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Do I need a GMC registration for MRCP Part 1?

TL;DR

You do not need GMC registration to sit MRCP Part 1. The exam is open to doctors worldwide with a recognised medical degree and at least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience. GMC registration only becomes necessary if you intend to practise medicine in the UK. This guide explains the eligibility rules, high-yield topics, pitfalls, and study tips to help you prepare confidently.


Why this matters

Many candidates confuse MRCP Part 1 eligibility with GMC licensing rules. While GMC registration is mandatory for practising medicine in the UK, it is not required to sit the MRCP exams. The exam is run by the Royal Colleges of Physicians and is designed to assess core medical knowledge irrespective of GMC status.

Candidates from India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia can apply directly through the MRCP(UK) official portal, making it one of the most accessible postgraduate exams for international doctors.


MRCP Part 1 eligibility at a glance

  1. No GMC registration required – only a recognised medical degree.

  2. Primary qualification – MBBS or equivalent from a WHO-listed medical school.

  3. Clinical experience – minimum 12 months after graduation.

  4. Apply online – via MRCP(UK) account with degree evidence.

  5. Global exam centres – held in over 30 countries.

  6. English language test not required – unlike PLAB, no IELTS/OET needed to sit Part 1.

  7. Independent from UK practice – GMC registration comes later, if practising in the UK.

  8. Progression – after Part 1, you can attempt Part 2 Written and PACES without GMC.


High-yield topics for MRCP Part 1

The syllabus is broad, but the following systems consistently carry weight:

  • Cardiology → arrhythmias, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure.

  • Respiratory medicine → asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease.

  • Endocrinology → diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal crisis.

  • Gastroenterology & Hepatology → cirrhosis, GI bleeding, IBD.

  • Neurology → stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease.

  • Renal medicine → acute kidney injury, glomerulonephritis.

  • Haematology → anaemias, leukaemias, clotting disorders.

  • Rheumatology → rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, vasculitis.


Quick revision tips

  • Use a QBank daily – see our Free MRCP MCQs.

  • Focus on timed practice blocks (30–50 questions).

  • Summarise key guidelines (NICE, ESC, BTS) into one-page sheets.

  • Use spaced repetition for formulas and criteria (e.g. CURB-65, CHA₂DS₂-VASc).

  • Attempt at least two mock exams – try Start a mock test to build stamina.


10-Week Compact Study Plan

Week

Focus Area

Activities

1–2

Cardiology & Respiratory

30 QBank questions/day, ECG review, weekend summary

3–4

Endocrinology & Gastro

Daily QBank, topic notes, review endocrine emergencies

5–6

Neurology & Rheumatology

Timed sessions, mini-mock at end of each week

7

Haematology & Infectious Dx

Focused drills, recall key antibiotic regimens

8

Renal & Dermatology

Review renal function tables, skin conditions

9

Consolidation

2 full mocks, review all error logs

10

Final revision

Light review, single mock mid-week, rest before exam

Tip: Keep mornings for new topics, evenings for review and error analysis.


10-week MRCP Part 1 revision plan in tabular format

Practical example: A mini-case

Question: A 55-year-old man presents with exertional dyspnoea and ankle swelling. Pulse is irregularly irregular; chest exam reveals basal crackles. ECG confirms atrial fibrillation. What is the most appropriate initial management?

  • A. Warfarin only

  • B. Digoxin and anticoagulation

  • C. Beta-blocker and anticoagulation

  • D. Amiodarone

Answer: C. Beta-blocker and anticoagulation.This patient has AF with heart failure. Rate control with a beta-blocker and stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulation are first-line. Such integrated scenarios are common in MRCP Part 1.


Common pitfalls

  • Thinking GMC registration is mandatory → delays your application unnecessarily.

  • Skipping small topics → dermatology, psychiatry, and ophthalmology can tip the balance.

  • Over-reliance on textbooks → lack of practice in timed conditions.

  • Cramming in the last week → fatigue harms retention.

  • Ignoring error logs → repeated mistakes lower your score.


FAQs

Do I need a GMC registration for MRCP Part 1?

No. A recognised medical degree and one year of clinical experience are sufficient.

Can international doctors apply directly?

Yes. The exam is held in multiple countries; you apply online via MRCP(UK).

Is IELTS or PLAB required before MRCP Part 1?

No. These are unrelated; MRCP exams do not require an English language certificate.

When do I need GMC registration?

Only when you intend to practise medicine in the UK. Passing MRCP supports your GMC application but does not replace it.

What happens after MRCP Part 1?

You progress to Part 2 Written and PACES. Many doctors attempt these while still overseas.


Ready to start?

You can sit MRCP Part 1 without GMC registration. What matters is consistent, structured preparation. Use high-yield QBank practice, timed mocks, and focused topic review.

👉 Begin with our MRCP Part 1 overview, practise using Free MRCP MCQs, and test your readiness with Start a mock test.


Sources

  • MRCP(UK): Part 1 Eligibility and Exam Information

  • GMC: Join the UK Medical Register

  • Royal College of Physicians: MRCP(UK) Examinations

 
 
 

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