical Examination (PACES), that a written report of the
incident will be submitted to the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central
Office;
(e) Prepare within three working days a written report on the alleged
incident and send it with any confiscated materials to the
9.4.2 A candidate will be prevented from proceeding with the MRCP(UK)

Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) if it is the examiners’ view that
his/her conduct is likely to endanger the safety of patients, cause
distress or disrupt other candidates.
35
9.5 After the MRCP(UK) Part 1 or Part 2 Written Examinations
9.5.1 Candidates should stop writing when instructed to do so and remain
in their seats in silence whilst papers, empty answer books,
continuation sheets or other papers are collected. Candidates who fail
to follow the invigilator’s instructions will be reported to the Head of
the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
9.5.2 Candidates should not remove from the examination hall any papers
or examination materials.
9.5.3 When authorised to do so by the invigilator(s), candidates should

leave the examination hall in an orderly manner.
36
10. I NFORMATION FOR PAEDIATRIC CANDIDATES
10.1 Transfer of the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination (Paediatric option) to

the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
10.1.1 Since May 1999 (the 1999/2 Examination), the Federation of Royal
Colleges of Physicians has no longer offered the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination (Paediatric option). In its place, the Royal College of
Paediatrics and Child Health now offers the MRCPCH Part 1
Examination. All candidates wishing to pursue this qualification
must address their applications and queries to:
The Examinations Administrator

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
50 Hallam Street
London WIW 6DE
Tel: +44 207 307 5600
Fax: +44 207 307 5601
10.2 Joint MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination (Paediatrics)/MRCPCH

Part 2 Examination
10.2.1 Detailed information for candidates on the joint MRCP(UK) Part 2

Examination (Paediatrics)/MRCPCH Part 2 Examination is published
separately and may be obtained from either:

11 St Andrews Place
London NW1 4LE
Tel: +44 207 935 1174
Fax: +44 207 487 2628
http://www.mrcpuk.org
The Examinations Administrator

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
50 Hallam Street
London WIW 6DE
Tel: +44 207 307 5600
Fax: +44 207 307 5601
37
10.2.2 Until the 2003/3 diet a joint MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination
(Paediatrics)/MRCPCH Part 2 Examination is offered. However, not all
paediatric candidates are eligible for the choice of award. Candidates
who passed the MRCPCH Part 1 Examination in May 1999 (the 1999/2
Examination) or in subsequent diets cannot enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Examination.
10.2.3 Table 1 sets out the various award options that candidates are now
eligible to receive.
10.2.4 Candidates are asked to note that the time available to sit the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination (Paediatrics) will reduce progressively,
ceasing to be available after the end of 2003, due to the transfer of
responsibility for the Examination to the Royal College of Paediatrics
and Child Health.
38
Table 1: Entry to the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination, MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination
(Paediatrics) and MRCPCH Part 2 Examination
Examination passed Diet Eligibility Entry to Part 2

MRCP(UK) Part 1 1999/1 or earlier MRCP(UK) The MRCP(UK)
Examination (General MRCPCH Part 2 Examination
Medicine or (Paediatrics) can be
Paediatric option) sat until 2003/3
MRCP(UK) Part 1 1999/1 or earlier MRCP(UK) MRCP(UK) Part 2

Examination (General Examination
Medicine or (General Medicine)
Paediatric option)
MRCP(UK) Part 1 1999/2 onwards MRCP(UK) MRCP(UK) Part 2

Examination Examination
(General Medicine)
MRCP(UK) Part 1 1999/2 onwards MRCPCH MRCPCH Part 2

(RCPCH grants
exemption from
the MRCPCH Part 1
Examination)
MRCPCH Part 1 1999/2 onwards Not eligible No exemption

Examination for MRCP(UK) granted by RCPs
MRCPCH Part 1 1999/2 onwards MRCPCH MRCPCH Part 2

MRCPI Part 1 1995 onwards MRCPCH MRCPCH Part 2

MRCPI Part 1 Anytime Not eligible No exemption

Examination for MRCP(UK) granted by RCPs
39
11. MRCP(UK) PART 1 EXAMINATION AND PART
2 WRITTEN EXAMINATION – HOW TO COMPLETE
THE ANSWER SHEETS
11.1 The new format MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 Written Examinations
were introduced in May 2002 and July 2002 respectively. Both
Examinations are marked by machine-reader.
11.2 Candidates indicate their answers to the questions by completing

answer sheets, which are machine-read by an optical mark reader
(OMR). The output from the OMR is processed by computer and
marks are allocated according to the candidate’s responses, scores are
calculated and statistical data are derived relating to individual
questions: this information is produced in printed form for the
MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 Examining Boards.
11.3 As the completed answer sheets are computer marked, candidates

must comply fully with the instructions given on each answer sheet,
otherwise answer sheets may be rejected by the machine or your
intention misinterpreted.
11.4 You should use only the pencil (Grade 2B) supplied in the
Examination. Answers in ink or a different grade of pencil cannot be
read by the optical mark reader.
11.5 First of all identify yourself - write your family name and initials in the
boxes provided. Next, complete your examination number using the
appropriate rectangles.
11.6 The answer sheet for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 – Paper One in January
2003 will contain a row of boxes for each question. Each box refers to
a single item and is numbered accordingly (i.e. 1A, 1B, 1C etc.). In each
box there are two rectangles labelled T (= True) and F (= False). You
should indicate whether you think a particular item is ‘True’ or ‘False’
by pencilling in the appropriate rectangle. If you do not know the
answer, you should guess or leave it blank (there is no negative
marking).
40
11.7 The answer sheet for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Paper 2 Examination in
January 2003 will contain a row of five rectangles for each question.
You should indicate the single correct answer, in accordance with the
instructions given on the Examination Paper.
11.8 The answer sheets for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination for May and
September 2003 (both Papers) will contain a row of five rectangles for
each question. You should indicate the single correct answer, in
accordance with the instructions given on the Examination Papers.
11.9 The answer sheets for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will
contain a row of rectangles for each question. You should indicate the
correct answer(s), in accordance with the instructions given on the
Examination Papers.
11.10 You may erase an answer by using the rubber provided. To avoid too
many erasures on the answer sheet, you may if you wish indicate your
choices in the question book in the first instance, before transferring
them to the answer sheet. Remember to allow sufficient time to do
so, as additional time will not be allowed.
11.11 Do not fold or crease your answer sheet.
11.12 It is important that you fully understand how to complete the answer
sheet before you sit the Examination. Full advice is given on the
MRCP(UK) web site.
41
12. A DVICE ON ANSWERING MULTIPLE - CHOICE
QUESTIONS (MCQ S ) IN THE MRCP(UK)
12.1 Multiple choice questions are the most reliable, reproducible and
internally consistent method known of testing a knowledge of facts.
However, good MCQs will not only test recall of factual knowledge,
but will also test powers of judgement and discrimination, as well as
the ability to reason. Careful thought and the intelligent use of a
sound knowledge of basic principles will often be more rewarding,
therefore, than plain memory work.
12.2 The only certain way you will pass the Examination is for you to know
the answers to all the questions, but it is also important that you are
able to communicate your knowledge accurately through the
medium of the answer sheet. This should pose no problems, provided
that you understand the form of the questions and follow certain
specific and simple instructions. Nevertheless, some candidates
suffer from an inability to obey these instructions precisely, to read
and understand the questions, or to organise their time.
12.3 You must study the question (both stem and items) carefully and be
clear that you understand exactly what is being asked. It should be
remembered that each item is independent of every other item in the
question; each refers to a single quantum of knowledge.
12.4 It has sometimes been suggested that you should begin by going
quickly through the whole paper, marking the answers to the items
about which you are “certain”. The other alternative is for you to work
steadily through the paper, completing each question before going
on to the next. The former method has the advantage of “getting
marks in the bank” and avoids the possibility that questions may
remain unattempted at the end of the Examination. This method also
allows more time to think about items left unanswered the first time
round. The main disadvantage is that it requires considerable
concentration and mental agility to consider so many different topics
in rapid succession.
42
12.5 It should be remembered that you must stop writing as soon as the
invigilator announces the end of the Examination, even if you have
not completed the transfer of your answers to the answer sheet.
Only answers transferred to your mark-sheet will count towards your
score.
12.6 The method adopted by you will depend on your personality and
familiarity with MCQs, but it is worth noting that the majority of
candidates have no difficulty in completing the Examination within
the allotted time.
12.7 Whichever method you adopt, try to leave some time to go over your
answers again before the end, paying particular attention to
questions you have found difficult. At the same time you can check
that you have filled in your responses correctly. However, repeated
review of your answers may in the end be counter-productive.
Answers that you were originally confident were “absolutely correct”
often look rather less convincing at a second, third or fourth perusal.
In this situation, first thoughts are usually best.
43
13. MRCP(UK) PART 2 CLINICAL EXAMINATION
(PACES)
13.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is now separate
from the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination.
13.2 An annual timetable is published detailing when the MRCP(UK) Part

