MRCP Examination Guide for Medical Oncologists

The Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP(UK)) is a crucial milestone for doctors planning a career in Medical Oncology. It’s an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification that assesses core medical knowledge and clinical skills required for specialist training.

For doctors pursuing a career in Medical Oncology in the UK, completion of the MRCP(UK) is mandatory before progressing to higher specialty training (ST4 and beyond).

---

🔍 What Is the MRCP(UK)?

The MRCP(UK) is awarded jointly by the Royal College of Physicians of London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. It serves as a benchmark of general internal medicine competence and is required for entry into many higher specialty training programmes—including Medical Oncology.

It comprises three parts:

1. Part 1 – Tests foundational medical knowledge

2. Part 2 Written – Assesses advanced clinical knowledge

3. Part 2 PACES – Assesses clinical examination and communication skills

   
   

Once you pass all three parts, you become a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP), and you’re eligible to apply for ST4 posts in oncology.

---

🛤️ Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the MRCP(UK)

Step 1: MRCP Part 1

Format:

• Two 3-hour papers (on the same day)

• Each paper has 100 Best of Five (BoF) multiple-choice questions

Topics Covered:

• Cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, endocrinology

• Haematology, oncology, infectious diseases

• Neurology, rheumatology, psychiatry, renal and metabolic medicine

When to Sit It:

• Typically taken during Foundation Year 2 or Core Medical Training (CMT/IMT Stage 1)

Step 2: MRCP Part 2 Written

Format:

• Two 3-hour papers

• Each with 100 multiple-choice questions (BoF)

  
  

Topics Covered:

Same as Part 1 but with a greater emphasis on data interpretation, imaging, ECGs, and clinical judgement.

When to Sit It:

• After passing Part 1; usually during IMT Stage 2 or early ST3

  
  

Step 3: MRCP Part 2 PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills)

Format:

• Five clinical stations assessing:

  1. Respiratory and abdominal exam

  2. Neurological exam

  3. Communication skills

  4. History-taking

  5. Integrated clinical assessment

What It Tests:

• Clinical examination

• Diagnostic reasoning

• Communication with patients and colleagues

• Managing complex cases

  
  

When to Sit It:

• After passing both written parts

• Often completed by end of IMT or during ST3 year

---

📅 Duration to Complete the MRCP(UK)

• Typical Timeline: 1.5 to 3 years

• UK Trainees: Integrated within Internal Medicine Training (IMT)

• International Doctors: Timeline varies depending on preparation and exam availability

---

📚 Recommended Revision Materials

For Part 1:

• Books:

  • Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine

  • Kalra’s Essential Revision for MRCP

  • MRCP Part 1 Secrets

• Online Question Banks:

  • Passmedicine

  • Pastest

  • OnExamination (BMJ)

For Part 2 Written:

• Books:

  • Data Interpretation for MRCP

  • Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine

• Question Banks:

  • Passmedicine (Part 2 level)

  • Pastest

  • StudyMRCP

For PACES:

• Books & Guides:

  • PACES for the MRCP (4th Edition)

  • Cases for PACES by Bose

  • Clinical Examination by Talley and O’Connor

• Practical Prep:

  • Join mock PACES sessions

  • Practise with colleagues or join online PACES forums

  • Watch YouTube channels for bedside demonstration videos

---

For the approximate cost of completing the examination, please click here.