Structure

The Aim of the examination

The aim of the examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed Specialist Registrar.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in:

• Communication
• History-taking and management planning
• Establishing rapport with both parents and children
• Physical examination
• Child development
• Clinical judgment
• Organisation of thoughts and actions
• Recognition of acute illness
• Knowledge of paediatrics and child health
• Professional behaviour
• Ethical practice

The MRCPCH Clinical examination follows an OSCE style format.  Stations are set to test candidates in:

• Child Development
• Communication Skills
• History-Taking and Management Planning
• Recognition and diagnosis of clinical signs and symptoms
• Physical examination skills

A diagram showing the order of stations around the circuit can be accessed here: 

 MRCPCH Clinical Circuit (January 2009) (1 Page 6KB) 

Examiner and Candidate Guide Notes

MRCPCH Candidate Guidenotes July 2011.pdf (18 Pages 148KB)

MRCPCH Information for Hosts and Examiners July 2011.pdf (37 Pages 282KB)

 Information for Senior Examiners (18 Pages 152KB)

 For guidance on what is expected of candidates when performing clinical examinations of children please refer to the following document:

 MRCPCH Clinical Exam Technique (36 Pages 123KB) 

Sample Communication Skills Scenarios

In each of these stations candidates are expected to specifically display their competence in communication. The candidate is given a task that will involve them being asked to impart and discuss information with a child, parent or colleague.

Some examples of scenarios used at these stations can be found below.

MRCPCH Clinical Video Scenarios Station

Candidates will be given time to read instructions relating to the Video Scenarios software before they begin their examination. Further guidance is available in the following document:

 Clinical Video Scenarios User Guide (3 Pages 174KB)

Mark Sheets

Below are sample copies of the mark sheets to be used in the examination. The layout may be slightly different for the actual examination but the content and structure will not. Similar to the answer sheets used in our written examinations, candidates must enter their name and code number on every mark sheet.

 Developmental Station (2 Pages 37KB)

 Communications A (2 Pages 42KB)

 History-Taking and Management Planning Skills (2 Pages 38KB)

 Communications B (2 Pages 42KB)

 Clinical Examination Station - CVS (2 Pages 37KB)

 Clinical Examination Station - Respiratory/Other (2 Pages 37KB)

 Clinical Examination Station - Abdominal/Other (2 Pages 37KB)

 Clinical Examination Station - MSK/Other (2 Pages 37KB)

 Clinical Examination Station - Neuro (2 Pages 46KB)

Anchor Statements

Anchor statements outlining the expected general standard for each station are provided to all examiners in order to aid them reach their overall judgments.

 Anchor Development (2 Pages 24KB)

 Anchor Communication (2 Pages 24KB)

 Anchor History Taking (2 Pages 27KB)

 Anchor Clinical Exam Station (2 Pages 24KB)

  (PD)