Becoming a specialist physician is a long, challenging but fruitful journey. Amid this journey, crossing the milestone of (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) MRCP Part 1 exam is highly crucial. To help you with details, we are here with the blog covering ‘MRCP PART 1 Exam Dates 2024.’ Here, we’ll dive deep into the specifics, studying a comprehensive guide with great insights.

What is MRCP Part 1?

The MRCP exam puts a medical student’s knowledge and skills to the test. It is a challenging exam that evaluates basic concepts not only from roots but also the practical knowledge overall. It assesses knowledge and understanding of medical sciences and the ability of a candidate to apply the knowledge in real-world situations. It is merely not an exam, it’s a pathway for the candidates who wish to specialize in medicine.

What Does MRCP Offers?

MRCP offers masters/postgraduate level medical diploma in internal medicine in the UK. It holds importance and value as it is globally recognised. It is acknowledged in the countries overall, with some being UK, UAE, Ireland, Singapore, etc. An MRCP qualified medical student/candidate can have many location options to continue medical practice. For the doctors who are preparing for specialization on the behalf of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and the Royal College of Physicians of London, the following qualifications are provided by MRCP (UK):

• MRCP (UK) Diploma
• 12 Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs)

What are Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs)?

These examinations are a chance to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of the globally set standard. SCEs cover all that’s required to know, by a newly qualified specialist in the chosen field. These are required for specialist physicians in the UK.

What is the Difference Between MRCP Part 1 and Part 2?

Understand it as ‘MRCP Part 1 being the foundation where basic medical and clinical knowledge is tested’ and ‘MRCP Part 2′ being the practical application of what the medical professional has learnt!’

What are MRCP Part 1 Dates 2024?

Mark your calendars! Here are the crucial upcoming dates for the MRCP Part 1 exam in 2024:

• 14 August 2024: Application period from 3 June to 10 June 2024.
  • Results by 13 September 2024.
• 16 October 2024: Application period from 5 August to 12 August 2024.
  • Results by 15 November 2024.
• 22 January 2025: Application period from 4 November to 11 November 2024.
  • Results by 21 February 2025.
• 16 April 2025: Application period from 3 February to 10 February 2025.
  • Results by 16 May 2025.

This calendar is a reminder of stepping closer to your goal. So, plan and prepare for MRCP beforehand to be all set when the time comes.

What is MRCP PART 1 Exam Syllabus and Format?

The MRCP Part 1 exam is composed of two papers, each with 100 MCQs. Total time is three hours to complete the exam. Here’s a snapshot of what you need to cover for the exam. Don’t forget to revise all of it.

How to prepare MRCP PART 1? (Key Concepts)

Here’s the snapshot of what needs to be grasped!!!

• Cardiology: Heart diseases, ECG interpretation
• Respiratory Medicine: Asthma, COPD
• Gastroenterology: Liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease
• Neurology: Stroke, epilepsy
• Endocrinology: Diabetes, thyroid disorders
• Rheumatology: Arthritis, connective tissue diseases
• Nephrology: Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease
• Infectious Diseases: HIV, tropical diseases
• Hematology: Anemias, clotting disorders
• Oncology: Cancer types, treatments
• Psychiatry: Mood disorders, schizophrenia
• Ophthalmology: Eye diseases, vision tests
• Dermatology: Skin infections, dermatologic conditions
• Clinical Pharmacology: Drug mechanisms, side effects

How to Prepare MRCP Part 1? (Tips & Tricks)

Preparation is the key to success! For cracking MRCP Part 1, a smart/strategic vision can make all the difference. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Always Make a Plan: Note down topics and make a well-structured study plan.
2. Use Quality Resources: Enroll for digital courses and classes, and start a guided journey. One such being ‘Cracking MRCP Part 1’ by Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander and Dr Archith Boloor.
3. Practice Makes a Man Perfect: Practice the MCQs, solve question banks, and research online. A good digital course will always provide you practice exercises too.
4. Join Study Groups: A collective learning can assist you get different perspectives and clarify doubts. Join online forums or local study groups to discuss tricky topics.
5. Keep a Note of UK Medicine Area: Indian students need to have an edge over this! A candidate must have knowledge of UK internal medicine training, UK’s guidelines, and other important breakthroughs in UK medical science.

It is a difficult exam but only for those who do not prepare! Just be on time. From online application dates to having a note of closing deadline, from initial preparation of sample questions to final exam preparation, leave no chance for delays. Also, stay stress-free, especially on the exam day to have 100% chance of success. Stress is the biggest enemy. So, to win over a wide range of subjects from the syllabus, just be confident and stress-free.

What is the MRCP Part 1 Fees in India?

While enrolling, the Indian students registering from India need to pay around £616 as fee for the MRCP Part 1 exam as they are international students. For the UK, the application procedures include fee as £460. The fees may vary, so it’s best to check the MRCP UK website for the latest information.

To be eligible for the MRCP Part 1 exam, a candidate must:

• Hold a medical degree recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC) or equivalent.
• Have completed at least one year of postgraduate medical experience.

Understanding MRCP Part 1 Results

The MRCP Part 1 results are usually released 4 to 6 weeks after the exam. The results are published online on the MRCP UK website, where you can log in to view your scores. The pass mark usually hovers around 540, but it’s adjusted based on the exam’s difficulty through a process called equating.

Final Thoughts

The MRCP Part 1 exam is a crucial milestone in a medical career. With a detailed understanding of the schedule, key dates and prep strategies, this exam can be cracked! With the right resources, regular practice, and staying up to date with official updates and news, a candidate can pass this exam with flying colors. Let’s remember, the MRCP Part 1 is not just an exam; it’s a steppingstone to a fulfilling career in medicine. Your journey to becoming a specialist physician begins here!

Note: For more detailed information and to stay updated with the latest announcements, visit the MRCP UK website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the MRCP Exam 1 Format?

Ans. Exam Format is as follows:

• The MRCP Part 1 exam consists of two 3-hour papers.
• It is in the MCQ (Multiple-Choice-Questions) format.

Q2. What is the MRCP Part 2 Exam Format?

Ans. The MRCP Part 2 is further in two parts. One is Written and the other is Clinical Examination, known as PACES.

• The ‘Written’ consists of a three-hour MCQ based question paper including diagnosis, investigations & prognosis of patients.
• The ‘PACES’ includes 5 clinical stations series, each evaluated by two examiners.

Q3. When can we Register for the Upcoming MRCP Part 1 Exam?

Ans. At present, application process can start from 5th August to 12th August 2024. It is for the exam to be held on 16th October, 2024. The results could be out by 15th November, 2024. The rest of examination dates have been mentioned above in the blog, in detail.

Q4. What is the fee for MRCP Part 1 Exam?

Ans. The fee is around £460 for (UK) and £616 for international students. However, there could be slight changes in the fee depending upon various factors. It is always advisable to reach out to the official website of MRCP for the exact fee structure.