Specialty KBA Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification will I receive for passing the Specialty KBA?

Candidates who pass the KBA will be awarded a 'Certificate in [Specialty]'. All UK trainees with a 'Certificate in [Specialty]' who are recommended to PMETB by the JRCPTB for a CCT will be entitled to apply to the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK for the post-nominal 'MRCP([Specialty])'.

What are the eligibility requirements to take the Specialty KBA?

All UK and overseas trainees who have obtained MRCP(UK) are eligible to take the Specialty KBA. UK trainees who are in a higher specialist training post but do not hold the MRCP(UK) are also eligible.

What is the cost of the Specialty KBA?

The examination fee is £800 for candidates at a UK test centre and £1000 for candidates at an overseas centre.

Is there a reading list for the Specialty KBA?

The Specialty KBAs cover all areas of knowledge acquired throughout the training period. There are no specific textbooks but you should review what you have learned throughout higher specialist training. There are published curricula for Specialties on the JRCPTB website.

When is the first Specialty KBA?

The first KBA in Gastroenterology will be held on 24 June 2008. The next diet is in Autumn 2008 and there will be a gradual roll out for the other specialities.

At what level am I able to take the Specialty KBA?

UK trainees first become eligible to sit the Specialty KBA after entering year 3 (ST3) of specialist training but would usually take it during their penultimate year. Overseas candidates are eligible to sit the Specialty KBA after successfully completing all parts of the MRCP(UK).

What is computer-based testing?

Computer-based testing (CBT) is a method of presenting tests where the responses are electronically recorded, usually via a computer or a computerised electronic device. The computer replaces paper and candidates answer by using a mouse or keyboard. The results are also electronically stored and assessed.

Where can I take the Specialty KBA examination?

Each Specialty KBA will be held throughout the UK at 148 Pearson Vue test centres and in overseas venues not less than once each year.

What is Pearson VUE?

Pearson VUE is the company that the RCP has signed up with to provide the KBAs. Pearson VUE have 150 test centres throughout the UK and 25 overseas which means you will be able to take the KBA at a venue convenient for you.

I already have an My MRCP(UK) account. Can I use this to apply for the Specialty KBA?

Yes, you must be logged into your own personal area of the website. You should then click on the Upcoming Exams page. Click the Apply button next to the Specialty KBA you wish to apply for. If you are eligible to apply for the Specialty KBA you will prompted to update your current address and contact details before proceeding to complete the online application. If the Apply button is not active the application period is not yet open and we are currently not accepting applications for that examination.

What do I need with me to apply for a Specialty KBA?

You will require the following information:

• family (last) name / first name / date of birth;
• a valid email address;
• RCP number;
• GMC registration number (if applicable);
• details of the University / Medical School that issued their primary medical qualification (eg. MBBS);
• date of graduation / date primary medical qualification was issued;
• details of equivalent qualification if not an MRCP(UK) holder; 
• credit/debit card details (if you choose this method of payment).

How can I pay for the Specialty KBA?

Payment for the KBA can be made via your My MRCP(UK) account with a credit/debit card, cheque or cash.

You will prompted to select your preferred payment method during the online application process. If you choose to pay by credit/debit card you will be taken to the page of our online payments partner, Streamline, where you will be prompted to enter your card details. It is very important that you do not click the 'back' button or close the browser window during the payment process. Doing so will cancel your payment and will cause your application to be incomplete. You would then need to contact us to arrange for us to take the Examination fee payment as you will not be able to make additional attempts at paying the Examination fee online.

If you choose to pay the Examination fee by cheque, send your cheque made payable to the Royal College of Physicians with a covering note to the Specialty KBA Office. Write your name, RCP code and the Specialty KBA you are applying for on the back of the cheque. 

Please do not send cash by post. You should instead visit the Specialty KBA Office in person to make any cash payments for which you will be given a receipt.

How do I open a My MRCP(UK) account?

Please visit our Application page for more information about creating an online account and applying online for an Examination. You will require the following information to open an My MRCP(UK) account:

• family name / last name;
• first name(s);
• date of birth;
• a valid email address;
• GMC registration number (if applicable);
• details of the University / Medical School that issued their primary medical qualification (eg. MBBS);
• date of graduation / date primary medical qualification was issued.

Is the Specialty KBA examination taken at centres outside the UK the same as the one taken in the UK?

Yes, the test is exactly the same at the overseas centres.

Can I take a pencil and paper into the exam room?

Pearson VUE will make a wipe-clean board and pen available for each candidate. For reasons of security you will not be allowed to use paper or pens/pencils.

What type of questions are in the examination?

The questions are multiple choice 'best of five' format where a candidate chooses the best answer from five possible answers. The questions will usually have a clinical scenario, may include the results of investigations and may be illustrated. Questions are asked about the diagnosis, investigation, management, and prognosis of patients.

Which specialties do the KBAs apply to?

At the moment, only the KBA in Gastroenterology may be taken (on 24 June 2008). The other specialties will be rolled out from Autumn 2008.

I've forgotten my login details what can I do?

You will be reassigned a new password if you enter your user details (current email address) into the Password Reset section of the My MRCP(UK) Sign In page. You will then be able to continue with your application.

What form of identification is accepted at the test centres?

Candidates must present two forms of identification – one from the primary list and one from the secondary list.

Primary:

• a currently valid signed passport of any country containing the candidate’s photograph and signature*;
• a currently valid signed UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional).

Secondary:

• any ID containing the candidate’s full name and signature e.g. credit or debit card.

*A passport can be accepted as a primary form of ID for a candidate even if it does not have a signature, as long as it is determined to be valid and there is no designated place for a signature (e.g. biometric passport).

How can I apply online for an exam?

You must create a My MRCP(UK) account. Log in to your own personal area of the website. You should then go to the Upcoming Exams page. Click the Apply button next to the Specialty KBA you wish to apply for. If you are eligible to apply for the Specialty KBA you will prompted to update your current address and contact details before proceeding to complete the online application. If the Apply button is not active the application period is not yet open and we are currently not accepting applications for that examination.

Are there any sample questions for the KBA?

No, sample questions are not yet available.

I don’t have the qualification MRCP(UK). Am I still eligible to sit the KBA?

Candidates who are attached to UK specialist training programmes are eligible to sit the KBA. If a candidate is not attached to a UK specialist training programme, they must be in possession of the qualification MRCP(UK).
Candidates who are neither attached to a UK specialist training programme nor MRCP(UK) holders are not eligible to sit the KBA.

Is the MRCP(UK) exam going to be cancelled to make way for the KBAs?

No. There are no plans to cancel the MRCP(UK) exam. Any rumours you hear which say otherwise are unfounded and untrue. The MRCP(UK) is an exam in General Medicine, testing both knowledge and clinical skills. The Specialty KBAs test knowledge in certain Specialties.

When will the KBA in my Specialty be delivered?

The Specialty KBAs are being prepared, and will be delivered over the course of the next 2 years. They will be delivered on an annual basis. The provisional timetable for their release is listed below. These dates have not been confirmed, and are subject to change.