2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will be conducted. However, there are
three Main Assessment Points in the year when the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Clinical Examination (PACES) is scheduled to run (February/March,
June/July and October/November) and it is anticipated that most
candidates will be examined at these times.
13.3 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is composed of five

Stations, each assessed by two independent examiners. Candidates
will start at any one of the five Stations, and then move round the
carousel of Stations, at 20-minute intervals, until the cycle has been
completed. The Stations are:
Station 1 - Respiratory system examination (10 minutes)

- Abdominal system examination (10 minutes)
Station 2 - History taking skills (20 minutes)
Station 3 - Cardiovascular system examination (10 minutes)
- Central nervous system examination (10 minutes)
Station 4 - Communication skills and ethics (20 minutes)
Station 5 - Skin, locomotor, endocrine, eye examination (20 minutes)
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) lasts a total of 120

minutes (including breaks).
13.4 A candidate will receive 14 structured mark-sheets prior to the start of

the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES). One sheet is given
to each examiner at Stations 2, 4 and 5 and two sheets are given to
each examiner at Stations 1 and 3. The candidate will have completed
their personal details immediately prior to the examination and will
then hand the appropriate sheets to the examiners at each station.
The examiners are required to record their mark for each candidate on
the marksheet independently and without consultation. No examiner
will have any knowledge of the marks given elsewhere in the
Examination.
44
13.5 At Stations 1 and 3 (each having two sub-stations lasting 10 minutes
each) the timekeeper will sound a bell to announce the
commencement of the assessment at the Station. One examiner will
take the candidate into the Station and give the candidate written
instructions for the first of the two cases. The candidate will respond
to the written instructions. The response will involve the
examination of the appropriate system and questions from the
examiners that may include management of the clinical problem.
Examiners will inform the candidate when five minutes have passed
at each sub-station and suggest that the candidate complete the
clinical assessment of the case.
13.6 After ten minutes the timekeeper will signal the end of the
substation. The examiners and the candidate must then stop.
13.7 The candidate will then receive written instructions from the second
examiner for the second case and examination at the second
substation will commence and follow the same procedure as the first
sub-station.
13.8 After a second period of ten minutes, a bell will sound to signal the
end of the Examination at the Station. The examiners and candidate
must then stop. The candidate will leave the station and be directed
to the next Station. A period of five minutes has been allowed for this
changeover and for the examiners to complete the mark-sheets.
13.9 At Station 5, which lasts 20 minutes, the timekeeper will sound a bell
to announce the commencement of the Station. One examiner will
take the candidate into the Station and give the candidate written
instructions for the first case. The candidate will respond to the
written instructions. The response will usually involve the
examination of the appropriate system and may include questions
that arise from the examination. The examiners may also ask
questions about the investigation and management of the clinical
problem. The same procedure as outlined above will be adopted for
the other three cases at Station 5. Each of the four cases will last
approximately five minutes.
45
13.10 After twenty minutes a bell will sound to signal the end of the
Examination at Station 5. The examiners and candidate must then
stop. The candidate will leave the Station and be directed to the next
Station. A period of five minutes has been allowed for this
changeover and for the examiners to complete the mark-sheets.
13.11 At Stations 2 and 4, each lasting 20 minutes, the candidate will be

given a GP letter/scenario to read outside the Station in the period
(approximately five minutes) prior to commencement of the Station.
Rough paper will be provided for note-taking (these notes will not
form part of the examination and will be destroyed afterwards). The
timekeeper will sound a bell to announce the commencement of the
Station. One examiner will take the candidate into the station.
13.12 The interview will involve interaction between the candidate and the
patient/subject appropriate to the Station.
13.13 The timekeeper will indicate when 14 minutes have elapsed. The
patient/subject will then leave the Station. The candidate will be
given one minute for reflection, or further notes, and will then be
invited to summarise and discuss important features of the history
(Station 2) or interaction with the patient/subject (Station 4).
13.14 If a candidate completes the examination at any Station before the

end of the prescribed period, he/she must remain at the Station; this
could mean a period of silence.
13.15 Fourteen marksheets in total will be completed by the examiners:
One by each examiner at Stations 2, 4 and 5 (total 6);

Two by each examiner at Stations 1 and 3 (total 8).
The marks awarded on all fourteen marksheets will determine the

candidate’s overall MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
score.
46
13.16 All marks are recorded on a four point grading system and are
detailed on the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) mark-
sheet. These are:
• Clear fail
• Fail
• Pass
• Clear pass
These grades will be converted to a numeric value of 1-4 (clear fail=1,

fail=2, pass=3, clear pass=4). Grade descriptors will be provided to
both examiners and candidates in order to make the process of
assessment transparent.
13.17 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is marked out of a

total of 56 marks (being the maximum available from the fourteen
mark-sheets). The nominal pass mark for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) is 42. A candidate will not pass the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) if they are awarded three ‘clear
fail’ grades (by three separate examiners) regardless of the overall
total achieved.
47
14. P ROGRESS THROUGH THE MRCP(UK)
EXAMINATION
14.1 The entry requirements for each stage of the MRCP(UK) Examination
are set out in Section 5.1 of the MRCP(UK) Regulations.
14.2 Candidates need to meet the 18 month training requirement in full

before they can sit the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination.
14.3 Candidates need to pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination or meet

the requirements for exemption as in Section 5.2 of the MRCP(UK)
Regulations before taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination.
14.4 Candidates need to pass the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination

and complete the minimum period of training of two and a half years
before they can sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).
14.5 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Period of Eligibility

will commence for each candidate when they have passed the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination regardless of whether they
have completed the two-and-a-half years training period. Hence,
from 2001 the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Period of
Eligibility will start as set out below:
Pass in MRCP(UK) Part 2 PACES Period of Eligibility

