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How long should I prepare for MRCP Part 1?

TL;DR

If you’re wondering “how long should I prepare for MRCP Part 1”, most candidates need 4–6 months of consistent preparation, depending on prior knowledge and daily time available. A focused 12–16 week schedule can be enough if you already have strong clinical foundations. Success relies on structured question practice, regular revision, and timed mocks rather than sheer study hours. Below, we outline practical timelines, high-yield tips, and traps to avoid.


Why this matters

MRCP Part 1 is often the first step for doctors aiming to train in the UK. The exam is broad, covering medicine, surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics, and clinical sciences. Many candidates fail not because of lack of knowledge, but because of poor planning and unclear expectations about preparation time. Understanding how much preparation is realistic allows you to create a timetable that balances work, life, and study.


Doctor planning MRCP Part 1 preparation with study timetable

How long should you prepare?

Preparation time is not the same for everyone. It depends on:

  • Clinical exposure – Final-year MBBS or recent graduates may need more time.

  • Work commitments – Full-time clinicians should plan a longer study window.

  • Familiarity with UK-style exams – Candidates new to single-best-answer (SBA) formats often need practice.


General guidance:

  • 4 months – For candidates studying 3–4 hours daily with prior exam experience.

  • 6 months – For working doctors balancing on-call shifts and family commitments.

  • 8–10 weeks intensive – Possible if you dedicate 5–6 hours daily with a strong baseline.


High-yield preparation outline (10 steps)

Here’s a practical framework most candidates follow:

  1. Build a baseline diagnostic test using a mock paper.

  2. Set a weekly goal of 300–400 SBA questions.

  3. Read explanations thoroughly, not just answers.

  4. Revise high-yield systems weekly (cardiology, gastro, neuro, respiratory, renal).

  5. Make a short-note deck for rapid review.

  6. Use spaced repetition for factual knowledge (criteria, drugs, genetics).

  7. Schedule topic weekends (e.g., all respiratory on one Saturday).

  8. Add 1–2 mock tests monthly, increasing to weekly near exam.

  9. Track performance with analytics (e.g., Crack Medicine app).

  10. Avoid burnout—rest days are part of the plan.


Suggested study timetable

A compact 12-week plan can look like this:

Week

Focus Area

Target Questions

Mock Tests

1–2

Cardiology, Neurology

600–800

0

3–4

Gastro, Renal

600–800

1

5–6

Respiratory, Endocrine

600–800

1

7–8

Rheumatology, Haematology

600–800

1

9–10

Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Dermatology

600–800

1

11

Revision of weak areas

400

2

12

Final review & exam simulation

400

2

Practical example / mini-case

Sample SBA:

A 28-year-old woman presents with fatigue and pallor. Blood film shows microcytosis, hypochromia, and target cells. HbA2 is elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Iron deficiency anaemia

  • B. β-thalassaemia trait ✅

  • C. Anaemia of chronic disease

  • D. Sideroblastic anaemia

Explanation:Raised HbA2 and target cells are classic for β-thalassaemia trait, a frequently tested haematology topic in MRCP Part 1. This underlines why reviewing haematology with precision is vital.


Five most tested subtopics

  • Cardiology – murmurs, arrhythmias, heart failure.

  • Neurology – stroke syndromes, cranial nerves, demyelination.

  • Gastroenterology – liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis.

  • Renal – glomerulonephritis, electrolytes, dialysis.

  • Respiratory – asthma, COPD, lung cancer, TB.


Common pitfalls (and fixes)

  • Overestimating how much you can cram in the last month → Spread your effort across weeks.

  • Ignoring weak areas → Don’t only focus on your favourite specialties.

  • Not practising timed blocks → Train for exam pace, not leisurely study.

  • Using too many resources → Stick to one QBank and concise notes.

  • Believing myths about negative marking → Attempt every question; there’s no penalty.


FAQs

1. Can I prepare for MRCP Part 1 in 3 months?

Yes, if you can dedicate 4–6 focused hours daily and have solid undergraduate knowledge.

2. Is 6 months enough for MRCP Part 1?

For most working doctors, 6 months is the ideal balance between depth and revision.

3. How many questions should I attempt daily?

Aim for 50–75 SBA questions daily, with time for error review.

4. Do I need textbooks or just QBanks?

QBanks should be your mainstay; use textbooks only for clarifying weak concepts.

5. Should I do mock exams?

Yes, start early. Mocks train exam stamina and reveal performance gaps.


Ready to start?

How long you prepare for MRCP Part 1 matters less than how strategically you use your time. Use the MRCP Part 1 overview, practise daily with Free MRCP MCQs, and Start a mock test to check readiness. For deeper coverage, explore our paid lectures and accelerate your revision with structured teaching.


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