Ethnicity & gender on MRCP exams pass rates

A research, undertaken by MRCP in collaboration with UCL, was published in the journal of BMC Medicine, looking at the "effects of ethnicity and gender of UK medical graduates on MRCP exam pass rates during 2003-04".

The researchers found :
In all three parts of the MRCP examination, white candidates performed better than other ethnic groups.

In Part 1 and Part 2 Written Examinations, gender did not make a significant difference.

In the Part 2 Clinical Examination, women performed better than men did. White candidates had a much higher pass rate than non-white candidates and non-white males were least successful, the poor performance was most marked in the communications and ethics assessments.

There was no evidence of the gender of the examiners that made significant difference, however, there was improved performance in communications and ethics of non-white candidates examined by 2 non-white examines.

MRCP & MRCS free exam questions

For those who are preparing for the MRCP or MRCS, there are some free resources developed by doctors to help others to pass the exams.

MRCP free questions :

MRCP.org provides an exam guide on how to revise for and pass MRCP and
free MCQs and BOFs for MRCP 1 & 2 - "the biggest and best selection of MCQs and BOFs"

Neurology4mrcp group provides free MCQs & BOFs in PDF format and are free to download, updated at regular intervals. Also check the useful links on "what to read for MRCP".

PassPACES.com is independent and privately funded website with the aim of helping fellow doctors to pass their MRCP PACES examination. It provides free MRCP PACES tutorial and other useful information.

AIPPG provides free MRCP mock tests

There are also commercial websites that offer online courses by personal subscriptions.
Onexamination.com

PasTest Online

123Doc

Medexam.net - the first 200 questions are free for all users


MRCS free questions :

mrcs.org provides tips for MRCS part 1 and 2 training

Clinical Tutor - provides interactive MCQs and a MCQ question database etc. , registration is required.

Surgical-tutor.org.uk - provides a bank of resources from journal club, MCQs, revision notes etc.

Webhealthcentre.com - the Student Centre has a large bank of MCQs free to all registered users.

Fleshandbones.com - this site provides study tips and an image bank, also MCQ database in many subjects with answers ( located in the Revision Center). Need to register to gain access to the free resources.

Surgeons.org.uk - a free educational website with MCQs and surgical turorials etc. Need registration to gain access the material

Tips and advices from BMJ Careers :

Is it mandatory to complete 3 parts of the MRCP exam in order to be able to apply for an SHO post in dermatology or would MRCP part 1 be enough

How to pass MRCP

Preparing for MRCP part 1

Comments on the usefulness of these resources would be helpful to other users.