Written Examination
January 2001 1 June 2001-31 May 2003
May 2001 1 October 2001-30 Sept 2003
July 2001 1 October 2001-30 Sept 2003
November 2001 1 March 2002-28 Feb 2004
March 2002 1 June 2002-31 May 2004
July 2002 1 October 2002-30 Sept 2004
November 2002 1 March 2003-28 Feb 2005
April 2003 1 June 2003-31 May 2005
August 2003 1 October 2003-30 September 2005
December 2003 1 March 2004-28 February 2006
48
14.6 Candidates are advised to note that the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination is valid for a limited period. In order to make full use of
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Period of Eligibility
candidates may well need to consider taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Written at a time when they are nearing the completion of the
minimum period of training of two-and-a-half years.
14.7 If a candidate considers they have been unreasonably denied the full
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Period of Eligibility,
they should contact the MRCP(UK) Central Office and provide
documentary evidence to this effect. In exceptional circumstances it
may be agreed to extend the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) Period of Eligibility to the next Main Assessment Point if the
candidate has been unable to use the full three attempts permitted
within that particular MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
Period of Eligibility.
49
15. MRCP(UK): PROGRESS TO THE MRCP(UK)
DIPLOMA
18 months after graduation
MRCP(UK) Part 1
Exemption from
Examination MRCP(UK)Part 1
Examination
Unlimited
(per Regulations)
Attempts
Fail PASS
MRCP(UK) Part 2
Written Examination
Unlimited attempts
within seven years
Unsuccessful Fail PASS

after seven years PACES Period of Eligibility:
• 21/2 years after graduation
• Plus required experience
• Allows three attempts over
two years
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical

Examination (PACES)
After two years or three failures Fail PASS

Unsuccessful, seven years after pass
in MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination MRCP(UK) Diploma
50
16. ADMISSION TO THE MRCP(UK) EXAMINATION
16.1 Admission to the MRCP(UK) Examination

16.1.2 Candidates will be admitted to the Examination in their full name as
given on their original medical registration certificates or diplomas of
medical qualification or official translations of their diplomas or as in
the current edition of the Medical Register of the General Medical
Council of the United Kingdom.
16.1.3 Entries will NOT be accepted if there is any discrepancy in the spelling,
order or number of names given, and candidates must retain the
same surname/family name in any further applications.
16.1.4 It is the candidate’s responsibility to clear up such discrepancies,

including the use of initials, by obtaining a statement from the
issuing authority certifying that the candidate, in his or her full and
correct name, is the same person as that named on the diploma.
16.1.5 Candidates who change their names by marriage or deed poll must
submit the original documentary proof of this if they wish to be
admitted to the Examination in their new names.
16.1.6 When candidates attend any part of the MRCP(UK) Examination they
must produce some means of identification in addition to the
admission document. This would normally be a passport. Where
candidates do not possess one, some other form of identification may
be acceptable, providing that it includes both the photograph and
signature of the candidate concerned. Admission to an Examination
will be at the discretion of the invigilator.
16.1.7 Candidates who have a disability which may affect their performance
in the Examination are advised to inform the MRCP(UK) Central Office
(on the application form) when they apply in order that they may be
assisted, where possible. A medical report is required in support of
such claims.
16.2 How to enter the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

16.2.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination is held in various centres, both
within and outside the UK (See Sections 30 - 33).
51
16.2.2 Applications for entry must be made on the appropriate forms which,
together with the Examination Calendar, are available from all three
Royal Colleges of Physicians, all Examination Centres outside the UK
and the Central Office website: http://www.mrcpuk.org.
16.2.3 Applications to sit the Examination at any one of the Centres in the
United Kingdom may be submitted to any one of the three Colleges.
16.2.4 Enquiries and all applications to sit the Examination outside the UK
should be submitted to the Centre concerned and not to the Royal
Colleges of Physicians or to the MRCP(UK) Central Office. For a full list
of addresses see Section 33.
16.2.5 When making their first entry to the Examination, candidates must
submit their original certificate(s) of medical registration or their
diploma(s) of medical qualification unless they hold Full Registration
with the Medical Register of the General Medical Council of the
United Kingdom. Candidates holding Limited or Provisional
Registration with the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom
must submit their original medical registration certificate(s) or their
diploma(s) of medical qualification. Candidates will not be admitted
to the Examination before the expiry of 18 months from the date of
graduation given on their diploma of medical qualification.
16.2.6 Photocopies of certificates and/or official translations will only be

accepted if they have been prepared and/or authenticated by one of
the following:
1. The issuing University or Medical School
2. A British Consulate or British Council
3. The candidate’s own Embassy or High Commission in the United

Kingdom.
16.2.7 Applications will not be accepted earlier than one month before the
closing date.
52
16.2.8 The application form, complete in every detail, and accompanied by
the appropriate fee and any other documents required, must reach
the applicable Royal College of Physicians of entry (or, for candidates
intending to take the examination outside the UK, the appropriate
Centre) before the published closing date.
16.2.9 Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least two weeks
before the closing date: allowances cannot be made for postal or other
delays, and late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.
16.2.10 Candidates who fail badly may be recommended to defer re-entry for
one Examination.
16.2.11 Candidates must pass the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination before

applying to enter MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination, unless they
are claiming exemption from the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination (See
Regulation 5.2).

