Face-to-face exams with patients
As of 1 January 2023, all UK and overseas exam centres run face-to-face exams with patients in the four short clinical stations, a scenario based development station, and history, communication and video stations.
Preparation resources
Download our candidate guide and other resources below, or in the Downloads box at the bottom of this page.
- Candidate guide (PDF)
- Comparison of exam elements before and after COVID-19 (PDF)
- Describing developmental assessments and understanding cues (PDF)
- Clinical exam technique (PDF)
- Station descriptions and flow charts (PDF)
- Marksheets (PDF)
- Anchor statements by domain (PDF)
- Anchor statements by station type (PDF)
- Development kit photo (PDF)
- Development mock station (video) - recorded in April 2021 to show what this station is like with a scenario rather than a patient
Application resources
- How to apply - including exam dates, fees, countries, allocation guidance
- Pass mark and when you can resit
- Privacy notice
- Complaints and appeals policy (PDF)
- Temporary derogation to RCPCH regulations and rules for MRCPCH Clinical exams (PDF)
Note taking policy
As we return to face-to-face clinical exams, some candidates might be worried about whether they are able to take notes during the exam. Note taking has always been allowed during face-to-face clinical exams. Candidates will need to leave all notes behind with the host at the end of their circuit so they may be securely shredded.
Frequently asked questions
If you have more questions, please email us at clinicalexams@rcpch.ac.uk.
- Is there a limit on how many people can sit the exam?
Yes, as with all of our exams, there are a certain number of places available. This has not changed. There will be 12 candidates per circuit with two circuits per day for a total of 24 seats per day. The number of days we run exams is up to the availability of host centres. Most UK exam centres will run 1 or 2 days of exams while most overseas hosts will run 2 and sometimes 3 days.
- How are places allocated?
Exam places will be allocated as normal, using the allocation criteria on How to apply.
- Can I be prioritised to sit the exam?
We cannot give special priority to anyone wishing to sit the exam. In order to fairly allocate seats, we follow the allocation criteria on How to apply.
- Can international candidates participate in UK face-to-face some patient clinical exams?
Yes, international candidates can participate in these. Candidates from any country may apply to any country’s exam during the appropriate application window. However, we will apply the allocation criteria which do give priority of placement to candidates living and working in that country. Please see How to apply.
- How can I request a reasonable adjustment?
Reasonable adjustments can be made to assessments to meet the needs of individuals who have a disability or long-term health condition which has a substantial adverse effect on that person as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In addition to this we understand that those who are pregnant or have a short-term health condition may also need to make a request for reasonable adjustments.
When applying for an exam there will be an opportunity to request a reasonable adjustments. We acknowledge that requests for adjustment may vary or be unique. It is possible that an adjustment may not be determined as reasonable if it has an impact on any aspects related to the integrity of the assessment or cannot be applied within practical time limits.
See the full reasonable adjustment policy for RCPCH exams
If you are not sure about what adjustment may be required for you or if you have any questions, you can contact the Clinical Assessment team to discuss options: clinicalexams@rcpch.ac.uk.
- Are stations changing for the face-to-face clinical exam?
We have detailed information about the structure and content of the exam on the above listed resources. The Communications, History and Video stations content and format remain the same as always. The four Short Clinical is run with patients while the Development station continues with scenarios.
- Would the College consider lengthening the Clinical or Development stations as we need to describe the examination in detail in any station with a scenario?
During the development phase for this exam, we ran through the Short Clinical and Development stations multiple times to check for timing and other issues. Additionally, these stations were tested in 2 pilot tests and five live UK exams and have been run in multiple overseas centre exams as well and the timing was found to be sufficient.
- How much detail do we need to go into in describing how we would conduct an examination for any Short Clinical or Development station with a scenario?
Please download the Describing examinations and understanding cues document at the bottom of this page.
- Are domains changing for the face-to-face some patient clinical exams?
The Communications, History, Development and Video stations domains will remain the same as in a normal face-to-face exam. The four Short Clinical stations have had the E1 domain removed and the D2 domain added. This change was put into effect from November 2020 exams. Further information about domains assessed on this exam can be found below.
- Is marking or the pass mark changing for the face-to-face some patient clinical exam?
Further information about marking and the pass mark is available on the exam results page.
- How many attempts is a candidate allowed?
As of 1 September 2024, all candidates in the UK and overseas are allowed up to six attempts at each part of the MRCPCH, including the MRCPCH Clinical. See more detail