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What is the MRCP exam?

TL;DR

The MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) exam is a postgraduate medical qualification recognised worldwide. If you’ve wondered what is the MRCP exam, it is a three-part assessment (Parts 1, 2 Written, and PACES) testing knowledge, clinical judgement, and bedside skills. Passing MRCP Part 1 is your first step to higher specialist training in the UK and strengthens your CV internationally. Preparation involves systematic study, question banks, and timed mocks.

Diagram showing MRCP exam structure: Part 1, Part 2 Written, PACES

Why this matters

For international medical graduates and UK trainees alike, the MRCP qualification is a crucial milestone. It signals competency in core medical knowledge and clinical reasoning. Understanding the exam structure and expectations is the first step to success. This article breaks down what the MRCP exam is, outlines high-yield areas, and provides a study framework.


The structure of the MRCP exam

The MRCP(UK) exam is divided into three sequential parts:

  1. MRCP Part 1 – Written exam testing basic sciences and clinical principles.

  2. MRCP Part 2 Written – Applied clinical knowledge with more case-based scenarios.

  3. PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) – Clinical skills and bedside assessment.

Candidates must pass Part 1 before progressing further. Each stage is designed to ensure that physicians meet standards required for safe clinical practice.


High-yield points about MRCP Part 1

When approaching Part 1, candidates should note the following essentials:

  1. Written exam: two papers, each three hours.

  2. 200 multiple-choice questions (best-of-five).

  3. Subjects include Medicine, Clinical Sciences, Pharmacology, Statistics, and Ethics.

  4. No negative marking; focus on attempting all questions.

  5. Assesses breadth over depth — wide coverage of topics.

  6. Key tested areas: Cardiology, Respiratory, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology.

  7. Requires a blend of factual recall and applied reasoning.

  8. Global eligibility: international graduates can apply directly.

  9. Conducted three times a year worldwide.

  10. Online application through MRCP(UK) website.


Most tested subtopics in MRCP Part 1

While the exam covers the whole of medicine, certain areas repeatedly feature:

  • Cardiology: arrhythmias, heart failure, valvular disease.

  • Respiratory: asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease.

  • Endocrinology: diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal pathology.

  • Neurology: stroke, epilepsy, demyelinating disease.

  • Gastroenterology: liver disease, IBD, pancreatitis.


Evidence-based study strategy

An effective preparation plan balances coverage, practice, and review. A compact 10-week approach may look like this:

Week

Focus

Activities

1–2

Core Medicine

Read concise notes, attempt 30–40 MCQs daily

3–4

Specialities (Endocrine, Neuro, Resp)

Mix of reading + question bank

5–6

Gastro & Cardio

Practice high-yield systems intensively

7

Ethics, Statistics

Short focused sessions, flashcards

8

Mixed practice

Daily timed blocks, review errors

9

Mock tests

Full-length mocks under exam conditions

10

Final review

Weak areas + rapid recall sheets

Practical example: a sample MRCP Part 1 MCQ

Case:A 55-year-old man presents with chest pain on exertion. He has hypertension and smokes 20 cigarettes/day. ECG shows ST-segment depression during a treadmill test.

Question: What is the most likely diagnosis?A) Aortic stenosisB) Stable anginaC) Acute pericarditisD) Pulmonary embolismE) Costochondritis

Answer: B – Stable angina.The exertional pain, risk factors, and positive treadmill

ECG are classic. This illustrates the exam’s clinical reasoning style.


Compact 10-week MRCP Part 1 study plan in table format.

Common pitfalls in MRCP preparation

  • Relying only on textbooks without timed practice.

  • Ignoring weaker subjects (e.g., Statistics, Dermatology).

  • Memorising without review cycles.

  • Postponing mock tests until the last minute.

  • Failing to read explanations of wrong answers.


FAQs

Q1: What is the MRCP exam used for?

It qualifies doctors for specialist training in the UK and is recognised internationally as proof of postgraduate medical knowledge.

Q2: Can international graduates sit MRCP Part 1?

Yes. As long as you hold a recognised primary medical qualification, you may apply directly.

Q3: How many attempts are allowed for MRCP exams?

There is no strict limit, but repeated failures delay progression; most succeed within 2–3 attempts with proper planning.

Q4: Is MRCP equivalent to MD in India or USMLE in the USA?

No. MRCP is a postgraduate membership exam in the UK, whereas MD and USMLE have different structures and purposes.

Q5: What resources help most with MRCP preparation?

Structured question banks, mock tests, concise lecture notes, and spaced revision are proven effective.


Ready to start?

Crack Medicine supports candidates at every step with a subject-wise QBank, mock tests, and video lectures. Begin your journey today with our MRCP Part 1 overview, try Free MRCP MCQs, or Start a mock test. A consistent approach with the right tools makes the difference.


Sources

  • MRCP(UK) official website: https://www.mrcpuk.org

  • Royal College of Physicians guidance documents

  • Candidate information packs (MRCP(UK))

 
 
 

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