The MRCP pathway begins with Part 1. After receiving confirmation of a pass, you can apply for Part 2 Written or PACES; those two components may be taken in either order. Plan each step around eligibility, application deadlines and your preparation needs.

Step 1: Check Part 1 eligibility and documents

Check the Federation’s current entry requirements and primary medical qualification instructions. The Part 1 eligibility rule refers to graduation at least 12 months before the examination date. Allow time to arrange the documents needed for your own application.

Step 2: Choose a Part 1 diet and prepare

Review the Part 1 dates and fees. Put the application deadline in your calendar and build a study plan that leaves room for topic learning, question review and mocks.

Our Part 1 preparation guide describes a flexible lecture, theory and questions routine. If you want an integrated course, the Part 1 course page shows current batches and trial access.

Step 3: Wait for confirmation of your Part 1 pass

Do not plan progression using exam dates alone. You need the confirmed Part 1 pass before applying for Part 2 or PACES, so the results date must fit the next application window.

For example, January 2027 Part 1 does not lead directly into February 2027 Part 2: the Part 2 application window closes in December 2026, before the Part 1 examination and result.

Step 4: Plan Part 2 Written and PACES

Choose the order that fits your clinical exposure, study time and available sittings. Part 2 Written preparation emphasises applying knowledge to scenarios, investigations and management. PACES needs practical clinical and communication preparation, so it requires a different study setting.

Use the Part 2 dates guide and official PACES information for current arrangements. Our Part 2 study guide and Part 2 course explain the written-exam learning pathway.

Step 5: Complete the remaining examination requirements

After completing the components, follow the Federation’s instructions for confirmation of the qualification. Examination completion, professional registration and access to a training or employment post are separate processes; check the requirements relevant to your next step.

Keep the plan practical

  • Track application windows and result dates separately from exam dates.
  • Review your study progress before committing to a sitting.
  • Keep official exam booking and preparation-course enrolment separate.
  • Confirm centre, travel and leave arrangements before making commitments.
  • Use the current official regulations for attempt limits and other eligibility questions.

The combined 2027 calendar can help you compare the written sittings. A sustainable preparation routine is more useful than a timeline that assumes every step will happen immediately.

Official sources

Exam information checked on 28 September 2026. Confirm current arrangements before applying.