Theory & Standards team

We provide two examinations at RCPCH: the Membership examination (MRCPCH) and the Diploma in Child Health (DCH).

As the Theory & Standards team, we support the delivery of the theory components of these exams: Foundation of Practice (FOP), Theory & Science (TAS) and Applied Knowledge in Paediatrics (AKP).

We support exam candidates as they register for exams, and apply for and sit their theory exams. We work with clinical leads to develop theory exam questions, review and standard set those questions and produce results for all theory and clinical examinations.

We work closely with the Clinical Assessment team  which supports the delivery of the clinical components of our exams: the MRCPCH Clinical and the DCH Clinical.

Contact the Theory & Standards team on theoryexams@rcpch.ac.uk for:

  • Registration for an RCPCH exam account
  • Any enquiry or request about applying to, preparing for, sitting or querying results for one of the three theory exams: Foundation of Practice (FOP), Theory and Standards (TAS) and Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)
  • Resending documents about theory exams, for example, theory exam placement or results letters
  • Complaints about theory exams
  • Requests for letters to use for tax purposes in relation to theory exams that have been sat (if you need a letter for multiple exams, including a clinical exam, then you should also contact clinicalexams@rcpch.ac.uk). 

Recent content

Volunteering opportunity

Write and review scenarios for clinical exams

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with an interest in clinical education and MRCPCH to join our MRCPCH Clinical scenario working groups. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills and to support the next generation of paediatricians.
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Preparing for your theory exams

Taking theory exams? Fantastic news! Want some great tips on how to approach the exams and how (or what) to study? This page houses videos giving tips from experts on a wide range of principles for theory exams. We highly recommend not leaving these to the last minute; remember it's not just about w...
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Theory exams for the MRCPCH and DCH - options for taking the exam

Candidates have two options for taking the theory exam, a computer-based exam: at a test centre, or at one’s own home or workplace with online invigilation. We have a webinar recording about the options first provided for our 2020.3 diet, which is currently relevant. We also have some frequently ...