The Diploma for Child Health (DCH) - a guide for overseas paediatricians
- November 23, 2022
The Diploma in Child Health (DCH) recognises competence in the care of children in specialties allied to paediatrics.
In this blog we will provide an overview of the DCH and consider the following topics:
- What is the DCH?
- Who is it for?
- Structure and content of DCH
- Am I eligible?
- Where can I take the exam & how much will it cost me?
- How do I apply?
- How do I prepare and what resources are available?
- Passed? What's next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
What is the DCH?
The DCH is reflective of current practice in the UK and covers a syllabus mapped by a wide range of medical professions, including paediatrics and GPs. The DCH (Diploma in Child Health) comprises two exams. You must achieve a pass mark in both in order to be awarded DCH.
- Foundation of Practice (FOP) theory exam - this is shared with the MRCPCH (membership exam)
- DCH Clinical exam
Who is it for?
The Diploma is aimed at those practitioners who want to consolidate their knowledge and skills in paediatrics and gain a qualification at the same time. According to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the DCH is designed to give ‘recognition of competence in the care of children to general practitioner vocational trainees, staff grade doctors and senior house officers in paediatrics, and trainees in specialties allied to paediatrics’.
It not only helps to consolidate knowledge gained during paediatric training, but it also helps to focus and develop skills needed for the examination of children within primary and secondary care.
Candidates use the DCH as an opportunity for up-skilling, to drive learning and to gain an internationally recognised post graduate medical diploma.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recommend that all candidates complete a short period of training in paediatrics before attempting the DCH Clinical examination. The aim of the examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed General Practitioner who has completed a short period of training in paediatrics.
What does the syllabus cover?
It is important to note that the DCH has an independent syllabus from the MRCPCH. However, the theoretical elements of the Foundation of Practice theory exam are shared across both.
Before embarking on the diploma, we recommend IMGs take a detailed look at the DCH syllabus which outlines the competencies required in both knowledge and skills. It provides a summary list of topics which are covered, and specifies the depth of knowledge and skills required, as well as guidance for trainees on what they must be taught and learn.
Am I eligible to take DCH?
The Royal College for Paediatrics and Child Health recommend that overseas candidates have at least six months' paediatrics experience.
To be eligible, overseas candidates will simply need to hold a recognised medical qualification and be registered with the GMC.
You do not require a pass in English Language Tests to take the tests, however we have discussed this with several IMGs, and it is important to note that a high standard of English will be required in order to pass. Don’t forget that you will require a sufficient pass in an English Language Test in order to complete registration with the GMC.
Structure and content of DCH:
The Diploma consists of two exams, one theory (FOP) and one clinical exam. You can take the exams in any order, or during the same exam period.
The Foundation of Practice theory exam (FOP) is computer-based and takes place three times a year in the UK and overseas. See our MRCPCH overview for more information on where you can sit the FOP theory exam, dates, times and costs.
How much does the DCH clinical exam cost?
Fees vary depending on where you sit the exam. See below fees and centres for 2023.
|
UK & Ireland |
|
|
Exam |
Exam fee |
| Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper |
£350 |
|
Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper |
£350 |
| FOP and TAS - both papers |
£595 |
| Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) |
£595 |
Overseas Centres
Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Trinidad currently only provide RCPCH theory exams.
Egypt, India, Malaysia, Nepal, KSA, UAE, Oman, Myanmar, Sudan and Singapore provide both theory and clinical exam test centres.
|
Overseas |
|
|
Exam |
Exam fee |
| Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper |
£435 |
|
Theory and Science (TAS) - single paper |
£435 |
| FOP and TAS - both papers |
£725 |
| Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) |
£835 |
Hong Kong
Candidates in Hong Kong must submit payment to the Hong Kong College exam organiser in HKD via a bank draft, which you can learn more about here.
|
Hong Kong |
|
|
Exam |
Exam fee |
| Foundation of Practice (FOP) - single paper |
4700 HKD |
|
4700 HKD |
|
| FOP and TAS - both papers |
7600 HKD |
| Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) |
8800 HKD |
How do I apply for the exams?
