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MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

WORLD-CLASS CREDENTIALS
A Guide to MRCP(UK) and Specialty Certificate Examinations for Consultant Physicians in Training

MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Credentials to launch your career


This is an overview of the MRCP(UK) examination and the new Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) that were introduced in 2008. These examinations are developed and quality assured by the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. Around the world, they are seen as the gold standard among postgraduate qualifications for physicians. Relevance to clinical practice is assured because the exams are professionally led by consultant physicians. They reflect current best practice, thanks to a process of continual review. The examinations demonstrate the achievement of an internationally recognised standard and can complement nationally recognised qualifications.

Your part in a proud history Why the MRCP(UK)?


The MRCP(UK) is the membership examination for the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. While acceptance to one of the participating Royal Colleges is certainly a privilege, the MRCP(UK) also offers you benefits that reach that much further. The MRCP(UK) is recognised around the world as a hallmark of professional achievement. It is used in countries outside the UK as a benchmark standard for local postgraduate assessments. Each year, some 14,000 doctors take one or more components of the MRCP(UK) examination in 26 countries worldwide. Wherever you have studied, the MRCP(UK) confirms you have achieved the highest standards, conferring a clear advantage in an increasingly competitive market. It is a qualification that is established and recognised across the world. Every year over 1,500 doctors from many different parts of the world successfully complete the MRCP(UK). The MRCP(UK) is awarded on behalf of the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. This alliance represents three institutions, which guard many of Europes oldest and most prestigious academic legacies: The Royal College of Physicians of London, founded 1518 The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, founded 1599 The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, founded 1681 All three Colleges were established with the aim of ensuring high standards of medical training and practice. Todays modern qualifications are descended from examinations that were introduced some 150 years ago. In the 21st century, successful completion of the MRCP(UK) examinations is a key requirement for full membership of these Colleges, a distinction that is respected around the world.

MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

About the Specialty Certificate Examination


Passing the Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) provides objective evidence that you have the knowledge necessary to take on the role of consultant in your chosen specialty. It also brings the UK into alignment with other countries such as the USA and Canada that have already introduced similar examinations for the same purpose. The SCE was designed in response to important trends in medicine both in the UK and worldwide. The examination provides an international benchmark for postgraduate medical education. The examinations currently cover 11 separate specialties. They have been developed by the Federation in association with the UK specialist societies, drawing on the expertise of more than 300 specialist consultant physicians. Physicians working outside the UK who have passed all parts of the MRCP(UK) are welcome to apply to sit the SCE, which allows you to compare your performance with peers on a global basis. The SCE is a computerised test that you take at an independently operated assessment centre. These centres run in most countries contact us on SCE.queries@mrcpuk.org to find out if there is a centre near you. Passing the SCE is an important milestone for all physicians moving to a senior level in the profession, typically four years after starting specialist training. It is intended to be part of a broad-based training programme. This achievement confirms that: you have the knowledge to practise medicine to consultant physician level your medical qualifications are understood and respected by the public and the medical community the standard you achieve compares favourably with standards anywhere in the world If you are successful in the SCE, you will receive a certificate to validate your achievement.

Participating specialties
The first Specialty Certificate Examinations (SCEs) were introduced in 2008 and the entire programme is being introduced over the next two years. Medical specialties that now offer, or are developing, the SCE include: Acute medicine Dermatology Endocrinology and diabetes Gastroenterology Geriatric medicine Infectious diseases Medical oncology Nephrology Neurology Palliative medicine Respiratory medicine Rheumatology

FAQs: The Specialty Certificate Examination


Am I eligible to take the Specialty Certificate Examination? All physicians who have obtained the MRCP(UK) may apply to take any of the SCEs. What is the format for the Specialty Certificate Examination? The SCE is a summative assessment of your scientific and clinical knowledge, and your problem-solving ability. The SCE takes account of the skills and attitudes necessary in the consultant physicians role as a clinical leader. For example, you must demonstrate an awareness of social, psychological and cultural factors, and of evidence-based practice. The examination questions, which are multiple-choice and usually include a clinical scenario, test the diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis of patients. Results of investigations and illustrations, such as images of scans, may also form part of a question. You are asked to choose the best answer from five possible alternatives. There are two sections, each of 100 items. Each section lasts three hours. You take the exam at an independent test centre, in a computer-based format. How should I prepare? The SCE covers all areas of knowledge that you should have acquired by the time you reach the last 18 months of your specialty training. Before taking the examination you should consult your trainer. Curricula for various medical specialties are published on the website of the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB). Visit: www.jrcptb.org.uk How do I apply? You can apply online via our website: www.mrcpuk.org/SCE Please see the back page of this leaflet for more details. How do I find my nearest test centre? Contact us by email: SCE.queries@mrcpuk.org

MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

The MRCP(UK) and SCEs provide the gold standard for excellence in medical education for patient care. All trainees should be encouraged to take them
Parveen Kumar is a Professor of Medicine and Education and is a consultant physician and gastroenterologist. She was born in India and has worked for the UKs NHS for over 40 years mainly in north and east London. Her contribution to the teaching of medicine and medical education is well known. She is a past President of the British Medical Association, past Academic Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians of London and the President-Elect of the Royal Society of Medicine. She is also a senior MRCP(UK) examiner, both in the UK and internationally. She was awarded the UKs CBE for Services to Medicine in 2000 and was the first Asian Woman of the Year (Professional) in 1999.

We have been working closely with leading physicians around the world to ensure the examinations have the full support of local medical communities.

Egypt Hong Kong India (Chennai) Kuwait Malaysia Oman Singapore United Arab Emirates (Al Ain) United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Madiha Khattab MD, FRCP(Edin) Matthew Ng FRCP(Lond), FRCP(Edin) Georgi Abraham MD, FRCP(Lond) Nabila Abdella FRCP(Lond), FRCPI Dato Anuar Zaini Md Zain FRCP(Edin) Abdullah M. Riyami FRCP(Lond) Y.C. Chee FRCP(Lond), FCCP(USA), FRACP Salah Gariballa MD, FRCP(Lond) Joe Muscat-Baron BPharm, FRCP(Lond), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Glasg)

You can now take the MRCP(UK) in over 20 countries (see map below) and you can take the SCE in most of these countries. If you have any queries, please go to our website at www.mrcpuk.org. Or if you have a specific query about the best option for you, please send us an email: MRCP(UK) queries: www.mrcpuk.org/ContactUs/Pages/Contact%20Us.aspx SCE queries: SCE.queries@mrcpuk.org

Bahrain* Barbados, West Indies Egypt Ghana Hong Kong India (Chennai)* India (Kolkata) India (Mumbai) India (Thiruvananthapuram) Jamaica, West Indies Jordan Kuwait Libya Malaysia* Malta* Myanmar* Nepal

Oman Pakistan (Karachi)* Pakistan (Lahore)* Qatar Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)* Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan Syria Trinidad, West Indies United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) United Arab Emirates (Al Ain) United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Zimbabwe
*New activity in 2008

MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

About the MRCP(UK)


The MRCP(UK) examination is a mandatory part of the curriculum for physicians in the UK and a gateway to higher specialist training. In addition, it is a membership examination that is common to all three Royal Colleges of Physicians. The examination provides valid, reliable evidence of a physicians: medical knowledge clinical skills judgement and appropriate professional behaviour The MRCP(UK) examination consists of three parts, which you sit at different points in your career: MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination: Two papers test broad medical knowledge in a multiple-choice format MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written Examination: Three papers ask about the diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis of patients in various clinical scenarios, using multiple-choice questions MRCP(UK) Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES): Practical exercises and discussions with the examiners assess skills in physical examination, history taking, and communication and ethics To take the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination, you must have a medical qualification that is recognised by the Colleges, and at least one year of experience in a medical post. You will also need support from your educational or clinical supervisor. You must pass Part 1 before progressing to Part 2 Written and PACES. Medical trainees would normally expect to take the first part of the MRCP(UK) examination two years after finishing medical school and to complete the whole within four years of finishing medical school. Trainees are encouraged to work closely with their educational supervisors to ensure that they have acquired the appropriate knowledge and expertise before applying.

How should I prepare?


