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MRCP(UK) Examiners

Overview

The MRCP(UK) examination plays an essential role in the continuing professional development of physicians in the United Kingdom and internationally. For physicians training in the UK, it is a prerequisite for those wishing to progress to specialist training.

The contribution of Fellows and Members to supporting the next generation of physicians as they progress to Specialty Training is critically important in ensuring junior doctors have a positive experience.

“I feel it is important as a practising clinician to contribute to the quality assurance and standards of this global examination by being an examiner.”

Dr Gautaman Ray, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Becoming an examiner offers many benefits for your own personal and professional development. Our examiners are provided with free examiner training (6 CPD points) and are awarded CPD points on fulfilling examining duties.

We provide full support for each PACES examination held in one of our established centres throughout the UK, and all new examiners are provided with dedicated administrative support.

Joining the College’s community of examiners also offers valuable networking opportunities.

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.

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.

Why become an examiner for our College?

“Examining for the college has a valuable impact on the assessment process of my trainees at my workplace especially with the need for the mandatory GMC recognition of trainers.”

Dr Gautaman Ray

“While PACES is about meeting standards, it is a pleasure to meet candidates who have skills and knowledge well beyond the standard.”

Dr Richard Hull

“Examining at the various stations with colleagues from other disciplines helps to keep me up to date with changes in other specialties. (The examinees can also help with that!). Sometimes, in conversation, I can pick up ideas that help us improve our own service.”

Dr J A Roberts

“I would say PACES examining is fun CPD! A great way to keep up-to -date, catch up with old colleagues, help junior doctors further their careers and optimise your own clinical training / supervision skills.”

Dr Lesley Hall


How to become an MRCP(UK) Examiner

You can use these application forms to apply to be an examiner and, if applicable, a Fellow of our College.

Examiner application form
Fellowship application

Further information on becoming an examiner is available on the MRCP(UK) website: Become a PACES examiner.


MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)

Information and resources are available to assist host centres, experienced and trainee examiners participating in delivery of the PACES examination. This includes examination day documents that can be downloaded as required. Examinations Unit staff dispatch all documentation to the host centre in advance of the examination day: staff are also available to assist with any queries on the phone, by email or in person.

More information is available on the MRCP(UK) website.

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