Part 2 Written Frequently Asked Questions
Exam preparation:
Candidates can apply to sit the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination after they have been awarded a pass in the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination. They do not require any additional medical experience.
What ID can I bring to the exam?
As per the MRCP(UK) Regulations no candidate will be allowed into an MRCP(UK) Examination without appropriate ID from 1 January 2013.
The aim of enforcing this is to ensure that a candidate attending the exam is who they say they are – thus preventing identity fraud at the exam.
Primary acceptable ID:
- Current valid passport (containing photograph and signature)
- Full or provisional photo-card driving licence
- EEA Member State identity photo-card
- National identity photo-card for non- EEA foreign nationals
- Identity card issued by the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland
Secondary acceptable ID (Please note two forms of secondary ID will need to be shown together eg. NHS card with a debit card. At least one of these MUST CONTAIN a photograph):
- Certified/attested copy of passport or driving licence*
- Valid credit or debit card
- NHS card
- Paper driving licence
- Valid student card with picture
* These documents must be accompanied by an official stamp or letter from the issuing organisation in order to qualify as an acceptable form of ID. Self-made photo copies will not be accepted alone.
Additional forms of ID will be considered providing all candidates contact us well in advance of an examination. If you have any queries surrounding the validity of your ID please email us at IDqueries@mrcpuk.org
For more information on the policy please see section 11.2.4 of the 
MRCP(UK) Regulations.
When is a candidate categorised as not having appropriate ID?
A candidate is considered as not having appropriate ID when they don’t bring in any ID or it’s not on the list of acceptable ID listed above.
Eligibility:
Currently you can make unlimited attempts within your 7-year eligibility. Please note that from January 2014 candidates will only be permitted a maximum of six attempts at each MRCP(UK) examination in line with the General Medical Council’s Limit on Attempts policy. Please see the Limit on Attempts webpage for further information.
I am at the end of my 7-year eligibility period but cannot use my last exam attempt due to ill health. Can I have one more attempt before returning to the Part 1 Examination?
Usually, extensions cannot be given beyond a candidate’s 7-year eligibility period. However, if exceptional circumstances prevent a candidate from sitting the exam they should contact the MRCP(UK) Central Office in writing, detailing their situation and providing documentary evidence where applicable. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
I do not know when my stage 2 eligibility period expires. What should I do?
Consult the Stage 2 Eligibility Period Calculation Table.
Candidates who have received any correspondence from Central Office regarding an extension to their eligibility period should adhere to information provided in any such correspondence - this will supersede the information presented on the website.
Application:
Candidates must contact, in writing, the administration office to which they sent their application as soon as possible, providing their name, RCP code number and date of birth. Candidates who withdraw before the advertised closing date will be given a 90% refund of the exam fee (10% is retained to cover administrative costs). However, candidates who withdraw after the closing date will not normally be entitled to a refund and must resolve any outstanding fees in order to sit future MRCP(UK) Examinations.
Please refer to the Withdrawal page for further information.
Your acknowledgement letters and admission documents will be emailed to you. If you have not received the email please check first that your inbox has not treated our email confirmation as spam and that you have given us the correct email address. If you have still not received the email please contact the central office to request another copy.
Where will my exam centre be?
This information will be not be disclosed to candidates until 2 weeks before the examination. You will receive your admission document with the venue's address by email only.
Incomplete applications:
It is each candidate’s responsibility to ensure that applications are completed as soon as possible. The MRCP(UK) Central Office will contact candidates to advise them of any outstanding information and will provide a deadline for receipt. Candidates will be allocated a provisional exam place in the meantime, but applications will be rejected if the outstanding information is not received by the deadline. Candidates whose applications are incomplete because the full exam fee has not been received must pay this in order to sit any future MRCP(UK) examinations, even if they subsequently withdraw or are absent from the exam.
Yes. The examination fee is taken as soon as an application is checked and registered for an exam, regardless of whether there are any incomplete items. All applications are taken as a serious intention to sit the exam, for which the full exam fee is liable.
Results:
We aim to release results for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination 4 weeks from the date of the examination. Estimated web and postal results release dates for the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination are available on the Exam dates page.
It is compulsory for candidates to have their Form of Faith supported by a Proposer who holds FRCP(UK) or who has held MRCP(UK) for at least 8 years, and candidates should be aware of this when applying for the examinations. If a candidate experiences exceptional difficulties finding a suitable Proposer they should contact the MRCP(UK) Central Office who will advise them further.