Pass Marks for the MRCP(UK) Examination

The following statement provides an explanation on the application of pass marks in all three components of the MRCP(UK).

MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination

As stated in the MRCP(UK) Regulations, from May 2002 (the 2002/2 Examination) each candidate’s performance has been assessed in relation to an external standard of performance (pass mark) set by the Examiners. This takes account of the relative difficulty of the Examination and the performance of candidates in previous examinations. Candidate performance overall will be reviewed by the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board before the pass marks are formally agreed.

In agreeing the pass mark, the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board consider what would be the lowest acceptable mark to warrant a pass at MRCP(UK) level. It is the view of the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examining Board that to consider lowering the pass mark, for any reason, would risk compromising the standards of the MRCP(UK) Examination. The Board are not prepared to do this.

MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination

As stated in the MRCP(UK) Regulations, from July 2002 (the 2002/2 Examination) each candidate’s performance has been assessed in relation to an external standard of performance (pass mark) set by the Examiners. This takes account of the relative difficulty of the Examination and the performance of candidates in previous examinations. Candidate performance overall will be reviewed by the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examining Board before the pass marks are formally agreed.

In agreeing the pass mark, the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examining Board consider what would be the lowest acceptable mark to warrant a pass at MRCP(UK) level. It is also the view of the MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examining Board that to consider lowering the pass mark, for any reason, would risk compromising the standards of the MRCP(UK) Examination. The Board are not prepared to do this.

MRCP(UK) Clinical Examination (PACES)

Full details of how the pass mark is applied by the MRCP(UK) Clinical Examining Board are set out in the MRCP(UK) Regulations.