STRUCTURE OF THE WRITTEN EXAM

Overview Exams BO5 SBA Strategy Resources Search

MRCPCH Written Exam Structure

A simple and practical guide to the MRCPCH written exams — FOP, TAS and AKP — including exam format, BO5 SBA questions, timing and preparation strategy.

Exam Sections BO5 Questions MRCPCH Forum Official Resources RCPCH Theory Exams

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

What Each Exam Really Tests

FOP

FOP mainly tests:

• common paediatrics
• basic safe practice
• safeguarding
• development
• communication and ethics

TAS

TAS mainly tests:

• understanding of concepts
• scientific principles
• pathophysiology
• pharmacology
• evidence-based medicine

AKP

AKP mainly tests:

• clinical judgement
• safe management
• investigation choices
• emergency decisions
• real-life paediatric thinking

Best Preparation Strategy

1. Understand the Structure First

Know what each exam is testing before starting deep revision.

2. Start Questions Early

MCQs teach exam style, common traps and weak areas.

3. Revise Wrong Answers

Repeated revision of mistakes is one of the most powerful preparation methods.

4. Use Official Sample Papers

Official sample papers help candidates understand real exam style and timing.

Best formula: understand structure → study briefly → practise BO5 questions → review mistakes → repeat revision.

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

Official Resources

RCPCH Theory Exams

Official information about MRCPCH written exams.

Open RCPCH Theory Exams

RCPCH Structure and Syllabi

Official structure and syllabus information.

Open Structure and Syllabi

RCPCH Sample Papers

Official BO5 SBA sample papers and practice questions.

Open Sample Papers

RCPCH Revision Resources

Additional revision resources recommended by RCPCH.

Open Revision Resources

Useful Pages on This Website

How to Study

Practical MRCPCH preparation strategy.

Read Guide

Main MRCPCH Forum

Discuss questions and doubts with other candidates.

Open Forum

Recommended Books

Useful books, websites and revision resources.

View Resources

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Popular Topics

BO5 SBA FOP TAS AKP Sample Papers Clinical

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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