MRCP(UK) PACES Examination UK trainee prioritisation and deferral policy

Applications for PACES in the UK

MRCP(UK) and the three UK Colleges of Physicians aim to ensure that all applicants to the Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) are offered a place.  However, recently demand has exceeded supply of clinical places and the Royal Colleges are endeavouring to support the job application process for those in UK training programmes as much as possible.

From the October-November 2010 PACES examination, candidates in a UK training programme applying to take the PACES examination in the UK  will be prioritised for a clinical place.

Any UK trainees applying to take PACES in the UK who are temporarily outside of a UK training programme, but who are seeking to continue UK training and competing for an ST3 post will also be prioritised for a place. 

Other applicants seeking to take PACES in the UK will still be prioritised according to the date their application is received, though the colleges will not be in a position to confirm acceptance to the examination until the week after the closing date for application. 

Applicants who cannot be accommodated in the diet to which they apply in the UK will be given priority for the following diet.

Please note that this policy does not apply to any candidate submitting an application to take PACES at an Overseas Examination centre.