MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES

OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

WORLD-CLASS CREDENTIALS

A Guide to MRCP(UK) and Specialty Certificate Examinations

for Consultant Physicians in Training
MRCPUK
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Credentials to
launch your career
This is an overview of the MRCP(UK) examination – and
the new Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) that
were introduced in 2008. These examinations are
developed and quality assured by the Federation of
Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom.
Around the world, they are seen as the ‘gold standard’
among postgraduate qualifications for physicians.

Relevance to clinical practice is assured because the

exams are professionally led by consultant physicians.
They reflect current best practice, thanks to a process of
continual review.
The examinations demonstrate the achievement of an
internationally recognised standard and can complement
nationally recognised qualifications.

Your part in a proud history

Why the MRCP(UK)?
The MRCP(UK) is the membership examination for the
Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.
While acceptance to one of the participating Royal
Colleges is certainly a privilege, the MRCP(UK) also offers
you benefits that reach that much further.
The MRCP(UK) is recognised around the world as a
hallmark of professional achievement. It is used in
countries outside the UK as a benchmark standard for
local postgraduate assessments.
Each year, some 14,000 doctors take one or more
components of the MRCP(UK) examination in 26
countries worldwide.
Wherever you have studied, the MRCP(UK) confirms you
have achieved the highest standards, conferring a clear
advantage in an increasingly competitive market.
It is a qualification that is established and recognised
across the world. Every year over 1,500 doctors from
many different parts of the world successfully complete
the MRCP(UK).
The MRCP(UK) is awarded on behalf of the
Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the
UK. This alliance represents three institutions,
which guard many of Europe’s oldest and most
prestigious academic legacies:
• The Royal College of Physicians of London,
founded 1518
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Glasgow, founded 1599
• The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh,
founded 1681
All three Colleges were established with the aim of
ensuring high standards of medical training and
practice. Today’s modern qualifications are
descended from examinations that were
introduced some 150 years ago.
In the 21st century, successful completion of the
MRCP(UK) examinations is a key requirement for
full membership of these Colleges, a distinction
that is respected around the world.
MRCPUK
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
About the
Specialty
Certificate
Examination
Passing the Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE)
provides objective evidence that you have the
knowledge necessary to take on the role of
consultant in your chosen specialty. It also brings the
UK into alignment with other countries such as the
USA and Canada that have already introduced
similar examinations for the same purpose.
The SCE was designed in response to important
trends in medicine both in the UK and worldwide.
The examination provides an international
benchmark for postgraduate medical education.
The examinations currently cover 11 separate
specialties. They have been developed by the
Federation in association with the UK specialist
societies, drawing on the expertise of more than 300
specialist consultant physicians.
Physicians working outside the UK who have passed
all parts of the MRCP(UK) are welcome to apply to
sit the SCE, which allows you to compare your
performance with peers on a global basis.
The SCE is a computerised test that you take at an
independently operated assessment centre. These
centres run in most countries – contact us on
SCE.queries@mrcpuk.org to find out if there is a
centre near you.
Passing the SCE is an important milestone for all
physicians moving to a senior level in the profession,
typically four years after starting specialist training. It
is intended to be part of a broad-based training
programme. This achievement confirms that:
• you have the knowledge to practise medicine to
consultant physician level
• your medical qualifications are understood and
respected by the public and the medical
community
• the standard you achieve compares favourably
with standards anywhere in the world
If you are successful in the SCE, you will receive a
certificate to validate your achievement.
Participating specialties
The first Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) were
introduced in 2008 and the entire programme is being
introduced over the next two years. Medical specialties that
now offer, or are developing, the SCE include:
• Acute medicine • Medical oncology
• Dermatology • Nephrology
• Endocrinology and • Neurology
diabetes • Palliative medicine
• Gastroenterology • Respiratory medicine
• Geriatric medicine • Rheumatology
• Infectious diseases
FAQs: The Specialty Certificate
Examination
Am I eligible to take the Specialty Certificate
Examination?
All physicians who have obtained the MRCP(UK)
may apply to take any of the SCEs.
What is the format for the Specialty Certificate
Examination?
The SCE is a summative assessment of your scientific and clinical
knowledge, and your problem-solving ability. The SCE takes
account of the skills and attitudes necessary in the consultant
physician’s role as a clinical leader. For example, you must
demonstrate an awareness of social, psychological and cultural
factors, and of evidence-based practice.
The examination questions, which are multiple-choice and
usually include a clinical scenario, test the diagnosis,
investigation, management and prognosis of patients. Results of
investigations and illustrations, such as images of scans, may also
form part of a question. You are asked to choose the best
answer from five possible alternatives. There are two sections,
each of 100 items. Each section lasts three hours. You take the
exam at an independent test centre, in a computer-based
format.
How should I prepare?
The SCE covers all areas of knowledge that you should have
acquired by the time you reach the last 18 months of your
specialty training. Before taking the examination you should
consult your trainer. Curricula for various medical specialties are
published on the website of the Joint Royal Colleges of
Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB). Visit: www.jrcptb.org.uk
How do I apply?
You can apply online via our website: www.mrcpuk.org/SCE
Please see the back page of this leaflet for more details.
How do I find my nearest test centre?
Contact us by email: SCE.queries@mrcpuk.org
MRCPUK
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