Examination
16.3.1 For first time entry send:
(i) Form A;
(ii) Form B;
(iii) Diploma of Primary Medical Qualification or General Medical

Council (UK) Registration Certificate (original or authenticated
photocopy only);
(iv) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount);
(v) Self-addressed label for return of Diploma or Registration

Certificate.
16.3.2 For re-entry send:

(i) Form B (as above);
(ii) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount).
53
16.3.3 Candidates should check carefully that they have enclosed all relevant
documentation before sending their applications. Applications which
are not complete in every detail and/or arrive after 17.00 hrs on the
closing date will be returned. Allowances cannot be made for postal or
other delays.
16.4 How to enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination

16.4.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination is held in the UK and at
certain overseas centres (see Section 32).
16.4.2 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination must be completed within

seven years of passing the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination or, for those
with exemption (see Regulation 5.2) from the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination, within seven years of the date of the exempting
qualification. If more than seven years have elapsed since passing
MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination or the exempting qualification, the
MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination must be re-taken before the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Written Examination can be attempted. Candidates who re-
enter the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination and pass will have a further
seven years in which to pass the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examination.
one or more Examinations.
Royal Colleges of Physicians. Candidates wishing to sit the Part 2
Examination outside the UK should apply direct to the appropriate
Centre (See Section 33).
16.4.5 Candidates who are claiming exemption from MRCP(UK) Part 1

Examination and are making their first attempt at the Examination,
must submit their primary and postgraduate medical Diploma
Certificate - see Regulation 5.2.
16.4.6 Applications will not be accepted earlier than one month before the
closing date.
54
the College of entry before the published closing date.
Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least two weeks

16.5 Application check lists for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written

Examination
16.5.1 For first time entry send:
(i) Form C (indicate clearly General Medicine and Royal College of
entry);
16.5.2 For re-entry send:

(i) Form C (indicate clearly General Medicine and Royal College of
entry);
16.5.3 For first time entry, when applying for exemption from Part 1 send:
(i) Form A (for essential data gathering purposes);
(ii) Form C (indicate clearly General Medicine and Royal College of

entry);
(iii) Diploma of Primary Medical Qualification or General Medical

Council (UK) Registration Certificate (original or authenticated
photocopy only);
(iv) Postgraduate Diploma (original or authenticated photocopy only);
(v) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount);
(vi) Self-addressed label for return of Diploma or Registration

Certificate.
55
are not complete in every detail and/or arrive after 17.00 hrs on the
other delays.
16.6 How to enter the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination

(PACES)
16.6.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) is held in the UK

and at certain overseas centres (see Section 32).
16.6.2 Candidates will be eligible for a period of two years to take the
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES). This Period of
Eligibility will commence after candidates have been notified of
success in the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination irrespective of
whether they have completed a minimum period of training of two-
and-a-half years from the date of graduation given on their diploma
of medical qualification (see section 5.4 of the MRCP(UK) Regulations)
one or more Examinations.
16.6.4 Testimonials (Form T) must accompany all MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical

Examination (PACES) applications.
Royal Colleges of Physicians. Candidates wishing to sit the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) outside the UK should apply direct
to the appropriate Centre (See Section 33).
16.6.6 Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis,

dependent upon the number of places available. Consequently,
applicants submitting forms near to but not after the closing date
may have their applications returned if places are not available: all
candidates affected by these circumstances will have their
56
completion time for MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
extended.
16.6.7 Only a limited number of candidates can be accommodated by each

Royal College of Physicians and applications are accepted in order of
receipt. When one Royal College list is full, candidates who cannot be
accommodated may have their applications transferred to another
Royal College, provided that places are available.
16.6.8 Applications will only be accepted a month prior to the closing date of
the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).

the College of entry before the published closing date.
16.6.10 Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least two weeks
16.7 Application check lists for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical

Examination (PACES)
16.7.1 For first time entry in the current period of eligibility send:
(i) Form P;
(ii) Form of Faith;
(iii) Form T with signatures from two Consultants in support of your

application;
(iv) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount) for the MRCP(UK)
(v) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount) for the MRCP(UK)
Diploma;
(vi) Self-addressed label.
57
16.7.2 For re-entry in the period of eligibility send:
(i) Form P;
(ii) Form of Faith;
(iii) Form T with a signature from one Consultant in support of your

application;
(iv) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount) for the MRCP(UK)
(v) Fee in Sterling (please check current amount) for the MRCP(UK)
Diploma.
are not complete in every detail and/or arrive after 17.00 hours on the
other delays.
58
17. MRCP(UK) EXAMINATION AND MRCP(UK)
DIPLOMA FEES
17.1 No candidate will be permitted to take any part of the Examination
unless all the fees are paid in full.
Candidates sitting the Examination in the UK
17.2 The fees payable on entry to the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination, Part 2
Written Examination and the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) are published annually.
17.3 Cheques should be sent to the Royal College of Physicians of entry

and made payable to:
‘The Royal College of Physicians’
17.4 Candidates are required to submit the Form of Faith and MRCP(UK)
Diploma fee before the closing date for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) in order to have the award of the MRCP(UK)
Diploma processed.
Candidates sitting the Examination outside the UK
17.5 Details of fees, which are subject to annual revision, method of

payment and Examination dates may be obtained from the addresses
given in Section 33.
59
18. ATTENDING THE MRCP(UK) E XAMINATION
18.1 Attending the MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 Written

Examinations
18.1.1 You are advised to allow for any transport delays when planning your
time of arrival at the examination hall as, for security reasons, we
cannot guarantee that you will be permitted to enter the
examination hall after the start of the Examination.
18.1.2 Question papers are individually numbered (with Examination

Numbers) in the top right hand corner. You must sit at the desk where
the question paper is marked with your Examination Number.
18.1.3 For full details of the Rules governing attendance at the Examination
please refer to MRCP(UK) Examination: Conduct of candidates
(Section 9).
18.2 Attending the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination

(PACES)
18.2.1 You are advised to allow for any transport delays when planning your
time of arrival at the examination hall as you will not be permitted to
enter the Examination once it has started.
18.2.2 Arrival once the Examination has started constitutes absence from
the Examination and therefore counts as an attempt.
18.2.3 Due to the restricted number of clinical places, no guarantee can be

made of a later place at the same examination centre, or alternative
location, for a candidate arriving late.
18.2.4 For full details of the Rules governing attendance at the Examination
please refer to MRCP(UK) Examination: Conduct of candidates
(Section 9).
60
19. W ITHDRAWAL FROM THE E XAMINATION
19.1 Notice of withdrawal from any part of the Examination must be given
in writing to the Royal College of entry (or Centre outside the UK) and
be accompanied by the Admission Document, if received.
19.2 The Examination fee (less an administration charge) will be refunded

when notice of withdrawal is received before the published UK
closing date.
19.3 Refunds will not be made where candidates withdraw after the
closing date.
19.4 Fees cannot be transferred to the next Examination.
19.5 Withdrawal or absence on the day from the MRCP(UK) Part 1

Examination or the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination will not be
counted as an attempt.
19.6 Candidates for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination who

withdraw at any point within three weeks of the published date of
the UK Examination will forfeit both their fee and their attempt. The
dates of the three week deadline in 2003 are:
– Thursday 6 February 2003 for the 2003/1 diet;
– Thursday 22 May 2003 for the 2003/2 diet;
– Thursday 25 September 2003 for the 2003/3 diet.
19.7 Candidates who withdraw after the published closing date and no
later than three weeks before the first published date of the UK
Examination (see 19.6 above) will forfeit their fee but not an attempt.
61
20. H OW TO CLAIM EXEMPTION FROM PART OF
THE MRCP(UK) E XAMINATION
20.1 In order to claim exemption, holders of the diplomas listed in

