Feedback to Candidates
MRCP(UK) Part 1 and MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examinations
In their results letters candidates will be sent information clearly setting out:
• Their Examination Result – whether the candidate has passed or failed the examination.
• Their Overall Score – the mark the candidate achieved in the examination.
• The Pass Mark – the mark required to pass the examination.
In addition, the results letter also includes a detailed analysis of the candidate’s performance in the exam broken down by specialty*, an example of which is as follows:
| Cardiology |
47 |
| Clinical Haematology and Oncology |
50 |
| Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology |
79 |
| Clinical Science |
71 |
| Dermatology |
73 |
| Endocrinology |
73 |
| Gastroenterology |
92 |
| Geriatric Medicine |
50 |
| Infectious Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Diseases |
83 |
| Nephrology |
56 |
| Neurology |
64 |
| Ophthalmology |
100 |
| Psychiatry |
78 |
| Respiratory Medicine |
87 |
* Please note that these categories are for indicative purposes only and do not represent absolute classifications
This is provided so that candidates may have a meaningful understanding of their performance in the examination, and to facilitate them to identify areas of relative strength and weakness.
Candidates looking for further advice on their performance in the examination are advised to discuss the breakdown of their marks with their clinical tutor or sponsor, who will be the best person to advise them.
MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES)
In their results letters candidates will be sent information clearly setting out:
• Their Examination Result – whether the candidate has passed or failed the examination.
• Their PACES Score – the mark the candidate achieved in the examination.
• The Pass Mark – the mark required to pass the examination.
In addition, the results letters also includes a detailed analysis of the candidate’s performance in the exam broken down by the five stations and sub-stations*, an example of which is as follows:
|
Station 1
Respiratory System Examination
1. Physical examination
2. Identification and interpretation of physical signs
3. Discussion related to the case
Station mark:
Abdominal System Examination
1. Physical examination
2. Identification and interpretation of physical signs
3. Discussion related to the case
Station mark: |
Pass
Fail
Fail
2
Clear Pass
Clear Pass
Pass
4
|
Pass
Pass
Fail
3
Pass
Pass
Pass
3
|
|
Station 2
History Taking Skills
1. Data gathering in the interview
2. Interpretation and use of information gathered
3. Discussion related to the case
Station mark: |
Clear Pass
Pass
Pass
3 |
Clear Pass
Clear Pass
Clear Pass
4
|
|
Station 3
Cardiovascular System Examination
1. Physical examination
2. Identification and interpretation of physical signs
3. Discussion related to the case
Station mark:
Central Nervous System Examination
1. Physical examination
2. Identification and interpretation of physical signs
3. Discussion related to the case
Station mark: |
Clear Pass
Clear Pass
Clear Pass
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
3
|
Pass
Pass
Pass
3
Pass
Fail
Fail
2
|
|
Station 4
Communication Skills and Ethics
1. Conduct of interview
2. Exploration and problem negotiation
3. Ethics and legal implications
Station mark: |
Pass
Fail
Pass
3 |
Pass
Pass
Clear Pass
3 |
Station marks: 4 = Clear Pass, 3 = Pass, 2 = Fail, 1 = Clear Fail.
* Please note that the sub-section grades express the PACES examiners’ judgement of a candidate’s performance at the sub-sections of each PACES Station. They should not be regarded as if they were a numeric grade to be accumulated, as they are merely indications of performance and take no account of any weighting that is applied to each sub-section in determining the overall performance of the candidate at the Station as a whole.
In addition, specific candidates in the examination may be identified by the examiners as likely to benefit from one-to-one counselling on their performance, focusing particularly on areas of poorer performance. Such candidates will be contacted with further details, and also invited to request additional detailed written feedback on their examination.
All candidates are entitled to apply for additional detailed feedback after receiving their results letter, and may do so by contacting the College through which they applied for the examination. While the exact format of this feedback will vary slightly according to the College producing it, in all cases it is informed directly by the specific written comments made by examiners on that candidate’s marksheets.