To apply for the DCH (Diploma in Child Health), you first need to register online for exams. You just need to do this once.
You need an RCPCH online account (with an RCPCH number). Then you can complete a short registration form – you will require evidence of your primary medical qualification.
How do I register for exams?
You can register for exams at any time throughout the year. After your registration is accepted, you can apply for an exam but only during relevant open application periods.
It takes at least 10 working days to process registration.
During exam application periods we are not able to process registrations. Please register three to four weeks before exam application period opens to help ensure you do not miss your preferred exam diet. The best dates to register for exams are usually January, May and September.
How do I book an exam?
- Log in to your RCPCH account
- Go to My Account
- From your dashboard, go to the Exams panel, and from your exam dashboard, follow links to apply
What do I need to know about the exam day?
Bring your ID:
You will need to bring one of the following forms of ID:
- passport with photograph and signature - this must be current or no more than six months expired
- valid driving license with photograph and signature
- national identity card with photograph and signature
*Only original documents will be accepted.
For more information take a look at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website
How do I prepare?
With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
A good start is to take a look at Clinical Cases in Paediatrics: DCH Clinical Textbook. It will cost your £35 but is a logical foundation for a start to any revision.
Useful online revision courses include those run by PASTEST and the Institute of Child Health.
As ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present.
Passed? What next?
If you pass both DCH Clinical and Foundation of Practice (FOP) exams, you will receive a Diploma certificate. This certifies you are a holder of the Diploma in Child Health (RCPCH).
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Relevant Jobs
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Community Paediatrics to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Community Paediatrics holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture.
Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
All health services for children in North Wales, including Community Child Health, are delivered by the Children & Young People Division. The area has a population of around 275,000, including a childhood population of almost 60,000. The service encompass Acute Paediatrics and Neonatology, Community Child Health, Health Visiting and School Nursing, Neurodevelopmental and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
All Consultants take on particular areas of responsibility with committee service and representation, and the new consultant will be expected to play a full part in such duties. For Acute Paediatric Services, there are just over 4600 admissions each year to the paediatric ward with around 2600 being emergency admissions. The department provides high dependency care and short-term intensive care to acutely ill children and young people. There is a comprehensive CAMHS service with 5 Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists based in the community.
The successful applicant will work with the other community paediatricians to develop the integrated Child Health Services in the Health Board to provide a comprehensive service. The post holder will share the duties below with the existing Consultants and their teams, each leading on agreed aspects of the work. The post holder will be responsible for children with a wide variety of presentations, including developmental and behavioural concerns, developmental assessments, child protection concerns, care of children with complex neuro-disability, and palliative care needs and providing pre-school and school health services.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
- Board Certified Specialist in Community Paediatrics
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
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The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?
The Trust is one of the largest organisations in the country and they employ over 6,000 dedicated staff with an annual turnover of £380 million who provides service to 525,000 people that live within the area. Their services are mainly provided from two district general hospitals, both have Emergency Departments and provide care 24 hours a day. They offer a comprehensive range of surgical, medical and maternity services supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
The role of the NHS Trust is to provide the best possible healthcare service to patients, who come first in everything the organisation does. Safe patient care is the Trust's highest priority. They will provide high quality clinical services that achieve and demonstrate optimum clinical outcomes and provide an excellent care experience for patients. The employees will be valued and respected. They will be involved in decisions about the services they provide and offered the training and development that they need to fulfill their roles.
They will operate efficiently and effectively, diagnosing and treating patients in timely fashion and expediting their return to health. They will use their resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally, and financially sustainable.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The team is a group of people that are dynamic and prioritises their patients. The deparment service runs child development clinics across the county. From the summer of 2021 the main community hub will be at one of their main sites, with satellite clinics in community settings across the county and at two of their major sites. Neuro-disability clinics are run weekly on each side of the county.
All general paediatric consultants in the department provide a service to examine children for physical abuse medicals, when on call. The community paediatricians are involved in cases of neglect, welfare medicals and when called on for advice for physical abuse. Assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders are multidisciplinary and involve community paediatricians, speech and language therapists and/or clinical psychologists and the specialist community nursing team.
