What are the eligibility criteria for MRCP?

TL;DR

If you’re wondering what are the eligibility criteria for MRCP, the rules are clear: you must hold a recognised medical degree and have at least 12 months of postgraduate experience before attempting MRCP Part 1. This ensures candidates have core clinical grounding before tackling specialist exams. In this article, we break down requirements, common pitfalls, and practical preparation tips.

Why this matters

Many doctors dream of practising in the UK or earning international recognition through postgraduate qualifications. MRCP Part 1 is the first step, and eligibility is a common source of confusion. Knowing whether you qualify helps you plan early, avoid wasted attempts, and structure your preparation effectively. Crack Medicine supports candidates with structured lectures, a QBank of Free MRCP MCQs, and mock tests to ensure readiness.

Core eligibility criteria

The Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP(UK)) outline specific conditions for sitting the exam. Below is a concise summary:

1. Primary medical qualification – You must hold an MBBS or equivalent degree recognised by the GMC (UK) or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

2. Postgraduate experience – At least 12 months’ clinical experience (often an internship or house officer year) is mandatory before applying.

3. Registration – You do not need GMC registration to sit the exam outside the UK, but your degree must be valid.

4. International eligibility – Overseas graduates are equally eligible provided their qualification is recognised.

5. No specialty restriction – Doctors from any discipline can attempt MRCP, though most come from internal medicine pathways.

6. Documentation – Proof of qualification and experience must be provided when requested.

7. English proficiency – Not formally tested at Part 1 entry, but required for later GMC registration.

8. No attempt cap – There is no maximum number of attempts, but consistent failure signals inadequate preparation.

9. Age is not a barrier – The exam is open regardless of age, as long as training background fits criteria.

10. Timing – Ideally taken during early residency/SHO years to balance eligibility with clinical grounding.

    
    

Quick overview of MRCP Part 1 eligibility

Requirement	Detail
Medical degree	MBBS or equivalent recognised qualification
Clinical experience	Minimum 12 months postgraduate training
GMC registration	Not required (unless sitting in UK)
Attempt limit	No fixed limit
International doctors	Eligible if degree listed in World Directory of Medical Schools
English requirement	Needed later for GMC, not Part 1 entry

Practical examples / mini-cases

Mini-MCQA 25-year-old MBBS graduate from India has completed 6 months of internship. She wishes to apply for MRCP Part 1. Which of the following is correct?

A. She is eligible now.B. She must complete at least 12 months of clinical experience before applying.C. She must first register with the GMC.D. She must first pass PLAB.

Answer: B. At least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience is mandatory before applying. GMC registration and PLAB are not required for MRCP eligibility.

Practical study-tip checklist

Eligibility alone does not guarantee success. A structured preparation plan matters:

• ✅ Start early with system-based revision covering cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory, and neurology.

• ✅ Use a subject-wise QBank with timed practice blocks.

• ✅ Integrate error review and flashcards weekly.

• ✅ Attempt mock tests under timed conditions to simulate exam day.

• ✅ Balance clinical work with study by blocking 2–3 focused hours daily.

For guided study schedules, see our MRCP Part 1 overview and Start a mock test resources.

Common pitfalls

• ❌ Attempting before completing one year of clinical practice.

• ❌ Neglecting core internal medicine topics (cardiology, respiratory, gastro).

• ❌ Treating MRCP as a memory test rather than clinical reasoning.

• ❌ Over-reliance on passive reading without practice questions.

• ❌ Failing to review explanations and link errors back to topics.

  
  

FAQs

1. Can I take MRCP Part 1 immediately after MBBS?

No. You need at least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience before applying.

2. Do I need GMC registration for MRCP Part 1?

Not if you’re taking it outside the UK. Inside the UK, your hospital role usually requires GMC registration.

3. Is PLAB required before MRCP?

No. PLAB and MRCP are independent exams serving different purposes.

4. How many attempts can I take for MRCP Part 1?

There is no official limit, but repeated failures suggest rethinking your preparation strategy.

5. What’s the best time in my career to sit MRCP Part 1?

Typically in the first few years of residency/SHO training, once you have both eligibility and solid clinical foundations.

Ready to start?

Understanding eligibility is the first hurdle; mastering the exam is the real challenge. Crack Medicine offers free videos on our YouTube channel, structured paid lectures, and an app with a powerful QBank, detailed explanations, and monthly new mocks. If you meet the criteria, start building your strategy today — try our Free MRCP MCQs or Start a mock test now.

Sources

• MRCP(UK) official website: Eligibility & regulations.

• General Medical Council (GMC) – World Directory of Medical Schools.

• Crack Medicine internal teaching guides.