MRCP stands for Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. It is a credential awarded to medical practitioners and scientists in recognition of their expertise and professionalism in the field of internal medicine. MRCP or its abbreviations MRCPhD, MRCPath, etc are often used after doctors’ names as identifiers like Ph.D. or MD these days. The abbreviation is also sometimes used similarly to FRCPC, which means Fellow (Fellowship) of the Royal College of Physicians-Canada.
What is MRCP (UK) Part 1 Exam?
The examinations for MRCP (and the similar FRCPC) are governed by the Royal College of Physicians. The written examination is held every year in May and November, as well as in a number of regional centers around the world. There is also an exam for research fellowships held separately. A total of 19 subjects are examined: – Cardiology; – Diabetes and Endocrinology; – Gastroenterology; – Geriatrics, Ageing, and Mental Health; – Hematology and Oncology; – Infectious Diseases (ID); – Medicine (including Respiratory, Renal, Neurology, Infectious Diseases); – Nephrology; – Palliative Medicine; – Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science; – Surgery (including Cardiothoracic, Neurosurgery, Urology).
The written examination for the UK is broadly similar to the MRCGP. It is divided into three papers, each lasting for two hours with one hour break between the first and second papers. The third part of the examination is a clinical viva (examination by oral questions). Candidates should expect a long day on examination days.
Part I of the written examination is held in two parts comprising 125 multiple choice questions from all 19 of the above sub-specialties, and candidates are permitted to use one or more books as sources of reference during this part of the exam. There can be anything up to 100 different subjects among the papers, each of which is worth one mark. Part II consists of two short case histories and a list of differential diagnoses for each patient, with fourteen suggested answers. For each case study, the candidate must choose five appropriate investigations and three therapeutic maneuvers from a possible eight given choices marked A, B, or C. The exam has no pass or fails result. After the examination, marks are added up, and based on these, candidates may be deemed to have passed or failed any one or more of the papers in Part I (sometimes with a mark as low as 40% in a paper resulting in failure). The pass mark for all three papers is usually 33%. The final stage of the exam will be held in a hospital, where the candidate is assessed on their clinical skills.
Eligibility for MRCP Examination
The eligibility for MRCP Part 1 is two years of post-registration experience following graduation from medical school and registration with a GMC (General Medical Council). Candidates can only take part in one paper per session, which should be chosen at least six months before the exam date. Candidates who took MRCP Part I earlier than two years cannot reappear for the examination. The issued certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed by taking part in a further written examination, which includes questions from all the subjects examined at Part 1 but not clinical practice items.
Candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination if they have failed Part 1 (or failed the clinical viva in Part III) within the five years preceding application. They must also reapply after a gap of two years between parts I and II.
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Format of MRCP Examination
The examination for Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians is held every 6 months in May and November, as well as on various other regional centers. It is divided into two parts: Part I and Part II. Part I includes six papers on subjects related to actual clinical practice, each lasting 2 hours and 25 minutes, with a 25 minutes break. Candidates should not use reference books or any other material during the exam but they can take notes. Patients are seen in special examination centers and their medical records will be available for candidates’ study at least two weeks before the exam.
The total of marks obtained by the candidate in Part I determines the final result, and the pass mark is 33%.
Part II is an assessment of clinical ability in a viva performed by three examiners. The minimum pass mark is 69%. Each examiner has to give a score from 0 to 15 points in relation to 12 categories: Listening Skills; – Communication Skills; – Assessment; – History Taking; – Examination Skills; – Diagnostic Reasoning/Diagnosis; – Disease Management/Specific Conditions (per organ system); Special Investigations and Procedures.
Candidates who pass Part 1 of the examination are eligible to take part in Part II, which is an oral viva. Candidates who pass Part II will be invited by the College to become members of the Fellowship.
Where can I take the MRCP part 1 exam?
The MRCP is a compulsory examination conducted by the Royal College of Physicians in order to test and award those who successfully complete their membership. Membership is awarded after successful completion of the MRCP Part 1, 2 & 3 examinations. So far the exams have been conducted in only one country- England and Wales, in other countries as well.
To be a successful candidate in the MRCP Part 1 examination, you must concentrate on your preparation very well because there is no place for mistakes and failures. You have to prepare well before appearing in this exam so that you can face up to all difficulties effortlessly. If you are not good at studying, then it will be difficult for you to pass the exam.
How to Apply for MRCP Exam?
It is recommended for the candidates who are planning to apply for MRCP Part 1 examination to submit their applications six months in advance so that they get enough time to prepare themselves. The application form will be available on the Royal College of Physicians website, which can be downloaded and filled. A candidate has to attach all relevant documents along with their application form. All the candidates can apply for the examination online from their own home itself. The candidate will receive a confirmation once he/she successfully applies for the MRCP Part 1 examination, which may be taken in any one of the three centers that are located in London, Belfast, and Cardiff or Edinburgh and Newcastle.