Introduction to MRCP UK exam

Preparing for MRCP

(Studying, revising , preparation for MRCP)

The examinations for Membership of the Royal College of Physicians, MRCP (UK), are designed

to test candidates knowledge and skills.

The examinations are in 3 parts (or 2 parts with the 2^nd being subdivided into written and practical parts)

They are:

• MRCP part 1
• MRCP part 2
• MRCP PACES

MRCP part 1

Consists of 2 papers each with 100 multiple choice questions in the best of five format , Each paper

takes 3 hrs and break of 1 hrs between two paper. You have to get 521/> to pass the exam.

MRCP part 2

Consists of 3 papers in the best of five or n from many format, Total 300 question. You have to get

70% marks to pass in the exam.

MRCP PACES

Is an assessment of clinical skills that tests:

· History taking skills

· Clinical examination skills

· Communication skills

The exams are designed to test different abilities of the candidates

MRCP part 1

• It is a test of knowledge
• The candidate knows

MRCP part 2

It is a test of interpretation of knowledge

The candidate knows how

MRCP PACES

• It tests the candidate’s ability to demonstrate clinical competence
• The candidate shows how

Essential Prerequisites

In order to get through these exams and obtain membership of the Royal College of Physicians, candidates must have:

• Knowledge
• Clinical Skills
• Exam technique

Knowledge

In order to learn it is essential to:

· Understand

· Remember

Revision

Repeated revision is the best way to consolidate your knowledge and this makes recall easier and thereby facilitate interpretation.

It is not possible to revise from one of the larger textbooks simply because they are too big

Clinical Skills

In order to master clinical skills it is essential to understand the objectives of clinical method, learn good techniques and practice

Exam Technique

• This is best learned from a good teacher
• If you do not have this opportunity practice past exam papers
• Keep in mind that the secret of answering multiple-choice type of questions is to break down the question into small components.
• As you read, try and work out the diagnosis, if it is a clinical scenario, then work out what the examiner is trying to assess.
• Then decide on an answer before looking for the answer in the responses given.
• Do not read the whole question as a single entity
• This will confuse you by bringing up too many options