What is the MRCP PACES Exam?
The MRCP PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is a mandatory clinical examination for doctors pursuing MRCP membership in the UK. It tests your clinical examination skills, communication abilities, and medical knowledge through a series of patient encounters.
The exam consists of five clinical stations held at approved examination centres. You must pass this exam to obtain MRCP(UK) membership and progress in your medical career.
MRCP PACES Exam Format
The MRCP PACES exam consists of 110 questions to be completed in 2.5 hours (150 minutes). The exam includes three question types:
Single Best Answer (SBA)
Choose the single best answer from 5 options. This is the most common question format.
Extended Matching Questions (EMQ)
Match clinical scenarios to the most appropriate option from a longer list of answers.
Calculation Questions
Solve clinical skills and enter numerical answers directly.
MRCP PACES Exam Dates 2026
The MRCP PACES exam is typically held twice per year. The 2026 exam dates are:
- June 2026 - Exact dates announced by MRCP PACES
- September 2026 - Exact dates announced by MRCP PACES
Registration opens approximately 3 months before each sitting. Check the official MRCP PACES website for confirmed dates and registration deadlines.
What Topics Are Covered?
The MRCP PACES exam covers all areas of the MRCP PACES framework for initial education and training:
Clinical Skills
Dosage calculations, dilutions, concentrations, IV flow rates
Clinical Medicine & Therapeutics
Drug interactions, patient counseling, evidence-based practice
Medical Ethics
Legal requirements, controlled drugs, professional standards
Pharmacology
Drug mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects
Clinical Practice
Drug formulation, stability, pharmaceutical technology
Public Health
Health promotion, screening, disease prevention
How to Prepare for the MRCP PACES Exam
1. Start Early
Begin your preparation at least 12 weeks (3 months) before your exam date. This gives you enough time to cover all topics, practice extensively, and address weak areas.
2. Practice Questions Daily
Complete 30-50 practice questions every day. Focus on understanding the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Quality matters more than quantity.
3. Take Regular Mock Exams
Take full-length mock exams under timed conditions every 1-2 weeks. This builds exam stamina and helps you manage time effectively on the day.
4. Focus on Calculations
Practice clinical skills daily. Learn common formulas, shortcuts, and avoid common mistakes. Calculations questions can make or break your result.
5. Review Weak Areas
Use practice analytics to identify your weak areas and focus extra time on these topics. Don't neglect any area completely.
MRCP PACES Exam Pass Rate
The national MRCP PACES exam pass rate typically ranges from 70-80% for first-time candidates, though this varies between sittings. With proper preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of passing.
MRCPPACESPREP students achieve a 94% pass rate - significantly higher than the national average. This is because our platform provides comprehensive coverage and realistic practice.
What If I Fail the MRCP PACES Exam?
If you don't pass, you can retake the exam. However:
- You must wait at least 6 months before your next attempt
- You'll need to pay the £237 sitting fee again
- There's no limit to the number of retakes allowed
Given the waiting period and cost, it's worth investing in thorough preparation to maximize your chances of passing first time.