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Selecting paediatrics as a career means choosing to care for the most delicate patients, children. If you are a medical professional who has always found yourself interested in caring for children, treating little patients, or being part of their healing stories, paediatrics already holds a place in your heart. And if your aim is to become a world-class specialist, you have likely come across the name ‘MRCPCH’ at some point in your medical journey.

The MRCPCH, short for the Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, is one of the most reputed and internationally recognised qualifications for doctors who are aiming to build a respected career in the field of paediatrics. Here, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the MRCPCH exam, including its structure, eligibility, and the pathway that leads you to a successful career.

MRCPCH: Understanding the exam structure

 The MRCPCH is awarded to those who successfully complete three theory exams and one clinical exam conducted by the RCPCH. Each stage tests different skill sets, from theoretical knowledge to hands-on application. The theory exams (FOP/TAS, AKP) can be taken in any order, as they are non-sequential.

Foundation of Practice (FOP): It tests your understanding of basic paediatric principles and skills in problem-solving.

Theory and Science (TAS): It focuses on the scientific concepts underpinning child health and disease management.

Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP): This exam aims to evaluate your clinical reasoning, data interpretation, and decision-making.

Once you clear all these three written exams, you can take the MRCPCH Clinical Exam, which is the final and most practical part. It tests your professionalism, ability to interact with children and parents and ability to demonstrate real-world clinical skills.

Eligibility criteria for MRCPCH theory exams

As there is no sequential order for MRCPCH theory exams, the eligibility criteria for FOP/TAS and AKP are the same.

• A valid Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) from a registered institution.
• PMQ must make the holder eligible for GMC registration (UK).
• Overseas PMQs must be recognised by the GMC UK.

Eligibility criteria for MRCPCH Clinical

• Must have passed all MRCPCH theory exams.
• Minimum 2.5 years of training after graduation.

Paediatric experience:

• 12 months in emergency paediatric care within the last 5 years.
• Six months as a house paediatrician or an equivalent six months in emergency paediatrics.
• Two sponsors (senior colleagues or supervisors) must confirm readiness.
• Must pass the Clinical within 7 years of the final theory exam.

The Pathway

Most of the candidates begin with FOP and TAS, then move on to AKP. After passing all written exams, the final step is the Clinical. Successfully completing all four stages earns you full RCPCH membership. It marks your entry into an elite network of paediatric professionals across the globe.

You can apply for GMC registration once you achieve MRCPCH. GMC registration is a must for legally practising medicine in the UK. Also, as we discussed earlier, the MRCPCH is respected by medical councils and healthcare systems across the world. So, you can go for better job opportunities, work in reputed hospitals, or continue higher training in paediatrics both in the UK and Ireland.

We have covered everything from the exam structure to the eligibility criteria of the MRCPCH exams. If you have any questions regarding any of these we discussed here, feel free to connect with the StudyMRCPCH team. We are happy to guide you. Also, if you are aiming for any of the upcoming MRCPCH exams, be it FOP/TAS, AKP, or Clinical, you can consider joining the expert-led, proven courses offered by StudyMRCPCH. We offer courses in both short- and long-term formats that can seamlessly fit into the busy schedules of a doctor. You can even explore our top-quality study materials for free through the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling in the courses.

Need more information? Connect with our team today.

Authored By: Sarath