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How to Study for MRCPCH

A practical, simple and focused guide to prepare for MRCPCH with confidence, structure and repeated revision.

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Start with the Right Mindset

MRCPCH is a challenging exam, but it is achievable. There is no shortcut, but there is a smart way to prepare.

Many candidates lose confidence because they do not make a clear plan, collect too many resources, or spend too much time reading unnecessary material.

Main principle: Keep your preparation simple. Use reliable resources, practise questions regularly, revise your mistakes and stay consistent.

The 4 Pillars of MRCPCH Preparation

1. Confidence

Believe that the exam is possible. Avoid constant comparison with others. Focus on daily progress.

2. Clear Plan

Make a realistic timetable. Decide what to study each week and keep time for revision.

3. Question Practice

Start MCQs early. Questions teach exam style, common traps and weak areas.

4. Repeated Revision

Repeat wrong answers, weak topics and important guidelines again and again.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Most candidates need around 3–6 months of focused preparation. Some may need less, but a structured plan is safer.

Busy Working Candidate

Study 1–2 hours daily and longer at weekends. Use short breaks for MCQs and revision notes.

More Available Time

Study 3–4 hours daily with planned breaks. Avoid sitting continuously for long periods.

Last 4 Weeks

Focus on mock questions, wrong answers, high-yield topics and official sample papers.

Final Week

Do light revision, exam technique and confidence building. Avoid starting too many new topics.

Important: Enrol early if possible. Once you have an exam date, your preparation becomes more focused.

Best Study Method

1. Read the exam structure first. Understand what the exam is testing. Visit the RCPCH site to check the syllabus of each exam; Solve specimen papers in a stipulated time limit. You will come to know what kind of questions are asked, and you will understand the computer-based exam style.
2. Use one main textbook or resource. Do not keep changing resources; you will lose valuable time. 
3. Start questions early. Do not wait until your reading is complete. Do questions mainly.  Online websites have questions in three levels of difficulty: Easy, Average and Difficult. Do simple and average questions. Do difficult questions also, but leave very difficult questions; don't waste time solving those questions. 
4. Do questions on a website in sets of 20 and practise them in a timed manner, as explained in this blog.
   Please do not be satisfied only because you score 80% or 90%. For every single wrong answer, find out the reason why you got it wrong. Then read the relevant text from the recommended books and underline those sections for revision.
   This method will save your precious time because you will avoid reading topics that you already know well. Your reading will become more exam-oriented and focused.
   At regular intervals, revise the underlined sections and discuss them with your study partner. While revising, if you feel that some points must be read again just before the exam, mark those sections with a different colour.
   Please do not read large textbooks from cover to cover, because this is unlikely to help you directly in the exam. Read only recommended books and exam-focused resources.
   Visit my page: Recommended Books and Websites.
   For Part 1, Essential Revision Notes is the main book. The first four books in the recommended list are very important for Part 1. Try to note down important points from other books into your main book, so that revision becomes easier.
5. Revise wrong answers repeatedly. This is one of the most powerful methods.
6. Use UK guidance. NICE, BNFC and RCPCH resources help you answer in a UK-based way.

Best formula: Read briefly → practise questions → review mistakes → revise weak topics → repeat.

How to Revise Wrong MCQs

Wrong MCQs are not failures. They are your best teachers.

Step 1: Save the Question

Take a screenshot or write down the topic and learning point.

Step 2: Understand the Reason

Ask: did I lack knowledge, misread the question, or choose an unsafe answer?

Step 3: Make a Short Note

Write one or two key learning points. Avoid copying long textbook explanations.

Step 4: Repeat Regularly

Review wrong answers after 1 day, 1 week and before the exam.

Practical tip: Create folders or albums on your phone/tablet for wrong MCQs: FOP, TAS, AKP, Clinical.

Use Technology Smartly

A tablet or phone can make revision faster if used properly.

• Take screenshots of wrong questions.
• Save important charts and guidelines.
• Make folders for difficult topics.
• Record short audio notes and listen during walking or commuting.
• Delete questions once you are confident, so your revision list stays focused.

Avoid: too many apps, too many PDFs and endless scrolling. Technology should save time, not waste time.

Best Reliable Resources

RCPCH Exam Resources

Official preparation resources, sample papers and guidance.

Visit RCPCH Resources

RCPCH Sample Papers

Use these to understand the computer-based exam style.

Open Sample Papers

BNF for Children

Essential paediatric prescribing and medicines reference.

Visit BNFC

London Paediatrics Clinical

Free MRCPCH Clinical revision guides and videos.

Open Clinical Videos

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Collecting too many books and not revising properly.
• Starting MCQs too late.
• Ignoring wrong answers.
• Studying without a timetable.
• Reading passively without testing yourself.
• Not using official RCPCH sample papers.
• Ignoring sleep, exercise and mental wellbeing.
• Preparing alone when you need support.

Final Month Strategy

• Do more mock questions.
• Review all wrong answers.
• Revise high-yield topics.
• Read important UK guidelines.
• Practise timing.
• Keep sleep regular.
• Do not start too many new resources.

Final month rule: Revision is more important than new reading.

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Popular Study Topics

Wrong MCQs Timetable FOP TAS AKP Clinical Sample Papers Exam Anxiety

Final Message

MRCPCH preparation is a journey. You do not need to know everything on day one. You need a clear plan, honest revision, regular questions and confidence.

Keep it simple: Study regularly, practise questions, revise mistakes, discuss doubts and stay calm.

Guide to MRCPCH

Simple, practical MRCPCH preparation advice for paediatric trainees.

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