- Introducing the three theory exams
- Who is eligible for the theory exams?
- How do you register for exams?
- When and where are the theory exams?
- How do you sit the exam?
- What time do the exams start and finish?
- How much do the theory exams cost?
- Preparing for your theory exam
- Regulations and rules
- Ready to apply?
Introducing the three theory exams
For MRCPCH (membership exam), there are three theory exams. These are non-sequential, so you can take them in any order. You must pass all three theory exams before you can apply for the MRCPCH Clinical.
For DCH (Diploma of Child Health), you sit only the FOP theory exam in combination with the DCH Clinical, in either order.
- Foundation of Practice (FOP) - This tests the knowledge of doctors seeking to provide clinical care for children. It covers a wide range of the conditions that are frequently encountered.
- Theory and Science of Practice (TAS) - This tests the basic scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles on which clinical practice is based.
- Applied Knowledge of Practice (AKP) - This tests clinical decision-making and management. Candidates benefit from clinical experience in paediatrics.
All theory exams are computer-based and are standard set according to the Modified Angoff Method of standard setting.
See structure and syllabus of the theory exams
Who is eligible for the theory exams?
Theory exams are typically taken by paediatric trainees or medical doctors who require an additional qualification in paediatric medicine.
The eligibility criteria to register for the theory exams:
- Candidate must hold a valid primary medical qualification (PMQ) from a registered institution
- “Primary medical qualification” shall mean a qualification rendering the holder eligible for registration with the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, or in the case of overseas bodies, being recognised by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.
Find out if the institution where you obtained your PMQ is registered
How do you register for exams?
Before you can book a theory exam, you will need to register for an exam account. You need to do this at least 10 days before an exam application window opens.
When and where are the theory exams?
We normally have three exam diets each year - in which we run all three theory exams:
- Diet 1 - January AKP, February FOPTAS
- Diet 2 - May AKP, June FOPTAS
- Diet 3 - September AKP, October FOPTAS
We run theory exams across the UK and in many countries around the world. We may not run exams in every listed country in every diet.
The below maps show the UK and international cities with theory exams in test centres. [Add a note about locations with online invigilation only]
UK
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International
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(Note the MRCPCH Clinical exam may not be available in all countries.)
Application windows open about 11-12 weeks before the exam. We advertise these in advance - so you can make sure you are ready to apply. All seats are offered on a first come first served basis, and we have limited numbers. Ensure you are ready to book as soon as the application window opens.
See upcoming theory exam dates and application windows
How do you sit the exam?
Most candidates sit the theory exam in a test centre. If there is no test centre local to you, there is also the option to sit the exam remotely, both in the UK and overseas (with the exception of UAE). Only candidates that meet our remote invigilation eligibility criteria are able to sit theory exams online.
If you would like to apply for remote invigilation, you will need to provide evidence that you meet one of the following criteria:
- No test centre in country of residence during the time of the exam
- Residence more than 200 miles from a test centre
- Approved reasonable adjustment as sitting the exam at a test centre would be detrimental to your health
Please note that we require evidence for these at the time of booking.
About sitting the exams at a test centre or via remote invigilation
What time do the exams start and finish?
FOP and TAS take place on the same day - FOP in the morning, and TAS in the afternoon. Each exam takes 2 hours.
AKP has two papers, taken on the same day. Each paper takes 2½ hours, 5 hours in total.
You'll need to get to the test centre (or log on if via online invigilation) before the exam starts. About 5-6 weeks before the exam, will email you an admissions document with full details about timings and location, please print this and bring to the test centre, (more detail in How to prepare for your exam day).
- Exam times in UK and Republic of Ireland
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These are the same for both options: test centre and online invigilation. We can arrange reasonable adjustments for candidates that require extra time, please request these on the application form.
Exam Start End End - e.g. 25% additional time FOP 09:30 11:30 12:00 TAS 14:00 16:00 16:30 AKP - paper 1 09:30 12:00 12:38 AKP - paper 2 14:00 16:30 17:08 - Exam times in other countries
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Timings vary by country. We include this information on your admission document, which we'll email you 5-6 weeks before the exam.
Those taking the option for remote invigilation, please also check your admission document, all online start times are in UK time. This means, your start time will depend on your time zone. It is your responsibility as the candidate to ensure you are ready to start at the correct time. Candidates who log in late to their examination may not be able to start or complete their exam and will not be eligible for compensation.
How much do the theory exams cost?
The theory exam fees depend on the exam and whether they are UK-based or overseas. The fees are the same for test centre and online invigilation.
You pay for each exam when you apply online for that exam. For all countries except Hong Kong, you need to pay online by credit card, or by debit card that is linked to a UK bank account. All fees are processed in UK sterling and might be subject to currency fluctuations. We do not accept bank drafts or cheques.
| Exam | 2025 fee | 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| FOP or TAS single - UK | £365 | £365 |
| FOP or TAS single - international | £455 | £455 |
| FOP and TAS combined - UK | £635 | £659 |
| FOP and TAS combined - international | £775 | £804 |
| AKP - UK | £635 | £659 |
| AKP - international | £895 | £929 |
Preparing for your theory exam
We have lots of resources to help you prepare. Do take a look so you can be as ready as possible!
Watch videos for consultants' top tips
Buy our textbooks for each exam
See all exam prep resources, including any upcoming courses
Regulations and rules
Prior to booking an exam, we recommend you review our regulatory guidance and policies relevant to exam candidates preparing for the MRCPCH (membership) and/or DCH (Diploma of Child Health) examinations. These include general regulations and rules, plus a series of appendices detailing our policies related to malpractice in exams, reasonable adjustments, currency and number of attempts in examinations, and cancellation or suspension of examinations.
See all exam regulations and rules