MRCP Part 1 Exam Preparation Guide

TL;DR

MRCP Part 1 is a MCQ based exam that assesses your core medical knowledge across all specialties. Success requires a structured plan: build a 3–6 month timetable, solve 2,000–3,000 MCQs, review explanations in detail, and attempt 2–3 timed mock tests before exam day.

👉 Try free MRCP MCQs

What is MRCP Part 1?

The Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP UK) is a globally recognised postgraduate qualification. Part 1 is the entry exam, designed to test whether a candidate has acquired the knowledge base expected of a competent trainee doctor.

Format: Two written papers on the same day. Each paper has 100 multiple-choice questions in “best of five” format.
Duration: 3 hours per paper, with a short break in between.
Focus: Broad assessment of clinical sciences and their application.
Attempts: Several sittings per year, held worldwide.
Pass rate: Typically 35–45% — meaning preparation is critical.

Part 1 is not about “rote learning”; it rewards pattern recognition, problem-solving, and integration across systems.

Why MRCP Part 1 Matters

Foundation for higher exams: Passing Part 1 is mandatory before you can attempt MRCP Part 2 Written and PACES.
Career progression: Required for medical training posts in the UK and recognised in many other countries.
Benchmark of knowledge: Shows you can apply principles of clinical sciences to real-world scenarios.

For international candidates, MRCP is also seen as a stepping stone towards opportunities in the UK, Middle East, and beyond.

MRCP Part 1 Syllabus & Weighting

Although the exam covers all specialties, not all topics are weighted equally. Some subjects appear more frequently, and smart candidates allocate study time accordingly.

👉 Browse our high-yield subject guides to go deeper.

Preparation Plans

The 3-Month Intensive Plan

For candidates with a strong clinical base or limited time.

Daily MCQs: 40–60 questions.
Weekly rotation: Cover at least two specialties each week.
Mocks: Attempt at week 8 and week 11 under timed conditions.
Review loop: Maintain an error log and re-test mistakes after 3–7 days.
Lectures: Use sparingly for weak subjects only (e.g., neurology or endocrine).

This plan is demanding but achievable for motivated candidates working alongside clinical duties.

The 6-Month Steady Plan

Ideal for first-time candidates or those balancing busy work schedules.

Daily MCQs: 25–40 questions.
Lectures: Systematic coverage of all core specialties in the first 3 months.
Notes review: Build concise notes and flashcards for quick recall.
Mocks: Attempt one mock each in months 4, 5, and 6.
Spaced repetition: Revisit difficult MCQs weekly.

This plan builds endurance and allows time for deeper understanding.

👉 Download the free MRCP Part 1 Study Plan PDF

How to Use MCQs Effectively

The QBank is the heart of your preparation — but only if used correctly.

Solve in exam-like conditions: timed, no pausing.
Review all explanations — even for correct answers.
Tag weak areas (many apps, including ours, allow tagging).
Keep an error log — note why you got it wrong.
Revisit mistakes after 3–7 days to test retention.
Progressively increase difficulty (move from untimed → timed → mock tests).

👉 Explore the Quiz App | 👉 Start with free MCQs

Role of Mock Tests

Mock exams simulate the pressure of exam day. They train your stamina, pacing, and mental resilience.

When to start mocks:

Begin 4–6 weeks before the exam.
Aim for 2–3 mocks before your real sitting.

Benefits of mocks:

Identifies pacing issues.
Highlights knowledge gaps you didn’t notice.
Builds exam confidence.

Supplementary Resources

Lecture Videos

Lectures are useful for:

Topics with poor baseline understanding (e.g., endocrinology, neurology).
Visual learners who benefit from explanations rather than text.
Reinforcing after reading notes or solving MCQs.

👉 Browse MRCP Part 1 Lectures

Concise Notes

Notes provide:

A quick reference when you can’t solve long MCQs.
Memory hooks (mnemonics, tables).
Compact review material in the last 2 weeks.

👉 Download our concise MRCP Part 1 notes sample

Books

While most modern candidates rely on QBanks + concise notes, some still use textbooks (e.g., Davidson’s). Keep them for clarifying concepts rather than primary study.

Practical Checklist for Candidates

Plan your study timeline (3 or 6 months).
Solve 25–60 MCQs daily, depending on your plan.
Keep a separate error log and update it daily.
Use spaced repetition for mistakes.
Take 2–3 timed mocks under exam conditions.
Revise high-yield systems (Cardiology & Endocrinology) multiple times.
Schedule a rest day each week to prevent burnout.
Keep last 2 weeks for rapid revision, not learning new topics.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare for MRCP Part 1?
Most candidates spend 3–6 months, depending on clinical workload and baseline knowledge.
How many MCQs should I solve before the exam?
Target 2,000–3,000 questions, ensuring you review explanations thoroughly.
Do I need lectures to pass?
Not essential for everyone, but highly recommended if you struggle with specific systems.
What subjects are most tested?
Cardiology and Endocrinology consistently have the highest weight.
When should I attempt my first mock test?
Around 4–6 weeks before the exam, then take 2–3 mocks total.
How can I stay consistent with study?
Set realistic daily targets, track progress, and celebrate small wins.
Are notes or textbooks needed?
Concise notes are enough for most; textbooks are supplementary only.

🎯 Ready to start your MRCP journey?

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