Are there free MRCP question banks?

TL;DR

Yes—if you are asking are there free MRCP question banks, the answer is that several platforms (including Crack Medicine) provide free sample MCQs. However, to prepare effectively for MRCP Part 1, you should not only access questions but also follow a structured daily method, review rules, and avoid common mistakes. This article explains how to practise with a QBank step by step, gives you 5 high-yield review principles, and finishes with a 7-day starter plan.

Why this matters

Every MRCP Part 1 candidate knows the exam is a test of applied clinical reasoning rather than memorisation. A question bank (QBank) is the most efficient way to practise, but using it poorly wastes time. Crack Medicine provides free MRCP MCQs for sampling, and this post shows how to integrate them into a methodical revision system.

Step-by-step QBank method

A QBank should be more than random clicking through questions. Use this framework:

1. Set a daily target – Aim for 40–60 questions a day in two blocks. This balances breadth with recall fatigue.

2. Work in timed blocks – Simulate exam pressure by using 60–75 minutes per block of 30 questions.

3. Active review loop – After finishing a block, review every option and explanation, not just the incorrect ones.

4. Record errors – Maintain a log (digital or notebook) of repeated mistakes.

5. Spaced repetition – Revisit old questions weekly to consolidate memory.

   
   

Five review rules

To ensure each session builds mastery, apply these rules:

• Understand the stem first – Identify the clinical clue before looking at the options.

• Check distractors – Wrong options often teach you subtle differentials.

• Link to core topic – After each question, ask: which textbook chapter or guideline does this test?

• Summarise in one line – Re-write the “learning point” in your own words.

Close the loop – Re-test the same topic within 72 hours to secure recall.

Three mistakes to avoid

Many candidates waste hours with poor QBank habits. Avoid:

• Passive reading of explanations without writing or summarising.

• Skipping subjects you dislike—this biases your preparation.

• Ignoring timing—doing questions untimed will not prepare you for the exam format.

Combining QBanks with textbooks

A QBank alone will not secure a pass. Use textbooks and guidelines to deepen understanding:

• Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine – After each block, check the relevant pages for context.

• NICE guidelines – Particularly useful for clinical pharmacology and management-based questions.

• Your own notes – Summarise “recurring errors” into concise bullet-points for rapid revision.

  
  

Think of the QBank as the testing ground, and textbooks as the reference library. The combination prevents superficial knowledge and strengthens long-term retention.

Evidence-based 7-day starter plan

Here is a compact one-week plan to start disciplined practice:

Day	Morning (Timed Block)	Afternoon (Review)	Evening (Recap)
1	30 Cardiology Qs	Review & note errors	10 re-attempts
2	30 Respiratory Qs	Review & link to topic notes	Flashcards
3	30 Gastroenterology	Revise wrong answers	15 re-attempts
4	30 Neurology Qs	Review + annotate	Quick recap
5	30 Endocrinology Qs	Review patterns	Revise key tables
6	30 Renal Qs	Mock mini-block (60Qs)	Review mistakes
7	30 Mixed subject Qs	Full review session	Weekly summary

This format blends new exposure + error correction + recall practice—a cycle proven to enhance exam readiness.

Practical example

Imagine you attempt 30 Neurology questions. You score 18/30. Instead of moving on, you:

• Categorise the 12 errors (e.g., stroke localisation vs headache red flags).

• Write one-line notes.

• Re-test 5 random stroke questions two days later.

By week’s end, you notice stroke questions improve to 80% accuracy—evidence that structured loops work.

Common pitfalls (5 bullets)

• Relying only on “gut feel” without revisiting the textbook.

• Spending too long on one explanation instead of keeping pace.

• Failing to practise mixed-topic blocks, leading to poor integration.

• Ignoring exam-style timing until the final month.

• Not using mock tests to benchmark progress.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need a paid QBank if free questions are available?

Free samples are useful to test the platform and style, but a full QBank is essential for coverage of all MRCP Part 1 topics.

Q2. How many questions should I finish before the exam?

Most candidates aim for at least 3,000–4,000 questions, including repeats, to build familiarity.

Q3. When should I start timed mocks?

Introduce full mocks 6–8 weeks before your exam date; see our Start a mock test page.

Q4. Which subjects carry more weight?

Cardiology, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Neurology, and Clinical Pharmacology feature prominently—review the MRCP Part 1 overview.

Q5. How can I track performance effectively?

Use in-app analytics such as subject-wise breakdown and error trends; Crack Medicine’s QBank includes this function.

Ready to start?

Free samples are a starting point, but success in MRCP Part 1 requires deliberate practice. Explore our Free MRCP MCQs, attempt a timed block today, and commit to a review loop. When ready, scale up with full access, video lectures, and structured mocks—all designed to help you cross the finish line with confidence.

Sources

• MRCP(UK). MRCP(UK) Part 1 Information. https://www.mrcpuk.org

• NICE guidelines (topic references).

• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, latest edition.