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Achieving the Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) is a significant milestone for any paediatrician. Among the various components of the MRCPCH, the Foundation of Practice (FOP) and Theory and Science (TAS) exams are critical steps that comprehensively evaluate a paediatrician’s knowledge and understanding of clinical practice. Successfully completing these exams is essential for progressing toward the MRCPCH qualification.
The MRCPCH exam has four parts. Three of them test your knowledge through theory exams, while the fourth part focuses on your clinical skills. The theory exams include the Foundation of Practice (FOP), Theory and Science (TAS), and Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP). The theory exams are non sequential, so you can take them in any order. You must pass all the theory exams to sit for the final part, MRCPCH Clinical.
MRCPCH FOP/TAS exams are held on the same day, with FOP in the morning and TAS in the afternoon. While MRCPCH FOP assesses your knowledge of clinical care for children by covering common conditions, MRCPCH TAS tests the scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles underlying clinical practice.
Preparing for the MRCPCH FOP/TAS exams can be demanding, and it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Neglecting the syllabus: Not understanding the syllabus can leave gaps in your prep. Make sure to cover all the topics for FOP and TAS.
Skipping practice questions: Practice questions are essential for getting comfortable with the exam. Regularly completing past papers will improve your confidence and performance.
Poor time management: Without good time management, last-minute cramming can get stressful. Stick to a study plan to stay organised.
Ignoring basic sciences: TAS focuses a lot on scientific principles, so do not skip studying subjects like physiology and pharmacology.
Not asking for help: If you are struggling with a topic, do not hesitate to ask for help. Studying with peers or mentors can give you new insights.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about the MRCPCH exam or need assistance with your preparation, feel free to contact our team.
Authored By: Sarath