Structure & Specimen Papers

The structure of the MRCPCH Part 1 Examination

The MRCPCH Part 1 examination will consist of two papers, each of 2½ hours duration

Both papers are held on the same day, Paper 1a in the morning and 1b in the afternoon. Candidates can choose to enter both papers on the same day or to enter only one and attempt the remaining paper at a later date.

• Paper 1a focuses on the areas of child health that are relevant to those who will be working with children in their medical careers, not just those entering mainstream hospital-based paediatrics. The areas to be tested will be those conditions likely to be seen in 6 to 12 months of hospital, community or primary care practice. This paper also serves as the written component of the Diploma in Child Health examination.
   

• Paper 1b focuses on the more complex paediatric problem-solving skills not tested in Paper 1a, and on the scientific knowledge underpinning paediatrics.

Part 1 UK Timetable

10.00 - 12.30 Paper 1a

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch

14:00 - 16.30 Paper 1b (not for DCH candidates)

Specific arrangements and timings for candidates taking the Examination overseas should be obtained from the overseas centres.

The number of examination questions

With effect from 01 January 2010, Paper 1a and Paper 1b will consist of the following questions:

• 12 Extended matching questions (EMQ) worth 9 marks each (3 per item)

• 15 Multiple true-false questions worth 5 marks each (1 per item)

• 48 Best of five questions worth 4 marks each

Both Paper 1a and Paper 1b papers will be 2½ hours in duration.

Question Types

Multiple true-false questions are most useful when testing knowledge when there is an absolute Yes/No answer.

The questions test whether a candidate has true knowledge of a fact or thinks that something similar (but wrong) sounds vaguely familiar.

A simple statement or short clinical scenario leads in to five items.

e.g. "The following statements about X condition are true:"

"X is a complication of"

Alternatively they might test whether a candidate has true knowledge of a fact or thinks that something similar (but wrong) sounds vaguely familiar.

e.g. " Characteristic features of X condition include"

Best of Five questions are used to test judgment and experience. A simple statement or short clinical scenario leads into 5 options. All could be possible but only one is completely correct or more correct than the others.

They should only cover one aspect of the topic so stems might be:

• "What is the most likely diagnosis?"

• "Which investigation is most likely to lead to a diagnosis?"

• "What is the best next step?"

• "What is the best advice to give to parents?"

• "What is the most likely pathogenesis of this condition?"

• "What is the most common cause of this?"

Extended matching questions are used in much the same way as Best of Five questions. In this case a list of 10 possible answers is offered with three statements or clinical scenarios.

The candidate chooses the best option from the introductory list. Again, all could be possible but only one is completely correct or more correct than the others.

EMQs are often accompanied by laboratory results that are similar but with differences.

They should only cover one aspect of the topic, so suitable questions might be:

• Choose the most likely diagnosis from the following:

• Choose the best treatment for each of these children:

• Choose the organism which matches most closely each of the following case scenarios:

Sample examination questions and instructions

•  Part 1 Instructions on how to complete the specimen papers and answer script (4 Pages 97KB)

•  MRCPCH Part 1 Paper 1A (47 Pages 166KB)

•  MRCPCH Part 1 Paper 1B (51 Pages 175KB)

•  Answer Key Part 1 Paper 1A (3 Pages 22KB)

•  Answer Key Part 1 Paper 1B (3 Pages 23KB)

DCH Clinical & Written Paper 1a Syllabus

 DCH Clinical & Wriiten Paper 1a Syllabus Content (24 Pages 167KB)

Copyright of examination questions

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.