MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical (PACES)

PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is designed to test the clinical knowledge and skills of trainee doctors who hope to enter higher specialty training.

A group of examiners and a candidate engaged in a clinical scenario discussion during the MRCP(UK) PACES exam, seated around a table in a professional setting.

Overview

MRCP(UK) Part 2 PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is designed to assess the essential clinical skills required of a physician in training, including communication, physical examination, clinical judgement and professionalism. 

You must have passed the Part 1 Written Examination before taking PACES. 

The exam is delivered in a structured, station-based format and plays a central role in progression to specialist training. It is a half-day examination taking place in a clinical setting. It assess seven core skills across eight encounters within the five station carousel.

Sit your exam with us

By choosing the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for your MRCP(UK) exams, you'll access a range of valuable benefits.

Exam preparation

  • Digital learning materials
  • PACES preparation courses
  • Guidance to help you feel exam ready

Outstanding exam environment

  • Wide network of exam centres
  • Specific exam periods, to help you plan your time

Pathway to membership

  • Successful candidates are eligible for College membership
  • Members can use the postnominal MRCP(Glasg)
Content
  • Application period: 21–28 July 2025
  • Exam date: Late September – late November 2025
  • Fee: £716 (UK), £TBC (by International centre)

For more information about exam dates and fees for MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES), please visit the Federation website

Candidates must apply via the MRCP(UK) website and select the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow as their College of entry. The booking process includes the following steps:

  1. Visit PACES | The Federation
  2. Log in to your MRCP(UK) account
  3. Select the relevant exam and Glasgow as the College of Entry
  4. Complete the application form and submit payment
  5. Await confirmation and further instructions from the College

The College's examinations team will provide support throughout the process.

To be eligible to sit MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical (PACES), candidates must have:

  • Passed MRCP(UK) Part 1
  • Gained sufficient postgraduate clinical experience, including the management of patients with a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions

This examination is open to UK-based and international candidates who meet the entry criteria.

Our digital learning for MRCP(UK) PACES is available to purchase for £120 as a package, or £40 per individual course.  

This resource consists of a combination of supporting materials and a number of video lectures delivered by a topic specialist to help you prepare for MRCP Part 2 Clinical (PACES).

The digital learning material will complement your technical revision and contains guidance on the format of the exam, setting out the focus of each station and the timing allowed to give you a clear indication of how you might approach the exam on the day including Top Tips from the examiners.

Log in to purchase the MRCP(UK) PACES: Online Preparation. If you wish to purchase individual courses click on the heading below.

The material includes four main knowledge areas:

1. Communication

This module focuses on the Communication Encounters and will include two sets of examples, which each include: 

  • Video of the calibration and run-through of the encounter between the two examiners and the patient or surrogate
  • Video of a satisfactory encounter
  • Video of two examiners discussing the satisfactory encounter
  • Interactive section showing short videos clips of unsatisfactory performance including examiner feedback
2. Consultation

This module focuses on the Clinical Consultation Encounters and will include two sets of examples, which each include: 

  • Video of the calibration and run-through of the encounter between the two examiners and the patient or surrogate
  • Video of a satisfactory encounter
  • Video of two examiners discussing the satisfactory encounter
  • Interactive section showing short videos clips of unsatisfactory performance including examiner feedback 
3. Respiratory and Abdominal 

This module focuses on the Respiratory and Abdominal examinations and will include the following content for both specialities: 

  • Video of the calibration and run-through of the encounter between the two examiners and the patient or surrogate for the examination
  • Video of a candidate completing a satisfactory examination encounter
  • Video of the examiner questioning the candidate during the encounter
  • 'How to' video which provides instructions for and demonstration of a physical examination 
4. Cardiology and Neurology 

This module focuses on the Cardiology and Neurology examinations and will include the following content for both specialities: 

  • Video of the calibration and run-through of the encounter between the two examiners and the patient or surrogate for the examination
  • Video of a candidate completing a satisfactory examination encounter
  • Video of the examiner questioning the candidate during the encounter
  • 'How to' video which provides instructions for and demonstration of a physical examination

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