Tips on MRCP, PACES, MRCGP exams

The following "The way I see it" articles published in BMJ Careers may be of interest to those who are preparing for the MRCP, FACES, MRCGP exams.

"When should I sit the MRCP?" - a consultant nephrologist suggested that taking the exams early has competitive advantage.

"Taking the MRCP early on" - a founadtion doctor thought that taking the exam early will help stand out from the crowd and has many advantages.

"Passing the MRCP written papers" - a SpR gave useful tips on passing the exam.


"The new MRCP PACES station 5" - 2 SpRs wrote about the changes and format of the new station 5 and offered advice on how to prepare for the exam - "the key is timing and maintaing professional behaviour throughout."

"Passing PACES" - a SpR offered Dos and Don'ts to help you "don't fall at the final hurdle - the PACES exam".

"MRCGP applied knowledge test" - a GP trainee offered advice on preparing for the new MRCGP AKT.

See also previous post on Passing postgraduate exam techniques

Share your views and experience to help others better prepare for the exams! If you like to add more information on this topic, click on "comment" and "send."

Passing postgradute exams - don't be late

Are you preparing for your exams? Did you know that better-prepared doctors arriving on time were more likely to pass the exam?

In this article - "Disorganized junior doctors fail the MRCP (UK)". Medical Teacher. Feb 2006, 28(1):e40-e42(1) (abstract only) - researchers examined whether organization skills relate to exam outcome amongst junior doctors taking the RCP clinical Part ll exam.

The study was condudcted at 4 clinical courses that prepared the trainees for the exam. Arrival time at registration ( 8.00 am ) for the course was chosen for organisation skills. 81 doctors passed the exam and arrived 14 minutes earlier, 71 doctors failed the exam and arrived 6 minutes later than those who passed.

The study has shown that good time-keeping skills are positively associated with exam outcome and the authors suggested that "arriving on time is a valid marker of organization skills and preparation" and advised prospective candidates that "lateness is a sign of failure: get organised".

The BMJ Careers has published a 4 part series to help doctors maximise their chance of passing postgraduate exams.

Exam technique 1

Exam technique 2: performing

Exam technique 3: revision

Exam technique 4: study