Postgraduate physician examination
Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom
What it is
MRCP(UK) is delivered by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. The diploma comprises Part 1, Part 2 Written and the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES). Passing Part 1 is required before progressing to Part 2 Written or PACES.
Entry-level written examination testing clinical science and a broad range of common and important medical disorders.
Tests application of clinical knowledge to diagnosis, investigation, immediate and long-term management, and prognosis.
The clinical component assesses examination, identification of physical signs, communication and integrated clinical judgement.
Eligibility and progression
A primary medical qualification and at least 12 months’ postgraduate medical employment are required under current official guidance.
Pass Part 1 before applying for Part 2 Written or PACES. The written and clinical components may then be completed in either order.
The current policy normally permits a maximum of six attempts at each examination component. Read the regulations for exceptional additional-attempt provisions.
The former seven-year period for completing the diploma after Part 1 has been removed. Previous results and clinical activity still need to satisfy current regulations.
Dates, fees and application
Preparation framework
Map revision to the official blueprint; combine core science, common medicine and timed best-of-five practice. Review why every distractor is wrong.
Prioritise investigation, next-best management, prognosis, imaging and guideline-based decisions. Practise full papers under time pressure.
Examine real patients regularly, present succinctly, justify differentials and plans, and practise communication encounters with observed feedback.
Use current official guidance rather than relying on recalled dates, fees, pass marks or commercial-course claims. Request reasonable adjustments early.
Direct official resources
Information check: examination formats, delivery arrangements, regulations, fees, dates and centre availability can change. Confirm every application decision on The Federation and My MRCP(UK) websites.