Overview
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom or MRCP (UK) is a requirement for anyone looking to pursue a medical specialty.
To gain your MRCP(UK) you need to sit a standardised, three-part exam that we develop in partnership with the UK’s other Royal Colleges. Once you're qualified, membership of a college will enable you to use the MRCP(UK) postnominals.
MRCP(UK) exams
The MRCP(UK) examination is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for physicians in training. It is made up of three parts Part 1, Part 2 Written, and Part 2 PACES. Read more about each part below.
MRCP(UK) Part 1
The MRCP(UK) Part 1 is the entry-level exam accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months' postgraduate experience in medical employment.
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written builds on the knowledge assessed in Part 1 and focuses on applying clinical understanding to real-world scenarios.
Applications to the MRCP(UK)
The MRCP(UK) consists of three parts: Part 1 (a written exam), Part 2 (a written exam) and Part 2 (PACES). Both Part 1 and 2 are completed online with Part 2 (PACES) assessed at an Exam Centre.
Our Exams team are happy to offer advice or support while you’re completing your MRCP(UK) exams.
Information on how to apply can be found in the ‘Exam Centres’ section below. For more details on the exams and their regulations, go to the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK website.
Exam locations
You can apply to our College to complete all stages of the MRCP(UK) exams. As well as Glasgow, we also run centres in the following locations:
Part 1
Online only
Part 2 written
Online only
Part 2 PACES
Centres in previous years have included: Aberdeen, Barnsley, Birmingham, Bury, Dumfries, Forth Valley, Glasgow, Grimsby, Harrogate, Hull, Kilmarnock, Oxford, Portsmouth, Tameside and Wolverhampton.
In 2024/25, we intend to run centres in: Aberdeen, Barnsley, Birmingham, Bury, Dumfries, Forth Valley, Glasgow, Hull, Kilmarnock, London, Middlesborough, Oxford, Portsmouth, Tameside and Wolverhampton.
To apply for one of our centres, visit the PACES page on the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK website.
How we Can Support You Through Your MRCP(UK) Exams
We’re here help you achieve the results you deserve when completing your MRCP(UK) exams.
Our online prep course, gives you all the info you need to get up to speed with what’s expected of you in your PACES exam. Check out our other MRCP(UK) prep courses in our digital learning catalogue.
Trainees are valued members of our College. That’s why we’re committed to supporting your professional development and caring for your wellbeing.
Our Trainees' Committee operates UK-wide and advises the College on how it can best support trainees in their day-to-day professional lives. Whether that’s providing essential CPD courses or representing your interests to NHS boards and governments.
Your Diploma
Following your successful completion of the MRCP(UK) exams, and completion of your Form of Faith, you’ll be awarded your Diploma and be eligible for membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Once you have passed all phases of the MRCP(UK) exams, we’ll send your Diploma by post.
We also invite you to celebrate your achievements, and your admission to the College as a Member, at one of our Diploma Ceremonies, held multiple times a year at our College in Glasgow.
Advance your career with college membership
Joining the College offers you the unique opportunity to become part of a global network committed to excellence in patient care and medical innovation.
As a Member, you’ll gain access to invaluable resources that’ll support your professional growth, including substantial discounts on world-class courses and conferences, a suite of digital learning tools tailored to your needs and the use of internationally recognised postnominals.
You can start your journey with us as an Affiliate Member for just £15 per year while you complete your MRCP(UK) exams.
Frequently asked qustions
No, you don’t need to be a member to apply. However, becoming an Affiliate Member gives you access to exam preparation resources, discounts, and support.
You must hold a primary medical qualification accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC) or equivalent. You’ll need at least 12 months of postgraduate experience to sit Part 1.
No, you receive a certificate only after passing all three parts of the MRCP(UK). At that point, you are eligible to apply for membership.
Yes. MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 Written are offered at international centres. PACES is also delivered at selected locations worldwide.
There is no formal time limit, but candidates are encouraged to complete all parts as efficiently as possible, especially if aiming for higher specialty training in the UK.
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Any questions about this exam?
Our team is here to help. Email us via the link below, or phone +44 (0) 141 221 6072.
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