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The MRCPCH FOP (Foundation of Practice) and TAS (Theory and Science) exams are two important theory exams in the journey towards achieving the MRCPCH qualification. Despite being well-prepared, many candidates fail to clear these exams on the first attempt not due to a lack of knowledge but because of errors that can be avoided.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common mistakes MRCPCH FOP/TAS candidates make and, more importantly, how to avoid them to increase chances of passing on the first try.

1. Neglecting the Exam Format and Question Style

 Mistake: Many candidates jump straight into studying clinical content without understanding the structure and expectations of the FOP and TAS exams.

Solution:

• Get acquainted with the SBA and EMQ format.
• Use RCPCH or reliable sources’ past papers and mock exams for practice.
• Access forums or Telegram groups where exam trends are regularly discussed.

2. Inefficient Time Management during the Exam

 Mistake: Wasting plenty of time on challenging questions in the beginning and hurrying through easy ones later.

Solution:

• Take weekly timed mock exams.
• Create a plan, flag challenging questions and come back later.
• Try to complete at least 10 minutes before time for a review pass.

3. Excessive Clinical Experience, Forgetting Basic Sciences

 Mistake: Clinicians tend to concentrate on actual clinical experience and avoid reading basic sciences, particularly for TAS.

Solution:

• Don’t forget, TAS is very science-intensive. Reinforce principles in genetics, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, and embryology.
• Utilise reliable textbooks such as Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics or Nelson Essentials.

4. Ignoring High-Yield Topics

 Mistake: Candidates learn everything with the same level of effort rather than emphasising high-yield, commonly tested topics.

Solution:

• Emphasise areas such as growth and development, nutrition, neonatal care, immunisation schedules, and common genetic disorders.
• Leverage fact-based insights from recall-based question banks.
• Access recent webinars or coaching sessions that feature current question trends.

5. Memorising Without Understanding

 Mistake: Blind memorisation of facts without a grasp of concepts causes perplexity while doing MCQs.

Solution:

Conceptual clarity is the focus.

Visual representations such as flowcharts, diagrams, and mnemonics should be used.

Study in small groups or teach others to make sure the concept is clear.

6. Negative Marking Strategy Ignoring

 Mistake: Random guessing on doubtful questions may damage your overall score.

Solution:

There is no negative marking in MRCPCH FOP/TAS, so answer all questions, but guess wisely and rule out incorrect options first.

7. Beginning Preparation Too Late

 Mistake: Cramming material only a few weeks prior to the exam.

Solution:

• Ideally begin your preparation 3–4 months in advance. Make a realistic study timetable.
• Employ spaced repetition tools such as Anki or Quizlet for long-term memorisation.
• Reserve the last month for complete-length mocks and revision only.

8. Failing to Review Performance

 Mistake: Making the same mistakes in mocks without reviewing performance.

Solution:

• Keep an error log to identify recurring mistakes.
• Go through all the incorrect questions with rationales to fill gaps in knowledge.

Passing the MRCPCH FOP/TAS isn’t about how hard you work; it’s about how cleverly you work. By keeping these pitfalls in mind and implementing intelligent strategies, you can give yourself an edge and enter the exam full of confidence.

If you need additional support in exam preparation, consider joining expert-led courses offered by StudyMRCPCH. With live interactive classes, top-quality study materials, study group activities, and regular mock exams, we will help you clear the exam on your first attempt.

Connect with our team to know more about our courses.

Authored By: Sarath