Examinations and Assessments

Physicians examinations – Important announcement

Part 1 & Part 2 Written Update

MRCP(UK) Written examinations in 2022 will continue to be delivered entirely online using a proctoring service via the Surpass assessment system. This is available for candidates within the UK and Republic of Ireland. Read more here.

Part 2 Clinical (PACES) Update

We are pleased to announce that the PACES examination in the UK will revert to the pre-COVID, five station, format from the 2022/2 diet. This means that there will no longer be a two mini cycle format, and all stations will be run on a face-to-face basis. The change back to the standard carousel will allow MRCP(UK) to increase the number of examination places offered, and the range of candidates that we are able to accommodate in the examination.

In addition, candidates are asked to note the change in the prioritisation criteria for allocating spaces in this diet. Full details are given in the PACES UK 2022/2 Prioritisation Criteria update here.

In order to maximise the number of examination spaces, some centres will be running cycles for six (rather than the usual five) candidates. This will mean that candidates will still be assessed in the normal five stations but that there will be a sixth “rest” station during their examination, and that the total time of the examination will therefore be increased by around 30 minutes in these centres. Candidates will be informed whether they will be in a five or six candidate cycle when they receive their centre allocation. The General Medical Council has authorised introduction of the six station model following analysis conducted by MRCP(UK) on delivery of PACES during the pandemic. This demonstrated that the recent changes to the format of PACES had no impact on delivery or examination outcomes in comparison to previous trends.

Applications for the 2022/3 diet open on Monday 18 July 2022 for one week.

We strongly recommend that candidates keep monitoring the MRCP(UK) website for further updates as well as social media.

Examinations and assessments

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is committed to supporting members throughout every stage of their career. In taking our exams you will join our community of inspiring healthcare professionals working towards excellence in patient care through Continuing Professional Development.

Our exams are conducted in Glasgow, throughout the UK and internationally.

MRCP(UK)

What is MRCP(UK)?

Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP (UK)) is a pre-requisite for those wishing to undergo training in a medical specialty. The College works together with sister Colleges in the UK to develop and deliver the MRCP exam.

The MRCP is an international validation and plays an important role for doctors working outside the UK in measuring levels of attainment.

Our staff are responsible for all aspects of candidate administration and can offer full support to those taking the exam in the UK or overseas. Please email us with any enquiries.

You can sit Part 1, Part 2 Written and Part 2 Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) examinations in the Royal Colleges of Glasgow, England or Edinburgh.

More information

The College offers the MRCP(UK) PACES 2020 Online Preparation Package.

MRCP(UK) Specialty Examinations - SCE

What are the MRCP(UK) Specialty Examinations?

The internationally-recognised Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) are postgraduate qualifications that demonstrate to prospective employers around the world that you have achieved the standard required of UK trainees.

The SCEs are assembled and quality assured by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. Each SCE tests both clinical knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis for current medical thinking.

The exams are computer-based, and will complement work-based assessments. The following speciality examinations are available:

Acute medicine
Dermatology
Endocrinology and diabetes
Gastroenterology
Geriatric medicine
Infectious diseases
Medical oncology
Nephrology
Neurology
Palliative medicine
Respiratory medicine
Rheumatology

For further information and to apply for the SCE exams, visit the MRCP(UK) website.

More information

MRCP Examiners

Become an MRCP Examiner

Experienced clinicians are welcome to apply to become College examiners and assess candidates undergoing the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Exam (PACES).
Becoming an examiner offers many benefits for personal and professional development. Our examiners are provided with free examiner training and administrative support.

By carrying out examiner duties, you will gain CPD points both during training and upon completion of duties. Joining the College’s community of examiners also offers valuable networking opportunities.

Apply now

Further information can be found on the MRCP(UK) website.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for appointment as a PACES examiner, you must:

Hold MRCP(UK) (desirable)
Be a Collegiate Member or Fellow in good standing of one of the Royal College of Physicians of the UK
Be GMC registered with a licence to practise and in good standing (or regulatory equivalent in country of practice)
Have been involved with physicians in training within the last two years
(UK only) Participate in revalidation, including annual appraisal in current post, and adhere to CPD requirements
(UK only) Have undergone equality and diversity training within the past three years
Have achieved the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be on the specialist register, and be in a substantive consultant post
(Outside of UK) Hold Fellowship of one of the UK colleges of physicians and be in good standing
Examiners must also successfully complete the free PACES examiner training. If you are unable to take part in the required number of cycles over 2 years, you will be asked to refresh your examiner training.

Examiner commitment

The minimum requirement we ask of examiners is to commit to examining for two days (30 candidates) every two years. Flexible options are available – for example, you may be able to examine over two cycles (8am-3pm) or three cycles (8am-6pm) in a single day.

Helping with your exams

MRCP(UK) PACES Revision savings

The PACES Revision Savings incorporate free Affiliate membership while you work towards MRCP(UK), access to our online PACES exam revision modules, and discounted Membership after successful completion of MRCP(UK).

View the package

MRCP(UK) PACES Revision modules

Each module includes an introduction to the station, top tips from a PACES expert, a behind the scenes look at the process of examiner calibration, an example of a satisfactory pass, and PACES exam tips.

Access the modules

Become an Examiner

Our network of examiners are involved in writing question banks, exam scenarios, examining and assessment. Vacancies on our panels are advertised throughout the year on the website.

Find out more

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