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Examinations

We offer two qualifications: Membership (MRCPCH) and the Diploma of Child Health (DCH). We support candidates to register, apply for and sit their exams - whether in the UK and Ireland, or in a growing number of countries internationally.
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Get your exam account

Before you can apply, you need to register for exams via your RCPCH online account. You'll need to provide your GMC number or evidence of your primary medical qualification.
How to register
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MRCPCH

Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) is achieved by passing three theory exams and one clinical exam. It's an essential part of training and mapped to our curriculum.
About MRCPCH
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DCH

Diploma of Child Health recognises competence in the care of children for those in specialties allied to paediatrics such as general practice. It comprises theory exam and one clinical exam.
About DCH

Before you apply

Theory exams - how and when to apply
Theory exams - options for taking the exam
MRCPCH Clinical - how and when to apply
MRCPCH Clinical - guidance hub (exams are delivered face-to-face, with or witho…
DCH Clinical - how and when to apply
All exams - regulations and rules
All exams - privacy notice
Watch out for scams about RCPCH exams and GMC specialist registration

Preparing for your exam

Theory exams - structure and syllabus
Theory exams - sample papers
MRCPCH Clinical - candidate guide
MRCPCH Clinical - on exam day, withdrawals, transfers, feedback
DCH Clinical - candidate guide
All exams - resources to help you get ready

After your exam

Exam results
Tax relief on exams (for UK only)
Verification of qualifications
RCPCH START (assessment for UK trainees)
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Calling us about exams

When you call our main number on +44 (0)20 7092 6000, you'll first get an auto attendant.

To speak with staff about theory exams (FOP/TAS/AKP), choose option 3 (examinations), then option 1 (theory).

To speak with staff about clinical exams, choose option 3 (examinations), then either option 1 (UK MRPCH Clinical), option 2 (overseas MRCPCH Clinical) or option 3 (DCH).

Snips from the videos - featuring four clinicians

Top tips for your theory exams

In our short videos, experts advise how you can get ready for these exams - from using your experience on the ward to fully reading the question.
Watch videos
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Further resources

Don't forget to check our resources to support you - from the sample papers to textbooks on each exam. We also host regular courses.
See resources

News about exams

All news about exams
Dr Janet Anderson
Tribute
3 April 2023

Tribute to Dr Janet Anderson

Professor Sir Alan Craft pays tribute to Dr Janet Anderson, a general paediatrician in Wolverhampton with a special interest in diabetes. For many years she was involved in training at RCPCH and was an Honorary Fellow.
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Announcement
9 February 2023

Celebrating a landmark for our membership clinical exam

Last month, our exam lead in Saudi Arabia, Professor Abdulmoein Al-Agha and his colleagues ran their 30th MRCPCH Clinical event in Jeddah. More than 1,500 candidates have sat this exam in just over a decade in the centre - a phenomenal contribution by a hard-working team!
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Announcement
20 October 2022

AKP exam issue on 21 September - update on our investigations

This is an update on the Applied Knowledge in Practice exam technical issue that affected test centre candidates on 21 September 2022. We apologise once again to those candidates who were affected by this technical issue during their AKP exam last month. We are aware this has been a difficult exp...