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Is MRCP Part 1 held online?

TL;DR

MRCP Part 1 is not held online at home. It is delivered as a computer-based test at Pearson VUE centres worldwide, under full exam security. You must attend a test centre, but you can use online tools like question banks, lectures, and mock tests for preparation. This article explains the exam format, high-yield study points, common pitfalls, and how to structure your revision.


Why this matters

Many candidates preparing for membership exams ask: is MRCP Part 1 held online? This matters because logistics affect travel, time management, and your study schedule. The exam is centre-based, not remote-proctored. It is computer-delivered through Pearson VUE centres under strict conditions. Knowing this early avoids last-minute surprises and helps you plan confidently.

👉 For a complete MRCP Part 1 overview, see our dedicated hub.


Exam delivery and scope

  • Format: Two papers, each three hours long, 100 best-of-five MCQs per paper.

  • Delivery: Held at international Pearson VUE test centres, not at home.

  • Invigilation: Security checks and ID verification are compulsory.

  • Frequency: Usually in January and September.

  • Application: Register through the MRCP(UK) official site.


Key takeaways about exam format

  1. The exam is computer-based but centre-held.

  2. Papers test both factual recall and clinical reasoning.

  3. Average time per question is 1.8 minutes.

  4. You can flag questions and return later.

  5. Global availability allows candidates outside the UK to sit in their region.


High-yield topics for MRCP Part 1

  • Cardiology: arrhythmias, valvular lesions, heart failure.

  • Neurology: stroke, seizures, demyelinating disorders.

  • Endocrinology: thyroid, diabetes, adrenal and pituitary disease.

  • Renal medicine: AKI, CKD, electrolyte disorders.

  • Gastroenterology: GI bleeding, chronic liver disease, IBD.

Tip: These five domains carry a large proportion of exam weight. Cross-links (e.g., diabetes with renal disease) are often tested.

Evidence-based 12-week study plan

Week

Focus Area

Key Activities

1–2

Cardiology & Renal

Read concise notes, 200 QBank questions

3–4

Neurology & Endocrine

Notes + mixed QBank sets

5–6

Gastro & Respiratory

Timed practice blocks, 2 mini-mocks

7–8

Haematology & Rheumatology

Flashcards + error log

9–10

Pharmacology & Statistics

Timed sessions + revision notes

11

Mixed revision

2 full-length mocks under exam timing

12

Consolidation

Final error review + targeted practice

👉 Start today with Free MRCP MCQs and finish with a mock test before your exam date.


MRCP Part 1 candidates sitting a computer-based exam at a test centre.

Practical example: Mini-case

Question: A 62-year-old hypertensive man presents with sudden, severe chest pain radiating to the back. BP is 200/110 mmHg. ECG is normal. What’s the most likely diagnosis?

A) Acute coronary syndrome B) Aortic dissection C) Pulmonary embolism D) Pericarditis E) Pneumothorax

Answer: B) Aortic dissection. Explanation: “Tearing” pain radiating to the back in a hypertensive patient, with normal ECG, strongly suggests dissection.


Common pitfalls

  • Assuming you can sit the exam online at home (you cannot).

  • Delaying question practice until the final weeks.

  • Over-relying on passive reading instead of timed practice.

  • Ignoring statistics and pharmacology.

  • Poor time management during mock exams.


FAQs

Is MRCP Part 1 held online?

No. It is only delivered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.

Can I take it outside the UK?

Yes. International centres are available — check locations on the Pearson VUE site.

How many attempts are allowed?

Unlimited, but careful planning reduces the need for repeats.

Are there online mocks?

Yes. Crack Medicine offers realistic mocks — see Start a mock test.

What is the pass mark?

It varies by exam diet. Latest pass rates are published on MRCP(UK).


Ready to start?

MRCP Part 1 is a centre-based, computer exam. Preparation, however, is best done online — through structured notes, targeted QBank practice, and timed mocks. Crack Medicine offers free teaching on YouTube, structured lectures, and a QBank app with analytics. Begin with Free MRCP MCQs and build confidence with a mock test before exam day.


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