MRCP (UK) - a guide for overseas medicine doctors
- November 05, 2021
Here we take a closer look at the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examinations (MRCP) for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medicine, including exam dates, fees and eligibility.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
- What is MRCP(UK)?
- Eligibility for overseas doctors
- MRCP(UK) Part 1
- MRCP(UK) Part 2
- MRCP(UK) PACES
- How to prepare and what resources are available
- How to apply
- Fees
- Venues
- Dates of Exams
- Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCP(UK)?
The MRCP examinations assess:
- knowledge of basic medical sciences
- clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease.
The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.
Completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.
MRCP is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCP would be the best route to take.
MRCP (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK.
The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:
- MRCP Part 1 – two written papers
- MRCP Part 2 – two written papers
- MRCP PACES – practical assessment in a clinical setting
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
Part 1:
To be eligible you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
Part 2 & PACES:
To be eligible you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.
Whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so.
To support this, pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.
MRCP(UK) Part 1:
The entry-level examination is accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
It consists of:
- one-day examination
- two three-hour papers
- 200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions
- no imagery
- sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 1 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) Part 2
Part 2 can only be taken if you have passed Part 1 (building on the knowledge already assessed).
The format at a glance:
- two papers taken on one day
- papers last three hours
- 200 multiple choice questions
- questions include images
- sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 2 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) PACES:
PACES applicants must have passed MRCP Part 1. However, we echo the Royal College guidance and strongly advise our doctors to take both Parts 1 & 2 before taking PACES.
PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).
The format in brief:
- half-day examination
- takes place in a clinical setting (hospital or clinical skills centre)
- assesses seven core skills
- five stations
- eight patient encounters
- two independent examiners at each station
- each candidate is assessed independently by a total of 10 examiners
A more detailed look at PACES can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
How do I prepare and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for 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. See below:
Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, and using it as a road map for your study plan.
MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here.
These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing.
Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
PACES content: prepare and practice example questions on the topics and skills covered in the PACES exam
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation
How do I apply?
Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account.
You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.
Application videos from the Royal College can be found below:
Please note, the application process is a little different for those looking to sit the exam in Hong Kong. Further information can be found on the Royal College website here.
Fees for 2019:
|
Exam |
UK Test Centres |
Overseas Test Centres |
|
Part 1 |
£419 |
£594 * |
|
Part 2 |
£419 |
£594 * |
|
£657 |
£1202 * |
*the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres are different and applicants are encouraged to submit their application directly to the administration team for this centre.
Venues:
|
Exam |
UK Test Centres |
Overseas Test Centres |
|
|
Part 1 & Part 2 |
Edinburgh Glasgow London |
Bahrain Bangladesh Egypt Ghana Hong Kong Iceland India Iraq Jordan Kenya Kuwait Malaysia Malta Myanmar |
Nepal Oman Pakistan Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan United Arab Emirates United States of America West Indies Zimbabwe |
|
PACES |
England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland |
Brunei Egypt Hong Kong India Kuwait Malaysia Myanmar
|
Malta Oman Qatar Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan |
* Please note, exact locations change from each diet of PACES.
Dates of Exams:
Upcoming dates for the exams can be found using the following links:
Part 1
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
For further information on MRCP exams including structure, content, preparing, procedure, dates, locations and fees, see the following articles:
MRCP(UK) Part 1 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) Part 2 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) PACES – a closer look
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An NHS hospital in the UK is looking for a Consultant Neurologist with an interest in multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, or dystonia treatment. The Neurology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a multidisciplinary team. This Neurology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
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Full GMC registration with a licence to practice and inclusion on the Specialist Register (or eligibility within six months) is required for this role. Experience in Botulinum toxin treatment and subspecialty expertise in motor neurone disease would be desirable. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
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HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including:
- Document gathering and checking
- COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
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LIFE IN THE REGION
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HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including:
- Document gathering and checking
- COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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-
This Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration, GMC Specialist Register (or within 6 months), CESR, or a suitable Royal College qualification are most encouraged to apply.
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The area boasts high-performing schools, excellent transport links, and a wide range of leisure activities, including outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, and international travel connections.
With a rich industrial heritage and stunning architecture, the region has played a pivotal role in British history, making it an exciting and dynamic place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including:
- Document gathering and checking
- COS and Visa Application support (if applicable)
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- Experience and interest in Breast, Urology and/or Colorectal Oncology is required.
- The salary will be between £105,504 - £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience and grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Manage patients with Breast, Urology and/or Colorectal Cancers, including systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), immunotherapy, and targeted treatments.
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HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including:
- Document gathering and checking
- COS and Visa Application support (if applicable)
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
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CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide inpatient care for elderly patients in both acute and community settings.
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The Midlands offers a fantastic blend of city and countryside living. Major urban centres provide all the amenities of a vibrant city, while surrounding rural areas offer tranquil country living. The region has outstanding transport links, including rail connections to London and Manchester, excellent schools, and a range of leisure activities from cultural attractions to outdoor pursuits.
Historically, the Midlands has played a significant role in British industry and innovation, and it remains an important hub for medical, educational, and cultural advancements.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including:
- Document gathering and checking
- COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care