Career series: The MRCP UK application process explained for international doctors

 The MRCP UK is the post-graduate diploma in medicine by the Royal College of Physicians United Kingdom. In this post we will be covering the application process for the exam.

To start with, the MRCP Uk diploma is awarded after passing the three component exams. Part-1 (written), Part-2 (written), Paces (practical). The exam has worldwide recognition, in Pakistan is considered as a specialist degree, similary it is well recognized in the middle-eastern countries. For non-UK doctors the MRCP UK allows GMC registration without going through the plab route, with appointment on Registrar post.

MRCP Uk ,Part1 , Part 2, Paces exam guide

Comming over to the application process, the RCP requires candidates to apply 12 months after the primary medical qualification (e.g MBBS ) is complete for MRCP Part 1, for most of the canidates this turns out to be after the 12 month foundation year/ House job.

For MRCP Uk part 2, RCP recommends 2 years in a hospital employment though there is no requirement for training post for overseas doctors.

Paces exam can be given before or after the MRCP Uk part 2 depending upon the candidates preference. 2 years experience is recommended for the PACES exam too.

MRCP part 1, and 2 written exams are held thrice a year, in the Uk and several centers internationally. In Pakistan the centers are in Lahore and Karachi.

First step is to create an account at mymrcp.mrcpuk.org , the online application portal. Head over to signup and provide your biodata, ensure especially your name matches exactly as per your medical degree.

In the exam section, you can select your desired exam e.g. Part 1 when the application period is open. The exam schedule and application period is already published beforehand on the mrcp uk website.

The online application form asks for your exam center preference and fee submission. MRCPUk Part-1 / Part-2  exam fee is currently £608 (same for both exams). The fee can be paid by debit/credit cards.

The exam slots are limited in each center and usually fill up in the inital opening hours of the application process. It is recommended to signup for your mymrcp account prior to the application period to save time.

Overseas doctors applying for the first time, will need to submit their primary medical qualifications scanned copy to RCP on their email address PMQ@mrcpuk.org, this copy should be verfied by any of the following, ( the full list can be viewed at mrcp site) british consulate/ embassy/Degree awarding institution/Notary/ current Member or Fellow of Royal College of physicians.

RCP will send you a confirmation email for reserving your slot in the exam in around 2 weeks after the application submission. 

The exam admit card is also sent via email about 2 weeks before the exam date.

The application process is the same for Part 1 and Part 2. 

For Paces you will need to apply in the application period, but their is no first come first serve rule, each application is reviewed and a slot allotted but their is no guarantee for a slot in a particular diet.

 Keep your past 12 months hospital work history including where you have taken PACES  or attended a PACES course ready.

The fee for paces is not paid until a place has been reserved for the candidate.

Once a spot is reserved candidates are advised to submit fee to complete the application.

Recently, MRCP PACES exam was conducted for the first time in Pakistan in 2020. Letting canidates to complete the qualification without travelling abroad.

{This Post was submitted by one of our avid readers for an overview of the mrcp uk exam application process, for any general query/suggestion/addition comment below,

 considering changing rules and regulations review the latest information on the mrcp uk website}

Follow the blog for further updates to this series.

Read more on PLAB VS MRCP for UK Pathway

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