Exam structure, syllabi, scenarios and anchor statements

The aims of the MRCPCH and DCH Clinical examinations

MRCPCH Clinical

• Aim of the MRCPCH Clinical Examination
• MRCPCH Circuit Diagram
• MRCPCH Communication Station Scenarios
• MRCPCH Clinical Video Scenarios
• MRCPCH Clinical Anchor statement
• MRCPCH Clinical Marksheets

DCH Clinical

• Aim of the DCH Clinical Examination
• DCH Circuit Diagram
• DCH Clinical Syllabus
• DCH Communication Station Scenarios
• MRCPCH Clinical Anchor statement
•  MRCPCH Clinical Marksheets

Aim of the MRCPCH Clinical

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

MRCPCH Clinical Exam Technique

Clinical examination technique is of central importance in clinical practice. The MRCPCH Clinical Exam Technique booklet does not aim to present a syllabus for the examination. It sets a level of technique and expertise which is expected of the good candidate.

The book is designed around the membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health examination, providing guidelines for examiner and candidates. 

MRCPCH Clinical Exam Technique.pdf(PDF, 35 pages, 156KB) 

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

MRCPCH Clinical Circuit (January 2009) (PDF, 1 page, 6KB)  

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. Please click here for further more detailed guidance on the video station.  

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 (PDF, 2 pages, 24KB)

Anchor Communication (PDF, 2 pages, 24KB)

Anchor History Taking (PDF, 2 pages, 27KB)

Anchor Clinical Exam Station (PDF, 2 pages, 24KB)  

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.

MRCPCH Clinical Marksheets 2012 (PDF, 18 pages 231KB) 

Aim of the DCH Clinical

The aim of the examination is to assess whether candidates have reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly appointed General Practitioner who has completed a short period of training in paediatrics.

Scenarios are generally written with reference to the candidate being a GP.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in:

• Child development
• Clinical judgement
• Communication
• Establishing rapport with both parents and children
• Ethical practice
• History-taking and management planning of chronic conditions
• Interpretation of data
• Knowledge and understanding of common problems in child health
• Organisation of thoughts and actions
• Physical examination
• Professional behaviour
• Safe prescribing

DCH Clinical circuit

View the clinical circuit on screen below:

DCH Clinical Circuit 2011 (PDF, 1 page, 58KB)

DCH Clinical and Written Foundation of Practice syllabi

DCH Clinical Examination Syllabus.pdf(PDF, 30 pages, 243KB)  

Foundation of Practice Syllabus can be found here. 

DCH marksheets

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.

DCH Mark Sheets 2011.pdf(PDF, 16 pages, 220KB)

Anchor statements

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

Communication Station 1 and 2 (PDF, 2 pages, 20KB)

Data Interpretation Station 3 (PDF, 1 page, 15KB)

Structured Oral Station 4 (PDF, 1 page, 13KB)

Clinical Assessment Station 5 (PDF, 1 page, 15KB)

Focused History Station 6 (PDF, 2 pages, 20KB)

Child Development Station 7 (PDF, 1 page, 18KB)

Safe Prescribing Station 8 (PDF, 2 pages, 21KB)