5.2.1-5.2.3 of the Regulations must submit their original Medical
Registration Certificate or their Diploma of Primary Medical
Qualification, together with their Postgraduate Diploma unless full
details of their qualifications appear in the current (annual) edition of
the Medical Register of the General Medical Council of the United
Kingdom.
20.2 Irish Medical Registration Certificates do not give sufficient details of

qualifications held and are not therefore acceptable.
20.3 Photocopies of certificates and/or official translations will only be

accepted if they have been prepared and/or authenticated by one of
the following:
(i) The issuing University or Medical School, or
(ii) A British Consulate or British Council, or
(iii) The candidate’s own Embassy or High Commission in the United

Kingdom.
62
21. D ISCOUNTING OF ATTEMPTS
21.1 Candidates who are prevented from attending the Examination due
to the following circumstances may apply to have that attempt
discounted:
• involvement in an accident;
• illness or bereavement of a near relative.
21.2 In cases of claims on the grounds of illness, a medical certificate

provided by the consultant responsible for the candidate’s care must
be submitted as supporting evidence.
21.3 Any request for discounting of an attempt must be submitted to the

MRCP(UK) Central Office within one month of the date of the
Examination. Requests received at a later stage will not be
considered.
21.4 Decisions about discounting attempts are made by the Officers of the
relevant MRCP(UK) Examining Board.
21.5 If agreement is given to discount the attempt, the candidate’s record

will be amended accordingly and part of the fee may be refunded.
63
22. I SSUING OF RESULTS
22.1 Results of each part of the MRCP(UK) Examination will be posted by

first class mail within four weeks of the date of the Examination.
Results cannot he collected from the Royal Colleges of Physicians, nor
can they be given over the telephone. Three weeks after the date of
the Examination an answerphone announcement will be available to
indicate the date on which results will be dispatched.
22.2 Lists of the names of candidates who are successful in the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will be published on the
MRCP(UK) website (http://www.mrcpuk.org) and the names of those
eligible to receive the MRCP(UK) Diploma will be released to the
medical press. If you do not wish your results to be published in this
form, you must inform the Head of the MRCP(UK) Central Office in
writing before you take the Examination.
22.3 Publication of MRCP(UK) Results on the MRCP(UK) Website:

i) Candidates successful in the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES) and eligible for Membership of the Royal
Colleges of Physicians will now have their PACES result published
on the MRCP(UK) Website (www.mrcpuk.org) after each diet and
following confirmation of the Pass Mark by the MRCP(UK) Clinical
Examining Board.
ii) Candidates not wishing for their result to be published should
inform the Candidate Office of their College of Entry in writing at
the earliest opportunity and before they are due to take the
examination.
iii) This facility may be extended to other parts of the MRCP(UK) in
2003.
64
23. ASSESSMENT QUERIES AND REQUESTS FOR
REMARKING AN MRCP(UK) E XAMINATION
23.1 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination and MRCP(UK) Part 2

Written Examination
23.1.1 Candidates may wish to note that before any of the MRCP(UK)
Examination results are issued, the computer output is hand-checked.
This is done to ensure the results are accurate.
23.1.2 Due to the number of requests the Royal Colleges of Physicians are
receiving, it has become necessary to introduce a charge of £100.00 to
any candidate requesting that their Examination Answer Sheet is
remarked. This charge will be refunded in the event of an error being
identified.
Note: Candidates are reminded that their Examination mark-sheets

are held for one year only.
65
24. AWARD OF THE MRCP(UK) D IPLOMA
24.1 Candidates who pass the MRCP(UK) Examination and who wish to
claim their Diplomas must follow the procedure below.
24.2 The Form of Faith and Diploma fee (along with the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Clinical Examination (PACES) fee) should be sent to the Royal College
of entry. Candidates who are then successful in the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Clinical Examination (PACES) will have their names presented to the
three Royal Colleges of Physicians and, if elected, will receive the
Diploma of Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the
United Kingdom.
24.3 The Form of Faith and Diploma fee must be received before the
closing date for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
that the candidate intends taking. Candidates who fail the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will have their Diploma fee
returned. Those who fail to submit the Form of Faith and Diploma fee
before the appropriate MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
closing date, will have to wait until the next deadline for submitting
these details (usually the next MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES) closing date) before the award of their MRCP(UK) Diploma
can be processed.
24.4 Although currently candidates may sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2

Examination in either General Medicine or Paediatrics, successful
candidates are awarded exactly the same Diploma upon election to
the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United
Kingdom. The Diploma does not differentiate between those
successful in Paediatrics and those successful in General Medicine.
66
25. T RAINING OF A PHYSICIAN IN THE UK
25.1 This information refers to training in the UK at the time of
publication.
25.2 The MRCP(UK) is not a specialist qualification. It is designed primarily

to select those suitable for higher specialist training in the UK,
leading eventually to a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training
(CCST) awarded by the Specialist Training Authority (STA) of the
Medical Royal Colleges. The Examination may also be taken by those
who do not intend to pursue a career in hospital medicine. This is one
of the reasons why the Colleges have not followed the example of
other countries in only awarding their Fellowship or Membership
once specialist status has been obtained.
25.3 The professional training of a physician in the UK may be summarised

as follows:
(a) Initial undergraduate training ending with graduation;
(b) Pre-registration year;
(c) General professional training and MRCP(UK);
(d) Specialist training ending with the award of a CCST by the STA;
(e) Continuing education as a normal part of professional life.
25.4 General professional training should last for at least two years in
posts approved for this purpose which involve 18 months in
emergency admissions, six months of which should be in a post
undertaking unselected emergency take. This aspect of training is
also a mandatory requirement of the Joint Committee for Higher
Medical Training (JCHMT) regulations regarding entry to a specialist
registrar post in the UK.
25.5 Candidates should normally have completed the MRCP(UK) towards

the end of their general professional training. In order to comply with
the Examination Regulations, it is not essential for training to be
67
undertaken in approved posts as no such approval scheme exists
outside the UK. However, in order to complete the minimum
requirement of two years’ general professional training before
proceeding to the Specialist Registrar grade, it is essential to ensure
that the posts are educationally approved for this purpose. It is,
however, essential to comply with the Examination Regulations
regarding the length of time to be spent in posts involving the care of
emergency medical patients (see Regulation 5.1). There is no scheme
for approval/recognition of hospital posts specifically for the
MRCP(UK), but the College Fellows and Members proposing a
candidate for the MRCP(UK) Examination must testify that the
candidate has completed a period of training in hospital posts in
acute medicine either in, or outside the UK which meets the
requirements of the MRCP(UK) Examination Regulations.
25.6 It is recommended that physicians do not specialise until they have

demonstrated their competence in clinical methods and knowledge
of General Medicine or Paediatrics by success in the MRCP(UK) or its
equivalent (including diplomas granted overseas) and become
eligible to seek higher specialist training.
25.7 Trainees in the UK should ensure that they are enrolled with the Joint
Committee for Higher Medical Training (JCHMT) following a
substantive appointment as a Specialist Registrar to an approved
programme and the award of a National Training Number (NTN) or a
Visiting Training Number (VTN).
25.8 At the end of four years’ higher specialist training in an approved

programme, trainees will be required to apply to the STA for a CCST.
68
26. P REPARATION FOR THE MRCP(UK)
EXAMINATION
26.1 The Royal Colleges of Physicians recommend that candidates prepare
for the Examination by gaining clinical experience in hospital posts
involving the care of emergency medical patients, whether adults or
children, and by studying up-to-date postgraduate clinical textbooks
and current medical journals.
26.2 There is a published Syllabus for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

and a set of Clinical Guidelines for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical
Examination (PACES). Books of past papers are available as listed in
Section 28.
26.3 The Royal Colleges of Physicians do not provide lists of recommended