‘The MRCP(UK) and SCEs provide We have been working closely with leading
physicians around the world to ensure the
the gold standard for excellence
examinations have the full support of local
in medical education for patient medical communities.
care. All trainees should be
encouraged to take them’
Egypt Madiha Khattab MD, FRCP(Edin)
Parveen Kumar is a Professor of Hong Kong Matthew Ng FRCP(Lond), FRCP(Edin)
Medicine and Education and is a India (Chennai) Georgi Abraham MD, FRCP(Lond)
consultant physician and Kuwait Nabila Abdella FRCP(Lond), FRCPI
gastroenterologist. She was born Malaysia Dato Anuar Zaini Md Zain FRCP(Edin)
in India and has worked for the Oman Abdullah M. Riyami FRCP(Lond)
UK’s NHS for over 40 years –
Singapore Y.C. Chee FRCP(Lond), FCCP(USA), FRACP
mainly in north and east London.
United Arab Emirates (Al Ain) Salah Gariballa MD, FRCP(Lond)
Her contribution to the teaching
United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Joe Muscat-Baron BPharm, FRCP(Lond),
of medicine and medical FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Glasg)
education is well known.
You can now take the MRCP(UK) in over 20 countries
She is a past President of the British Medical Association, (see map below) and you can take the SCE in most of
past Academic Vice President of the Royal College of these countries.
Physicians of London and the President-Elect of the Royal
Society of Medicine. She is also a senior MRCP(UK) If you have any queries, please go to our website at
examiner, both in the UK and internationally. www.mrcpuk.org. Or if you have a specific query about
the best option for you, please send us an email:

She was awarded the UK’s CBE for Services to Medicine MRCP(UK) queries:
in 2000 and was the first Asian Woman of the Year www.mrcpuk.org/ContactUs/Pages/Contact%20Us.aspx
(Professional) in 1999. SCE queries:
SCE.queries@mrcpuk.org

Bahrain* Oman
Barbados, West Indies Pakistan (Karachi)*
Egypt Pakistan (Lahore)*
Ghana Qatar
Hong Kong Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
India (Chennai)* Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)*
India (Kolkata) Singapore
India (Mumbai) Sri Lanka
India (Thiruvananthapuram) Sudan
Jamaica, West Indies Syria
Jordan Trinidad, West Indies
Kuwait United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)
Libya United Arab Emirates (Al Ain)
Malaysia* United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Malta* Zimbabwe
Myanmar*
Nepal *New activity in 2008
 MRCPUK
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
About the
MRCP(UK)
The MRCP(UK) examination is a mandatory
part of the curriculum for physicians in the
UK and a gateway to higher specialist
training. In addition, it is a membership
examination that is common to all three Royal
Colleges of Physicians.
The examination provides valid, reliable
evidence of a physician’s:
• medical knowledge
• clinical skills
• judgement and appropriate professional
behaviour
The MRCP(UK) examination consists of three
parts, which you sit at different points in your
career:
• MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination: Two papers
test broad medical knowledge in a
multiple-choice format
• MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination:
Three papers ask about the diagnosis,
investigation, management and prognosis
of patients in various clinical scenarios,
using multiple-choice questions
• MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination
(PACES): Practical exercises and discussions
with the examiners assess skills in physical
examination, history taking, and
communication and ethics
To take the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination,
you must have a medical qualification that is
recognised by the Colleges, and at least one
year of experience in a medical post. You will
also need support from your educational or
clinical supervisor. You must pass Part 1
before progressing to Part 2 Written and
PACES.
Medical trainees would normally expect to
take the first part of the MRCP(UK)
examination two years after finishing medical
school and to complete the whole within four
years of finishing medical school. Trainees are
encouraged to work closely with their
educational supervisors to ensure that they
have acquired the appropriate knowledge
and expertise before applying.
How should I prepare?
All those wishing to take the MRCP(UK) examinations are
encouraged to discuss their plans with their supervisor.
To prepare for the exams, it is essential that you:
• gain clinical experience in hospital posts involving the care of
emergency medical patients
• study up-to-date postgraduate clinical textbooks
• read current medical journals
There are also practice questions available on our website, once
you have registered for the exam: www.mrcpuk.org
The syllabus for the MRCP(UK) is part of the General Internal
Medicine curriculum – see pages 9 to 98 of Specialty Training
Curriculum for General Internal Medicine, August 2009
(www.jrcptb.org.uk/Specialty/Documents/2009 GIM curriculum.PDF)
The written papers map to system-based competencies. They are
comprehensive and reflect the spiral of learning. PACES maps to
both system-based and generic competencies. The basic level for
MRCP(UK) Part 1 is to have some knowledge of common
conditions, progressing to more in-depth knowledge about the
presentation, examination findings, investigation and treatment.
Trainees at this stage are not expected to be competent to treat
the condition independently. The final level of knowledge and
experience required for Part 2 corresponds to the expectation of
trainees being able to manage the condition, e.g. atrial fibrillation
or diabetes mellitus, independently and be aware of the prognosis
and other aspects of treatment such as the evidence base for
treatment, guidelines and side-effects of treatment. In PACES,
trainees need to demonstrate adequate competence in physical
examination skills, history taking, and communication and ethics.
Quality assured
In the competitive worldwide environment, we know that we
cannot stand still. Our examinations are continually subject to
change and scrutiny to meet the demands of modern medicine.
This process of continual review and challenge is overseen by the
Federation’s Academic, Quality Management and Research
Committee (AQMRC), which is made up of leading physicians. The
AQMRC Committee is responsible for guaranteeing the academic
quality of the examinations. It monitors at all times the level of
achievement that the examinations represent, and is responsible
for ensuring that any complaints are properly handled.
In addition, we are working with the US National Board of Medical
Examiners (NBME), applying sophisticated statistical and
psychometric techniques to ensure that, each time candidates sit
the MRCP(UK), the questions are appropriate and consistent, and
the marking is fair and objective.
MRCPUK
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Your next steps

