STRUCTURE OF THE WRITTEN EXAM

Overview

The MRCPCH written examination pathway contains three theory exams:

• Foundation of Practice (FOP)
• Theory and Science (TAS)
• Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)

All three theory exams must be completed before MRCPCH Clinical.

Simple summary: FOP tests basic paediatric knowledge, TAS tests scientific understanding, and AKP tests clinical application and judgement.

The Three Written Exams

Foundation of Practice (FOP)

FOP is usually the first MRCPCH exam for many candidates.

It focuses on:

• Common paediatric conditions
• Safeguarding
• Development
• Ethics
• Communication
• Basic safe paediatric practice

FOP Forum

Theory and Science (TAS)

TAS focuses on scientific principles behind paediatrics.

It includes:

• Physiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Genetics
• Statistics
• Evidence-based medicine

TAS Forum

Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)

AKP tests clinical reasoning and safe decision-making.

It includes:

• Diagnosis
• Investigations
• Management
• Emergency paediatrics
• Escalation
• Clinical judgement

AKP Forum

MRCPCH Clinical

After the written exams, candidates must pass MRCPCH Clinical.

The clinical exam tests:

• Communication
• Examination
• Development
• Clinical reasoning
• Professionalism
• Safe paediatric practice

Clinical Forum

BO5 SBA Question Format

Current MRCPCH written exams use:

BO5 SBA = Best of Five Single Best Answer questions

Each question contains five answer options. More than one answer may appear partly correct, but candidates must choose the single best answer.

Important update: EMQs are no longer used in current MRCPCH theory exams.

FOP Structure

• 100 BO5 SBA questions
• 120 minutes
• Computer-based exam
• 1 mark per question

TAS Structure

• 100 BO5 SBA questions
• 120 minutes
• Computer-based exam
• 1 mark per question

AKP Structure

• 120 BO5 SBA questions
• Two papers
• 60 questions per paper
• 150 minutes per paper

Exam technique: Do not search only for a correct answer. Search for the safest and best answer among the five options.

Can the Exams Be Taken in Any Order?

Yes. The written exams can be taken in any order.

However, many candidates prefer:

FOP → TAS → AKP → Clinical

because this gradually builds:

• basic knowledge
• scientific understanding
• clinical reasoning
• communication and examination skills

Common Candidate Mistakes

• Starting questions too late
• Ignoring wrong answers
• Using too many resources
• Not understanding BO5 exam technique
• Studying without a timetable
• Leaving difficult topics until the last weeks
• Ignoring official RCPCH sample papers

Final Advice

MRCPCH written exams are not only memory tests.

They test:

• safe thinking
• clinical judgement
• understanding of concepts
• application of knowledge
• recognition of important paediatric problems

Simple rule: practise BO5 questions regularly, revise wrong answers repeatedly and keep preparation simple and consistent.

Guide to MRCPCH

Simple explanation of MRCPCH written exam structure and BO5 SBA format.

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