MRCPCH FOP/TAS, AKP, & Clinical

StudyMEDIC is an international online medical education platform that helps doctors build the knowledge and skills to advance their careers. StudyMRCPCH is our dedicated space for paediatric trainees preparing for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health membership exams. Here, learners find well-organised courses, live teaching from expert paediatric educators, hands-on practice sessions, and top-tier study materials that adapts to their individual needs. Whether you are working towards the theory papers or getting ready for the clinical assessment, we help you study smarter, practise with purpose, and walk into every stage of MRCPCH feeling prepared and self-assured.

Whether you are a recent medical graduate, or a long term practitioner looking to level up your pediatrics qualifications through the MRCPCH certification, StudyMRCPCH is the perfect place for you.

• Thousands of successful candidates
• Complete coverage of the RCPCH curriculum
• Expert mentor panel for guided, personalised support
• Innovative tech solutions to support your learning
• Proven exam strategies to maximise your results
• First-attempt success focus — built to help you clear the MRCPCH with confidence

The Membership of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health is a prestigious PG certification from the RCPCH, the governing body of Pediatricians in the UK. Recognised worldwide as a leader in Child Healthcare, their coveted certification is considered a stepping stone for global medical practice, as well as higher specialty training, etc. It consists of three theory papers and a final Clinical Examination test. The certification is divided into MRCPCH Foundation of Practice (FOP)/ Theory and Science (TAS), and MRCPCH Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP), which they take in whichever order they prefer, as well as an in-person MRCPCH Clinical Examination. The Clinical Examination consists of 10 different stations ranging across Short Clinical, Development, History, Communication, and Video stations.

To be eligible for the MRCPCH exam, candidates must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (MBBS or equivalent) from an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Although RCPCH requires no English language certification, a proficiency equivalent to IELTS level 7 or above is recommended by RCPCH.MRCPCH FOP/TAS & MRCPCH AKPThe MRCPCH FOP/ TAS, or MRCPCH AKP may be taken in whichever order the candidates prefer. Basic eligibility for any of these papers is the same Primary Medical Qualification as stated above. MRCPCH Clinical Exam Eligibility: To sit the MRCPCH Clinical Exam, candidates must

• Have completed and passed all three theory parts of the exam, namely MRCPCH FOP/TAS, and MRCPCH AKP.
• All MRCPCH Clinical Examination candidates must provide details of a Sponsor who can vouch for the readiness of the candidate to take the exam. This could be a clinical supervisor, or a fellow RCPCH member.

Although not mandatory, the RCPCH recommends extensive experience in clinical roles to make passing this exam easier. As per this guideline, candidates should have:

• Completed a period of training lasting two and a half years from the graduation date of their PMQ.
• Spent no less than 12 months in posts involving the care of emergency paediatric patients within the five years prior to exam.
• Spent six months of their first year after graduation as a house paediatrician.

All MRCPCH candidates are required to pass the MRCPCH Clinical Examination within seven years of clearing all three of the theory papers.

Number of Attempts

The RCPCH regulation in accordance with the latest UK-GMC guidelines allows for up to six attempts at each part of the MRCPCH examinations. Any candidate who has already expired the number of attempts will have to provide proof of additional educational experience before any further attempts will be allowed.

Exam Structure

The MRCPCH exam is given in three parts.

MRCPCH FOP/TAS: The MRCPCH Foundation of Practice (FOP) and Theory and Science (TAS) exams can be taken on the same day, with FOP in the morning and TAS in the afternoon. Each exam is 2 hours long and consists of 100 single best answer (SBA) questions.

MRCPCH AKP: Like the FOP/TAS, MRCPCH AKP is also a theory examination, but split into two sessions taking two and a half hours each. Each part is 60 SBA questions, and there will be a break between the two papers

MRCPCH Clinical Examination is taken in person at a hospital assigned to the candidates in a host city, but examination centre or slot availability vary with each diet. If a candidate’s application for MRCPCH Clinical Examination is successful, they will receive a confirmation mail with the full details of the exam centre four weeks in advance.