A sleep service has been developed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and difficulties. This is a multidisciplinary clinic run by a Community Paediatrician, Clinical Psychologist and Nurse Advisor. The Community Consultants will provide clinical supervision, support and education for members of the Community Child Health Team, i.e. the Specialist Grades, Associate Specialist and Specialist Registrar(s) for Community Paediatrics.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
The region has a natural beauty. Sussex has some fantastic natural features such as the Seven Sisters National Park, and many areas of outstanding natural beauty that include the medieval heathland and forests of the High Weald. It also has beaches and harbours where people can go to during their dayoffs.
Besides its natural beauty, there's a rich array of accommodation options, ranging from the five star Grand Hotel on Eastbourne seafront to quaint B&Bs set amid beautiful Sussex countryside. East Sussex offers a rich array of culture, with art galleries such as the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings and the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne and an array of theatre and entertainment venues such as the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, Congress and Deveonshire Park Theatres in Eastbourne and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
The combination of clinical practice and first-class academic connections means that medical professionals have a wide range of opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their aspirations. You will have access to leadership, teaching, educational and research opportunities for Continued Professional Develop (CPD).
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
- Board Certified Specialist in Community Paediatrics
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCPCH
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
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Overseas applications from experienced paediatricians looking to secure their first job in the NHS are welcomed.
WHAT IS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The NHS Foundation Trust is formed by the merger of three NHS trusts in April 2005, with an emphasis on the mental sides of healthcare. The NHS Trust runs a total of 39 sites across their area. They deliver high quality care across our 140 services and they employ over 2,500 staff serving a population of 1.2 million. Their services are provided in community settings, hospitals, and residential homes.
The NHS Foundation Trust is rated "good" overall by the CQC in May 2020. They are the leading provider of health and social care services for people of all ages with neurodevelopmental conditions, neurodisability, mental ill-health and learning disabilities in their area. The NHS Trust has 2,300 excellent staff, and a £155m budget. Their core purpose is to work with people and lead communities in improving their mental and physical health and wellbeing for a better life through delivering excellent and responsive prevention, diagnosis, early intervention, treatment and care.
In 2015, the NHS Trust opened another Hospital, the first major mental health hospital to be erected in Surrey for more than 90 years. The building provides the latest innovations in modern mental health care. This state of the art facility offers people treatment in a light and spacious environment that is therapeutic and promotes wellbeing. It represents a new era of mental health care that focuses on recovery and preventative measures to help people stay well.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a strong team with a range of skills and interests. Across the Children and Family Health in their area, the establishment consists of 14 full time doctors working in developmental paediatrics: this is a mix of Consultants, Associate Specialists and Specialty doctors. Team wide meetings with all the developmental paediatricians are currently held every month, and incorporate CPD, Clinical Governance and service design.
Paediatric services are delivered in a variety of settings including community clinics, community hospitals and in special schools. The service offers excellent opportunities to develop your skills and is committed to regular training and CPD events. We strive to ensure continued progress and a dynamic approach to development both to you as an individual in your career development as well as for continued service development.
The post holder will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and ongoing care to children and young people and families in Surrey. The Department offers a supportive and encouraging environment in which to develop as a professional with opportunities to develop in specialist fields.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND?
The area is England's most wooded county and home to rolling hills and valleys, as well as some of the best gardens in Britain. There are so many things you and your family can do, from visiting award-winning vineyards and relaxing at country pubs, restaurants and hotels to exploring ancient heathland, stunning hilltop views, beautiful waterways and charming towns and villages. Life in the area will offer you and your family fantastic schools, beautiful countryside, bustling districts with fantastic leisure opportunities, & historic market towns with a vibrant cafe culture.
There are a wealth of options in the area to give your children the best possible education, whatever type of school you're looking for. The transport is not an issue as well, since there is the Southwest Trains that provide services to and from London Waterloo, and the Southern that operates to and from London Victoria. There are two airports within 20 miles from the area as well.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS NHS TRUST?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, RCPsych exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
- Board Certified Specialist in Paediatrics (desirable)
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCPCH
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
- Within 12 months of completing CCT