MRCP(UK) courses, though details of courses are contained in the
Guide to Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas and Courses in Medicine.
This is published annually and is available from the National Advice
Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education (See Section 27).
69
27. W HERE TO GO FOR ADVICE
27.1 Candidates, from outside the UK, who feel they would benefit from
impartial advice on registration, clinical attachment, availability and
suitability of courses and careers guidance are recommended to
contact the National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Medical
Education. Candidates may telephone for an appointment or write to:
National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education

British Council
Bridgewater House
58 Whitworth Street
Manchester Ml 6BB
Tel: 0161 957 7218
Fax: 0161 957 7218
www.britcoun.org.uk/health/nacpme
27.2 Candidates in Scotland may prefer to contact:
Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

Hanover Buildings
66 Rose Street
Edinburgh EH2 2NN
Tel: 0131 220 8632
70
28. MRCP(UK) E XAMINATION PUBLICATIONS
28.1 To provide more information about the MRCP(UK) Examination, new

publications have been produced by the MRCP(UK) Central Office.
These are the only publications that contain questions actually used
in the MRCP(UK) Examination.
28.2 The MRCP(UK) Central Office now has its own web site
(http://www.mrcpuk.org) to provide candidates with relevant
material on the MRCP(UK) Examination.
28.3 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Syllabus (General Medicine)

This is the Syllabus for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination and provides
details of methods used to set and assess the Examination. It gives
information to candidates wishing to know about the subjects
covered in the Examination.
28.4 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Papers (General Medicine) 1997-1998

with interactive CD
This book contains the six MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination papers sat in
1997 and 1998, that is same 360 multiple true-false questions It
comes with a free interactive CD which will allow candidates to sit
the papers set for each diet, produce their own test papers covering
one or more topics or have an examination set by the computer
program. Candidates will also be able to indicate their degree of
confidence in their answers (“Educated guess” or “Complete guess”).
This book will provide good revision material for the new MRCP(UK)
Part 1 Examination Paper 1.
28.5 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination Papers (General Medicine)

Contains questions drawn from the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
Examinations sat in 1997 and 1998. It includes samples of the Case
History, Data Interpretation and Photographic Material components
of the Examination.
28.6 MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) and Clinical Guidelines

These Guidelines provide details of the techniques a candidate
should use to examine a patient competently in the Clinical
71
Examination, how they should elicit abnormal findings and discuss
their significance.
28.7 Availability of publications

Copies of the above publications are available from the MRCP(UK)
Central Office and the Examination Departments of the three Royal
Colleges of Physicians; an order form appears at the end of this
booklet (Section 36).
28.8 Future Publications

In 2003 it is expected that the following publications will be made
available:
– MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Papers 2002
A selection of papers from 2002/1 and 2002/2 diets.
– MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination Papers 2002
A selection of questions used in the 2002/1 and 2002/2 diets.
72
29. S PECIAL ADVICE FOR DOCTORS WORKING
OUTSIDE THE UK
29.1 Entry to the Examination

29.1.1 Please re-read Section 5 and Section 16. You are required to state your
full and correct name on your application form. This name will be
shown on any Diploma that might be issued to you. If the name you
are applying under is different from the name which appears on your
primary diploma of medical qualification, you will need to submit a
certificate from the issuing university, or an affidavit stating that the
candidate (in his or her full name) is the same person named on the
diploma. This requirement also applies to initials and abbreviations.
29.1.2 Names are phonetically translated into English from some languages
and this can lead to spelling variations. Thus Mohammed may appear
as Mohamed, Mahammed, Mahamed, Muhammed. etc. Some
candidates are themselves inconsistent in the spelling of such
translations and must realise that this does not allow accurate
identification and is not acceptable to the Royal Colleges of
Physicians.
29.1.3 The records of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and the MRCP(UK)
Diploma will show forenames followed by the family name for
example, Alan John Smith. Correspondence will be addressed using
your medical title followed by initials in place of each forename, then
the family name as it appears on your diploma of medical
qualification, for example, Dr A J Smith.
29.2 Payment of Examination fees

29.1.1 If you need to transfer your fees from outside the UK, please
remember that the banks will deduct their charges from the sum
being transferred. The Royal Colleges of Physicians must receive the
full Examination fee in Sterling, so candidates must themselves pay
the bank charges.
29.3 Registration with the UK General Medical Council

29.3.1 Registration with the General Medical Council is required for all
candidates intending to work as doctors in the UK. Registration with
73
the General Medical Council is not necessary merely in order to take
the MRCP(UK) Examination. However, prospective candidates who
intend to obtain training in a UK hospital, whether paid or unpaid,
must register with the General Medical Council.
29.3.2 A list showing those overseas qualifications eligible for full

registration is given at the front of the Medical Register published by
the GMC. Doctors who are nationals and/or hold a qualification of
one of the countries of the European Community are subject to
special conditions and should seek advice direct from the General
Medical Council.
29.3.3 Application forms and pamphlets giving details of the requirements

of each kind of registration may be obtained from:
Overseas Registration Division

General Medical Council
178 Great Portland Street
London W1N 6JE
Tel: +44 207 580 7642
Fax: +44 207 436 1383 or
Fax: +44 207 915 3641
E-mail: gmc@gmc-uk.org
29.4 Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

29.4.1 Candidates do not need to have passed PLAB in order to take the
MRCP(UK) Examination. However, it is necessary for those intending
to work in the UK as doctors with Limited Registration. Full details are
available from:
PLAB Test Section

General Medical Council
178-202 Great Portland Street
London W1N 6JE
Tel: +44 207 580 7642
Fax: +44 207 436 1383
74
30. MRCP(UK) PART 1 EXAMINATION:
CENTRES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
30.1 Candidates may enter the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination through any
of the three Royal Colleges and may sit at any one of the Centres
listed below.
30.2 The number of examination places available at any one Centre is

limited and candidates are advised to apply early. Application forms
and details of the Examination in the UK are available only from the
three Royal Colleges of Physicians.
30.3 Candidates must specify on their application form at which Centre

they wish to sit the Examination and are requested to give a second
and third choice of Centre, to which they will be allocated
automatically if their first (or second) choice is full.
Belfast
Birmingham
Bristol
Cambridge
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Leeds
Leicester
Liverpool
London
Manchester
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Oxford
Sheffield
Southampton
75
31. MRCP(UK) PART 1 EXAMINATION: CENTRES
OUTSIDE THE UK
31.1 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination is held at the following Centres:
Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Barbados, Dubai, Egypt, Ghana, Hong Kong,