 1. Create an RCPCH Account

All candidates must create an online RCPCH account before applying for any MRCPCH examination.

• Existing candidates should use their previously registered account.
• The name on the RCPCH account must exactly match the name on the candidate’s passport or government-issued ID.

2. Eligibility

• Candidates must meet the RCPCH eligibility guidelines at the point of applying.
• Candidates must also meet the exam currency guidelines provided by the RCPCH.

MRCPCH FOP/TAS

• Candidates should possess a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) from an institution recognised by the UK- GMC

MRCPCH AKP

• Candidates must have successfully passed MRCPCH FOP/TAS.

MRCPCH Clinical Exam

• Candidates must have passed MRCPCH FOP/TAS, and MRCPCH AKP.

3.  Booking the Exam

Eligible candidates will receive an email from RCPCH when the booking window opens.

MRCPCH FOP/TAS & AKP

• Exams are booked through the candidate’s RCPCH account
• Candidates can select available test centres from the Available Bookings section.
• Once the application is complete and the candidate is allotted a seat, they will receive an admission document about 3-4 weeks prior to the examination date.

MRCPCH Clinical Exam

• Booking is completed directly through the RCPCH process after allocation.
• Candidates appearing the MRCPCH Clinical Examinations are required to provide full details of a Sponsor ( a supervisor, or fellow RCPCH member) with their consent and knowledge.
• The slot allocation for MRCPCH Clinical Examination is based on the Allocation Criteria as published on the RCPCH website.

4. ID Requirements on Exam Day

Candidates must produce a photo identity card when appearing for any of the MRCPCH examinations. Acceptable types of identification are:

• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Hospital ID Card

(Failure to comply may result in refusal of entry to the examination)

5. Reasonable Adjustments

Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments due to disability or medical conditions must:

• Apply for adjustments at least 7 weeks in advance.
• Wait for approval before booking the exam.
• Follow the special booking instructions provided by RCPCH.

6. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Refunds for Cancellations, or Withdrawal from the examination is subject to the Exam Rules and Regulations as provided on the RCPCH website.  each, and FOP is always sat in the morning session, while TAS is taken in the afternoon.

MRCPCH AKP: Like the FOP/TAS, MRCPCH AKP is also a theory examination, but split into two sessions taking two and a half hours each. Each part is 60 SBA questions, and there will be a break between the two papers

MRCPCH Clinical Exam: Once candidates have cleared all three theory examinations of the MRCPCH certification, they are eligible to attend the MRCPCH Clinical Exam. This is a practical clinical examination that runs across 10 different stations that present the candidates with various diagnostic and clinical management problems, and are conducted at hospitals in the UK, or elsewhere. There are four short clinical stations for face-to-face exams with patients, one development station, one history station, two communication stations, and two video stations.

The stations, except for the History, Development stations, are 9 minutes long with 4 minute breaks between them. The History, and Development stations are 22 minutes long.

MRCPCH FOP/TAS- 2027

• FOP/TAS 2027- Diet 1
  Exam date: Wednesday 17 February
• FOP/TAS 2027- Diet 2
  Exam date: Wednesday Wednesday 23 June
• FOP/TAS 2027- Diet 3
  Exam date: Wednesday 13 October

MRCPCH AKP- 2027

• AKP 2027- Diet 1
  Exam date: Wednesday 20th January 2027
• AKP 2027- Diet 2
  Exam date: Wednesday 26 May
• AKP 2027- Diet 3
  Exam date: Wednesday 22 September

Although RCPCH conducts the theory examinations across cities in various countries around the world, the locations and availability vary from diet to diet. Make sure to check the RCPCH website for exam location details before booking the exam. The current test locations in India are- Thiruvanathapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

MRCPCH Clinical Exam- 2027

Clinical Exam 2027- Diet 1

• MRCPCH is accepted by many employers and health systems (UK, Middle East, Commonwealth and elsewhere)
• Job and training access in the UK
• Focused pediatrics expertise
• Improved employability and competitive edge
• Professional development and resources
• Local-system impact in origin countries of candidates
• MRCPCH is a launchpad for candidates to achieve higher specialty training, or better placement