MRCPCH

About

The MRCPCH is:

  • an essential component of training for paediatricians in the UK
  • mapped to the UK curriculum, RCPCH Progress+
  • approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) as meeting the required standards
  • informed by the latest research and evidence based
  • responsive to changes in UK training.

The MRCPCH comprises:

  • Foundation of Practice (FOP) - theory exam
  • Theory and Science (TAS) - theory exam
  • Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) - theory exam
  • MRCPCH Clinical exam

Candidates will normally take the three theory examinations on a computer at a test centre, though other options of exam delivery are open to candidates. Theory examinations can be taken in any order and are non-sequential. There are usually three sittings of each exam per year. Please see our FAQs and How to Apply pages for theory exams for more details.

Candidates must pass the three theory examinations before they can sit the MRCPCH Clinical examination.

The MRCPCH Clinical exam is the last of the MRCPCH exams. You will normally sit this in a hospital and follow a 'circuit' of 10 scenarios/stations. Our trained examiners, who have extensive experience working in paediatrics, will be present in each station to assess your performance. Some of the scenarios would normally include children, young people and adults acting as patients or family members. Please see our FAQs and How to Apply pages for MRCPCH Clinical exams for more details.

Some countries use the MRCPCH as part of their paediatric training programme while trainees from other countries sit the MRCPCH as an opportunity for up-skilling, to drive learning and to gain an internationally recognised post graduate medical qualification.

Each year approximately 3,200 candidates attempt the FOP and TAS exams, 2,000 attempt the AKP, and 1,700 attempt the MRCPCH clinical exam.