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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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MRCPCH Clinical in UK to include real patients

From February 2023, the MRCPCH Clinical exam will again include real patients in the four short clinical stations. The development station will remain scenario-based.

Guidance hub for MRCPCH Clinical

Working with our partners on the safe delivery of exams in UK and internationally

Since the second half of 2020, we've made modifications to the method of delivery of most RCPCH exams:

  • Theory exams have two options: at a test centre with social distancing, or online invigilation at home
  • MRCPCH Clinical has now returned to a face-to-face format
  • DCH Clinical has been run virtually
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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

Our Diploma of Child Health recognises competence in the care of children. With one theory exam and one clinical exam, it's especially for those working in specialties allied to paediatrics such as general practice.
About DCH

Before you apply

Theory exams - how and when to apply
Theory exams - guidance hub
MRCPCH Clinical - how and when to apply
MRCPCH Clinical (face-to-face) - guidance hub
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)

News about exams

All news about exams
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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...
Announcement
22 September 2022

AKP exam issue on 21 September and FAQs

We would like to apologise to those candidates affected by the system build and technical issue with navigating the software in the Part 2 of the AKP exam on 21 September 2022.  
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Announcement
16 August 2022

Contacting us about exams? Two new email addresses

If your question is about registering for the MRCPCH or Diploma of Child Health (DCH) exams, or about one of our three theory exams, contact us on theoryexams@rcpch.ac.uk. If your question is about the MRCPCH Clinical or DCH Clinical, contact us on clinicalexams@rcpch.ac.uk. More detail below.
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Need help with your RCPCH exam study?

Check our resources to support you - from preparation material to textbooks and sample papers.

See resources