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PACES exams update: 8 February 2021

The following information is correct at the time of publishing.

UK PACES start date March 2021

UK PACES examining is scheduled to commence on 13 March 2021. We have managed to reschedule most of the cancelled centres to later dates in April and May and we continue to work with our host centres to maximise the number of places we can offer. The 2021/1 diet is likely to run in the order of 700 places. All candidates in priority group 1 have received a place and some priority group 2 candidates have been offered places following a random allocation ballot. We are sorry we cannot offer all applicants a place at this time but will work hard in the upcoming diets to clear the backlog of waiting candidates.

Due to the delayed start to the 2021/1 diet, the application period for 2021/2 will open before diet 1 is complete. Candidates are therefore advised to apply on a provisional basis whilst awaiting the release of their 2021/1 results. Payment will be deferred until a place in the 2021/2 diet is confirmed.

Higher Specialty Training

Candidates who are applying for specialty training posts in the UK are reminded that MRCP(UK) status will not be scored as part of the application process.

Prioritisation Criteria for PACES 2021

The PACES prioritisation group met last week and notification of the priority groupings for the 2021/2 diet will be communicated through our usual channels in the near future.

International PACES

Islamabad, Singapore and Hong Kong will be running as expected in March. COVID-19 restrictions have led to several Indian centres delaying their February/March exams until May. Other centres continue to plan for their expected exams.

Feedback from PACES 2020/3 diet

We have had a higher than usual response to the candidate survey following the 2020/3 PACES diet. MRCP(UK) are grateful for this feedback and the results will be considered by the Clinical Examining Board later this month.

PACES results release

We are aware that ARCP panels may run before the results from the delayed upcoming diet are released. This may have an impact on candidates who wish to progress into ST 4 posts. There are inevitable delays getting marksheets back from remote examiners and in transporting marksheets to Central Office in London for scanning. We will strive to limit delays and provide results within a maximum of 6 weeks.

Live Twitter chats

Live Q&A sessions about the exams occur regularly on our Twitter account. The next one will be on Tuesday 2 March at 3pm. Follow us for updates at @MRCPUK.

Feedback

We are always keen on feedback. If you have specific queries relating to your exam day please contact the exams office at your College of entry.

For other general queries or suggestions please email: Policy.Officer@mrcpuk.org.