MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written examination
The Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK · computer-based at test centres
MRCP Part 2 Written is the second step of the MRCP(UK) Diploma, taken after you pass Part 1. It tests whether you can apply clinical knowledge and make clinical judgements: prioritising the diagnosis or problem list, planning investigations, choosing immediate and long-term management, and judging prognosis – often from long, data-rich vignettes with images.
✓ 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).
Questions can include ECGs, chest radiographs, CT and MRI scans, blood films, histology and clinical photographs.
One mark per correct answer, no negative marking. Results are equated and scaled; the pass mark is a scaled score of 454 (set at the November 2022 standard-setting review).
Computer-based on the Surpass platform, delivered in test centres from the 2026/02 diet (a few countries remain on remote proctoring).
Doctors who have passed MRCP(UK) Part 2 – usually after about 12 months more training (around ST2–ST3 level).
First-attempt pass rate 71% for UK resident doctors and 68% for other candidates (Federation annual report). Haematology was the weakest area for UK doctors.
Part 2 blueprint (indicative)
Approximate numbers out of 200 – the real split can vary slightly, and some questions involve adolescents and young adults. The skills tested are diagnosis, investigation, immediate management, long-term management and prognosis.
UK focus
- NICE guidelines and technology appraisals for investigation and managementNICE
- Prescribing, interactions, monitoring and safety alertsBNF · MHRA
- Specialty society guidance (thoracic, gastro and liver, diabetes emergencies, kidney, haematology, rheumatology, HIV, sexual health)BTS · BSG · JBDS · UKKA
BSH · BSR · BHIVA · BASHH - European guidance where NICE defers (AF, valves, endocarditis, pregnancy)ESC
- Driving, resuscitation, capacity and mental health lawDVLA · RCUK · MCA
Fees and dates
| UK centres | £502 |
|---|---|
| International centres | £672 |
| Next sitting | 25 November 2026 |
Fees and dates change – check the Federation website before you apply.
How Part 2 differs from Part 1
Part 2 rewards core knowledge and mechanisms. Part 2 gives you the whole patient – history, observations, results tables and images – and asks for the decision: what it is, what to do now, what to do long term and what will happen. Expect near-miss distractors that are reasonable but not best.
What’s new
From the 2026/02 diet Part 2 is delivered in test centres on the Surpass platform.
Federation Part 2 performance report: first-attempt pass rate 71.3% for UK resident doctors and 68.3% for other candidates.
UK guidance that changes answers: NICE NG253 sepsis, NG28 (2026) type 2 diabetes medicines, NG106 heart failure update (2025), Resuscitation Council UK 2025 algorithms, PCV20 for adults, UKKA hyperkalaemia (2026).
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.