Exam structure, syllabi and specimen papers

MRCPCH written examination will be changing as of 2013

From February 2013 the MRCPCH Part 1 examinations will be redesignated as follows: MRCPCH Foundation of Practice (previously 1a) and MRCPCH Theory and Science (previously 1b) and from May 2013 the MRCPCH Part 2 will be renamed MRCPCH Applied Knowledge (clinical decisions and management).  

• Structure
• Syllabi
• MRCPCH Foundation of Practice Specimen Paper
• MRCPCH Theory and Science Specimen Paper
• MRCPCH Applied Knowledge in Practice Specimen Papers
• Copyright

Structure

Detailed information on the structure and timetable of all written examinations:

• MRCPCH Written Examination Structures and timetable 2012 - 2013 (PDF, 5 pages, 809KB)

Syllabi - 2013

MRCPCH Foundation Practice Syllabus 2013 (PDF, 31 pages, 131KB)

MRCPCH Theory and Science of Practice Syllabus 2013 (PDF, 22 pages, 175KB)

MRCPCH Applied Knowledge in Practice Syllabus 2013 (PDF, 26 pages 207KB)

Specimen papers

The College has written specimen papers to help trainees understand what to expect in our examinations and as an aide to revision. 

  MRCPCH Foundation of Practice sample examination questions and instructions   

• Part 1 Instructions on how to complete the specimen papers and answer script (PDF, 4 pages, 97KB)
• Foundation of Practice Specimen Paper (PDF, 11 pages, 52KB)
• Foundation of Practice Specimen Paper Answer Key (PDF, 1 page 9KB)

MRCPCH Theory and Science - 2013 sample examination questions and instructions

• Theory and Science Specimen Paper (PDF, 12 pages, 84KB)
•  Theory and Science Specimen Paper Answer Key (PDF, 2 pages 9KB)

MRCPCH Applied Knowledge in Practice - 2013 sample examination questions and instructions

• Applied Knowledge in Practice Specimen Paper 1(PDF, 55 pages, 1.58MB)
• Applied Knowledge in Practice Specimen Paper 2 (PDF, 54 pages, 2.46MB) 
• Applied Knowledge in Practice Paper 1 Answer Key (PDF, 2 pages, 10KB)
• Applied Knowledge in Practice Paper 2 Answer Key (PDF, 2 pages, 10KB 

Copyright

Copyright of questions used in RCPCH Examinations belongs to the RCPCH. The MRCPCH and the DCH questions are prepared and revised through the hard work of many College members and staff. Our aim is to produce valid, appropriate and well-prepared questions so that our examinations are fair and effective. Our question bank and reputation is threatened by unauthorised copying of exam questions.

Some examination preparation organisations aim to exploit knowledge of our examination. We are aware that candidates have been asked to memorise questions and provide copies to these organisations. On occasion candidates have been offered payment for this. Infringement of copyright may result in debarment to take the exam, removal of the MRCPCH qualification or prosecution. Please do not divulge examination questions to outside organisations.