KBA in Gastroenterology
The first KBA in Gastroenterology successfully took place on 24 June 08 with candidates sitting the exam on computer at testing centres around the UK and overseas. Results have been automatically e-mailed to candidates. Congratulations to all new holders of the Certificate in Gastroenterology.
Important notice: Changes to the MRCP(UK) Examination
The MRCP(UK) Examination provides information on candidates’ core medical knowledge, basic clinical problem solving skills and the management of common and important medical emergencies. The core medical knowledge and skills tested in the MRCP(UK) Examination provide the very basis that equips doctors to proceed to focus on individual specialties, secure in their grounding in other systems. In recognition that the rate of acquisition of core medical knowledge and practical clinical skills may differ the MRCP(UK) Management Board has decided that the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written and Part 2 Clinical (PACES) Examinations can, in future, be taken in any order. In addition, to ease the time pressures on trainees, the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination will be made available sooner and the "18 month rule" revised to allow examination entry once 12 months have elapsed after graduation.
The changes in respect to eligibility for and entry to the MRCP(UK) Examination will be applicable to UK and International candidates.
For more detailed information please refer to the 
Entry and Eligibility Changes to the MRCP(UK) Regulations.
Specialty KBAs
The Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK, in association with the Specialist Societies, has embarked upon a programme to deliver knowledge based assessments (KBAs) within the new specialist training structure. The aim of these national assessments, which will compliment workplace-based assessments, is to ensure that trainees have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants.
In spring 2006, the Joint Committee on Higher Medical Training carried out a pilot study to assess the validity and reliability of KBAs. Following the success of this pilot, development of KBAs has taken place under the aegis of the MRCP(UK) Central Office and the first KBA, the KBA in Gastroenterology, will be delivered in June 2008.
KBAs in the following specialties are being developed and will be rolled out from autumn 2008 onwards:
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiology
• Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Oncology
• Neurology
• Renal Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine
• Rheumatology
If you would like to be included on the mailing list for further updates about Specialty KBAs, please send your e-mail address to kba.queries@mrcpuk.org