Member of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Paediatrician examining her patient ©
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What does Member of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) stand for?

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is responsible for training doctors in paediatrics as well as conducting the MRCPCH membership exams. Candidates who successfully complete all parts of the MRCPCH Examinations are eligible to become Members of the Royal College. This qualification is principally aimed at medical professionals who wish to enter registrar level to train in the UK.

What does the MRCPCH exam involve?

The exam is usually taken during the period of basic specialist training, which in the UK normally lasts for two to three years. It replaced the MRCP (UK) paediatrics exam in June 1999.

It has four sections:

Foundation of Practice, in which a written paper tests basic clinical knowledge in paediatrics.
Theory and Science, in which a written paper tests the science underpinning paediatric practice.
Applied Knowledge in Practice, which consists of two papers taken in one day, which predominantly feature questions based on clinical scenarios
Clinical, which involves assessed interactions with children and their families.

Success in one exam leads to a timed registration period of entry into the next exam.

Why should I take this exam?

It will provide you with the normal entry requirement for higher specialist training in paediatrics.

Successfully completing the Clinical section allows for entry to membership of the college.

How can I register to take the MRCPCH exams?

You can apply directly with the RCPCH. For more information about how to do this, visit their website.

You must then contact us for we administer the exam.

When are the exams and how much do they cost?

Exam	Exam Date	Application Opens	Application Closes
Foundation of Practice	10 February 2015	17 November 2014	28 November 2014
	9 June 2015	23 March 2015	4 April 2015
	6 October 2015	20 July 2015	31 July 2015

Theory and Science	10 February 2015	17 November 2014	28 November 2014
	9 June 2015	23 March 2015	4 April 2015
	6 October 2015	20 July 2015	31 July 2015

Applied Knowledge in Practice	14 January 2015	27 October 2014	7 November 2014
	12 May 2015	23 February 2014	6 March 2015
	22 September 2015	6 July 2015	17 July 2015

Examination Fees: For fees please contact the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Do you organise exams for people with disabilities?

We do our best to cater for any special needs. We will do all we can to help you understand test questions and ways of giving answers. You will be assessed fairly and objectively irrespective of disability.

If you require special arrangements please get in touch at least three months before submitting your application. Relevant supporting materials such as medical certificates should be submitted during registration.

Where can I find out more information about the MRPCH exam?

For comprehensive details about the exam visit the RCPCH website.