Theory exams - upcoming exam dates and when to apply

We have three diets each year for all three theory exams, FOP, TAS and AKP. These take place across the UK and in countries around the world. This page has dates and countries of upcoming theory exams, and the application periods for each, and is regularly updated.
Last modified
21 February 2025

For more information about the three theory exams, including eligibility, fees, syllabus, how to apply and how to prepare, go to our Theory examinations page.

Upcoming exams - applications open now or soon

Update: The application window is now up to 7 days depending on your location (5 days for applications for online invigilation).

AKP 2025.2

Exam date: Wednesday 21 May 2025

Applications open: From Monday 10 March 2025 (09:30 UK time) 

  • Monday 10 March - Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, KSA, UAE, UK, Remote Invigilation Overseas, Remote Invigilation UK
  • Tuesday 11 March - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
  • Wednesday 12 March - Hong Kong (test centre), Malaysia, Singapore, Trinidad

Applications close (remote invigilation): Friday 14 March (16:00 UK time)

Applications close (test centres): Monday 17 March (16:00 UK time)

FOP/TAS 2025.2

Exam date: Wednesday 25 June 2025

Applications open: From Monday 7 April 2025 (09:30 UK time).

  • Monday 7 April - Bahrain, Egypt, Hong Kong (test centre), Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, KSA, UAE, UK, Remote Invigilation Overseas, Remote Invigilation UK
  • Tuesday 8 April - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
  • Wednesday 9 April - Malaysia, Singapore, Trinidad

Applications close (online invigilation): Friday 11 April 2025 (16:00 UK time)

Applications close (test centres): Monday 14 April 2025 (16:00 UK time)

Please see test centres for 2025.2 below.

UK

Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth, Southampton, Swansea, Warrington

Bahrain

Manama

Egypt

Cairo

Jordan

Amman

Kuwait

Salmiya

Oman

Muscat

Qatar

Doha

KSA

Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh

UAE

Abu Dhabi, Dubai

India

Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Trivandrum

Pakistan

Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan

Sri Lanka

Colombo

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Kuching

Singapore

Singapore

Trinidad and Tobago

Champs Fleurs

*Please note Ahmedabad and Chandigarh will not be available for AKP.

AKP 2025.3

Exam date: Wednesday 17 September 2025

Applications open: From Monday 7 July 2025 (09:30 UK time)

Applications close (online invigilation): Friday 11 July 2025 (16:00 UK time)

Applications close (test centres): Monday 14 July 2025 (16:00 UK time)

FOP/TAS 2025.3

Exam date: Tuesday 14 October 2025

Applications open: From Monday 11 August 2025 (09:30 UK time)

Applications close (online invigilation): Friday 14 August 2025 (16:00 UK time)

Applications close (test centres): Monday 18 August 2025 (16:00 UK time)

Note on India, Malaysia and Middle East centres

Due to post-pandemic cancellations and delays, there is a higher demand than usual for MRCPCH Clinical exam in these locations. Consider this when applying for theory exams in these locations, particularly where there is no MRCPCH Clinical exam centre.

Upcoming or recent exams - applications closed

FOP/TAS 2025.1

  • Exam date: Wednesday 19 February 2025
  • Applications closed: 6/9 December 2024

AKP 2025.1

  • Exam date: Wednesday 22 January 2025
  • Applications closed: 8/11 November 2024

FOP/TAS 2024.3

  • Exam date: Wednesday 16 October 2024
  • Applications closed: 15 August 2024

AKP 2024.3

  • Exam date: Wednesday 18 September 2024
  • Applications closed: 5/11 July 2024

FOP/TAS 2024.2

  • Exam date: Wednesday 26 June 2024
  • Applications closed: 12/18 April 2024

AKP 2024.2

  • Exam date: Wednesday 22 May 2024
  • Applications closed8/14 March 2024

FOP/TAS 2024.1

  • Exam date: Wednesday 21 February 2024
  • Applications closed: 8/18 December 2023

AKP 2024.1

  • Exam date: Wednesday 24 January 2024
  • Applications closed: 10/19 November 2023

Ready to apply?

See guidance on how to apply via our booking system