All those wishing to take the MRCP(UK) examinations are encouraged to discuss their plans with their supervisor. To prepare for the exams, it is essential that you: gain clinical experience in hospital posts involving the care of emergency medical patients study up-to-date postgraduate clinical textbooks read current medical journals There are also practice questions available on our website, once you have registered for the exam: www.mrcpuk.org The syllabus for the MRCP(UK) is part of the General Internal Medicine curriculum see pages 9 to 98 of Specialty Training Curriculum for General Internal Medicine, August 2009 (www.jrcptb.org.uk/Specialty/Documents/2009 GIM curriculum.PDF) The written papers map to system-based competencies. They are comprehensive and reflect the spiral of learning. PACES maps to both system-based and generic competencies. The basic level for MRCP(UK) Part 1 is to have some knowledge of common conditions, progressing to more in-depth knowledge about the presentation, examination findings, investigation and treatment. Trainees at this stage are not expected to be competent to treat the condition independently. The final level of knowledge and experience required for Part 2 corresponds to the expectation of trainees being able to manage the condition, e.g. atrial fibrillation or diabetes mellitus, independently and be aware of the prognosis and other aspects of treatment such as the evidence base for treatment, guidelines and side-effects of treatment. In PACES, trainees need to demonstrate adequate competence in physical examination skills, history taking, and communication and ethics.

Quality assured
In the competitive worldwide environment, we know that we cannot stand still. Our examinations are continually subject to change and scrutiny to meet the demands of modern medicine. This process of continual review and challenge is overseen by the Federations Academic, Quality Management and Research Committee (AQMRC), which is made up of leading physicians. The AQMRC Committee is responsible for guaranteeing the academic quality of the examinations. It monitors at all times the level of achievement that the examinations represent, and is responsible for ensuring that any complaints are properly handled. In addition, we are working with the US National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), applying sophisticated statistical and psychometric techniques to ensure that, each time candidates sit the MRCP(UK), the questions are appropriate and consistent, and the marking is fair and objective.

MRCPUK

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Your next steps


MRCP(UK) Examinations
Did you know that the MRCP(UK) Central Office provides a range of resources to help you at each step in preparing for the examination? Visit the website at www.mrcpuk.org to: find answers to common questions locate a nearby testing centre see exam dates apply online download and order study guides practise sample questions and scenarios obtain contact details if you want to telephone/email an adviser read the latest news about the exams track your results Applying for the MRCP(UK) examinations Candidates may apply to sit the MRCP(UK) examinations at selected international centres either online or by post. To find out what application options are available in your country please see the Exam Dates section of our website for details of the dates of each part. The online application service is accessible through the online account My MRCP(UK). Please visit our Online Examination Services page www.mrcpuk.org/Candidate/Pages/OnlineApplications. aspx for more information about creating an online account and applying online for an examination. Applying for examinations online has several advantages. You will: be able to apply right up to the deadline, without worrying about the postal service enjoy the safety and ease of online payment for your fees have peace of mind when receipt of your application and your place on the exam date are confirmed quickly find out your results as soon as possible, as they are published online (with strict security to protect your privacy) The online application process is quick, convenient and good value for money.

Specialty Certificate Examinations


This is a time of transition, as the SCE is introduced across different specialties. You can keep up with the latest news on the MRCP(UK) website at www.mrcpuk.org/SCE On the website, you will also find: dates for upcoming examinations detailed information about the SCE for your specialty facts about the exam format, testing centres and fees sample questions how to apply online contact details for further information and advice

Applying for the Specialty Certificate Examination All applications must be made online via our website www.mrcpuk.org/SCE/Pages/Application.aspx

Benefits of College membership


Passing the MRCP(UK) opens the door to full membership of the participating Colleges. Depending on which College you join, membership benefits to you include: savings on conferences and educational programmes educational grants comprehensive library services, including online access to journals support if you are working outside the UK The Colleges represent the profession on both national and international initiatives, and offer outstanding opportunities for training and networking. You can have an influence on the future of medicine by joining College working parties and committees.

About the Federation


The Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK comprises 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 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow The Royal College of Physicians of London www.rcpe.ac.uk www.rcpsg.ac.uk www.rcplondon.ac.uk
2009 Royal Colleges of Physicians

MRCP(UK) Central Office, 11 St Andrews Place, Regents Park, London NW1 4LE

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