top of page
Search

How many questions are there in MRCP Part 1?

TL;DR

The MRCP Part 1 exam has 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided across two 3-hour papers, each containing 100 questions. All are single-best-answer format, covering both clinical and basic sciences. If you’re asking how many questions are there in MRCP Part 1, the answer is simple: 200. Passing relies on efficient practice, time management, and a strong revision plan.


Why this matters

One of the first things every candidate wonders is: How many questions are in MRCP Part 1? Knowing the exam structure helps you design a strategy that matches real conditions. It reduces anxiety, improves time management, and ensures your revision covers the right spread of topics.


MRCP Part 1 candidate practicing multiple-choice questions under timed conditions

Exam format at a glance

According to MRCP(UK):

  • Total questions: 200

  • Format: Multiple-choice, best of five (single-best-answer)

  • Papers: 2 (each 3 hours, 100 questions per paper)

  • Subjects: Clinical medicine, basic sciences, and data interpretation

  • Timing: ~1.8 minutes per question

Component

Detail

Papers

2 (morning & afternoon)

Duration

3 hours each

Questions

100 per paper, 200 total

Question type

Best-of-five, single best answer

Pass mark

Standard set, varies by exam sitting

10 High-yield facts about MRCP Part 1

  1. Two equal halves: 100 questions each session.

  2. Covers both clinical medicine and basic sciences.

  3. Anatomy, physiology, pathology remain important.

  4. No negative marking—guess if unsure.

  5. Average time per question: <2 minutes.

  6. Cardiology, respiratory, and neurology dominate.

  7. ECGs, ABGs, and radiographs frequently appear.

  8. Questions often hinge on subtle wording.

  9. Mock tests improve exam stamina.

  10. Reviewing errors builds pattern recognition.


The most tested subtopics

Five specialties account for the bulk of recall:

  • Cardiology – heart failure, murmurs, arrhythmias.

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

  • Neurology – stroke syndromes, seizures, movement disorders.

  • Gastroenterology – liver disease, IBD, acute abdomen.

  • Endocrinology – diabetes, thyroid, adrenal disorders.


Practical example: Mini-case MCQ

A 60-year-old man presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm, sweating, and nausea. ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Stable anginaB. PericarditisC. Inferior wall myocardial infarctionD. Aortic dissectionE. Prinzmetal angina

Answer: C. Inferior wall myocardial infarction.Explanation: ST elevation in II, III, aVF corresponds to inferior MI. The presentation (sweating, nausea, chest pain) confirms the diagnosis.

MRCP Part 1 exam format: 200 questions in two 3-hour papers

Practical study-tip checklist

  • ✅ Practise in blocks of 50 questions to train focus.

  • ✅ Time each block (~90 minutes).

  • ✅ Maintain a “mistakes notebook” for weak areas.

  • ✅ Schedule weekly mock exams in the last month.

  • ✅ Rotate between core topics and weaker subjects.

  • ✅ Use Free MRCP MCQs daily for consistency.


Common pitfalls

  • Relying only on textbooks instead of practising questions.

  • Neglecting basic sciences (~30% of the paper).

  • Losing time over long stems or re-checking answers.

  • Ignoring error review after practice sessions.

  • Delaying mock exams until just before the test.


FAQs

Q1: How many questions are there in MRCP Part 1?

There are 200 MCQs in total, split evenly across two 3-hour papers.

Q2: How much time is available per question?

About 1.8 minutes per question, so pacing is critical.

Q3: Are basic sciences still tested?

Yes. Physiology, anatomy, genetics, and statistics appear regularly.

Q4: Is there negative marking?

No. You should answer every question, even if uncertain.

Q5: What are the best resources?

A structured QBank, regular mock tests, and focused lectures. Crack Medicine offers timed mocks and detailed analytics in its app. Try the Start a mock test option.

Ready to start?

Understanding how many questions are there in MRCP Part 1 is step one. Step two is mastering them under time pressure. Use our MRCP Part 1 overview for structure, practise with Free MRCP MCQs, and challenge yourself with timed mocks. Many candidates succeed not by reading more, but by practising smarter.


Sources

  • MRCP(UK). Part 1 Examination Format. Official website

  • Royal College of Physicians. MRCP Examination Guide

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page