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MRCP(UK) clinical and written examinations to restart this Autumn

The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK is pleased to confirm that MRCP(UK) clinical and written examinations will recommence from this Autumn, both in the UK and internationally, dependent on the impact of COVID-19 in each country and in accordance with their latest policies on travel, social distancing and infection control.

All examination dates will be confirmed as soon as possible and we will provide candidates with further details and guidance on how things will run on the day ahead of their exam date.

Restarting PACES in the UK

We are continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the three Royal Colleges of Physicians' examinations departments, trainees' committees and our examiners to restart the PACES clinical examination in the UK in the Autumn. We are looking carefully at a number of potential delivery models, ensuring that the safety for all involved – patients, surrogates, centre administrators, candidates and examiners is prioritised and that our assessments comply with the GMC's 'Excellence by Design' standards for postgraduate curricula. We are committed to providing trainees who are at a critical point in their training the opportunity to sit the clinical examination so that they are able to continue to progress.

The application window for PACES candidates sitting in the UK will open on 20 July. Candidates should submit their application if they wish to sit, however, please be aware that due to current restrictions it is expected that a reduced number of spaces will be available. Priority will therefore be given to trainees who are at a critical point in their training to enable them to continue to progress.

Restarting PACES in the rest of the world

We plan to restart PACES in its current format at our international centres where possible and with the agreement of our Federation Hosts, according to centre and staff availability, some relaxation of current regional travel restrictions and the latest social distancing and infection control policies.

The application window for international PACES candidates will run from 22 – 29 June. Candidates should submit their application if they wish to sit, however, please be aware that due to current restrictions, it is expected that not all of our centres will be offered and a reduced number of spaces will be available. Advertised centres and dates are subject to change and cancellation.

Recommencing written examinations

We also intend to restart our written examinations at our centres in the UK and internationally with appropriate social distancing and infection control measures with increased capacity where possible. We are also working closely with third party providers to provide some UK candidates with access to an online written assessment delivered on the same day and at the same time as the scheduled Part 1 and 2 assessments, prioritising those needing shielding, reasonable adjustment and career progression.

Lastly, Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) and European specialty examinations will proceed as advertised on the MRCP(UK) website at our Pearson Vue centres. All scheduled 2020 SCEs should run by the end of this year.

Click here for the latest information on your chosen exam.