Introduction
This guidance is for candidates preparing to apply for and sit one or more theory exams of the MRCPCH or Diploma of Child Health. We are offering two options to candidates, and the fees for both are the same.
One option is to take the test at one's own home or another private space with online invigilation - you can read about this online invigilation option.
The other option is to sit the exam at a test centre, in the UK or overseas, which we explain below.
Since COVID-19, we worked with our suppliers to adopt measures to ensure the protection of exam candidates and centre staff.
Requirements by test centre
The below was last updated for the AKP 2023.1.
Some countries / test centres have specific requirements, which may include COVID-19 testing requirements or other government regulations on tracking apps.
Test centres are listed below by region and then alphabetically by test centre name. We have also included the codes so you can check them against your admissions document to ensure you are getting the right information about the right test centre.
Candidates taking their exam at a test centre & experience COVID-19 symptoms prior to the examination taking place need to check their local restrictions on this page. Check the WHO website for guidance on what symptoms to look out for.
United Kingdom
All UK test centres will be following government guidelines on COVID-19. At present, this means that there will be no social distancing restrictions in place. If you experience symptoms in the days before the exam, please take a lateral flow test (LFT). We advise that you take an LFT the day before the exam, regardless of symptoms, to try to minimise the risk of the spread of COVID-19.
If you test positive within 5 days before the exam, please do not attend, unless you test negative twice on two consecutive days prior to the exam (including the morning of the exam). If you cannot attend due to a positive test, you will need to send a screenshot of the NHS application showing the results and date to receive a partial refund.
Middle East/Gulf & North Africa/Caribbean
- Bahrain IT071
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Candidates must wear a mask at all times whilst inside the test centre.
- Dubai CL055
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The test centre requests that candidate abide by the social distancing rules within the test centre.
- Egypt IT069
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No restrictions are in place.
- Jeddah FEMALE CL065
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Due to being a public venue, please follow these requirements
- Any attendee should inform the venue staff when he/she experience any respiratory symptoms or high temperature.
- Before entering the exam center, attendees are required to disclose if there is suspicion or contact with an infected person by COVID-19. They are advised to install the "Tawakkalna" and “Tabaud” apps, as per GOVT rules.
- Attendees are required to fill electronic registration form before they appear for the exam (Link to the form will be provided to candidates directly by email 2+ weeks before the exam).
- Jeddah MALE CL065
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Due to being a public venue, please follow these requirements:
- Any attendee should inform the venue staff when he/she experience any respiratory symptoms or high temperature.
- Before entering the exam center, attendees are required to disclose if there is suspicion or contact with an infected person by COVID-19. They are advised to install the "Tawakkalna" and “Tabaud” apps, as per GOVT rules.
- Attendees are required to fill electronic registration form before they appear for the exam (Link to the form will be provided to candidates directly by email 2+ weeks before the exam).
- Kuwait IT051
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No restrictions - however the venue requests the following:
- Maintain social distancing during all phases of the exam
- All exam takers must wear a mask and rubber gloves
- Oman NH010
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No restrictions are in place.
- Riyadh FEMALE IT053
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No restrictions in place at this test centre.
- Riyadh MALE CL063
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No restrictions in place at this test centre.
- Sharjah CL053
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No restrictions are in place at this test centre, but the centre requests that candidates wear a mask whilst inside the building.
- Trinidad CL019
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Candidates must wash their hands upon entrance to the test centre.
South Asia & Far East
- Chennai IT060
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Temperature checks will be in place.
Masks and gloves must be worn throughout the test centre.
Social distancing measures will be in place and should be followed by candidates.
- Hyderabad CL057
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Wearing mask is compulsory.
Only the candidates would be allowed inside the venue and persons accompanying the candidate will not be allowed inside.
Candidates will be allowed in the premises within 30 minutes before the exam start time and not before that.
Candidates have to carry their own drinking water in a transparent bottle.
- Islamabad IT062
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No restrictions
- Lahore IT063
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No restrictions
- Kolkata CL016
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Wearing a mask is compulsory
Only the candidates would be allowed inside the venue and persons accompanying the candidate will not be allowed inside.
Candidates will be allowed in the premises within 30 minutes before the exam start time and not before that
Candidates have to carry their own drinking water in a transparent bottle.
- Malaysia IT017
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All candidates must wear masks at all times inside the test centre
Social distancing to 1 metre is to be maintained at all times
Routine temperature checks to be carried out
Positive Covid 19 candidates to quarantine at home
- Mumbai IT070
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The centre requests that all candidates wear masks inside the test centre.
- New Delhi IT059
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The centre requests that all candidates wear masks inside the test centre.
- Rawalpindi IT083
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No restrictions
Timings
As is usual, each exam is 2 hours 30 minutes, unless you are allocated additional time. If you are sitting both FOP and TAS on the same day, or the AKP, you will have a break between the two parts.
If you arrive at the test centre or start your online exam after the exam has started but within the first 30 minutes of the exam, you will still be permitted to sit the exam but will not be given any additional time.
If you arrive or begin after the first 30 minutes of the exam has passed you will not be permitted to sit the exam.
Applying for this option
Each test centre has a fixed number of places. When you apply online, you'll select your preferred centre from those that are hosting the exam and that have available places. We accept applications on a first come, first serve basis, and only before the closing date.