Part 1 and Part 2
We have highlighted some important points for candidates in previous newsletters, and we include them again here as a reminder:
We are adding an additional diet for both Part 1 and Part 2 UK candidates in 2021. As a result, the dates of the exams and their application periods have been updated on our website, and are set out below for reference:
Despite the move to online remotely proctored exams in the UK and selected other areas (see below), the format of the exams remains the same: each exam consists of two papers, each 3 hours in duration, which will run on the same day. It is essential therefore that candidates remember to log in to the second paper.
All candidates are strongly encouraged to work through the sample questions on our website (Part 1 here and Part 2 here), which will give them a good idea of the kind of questions to expect when they come to take the exam.
Our exam regulations state that candidates should remain in the exam for its entire duration and not leave early. This also applies to the online exams. In entering our exams, candidates are agreeing to abide by our regulations, including this one.
Part 1: UK
All diets in 2021 will run entirely online in the UK. Candidates who are not able to sit the online version of the exam, including those who require reasonable adjustments, should see our guidance about how to apply to sit a paper version of the exam.
The next main diet will run on 11 May. The application window is now closed.
Part 1: International
As above, the next diet will be 11 May, the application window is now closed.
Most international centres will run the exam in pencil and paper format. Selected areas, and candidates enrolled in a Federation training programme, will have an online option – candidates in those areas are being contacted directly.
All Part 1 exams due to take place on 11 May in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have unfortunately been cancelled. These cancellations are due to growing concerns around Covid-19, resulting in local lockdowns, curfews and/or travel restrictions and the impact these will have on our candidates and host centres. All affected candidates have been contacted and will be transferred to the next available exam.
Part 2: UK
All diets in 2021 will run entirely online in the UK. Candidates who are not able to sit the online version of the exam, including those who require reasonable adjustments, should see our guidance about how to apply to sit a paper version of the exam.
The contingency online exam (only available to candidates who experienced significant technical issues with the recently run main exam in March) will take place on 19 May.
The application window for the next main diet in June is now closed.
Part 2: international
As above, the application window for the next main diet in June is now closed.
Most international centres will run the exam in pencil and paper format. Selected areas, and candidates enrolled in a Federation training programme, will have an online option – candidates in those areas will be contacted directly.
Specialty Certificate Exams / European Specialty Exams
All SCE / ESE exams for 2021 are currently planned to run as scheduled, in Pearson Vue centres; details for each specialty can be found here. This page also gives dates for the contingency exams for most specialties (a few have yet to be finalised and these dates will follow shortly) – these will be run for candidates whose place is cancelled or who, after registration, cannot take the exam due to COVID-19 related reasons.
Feedback
We welcome feedback. If you have specific queries relating to your online exam, please contact onlineexmas@mrcpuk.org.
For other general queries or suggestions please email Policy.Officer@mrcpuk.org.