MRCP(UK) Part 1 written examination
The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK · computer-based at test centres
MRCP Part 1 is the first step of the MRCP(UK) Diploma, the core exam for doctors training in UK internal medicine. It tests core medical knowledge, the clinical science behind it and your ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems – including knowledge of UK national guidelines.
✓ Facts checked Oct 2026 – always confirm on the Federation websiteThe exam at a glance
Paper 1 and Paper 2, each 100 best-of-five questions in 3 hours – 200 questions and 6 hours in total (108 seconds per question).
One correct answer and four plausible distractors closely related to it. No images in Part 1.
One mark per correct answer, no negative marking. Results are scaled; the pass mark is a scaled score of 540 (set at the October 2022 standard-setting review).
Computer-based at a test centre (Surpass platform from the 2026/3 diet), in the UK and at international centres.
A maximum of six attempts, with one exceptional seventh attempt possible on evidence of further educational achievement. Withdrawals do not count.
Each diet has a one-week application window; results come about six weeks after the exam.
Official Part 1 blueprint
Indicative numbers out of 200 – the actual number may vary slightly. Clinical sciences: cell/molecular 2, anatomy 3, biochemistry & metabolism 4, physiology 4, genetics 3, immunology 4, statistics/epidemiology/EBM 5.
UK focus
- NICE guidelines and NICE CKS for diagnosis and first-line treatmentNICE
- Drug doses, interactions and adverse effectsBNF · MHRA
- Specialty society guidance (asthma, pleural disease, diabetic emergencies, hyperkalaemia, haematology, rheumatology, HIV)BTS · JBDS · UKKA
BSH · BSR · BHIVA - Immunisation schedules and infection controlGreen Book · UKHSA
- Fitness to drive, resuscitation, capacity and mental health lawDVLA · RCUK · MCA
Fees (from the 2026/3 diet)
| UK centres | £520 |
|---|---|
| International centres | £696 |
Fees change – check the current list before you apply.
Eligibility
At least 12 months of postgraduate medical employment by the date of the exam, and evidence of your primary medical qualification when you first apply.
What’s new
Applications for the 2027/01 Part 1 diet open on 27 October 2026 and close on 3 November 2026 (8am UK time).
From the 2026/3 diet, Part 1 is delivered on the Surpass platform at test centres, and the fees rose to £520 (UK) and £696 (international).
Federation performance report: first-attempt pass rate 42.8% for UK-trained doctors and 54.8% for other candidates; clinical sciences was the weakest area for both groups.
UK guidance that changes exam answers: NICE NG253 sepsis (replacing NG51 for adults in hospital), NG28 type 2 diabetes medicines (2026), NG106 heart failure (four drugs together), Resuscitation Council UK 2025 algorithms, PCV20 replacing PPV23 for adults, the Mental Health Act 2025.
Your study plan
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Your study path
Official sources
Independent exam prep. Not affiliated with or endorsed by MRCP(UK), the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK or any Royal College. Facts summarised in our own words; always confirm details on the official website.