What is the format of the MRCP Part 1 exam?
- Crack Medicine
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
TL;DR
The MRCP Part 1 is a written exam designed to test your understanding of core clinical sciences and their application to patient care. If you’re asking what is the format of the MRCP Part 1 exam, it consists of two papers sat on the same day, each with 100 best-of-five MCQs. The subjects cover both clinical medicine and basic sciences. Preparation demands both knowledge and stamina, best developed through timed QBanks and mock tests.
Why this matters
For international medical graduates and UK trainees alike, MRCP Part 1 is often the gateway to postgraduate training. The exam’s format is fixed and predictable, but without understanding the structure, candidates often waste time revising inefficiently. By knowing the format and weightage, you can focus your preparation where it counts and avoid surprises on exam day.
Exam format at a glance
Component | Details |
Number of papers | 2 (sat on the same day) |
Duration per paper | 3 hours |
Questions per paper | 100 best-of-five MCQs |
Total questions | 200 |
Marking | +1 for correct, no negative marking |
Delivery | Computer-based, at international test centres |
Frequency | 3 sittings per year |
Both papers count equally, and you must attempt both to register a valid attempt.
Subjects covered
Questions cover the breadth of medicine. The emphasis is on clinical sciences, but basic sciences remain important:
Cardiology
Respiratory medicine
Gastroenterology and hepatology
Neurology
Renal medicine
Endocrinology
Haematology
Oncology
Infectious diseases and HIV medicine
Psychiatry and dermatology
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Basic sciences (immunology, genetics, statistics)
High-yield points about the format
Two papers, same day – stamina is vital.
200 best-of-five MCQs in total.
No negative marking – always answer.
Equal weighting between papers.
Wide range of clinical and basic sciences.
Focus on application, not recall.
1.5 minutes per question – time pressure is real.
Three sittings annually, global centres.
Computer-based testing only.
Clear, standardised scoring system.
A practical example
Question:A 65-year-old man with a history of smoking presents with exertional dyspnoea and chronic cough. Chest X-ray shows hyperinflated lungs. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
A. AsthmaB. Chronic bronchitisC. EmphysemaD. BronchiectasisE. Pulmonary fibrosis
Answer: C. Emphysema
Smoking history and hyperinflated lungs point towards emphysema.
This illustrates how MRCP Part 1 blends clinical features with applied reasoning.
Study-tip checklist
Practise best-of-five MCQs daily from a QBank.
Simulate 3-hour timed papers weekly.
Cover high-yield clinical subjects before exam day.
Revise statistics and pharmacology – often neglected.
Review weak areas consistently.
Take full mock tests to build endurance.
Keep concise revision notes for tricky topics.
Prepare exam-day logistics in advance.
You can explore our Free MRCP MCQs and Start a mock test for realistic practice.
Common pitfalls
Neglecting statistics and pharmacology.
Spending too long on early questions and rushing later ones.
Leaving blanks despite no negative marking.
Relying on cramming instead of timed practice.
Underestimating the mental stamina needed for a six-hour exam.
FAQs
How many questions are there in MRCP Part 1?
There are 200 best-of-five MCQs, split into two papers of 100 questions each.
Which subjects are most heavily tested?
Cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, neurology, endocrinology, and renal medicine.
Is there negative marking?
No. You should answer every question.
How often is MRCP Part 1 held?
Three times a year at international centres.
What’s the best preparation strategy?
Daily question practice, timed mock tests, and review of weak subjects.
Ready to start?
Understanding the MRCP Part 1 format is the first step towards passing. To prepare effectively:
Read our MRCP Part 1 overview.
Strengthen practice with Free MRCP MCQs.
Build exam confidence with a mock test.
Crack Medicine offers structured resources to take you from preparation to performance.
Sources
MRCP(UK) official website
Royal College of Physicians guidance
MRCP(UK) sample exam content
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