PACES Application
How to apply for PACES
Application to the PACES exam is by paper only. Candidates must submit a paper copy of the application form (
Form P), accompanied by the correct fee. Candidates cannot submit an application via email, fax or My MRCP(UK).
Prior to submitting an application, we strongly advise all candidates to obtain and familiarise themselves with the current version of the MRCP(UK) Examination Regulations, which includes full information regarding eligibility requirements as well as the conduct, format and content of the MRCP(UK) PACES Examination. We also advise candidates to consult the Form P guidenotes.
Please also review the PACES FAQ for useful information regarding the PACES examination.
Candidates are advised that in signing the agreement section of the form you consent to your result for this examination being shared with UK postgraduate Deaneries upon release and that this data will be treated in strict confidence and used only for the purpose of assisting the recruitment process for specialty training.
Managing demand for spaces
MRCP(UK) is working hard to increase the number of spaces in the PACES examination, however, it is not always possible to meet demand and offer places to all candidates who apply. MRCP(UK) recognises that this can be frustrating for candidates who do not secure a place.
In order to both protect the quality of PACES delivery and set realistic expectations for international candidates MRCP(UK)has decided to publish information about what it is doing to manage the demand for places from candidates in the UK and internationally.
International places
Since 2010, MRCP(UK) has increased the number of international places for PACES by 58%, through providing more examination days in existing centres, and by opening new centres in India and Sudan. MRCP(UK) is committed to continuing to increase opportunities for international candidates over the next few years.
Number of places in the UK
MRCP(UK) has agreed to publish the number of places to be provided in the UK. In 2014, MRCP(UK) will undertake to provide no less than 3330 examination places in the UK. These places will be run all over the UK, throughout the year. MRCP(UK) will continue to strive to deliver more than the published number of places.
Prioritisation criteria for candidates sitting the examination in the UK
In the event of the number of candidates applying for the exam exceeding the places available MRCP(UK) has agreed that candidates in UK training will be prioritised. This may mean that a small number of candidates who are not in UK training will not be allocated a space. Every effort will be made to provide as many places as possible. If the number of applicants in UK training exceeds the number of places available, then those who expect to apply for ST3 posts within the next year will be prioritised.
PACES Fast Track
During the January to April 2013 PACES assessment period, MRCP(UK) is running a PACES Fast Track scheme. This scheme is only available to candidates applying for an ST3 post in the UK in Spring 2013.
The Fast Track scheme will allow eligible candidates who are unsuccessful in an initial PACES attempt to have a further attempt within the same assessment period.
Fast Track eligibility
Fast Track applications will only be accepted from candidates who meet the following criteria:
1. a) Currently in a CT2 post.
OR
b) Not currently in a CT2 post but eligible to apply for ST3, e.g. LAT, CT3, OOP or Other as stated in section 5 of the PACES Application Form. (Candidates in these categories must provide confirmation from their Educational Supervisor that they are actively planning and in a position to apply for ST3 training.) This confirmation must be sent by post or email to the PACES Fast Track office at the time of application for a Fast Track place.
AND
2. Have passed or applied for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination by the time of the January to April PACES
assessment period.
Note:
Applications which do not fulfil the above criteria will not be accepted.
Candidates who are in FY1/FY2/CT1 posts are not eligible to apply for Fast Track.
How and when to apply for Fast Track
A request for a Fast Track place will only be accepted from those candidates who have also submitted a paper PACES application form for the January to April assessment period as outlined above.
Applications for Fast Track have now closed.
Places will be awarded to eligible candidates on a first come, first served basis. Candidates are strongly recommended to apply at the start of the application period as there will be limited places and it is very unlikely that all applicants can be accommodated.
All Fast Track applicants will be notified by email no later than 14 December 2012 as to whether they have been successful and awarded a provisional place or have been placed on the waiting list. Allocation of Fast Track places (i.e. centre and date) will be made after PACES results are released in 2013.
All enquiries regarding Fast Track should ONLY be made to the PACES Fast Track office:
Please do NOT direct enquiries to the College of Entry of your original PACES application.
For more information about PACES Fast Track please see the FAQs:
Fast Track FAQs
Where to send your PACES applications
UK centres
PACES applications for the UK must be sent to the candidates chosen College of Entry: London, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Address details can be found on the Contact Us page.
Overseas centres
PACES applications for Overseas centres must be sent to either the MRCP(UK) Central Office, or a specifically stated overseas address. Please review the PACES Overseas Exam Centres page for information on where to send your Overseas PACES application.
Proposer
Please note that candidates for PACES no longer need to supply two separate testimonials from proposers who hold MRCP(UK) or FRCP. Instead they must obtain support from their current or most recent educational supervisor or supervising consultant.
Eligibility
Candidates have 7 years from the date of their passing Part 1 to complete both Part 2 Written and PACES. A table presenting this information in an easy-to-read format is available on the Stage 2 Eligibility page.
Candidates are also advised that the MRCP(UK) Form of Faith for election to membership is no longer a part of the PACES application form. The Form of Faith needs to be completed and submitted once a candidate has passed all three parts of the MRCP(UK) examination.
Any candidates submitting incomplete applications will not be allocated a place in the exam until all outstanding items are resolved. Upon completion, candidates will only be allocated a place if one is still available at that time.
Candidates who have been erased from the GMC (or equivalent) register for reasons related to fitness to practice are not permitted entry to any MRCP(UK) Examination. Candidates who have been suspended from the GMC (or equivalent) register are not permitted entry to any MRCP(UK) Examination for the duration of the suspension.
Candidates who are subject to any warning, interim orders, undertakings or conditions on their practice from the GMC (or equivalent body) must submit a completed MRCP(UK) and Specialty Certificate Examinations Candidate Declaration Form with each application. Permission to enter any MRCP(UK) Examination will be at the discretion of the MRCP(UK) Medical Director.