Blog

The MRCPCH (Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) exam is an important qualification which acts as a gateway to a rewarding career in paediatrics, but many candidates feel troubled by the notion of how challenging it really is and what are the best possible ways to prepare effectively. Let’s dive deep into the exam format and major obstacles in passing the exam.

MRCPCH Exam Format

The MRCPCH exam consists of three parts, each designed to individually assess your medical knowledge and skills in theoretical and clinical aspects” to improve clarity and flow

MRCPCH FOP/TAS: These two theoretical exams are computer-based tests which test your foundational knowledge in paediatrics through multiple choice questions and can be taken on the same day.

MRCPCH AKP: These theoretical exam evaluates your prowess in application level paediatric knowledge and clinical decision-making skills

MRCPCH Clinical: This is a clinical examination that tests your clinical skills in a live setting through a wide variety of stations.

Major Challenges of MRCPCH Exam

Most MRCPCH aspirants are stumped by these obstacles in their journey in acing the MRCPCH examination.

Broad Knowledge Base: The MRCPCH exam syllabus is extremely wide and covers a lot of ground—from child development and common illnesses to treatment options. You need to have a firm understanding of the concepts to ace the exam.

Real-World Application: It’s not just about theoretical knowledge as in the MRCPCH OSCE exam you need to apply your knowledge in practical situations. This can be a real challenge, without previous clinical experience.

Time Pressure: Each section in the OSCE part of the MRCPCH exam has strict time limits, so managing your time effectively during the exam is crucial to ensure you can answer all the questions. Which stands true for the theoretical parts of the exam as well.

How to Succeed in the MRCPCH Exam

While the MRCPCH exam might seem intimidating, with the right strategy one can easily succeed in the examination.

Make a Personalised Study Plan

Start your preparatory journey by creating a clear study plan with timelines that covers all the topics in the MRCPCH syllabus. Set aside dedicated time for regular revision sessions. A structured approach will help keep you organised and on track.

Choose Quality Study Materials

Reliable study resources, such as textbooks, online courses, and question banks, are a must due to the high volume of content to cover. Regularly attending mock exams could help you in enhancing your time management skills and familiarising yourself with the format and style of questions.

Hone Your Clinical Skills

For the OSCE part of the exam, practice is key. Beyond clinical experience through a clinical setting, simulated training with mentors and peers can improve your proficiency. Make sure to focus on improving your communication, patient examination techniques, and time management during these practice sessions.

Seek Guidance From Expert Mentors

Acing the MRCPCH exam is a long and arduous journey, without the right guidance it gets really easy for your preparation to take a wrong turn. But with the right guidance that helps you along every step of the way by experienced mentors who are MRCPCH-qualified, your prep journey would turn out to be a walk in the park.

The MRCPCH exam may present challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, success is within reach. StudyMRCPCH, the number one course provider for the MRCPCH exam, offers a comprehensive and structured approach that covers every aspect of the exam.

With StudyMRCPCH’s expert guidance, top-tier resources, and practical training, you can navigate the exam format with confidence and sharpen the clinical skills essential for success.
We hope this information has been helpful! If you have any questions about the MRCPCH exam, or if you need exam tips to clear the exam, please contact our team. We’re here for you!

Authored By: Sanad Beevi