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When should I start preparing for MRCP Part 1?

TL;DR

Most candidates ask “when should I start preparing for MRCP Part 1?” The answer is usually 4–6 months before your exam date, depending on your baseline knowledge and clinical workload. Early starters can spread revision more evenly, while late starters require intensive schedules. Consistency with question banks and timed mock tests is the real key.


Why this matters

MRCP Part 1 is not just another multiple-choice exam — it’s a broad test of applied clinical sciences across medicine and subspecialties. Many doctors underestimate its scope until they’re close to the exam date, leaving themselves underprepared. By starting preparation at the right time, you avoid cramming, improve recall, and develop exam-day confidence.


How far in advance should you start?

The ideal timeline depends on your background:

  1. Recent graduates with strong clinical exposure: ~4 months of structured study is usually enough.

  2. International graduates or those out of training for a while: Plan for 6 months or longer to refresh fundamentals.

  3. Doctors in busy rotations: Allow 6–8 months, since daily study time will be limited.

  4. Fast-track candidates with strong baseline knowledge: 3 months is possible, but requires daily discipline and 3–4 hours of active MCQ practice.


Core syllabus areas

According to the MRCP(UK) blueprint, the exam covers:

  • Cardiology

  • Respiratory medicine

  • Gastroenterology & hepatology

  • Neurology

  • Endocrinology & diabetes

  • Rheumatology

  • Haematology & oncology

  • Infectious diseases

  • Renal medicine

  • Psychiatry & ophthalmology

  • Pharmacology, statistics & clinical sciences

High-yield areas like cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, and endocrinology are particularly emphasised. But smaller subjects (ophthalmology, psychiatry, statistics) are common traps if neglected.


Suggested preparation timeline

A practical approach is to split your revision into three phases:

  • Foundation phase – Build basic recall and light QBank practice.

  • Active study phase – Daily MCQs, subject rotation, error log maintenance.

  • Final practice phase – Timed mocks, consolidation, weak-area focus.


Example 16-week plan

Week

Focus

Key Tasks

1–4

Foundation

Revise rapid notes, core textbooks, start 20 MCQs/day

5–10

Active study

40–50 MCQs/day, subject rotations, error log

11–14

Intensive practice

Timed 100-question blocks, mock tests, targeted reviews

15–16

Final revision

2–3 mocks per week, error log only, light clinical review

For a detailed breakdown, see our MRCP Part 1 overview.


MRCP Part 1 16-week preparation timeline showing foundation, active study, and final revision phases.

Practical example (mini-case)

Question: A 65-year-old man with hypertension develops ankle swelling two weeks after starting amlodipine. What is the most likely mechanism?

Answer: Pre-capillary arteriolar vasodilation → increased capillary hydrostatic pressure.

Explanation: This is a classic MRCP-style pharmacology stem. Candidates must link side-effects to drug mechanisms — a frequent testable area in Part 1.


Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

  • Starting too late: Compressing the entire syllabus into 6 weeks rarely works.

  • Passive reading: Simply re-reading textbooks without MCQ practice is inefficient.

  • Neglecting smaller topics: Statistics, psychiatry, and ophthalmology are often ignored until too late.

  • Not reviewing mistakes: An error log is essential for targeted revision.

  • Skipping mocks: Entering the exam without timed practice risks poor pacing.


Practical study checklist

  1. Decide your exam date at least 6 months ahead.

  2. Build a weekly study plan and stick to it.

  3. Solve daily questions from a trusted QBank (Free MRCP MCQs).

  4. Take monthly mocks to track progress (Start a mock test).

  5. Maintain and revise an error log weekly.

  6. Use the last fortnight for consolidation, not new learning.


FAQs

How long do most people prepare for MRCP Part 1?

Most candidates need 4–6 months with regular QBank practice.

Can I pass MRCP Part 1 in 3 months?

Yes, if you already have strong baseline knowledge and can dedicate 3–4 focused hours daily.

Which subjects should I prioritise?

Cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory, and neurology carry the most weight. But don’t ignore statistics or psychiatry.

When should I start doing mock tests?

Begin mocks at least 2 months before your exam to build time management.

How can I balance work with study?

Use short daily sessions (1–2 hours) on weekdays, and longer blocks on weekends.


Ready to start?

If you’re asking “when should I start preparing for MRCP Part 1?”, the safest answer is today. Begin with our MRCP Part 1 overview, practise daily with Free MRCP MCQs, and strengthen exam technique through mock tests. For a structured roadmap, see our sibling post: Study plan for MRCP Part 1.


Sources

  • MRCP(UK) Part 1 official page

  • Royal College of Physicians guidance on exam preparation

  • Crack Medicine study resources and clinical faculty input

 
 
 

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