What is the passing score for MRCP Part 1?
- Crack Medicine
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
TL;DR
The passing score for MRCP Part 1 is usually set at around 540 on a 200–800 scaled score system, determined using the Angoff method. The exact cut-off may vary slightly between exam diets, depending on question difficulty. In practice, candidates generally need to achieve roughly 55–60% correct answers to secure a pass. The key is not to chase a raw percentage but to prepare systematically with mock tests, error review, and balanced coverage of all specialties.
Why this matters
MRCP Part 1 is the gateway exam for physicians aspiring to UK postgraduate training. Results are not given as simple percentages, which often confuses candidates asking “what is the passing score for MRCP Part 1?”. Instead, the score is scaled, ensuring fairness across diets. Understanding this process helps set realistic targets and reduce exam anxiety.
How the passing score is determined
The Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP(UK)) use the Angoff method:
Expert panel review – Senior examiners judge the likelihood of a “borderline” candidate answering each item correctly.
Cut score set per diet – This ensures fairness even when papers vary in difficulty.
Scaled reporting – Candidate marks are converted to a scale of 200–800.
👉 According to MRCP(UK), the pass mark is usually around 540.
Typical score ranges
Component | Details |
Scaled score range | 200–800 |
Usual passing score | ~540–550 |
Average candidate score | ~500–520 |
High-performing candidates | 600+ |
Data adapted from MRCP(UK) published pass mark reports.
High-yield focus areas for MRCP Part 1
Passing is not just about aiming for 540—it’s about focusing on the highest-yield areas:
Cardiology – ECGs, arrhythmias, heart failure therapy.
Respiratory – asthma, COPD, lung malignancies.
Neurology – stroke, seizure, demyelination.
Endocrinology – diabetes, thyroid, adrenal disorders.
Pharmacology – mechanisms, side effects, toxicology.
Rheumatology – connective tissue disease, vasculitis.
Gastroenterology – GI bleeding, IBD, hepatology.
Renal medicine – AKI, CKD, electrolyte imbalances.
Practical example
MCQ:A 64-year-old man with exertional dyspnoea has LBBB on ECG and reduced EF on echo. Which drug improves survival?
A. DigoxinB. FurosemideC. BisoprololD. Ivabradine
Answer: C. Bisoprolol – beta-blockers improve mortality in systolic HF. Others mainly improve symptoms.
Why important? Cardiovascular pharmacology is heavily tested, often in clinical scenarios.
Study-tip checklist
Revise notes with spaced repetition.
Aim for 50–75 timed QBank questions daily.
Attempt at least 3 full mock exams before the real test.
Review errors deeply; avoid repeating mistakes.
Keep balance: statistics and pharmacology often swing scores.
👉 Try our Free MRCP MCQs and Start a mock test to benchmark your progress.
Common pitfalls
Focusing on raw percentage rather than the scaled system.
Neglecting biostatistics and epidemiology.
Avoiding pharmacology questions due to difficulty.
Leaving practice papers too late.
Not reviewing incorrect questions.
FAQs
Q1. What is the passing score for MRCP Part 1?It is usually around 540 (scaled score), but varies slightly by exam diet.
Q2. Does the pass mark change?
Yes, each exam diet has its own Angoff-determined pass mark, ensuring fairness.
Q3. How many correct answers out of 200 are needed?
There is no fixed raw cut-off, but about 55–60% correct aligns with a pass.
Q4. Is there negative marking?
No. Always attempt all questions.
Q5. Can I retake if I fail?
Yes. There is no lifetime attempt cap, though each sitting requires a new fee.
Ready to start?
Knowing the pass mark is only one piece of the puzzle—success comes from consistent preparation. Use our MRCP Part 1 overview to guide your study, practise with Free MRCP MCQs and build exam stamina with Start a mock test.
Sources
MRCP(UK): Pass mark and exam standards
Royal College of Physicians – MRCP(UK) overview
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics curriculum – JRCPTB
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