MRCP(UK) Examinations
Did you know that the MRCP(UK) Central Office provides
a range of resources to help you at each step in
preparing for the examination?
Visit the website at www.mrcpuk.org to:
• find answers to common questions
• locate a nearby testing centre
• see exam dates
• apply online
• download and order study guides
• practise sample questions and scenarios
• obtain contact details if you want to telephone/email
an adviser
• read the latest news about the exams
• track your results
Applying for the MRCP(UK) examinations
Candidates may apply to sit the MRCP(UK) examinations
at selected international centres either online or by post.
To find out what application options are available in your
country please see the ‘Exam Dates’ section of our
website for details of the dates of each part. The online
application service is accessible through the online
account ‘My MRCP(UK)’.
Please visit our Online Examination Services page
www.mrcpuk.org/Candidate/Pages/OnlineApplications.
aspx for more information about creating an online
account and applying online for an examination.
Applying for examinations online has several advantages.
You will:
• be able to apply right up to the deadline, without
worrying about the postal service
• enjoy the safety and ease of online payment for your
fees
• have peace of mind when receipt of your application
and your place on the exam date are confirmed quickly
• find out your results as soon as possible, as they are
published online (with strict security to protect your
privacy)
The online application process is quick, convenient and
good value for money.
Specialty Certificate
Examinations
This is a time of transition, as the SCE is introduced across
different specialties. You can keep up with the latest news
on the MRCP(UK) website at www.mrcpuk.org/SCE
On the website, you will also find:
• dates for upcoming examinations
• detailed information about the SCE for your specialty
• facts about the exam format, testing centres and fees
• sample questions
• how to apply online
• contact details for further information and advice
Applying for the Specialty Certificate Examination
All applications must be made online via our website
www.mrcpuk.org/SCE/Pages/Application.aspx
Benefits of College
membership
Passing the MRCP(UK) opens the door to full
membership of the participating Colleges. Depending
on which College you join, membership benefits to you
include:
• savings on conferences and educational programmes
• educational grants
• comprehensive library services, including online
access to journals
• support if you are working outside the UK
The Colleges represent the profession on both national
and international initiatives, and offer outstanding
opportunities for training and networking. You can
have an influence on the future of medicine by joining
College working parties and committees.

About the Federation

The Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK comprises the Royal College
of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
and the Royal College of Physicians of London.
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh www.rcpe.ac.uk
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow www.rcpsg.ac.uk
The Royal College of Physicians of London www.rcplondon.ac.uk

MRCP(UK) Central Office, 11 St Andrews Place, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4LE © 2009 Royal Colleges of Physicians