Jamaica, Jeddah, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Myanmar, Nepal,
Oman, Qatar, Riyadh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Trinidad and
Zimbabwe.
31.2 Please note that some Centres may not offer the Examination at each
diet.
31.3 Usually only doctors who are resident or working in these countries
are eligible to sit in these Centres. Candidates should apply directly to
the addresses given in Section 33 for application forms and details of
the MRCP(UK) Examination. Only a limited number of places are
available and the selection of candidates is the responsibility of the
Centres concerned.
31.4 Doctors working in countries not listed above should apply to one of
the three Royal Colleges of Physicians to sit the MRCP(UK) Part 1
Examination in the UK.
76
32. MRCP(UK) PART 2 EXAMINATION: CENTRES
OUTSIDE THE UK
32.1 Both the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination and the MRCP(UK)
Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
Egypt, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman and Singapore in 2003.
The MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination is also held in Barbados,
Egypt, Jamaica, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Trinidad.
32.2 Requests for application forms and for details of the Examination
should be submitted directly to the addresses given in Section 33.
32.3 Please note that these Centres do not offer the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Examination at each diet.
32.4 Doctors working in countries not listed above should apply to one of
the Royal Colleges of Physicians to sit the Part 2 Written Examination
or the Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) in the United Kingdom.
77
33. A DDRESSES OF MRCP(UK) E XAMINATION
C ENTRES OUTSIDE THE UK
(please refer to Sections 31 and 32)
Bahrain
Secretary
The Amiri Academy of Medical Specialists of Bahrain
PO Box 28958
Riffa
Bahrain
Barbados
Professor G Nicholson
School of Clinical Medicine & Research
University of the West Indies
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Bridgetown
Barbados
Egypt
Professor H El-Sayed
President
Egyptian Medical Syndicate
42 Kasr El Ainy Street
Cairo
Ghana
Professor Yeboah
Vice-Dean for Postgraduate Studies
College of Health Studies
University of Ghana Medical School
Accra
PO Box 4236
Ghana
Hong Kong
Staff and Organisation Development Department
Hospital Authority Head Office
4/F Hospital Authority Building
147B Argyle Street
Kowloon
Hong Kong
China
78
Jamaica
Professor O Morgan
The Dean
Faculty of Medical Sciences
University of West Indies
Mona
Kingston7
Jamaica
Jordan
Director
Centre for Educational Development
University of Jordan
Amman
Jordan
Kuwait
Professor KV Johny
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Faculty of Medicine
Kuwait University
PO Box 24923
Safat 13110
Kuwait
Malaysia
Professor M A Jalaludin
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Malta
Dr J Azzopardi
Head of Department of Medicine
Postgraduate Department
Medical School
University of Malta
Msida
Malta
79
Myanmar
Professor Maung Maung Wint
Director General
Department of Medical Sciences
Government of the Union of Myanmar
Ministry of Health
Yangon
Lather Township
Myanmar
Nepal
Professor MR Pandey
Chairman, MRCP(UK) Committee
PO Box 2587
Thapathali
Kathmandu
Nepal
Oman
Dr Abdulla M Riyami
Chief of Medicine & Head of Cardiology
Royal Hospital
PO Box 1331 Seeb Airport
Postal Code 111
Sultanate of Oman
Qatar
Dr Mohamed Salem Al-Hassan
Director, Medical Education Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
PO Box 3050, Doha
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Examinations Secretary
Postgraduate Centre
College of Medicine
King Saud University
PO Box 2925
Riyadh 11461
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
80
Jeddah
MRCP(UK) Coordinator
Department of Medicine
King Abdulaziz University Hospital
PO Box 6615
Jeddah 21452
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Principal Administrative Officer
Graduate School of Medical Studies
MD5 Level 3
National University of Singapore
12 Medical Drive
Singapore 117598
Sri Lanka
Professor Rezvi Sheriff
Chairman, MRCP(UK) Committee
Ceylon College of Physicians
Wijerama House
6 Wijerama Mawatha
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Head, Department of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine
University of Khartoum
PO Box 102
Khartoum
Sudan
Syria
Professor A H Sabah
Faculty of Medicine
Damascus University
Damascus
Syria
81
Trinidad and Tobago
Dr M Bartholomew
University of the West Indies
General Hospital
160 Charlotte Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad
West Indies
United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi
Dr A Q Hadi
Director, Medical Affairs and Doctors Training Department
Ministry of Health
Abu Dhabi
PO Box 848
UAE
Dubai
Professor JM Muscat-Baron
Professor of Medicine
Dubai Hospital
Dubai
PO Box 7272
UAE
Zimbabwe (Please note that applications may also be submitted by

candidates resident in Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique,
Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia)
Director, ICHE
Faculty of Medicine
University of Zimbabwe
PO Box A178
Avondale
Harare
Zimbabwe
82
34. E XAMPLES OF MRCP(UK) PART 2
CLINICAL EXAMINATION (PACES) MARKSHEETS
Sample versions of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
marksheets used by examiners are shown for information. Copies of these
marksheets will be given to candidates on arrival at the MRCP(UK) Part 2
Clinical Examination (PACES).
ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
MRCP(UK) PACES EXAMINATION - CLINICAL MARKSHEET
STATION ONE: Respiratory System Examination
Examination Centre
CANDIDATE NAME (PLEASE PRINT)
Sheet No.
Number Number
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3
Examiners are required to make a judgement of
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4
the candidate's performance in each of the sections 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 5
(1, 2 and 3) by filling in the appropriate box like 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 7
this . Please use 2B pencil only.
Brief description of case: Examiner Number:

0 0 0 0
EXAMINER 1 1 1 1
(PLEASE PRINT NAME AND SIGN 2 2 2 2
BELOW) 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
1. Physical examination
• general inspection
• confirms position of trachea, assesses chest wall movement clear clear
• correctly percusses over both sides of the chest pass pass fail fail
• assesses tactile vocal fremitus when applicable
• auscultates over both sides of chest
• auscultates vocal fermitus/whispering pectoriloquy and added
sound when applicable
2. Identification and interpretation of physical signs clear clear

• identifies abnormal physical signs correctly pass pass fail fail
• interprets signs correctly
• makes correct diagnosis
3. Discussion related to the case clear clear

• familiar with appropriate investigation and sequence pass pass fail fail
• familiar with appropriate further therapy and management
Now record your overall judgement of the candidate's performance taking into account
the above: please grade as clear pass/pass/fail/ clear fail, (a fail or clear fail grade must Counselling
Recommended
be accompanied by clearly written explanatory comments).
COMMENTS (PLEASE PRINT) overall judgement

clear clear
pass pass fail fail
please continue in the unshaded area overleaf if necessary
83
ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
MRCP(UK) PACES EXAMINATION - CLINICAL MARKSHEET
STATION FOUR: Communication Skills and Ethics
Examination Centre
CANDIDATE NAME (PLEASE PRINT)
Sheet No.
Number Number
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
6
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3
Examiners are required to make a judgement of
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4
the candidate's performance in each of the sections 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 5
(1, 2 and 3) by filling in the appropriate box like 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 7
this . Please use 2B pencil only.
Brief description of case: Examiner Number:

