When is the MRCP Part 1 exam held?

Crack Medicine
Sep 16
3 min read

TL;DR

The MRCP Part 1 exam is held three times a year—typically in January, May, and September—at centres in the UK and internationally. If you are asking when is the MRCP Part 1 exam held, it is best to think of it as a thrice-yearly written paper, with dates announced by MRCP(UK) months in advance. Apply early to secure a seat and structure your revision around these fixed sittings.

Why this matters

For international medical graduates and UK trainees alike, knowing the exam dates is essential to map study schedules, plan leave, and avoid last-minute stress. The MRCP Part 1 exam is not on-demand; it is a fixed-date written exam conducted simultaneously across centres. Understanding the exam calendar also helps align QBank practice, mock tests, and targeted review.

How often is MRCP Part 1 held?

The MRCP Part 1 is organised by MRCP(UK) and conducted three times per year:

Sitting	Typical Month	Notes
1st	January	First exam of the year; often popular with new graduates
2nd	May	Mid-year sitting; useful if you start prep early
3rd	September	Final sitting of the year; aligns with international schedules

Applications usually open about 6 months before the exam.
Results are released approximately 6–8 weeks after the sitting.
Centres are located in the UK and many international cities.

For official schedules, always check the MRCP(UK) website.

MRCP Part 1 exam months – January, May, September marked on calendar

High-yield points about exam scheduling

Three fixed sittings annually – January, May, September.
Registration opens months earlier – typically 5–6 months before.
Global exam centres – not limited to the UK.
Seats fill quickly – especially in overseas centres.
Results lag – allow for 6–8 weeks before next stage planning.
No ad-hoc sittings – unlike some computer-based tests.
Applications via MRCP(UK) portal only.
Check visa and travel timelines – crucial for IMGs.
Align revision cycles – 10–12 weeks focused prep fits well.
Mock tests help anchor study – simulate real sitting conditions.

Practical example / mini-case

Mini-MCQ style case:

A 28-year-old doctor in India wants to sit MRCP Part 1. She finishes internship in December and is debating whether to attempt January or May. Which is the most suitable?

Answer: May.
Explanation: January gives little preparation time after internship. May allows a 4-month study block. Planning exam dates around personal milestones ensures effective preparation.

Common pitfalls

Delaying application until centres are full.
Underestimating time required for visa or travel arrangements.
Ignoring time zone differences when sitting outside the UK.
Overlapping exam prep with heavy clinical postings.
Relying only on last-minute cramming without a structured QBank strategy.

FAQs

1. How many times a year is MRCP Part 1 held?

Three times a year—January, May, and September.

2. Can I choose any date I want for MRCP Part 1?

No. Unlike online adaptive exams, MRCP Part 1 has fixed sittings announced by MRCP(UK).

3. How far in advance should I apply?

Apply as soon as applications open, ideally within the first two weeks, to secure your preferred centre.

4. Where can I sit the exam?

Centres are in the UK and many international locations; availability depends on your region.

5. How do I plan study around exam dates?

Allow at least 10–12 weeks of structured revision with daily QBank practice, spaced repetition, and 2–3 full mock tests.

Ready to start?

Planning for MRCP Part 1 starts with knowing your exam window. Once dates are published, structure your revision with practice questions, timed mocks, and high-yield lectures. Explore our MRCP Part 1 overview, practise with Free MRCP MCQs, or Start a mock test today.