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A Detailed Guide to Royal College Qualifications in Paediatrics & Child Health

For medical aspirants looking to become experts in handling paediatrics and child health cases, MRCPCH and FRCPCH are two familiar terms they might have heard. Widely recognized as epitomes of excellence in the field of paediatrics, both MRCPCH and FRCPCH represent paths to demonstrate your abilities as a paediatric and child health expert.

Here, we will go deep into all about MRCPCH & FRCPCH, providing insights to everyone dreaming for both membership and fellowship in paediatrics and child health.

MRCPCH; In A Nutshell

MRCPCH, or Membership of the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health, is the postgraduate qualification awarded by RCPCH. Aspirants will receive MRCPCH once they have passed four separate postgraduate medical exams.

The MRCPCH exam comprises four exams: three theory exams and one clinical exam. The theory exams are MRCPCH AKP and FOP/TAS. These  Theory examinations can be taken in any order and are non-sequential. Aspirants can only sit for the clinical exam once they have cleared theory exams. The MRCPCH clinical exam is an objective structured clinical exam with 10 scenarios/stations.

FRCPCH;  In A Nutshell

FRCPCH, or Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health, is the pinnacle of RCPCH membership. This qualification recognizes medical practitioners who have already completed their specialist training. You can obtain this fellowship by registration or election. Fellowship by registration is available to paediatricians on the GMC or IMC Specialist Registers for Paediatrics. Others who wish to get FRCPCH need to apply through Fellowship by election. This fellowship is mandatory if you wish to stand for a senior College role such as President or Vice President.

Choose the right path

Both MRCPCH and FRCPCH designations after your name offer a plethora of opportunities in Paediatrics and Child Health. Clearing MRCPCH, the first part in this journey, is not an easy task. It requires immense dedication and perseverance. To help you prepare for MRCPCH, StudyMRCPCH offers different preparatory programs led by MRCPCH experts. Connect with StudyMRCPCH to know more.

Authored By: Mariya P J