0 0 0 0
EXAMINER 1 1 1 1
(PLEASE PRINT NAME AND SIGN 2 2 2 2
BELOW) 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
1. Communication Skills - Conduct of Interview

• Introduces self to patient and explains role clearly
• Agrees the purpose of the interview with the patient clear clear
• Puts the patient at ease and establishes good rapport pass pass fail fail
• Explores the patient's concerns, feelings and expectations -
demonstrates empathy, respect and non-judgemental attitude
• Prioritises problems and redirects interview sensitively
2. Communication Skills - exploration and problem negotiation
• Appropriate questioning style - generally open-ended to closed as
the interview progresses clear clear
• Provides clear explanations (jargon-free) that the patient understands pass pass fail fail
• Agrees a clear course of action
• Summarises and checks the patient's understanding
• Concludes the interview appropriately
3. Ethics and Law
In relation to the clinical scenario the candidate demonstrates
knowledge of the relevant ethical and legal principles and appropriate clear clear
attitudes in making decisions pass pass fail fail
• Knowledge of ethical principles
• Understanding legal constraints applicable to case
• Provides adequate reasoning as appropriate to case
Now record your overall judgement of the candidate's performance taking into account
the above: please grade as clear pass/pass/fail/ clear fail, (a fail or clear fail grade must Counselling
Recommended
be accompanied by clearly written explanatory comments).
COMMENTS (PLEASE PRINT) overall judgement

clear clear
pass pass fail fail
please continue in the unshaded area overleaf if necessary
84
35. L OCATION OF THE R OYAL C OLLEGES OF
P HYSICIANS
EDINBURGH
GLASGOW
85
LONDON
86
36. ORDER FORM FOR MRCP(UK) EXAMINATION
PUBLICATIONS
All publications can be obtained from MRCP(UK) Central Office or any of the
Examinations Departments of the three Royal Colleges.
Postage and packing:- Please include an additional £1.00 for each book sent
within the UK and £3.00 for each book sent overseas (Maximum charge for
multiple purchases sent to one address £3.00 UK and £9.00 overseas for up
to 5 publications).
Price Number Total (£s)

(per copy) of Copies Cost
Publication
MRCP (UK) Part 1 Syllabus £8.00

General Medicine)
MRCP (UK) Part 1 Examination Papers £20.00

(General Medicine) 1997-1998
with free interactive CD
MRCP (UK) Part 2

Written Examination Papers £20.00
(General Medicine) 1997-1998
MRCP (UK) Part 2 Examination £10.00

(PACES) and Clinical Guidelines
Postage
Total Cost
Name and address (BLOCK LETTERS) where the order should be sent:
I enclose remittance of £......................
87
Methods of payment:
Cheque/Postal Order - Cheques must be made payable to the Royal College

of Physicians
Cash (in person only at the MRCP(UK) Central Office, or the Examinations
Departments of the three Royal Colleges - do not mail cash)
Credit Card - please fill in all details
Visa MasterCard (please circle as appropriate)
Account Number:
Expiry Date:
Signature.............................................. Date..........................................
Billing Address (BLOCK LETTERS) if different from above:
Publications are normally dispatched within three days of your order being
received but please allow at least 21 days for delivery within and outside the
UK, depending on local conditions.
88
Design & Print Production by Metro Press, Edinburgh
MRCPUK MRCPUK MRCPUK

Part 1
Compiled and
Part 2 Part 2 Clinical

Compiled and Compiled and
edited by the edited by the edited by the
MRCP(UK) MRCP(UK) MRCP(UK)

Examination
Part 1
Examining Board
and
Syllabus
Part 2
Examining Board
and
Papers Clinical
Examining Board
and
(PACES) and
published for the
Federation of
published for the
1999 Edition published for the
Clinical
Federation of Federation of
Royal Colleges of Royal Colleges of Royal Colleges of Guidelines

Physicians of the UK Physicians of the UK Physicians of the UK
by the MRCP(UK) by the MRCP(UK) by the MRCP(UK)

2001/2 Edition
Central Office Central Office Central Office
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow
1 Royal College of Physicians of London
3 Royal College of Physicians of London


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MRCPUK

published for the

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow

Royal College of Physicians of London

MRCP(UK) Central Office

Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow

Royal College of Physicians of London

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

First Published 2003

These Regulations apply from 1 January 2003 to the MRCP(UK) Examination

There are separate Regulations governing the joint MRCP(UK) Part 2

Notice of future amendments to the Regulations

All changes will also be notified on the MRCP(UK) web site

MRCP(UK) Central Office

10. Information for Paediatric candidates 37

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Royal College of Physicians of London

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians

MRCP(UK) Central Office

The MRCP(UK) Examination is usually taken during the period of general

(i) Determine the terms and conditions of entry to the MRCP(UK)

(ii) Recognise appropriate periods of training, in fulfilment of the entry

In exercising their powers, and to maintain the academic quality of the

(i) Appointing examiners with appropriate qualifications and experience;

(ii) Producing syllabuses for appropriate parts of the Examination;

(iii) Monitoring candidate performance;

(iv) Arranging suitable examination facilities.

In the exercise of these powers and responsibilities, the Royal Colleges of

The MRCP(UK) Examination also plays an increasingly important role in the

(i) Core medical knowledge, including applied science, epidemiology and

MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

To measure a candidate’s ability to apply their medical knowledge of the

MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination

• Social and cultural aspects of disease;

MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)

• Demonstrate the clinical skills of history taking;

(a) Pay a Diploma fee;

(b) Sign a Form of Faith.

4.5 Candidates should refer to Section 24 on the Award of the MRCP(UK)

5.1 Entry requirements

5.1.2 Candidates will not be admitted to the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

It is assumed that all candidates in their first year after graduation

5.1.5 Overseas graduates who hold a postgraduate diploma which is

5.1.7 All MRCP(UK) assessments are conducted in English. Candidates do

5.1.8 Candidates will also be required to pay Examination fees as

For further information on how to enter the MRCP(UK) Examination please

(a) Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists;

(a) Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan-

To claim exemption, candidates should refer to Section 16.5.3.

Exemption qualifications are periodically reviewed. These details are correct at

5.3.2 The Royal Colleges of Physicians may require evidence of further

NOTE 1: Candidates must complete the minimum period of training of

5.4.2 Candidates may have up to three attempts at the MRCP(UK) Part 2

5.4.4 Should the seven year MRCP(UK) Part 2 Examination Registration

5.4.5 Candidates can attempt the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination at

5.4.6 Applications to the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) will

6.1 MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination-Method of assessment for

6.1.2 The MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s