Countries > UK for Doctors > MRCPCH
The United Kingdom for Paediatricians. The Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) is an internationally recognised postgraduate medical qualification.
It serves as the benchmark requirement for entry into Higher Specialty Training (ST4+) in UK paediatrics and demonstrates high-standard clinical competence in child health across global healthcare systems.
Pathway Snapshot
The MRCPCH pathway consists of three computer-based theory examinations and one practical clinical examination. The three theory exams (FOP, TAS, and AKP) can be taken in any order, but you must pass all three before you are eligible to book the MRCPCH Clinical exam.
Complete Journey: Medical Graduation → My RCPCH Account → FOP / TAS / AKP (Theory Exams) → MRCPCH Clinical → MRCPCH Diploma → Specialty Training (ST4+) / Consultant Paediatrician.
Before booking any examination, create an account on the RCPCH online portal and register your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or GMC number.
Purpose: Assesses core clinical knowledge, basic diagnosis, and management in child health and general paediatrics.
Format: Computer-based exam containing Single Best Answer (SBA) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQ).
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Note: FOP can also be taken on its own for the Diploma of Child Health (DCH).
What we offer
Preparing for FOP? MCIQ offers an AI study companion, full question bank, flashcards, mentorship, mock exams, and analytics.
Start FOP Prep →Purpose: Assesses the basic scientific principles, physiology, pharmacology, and anatomy underpinning paediatric clinical practice.
Format: Computer-based exam featuring SBA and EMQ questions.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
What we offer
Preparing for TAS? MCIQ offers dedicated question banks, high-yield basic science flashcards, and AI-guided study plans.
Start TAS Prep →Purpose: Evaluates clinical decision-making, data interpretation, diagnostic reasoning, and complex patient management.
Format: Computer-based exam split into 2 papers sat on the same day.
Duration: 2 papers × 2 hours 30 minutes each (5 hours total).
What we offer
Preparing for AKP? MCIQ offers case-based question scenarios, diagnostic image banks, and full-length mock exams.
Start AKP Prep →Purpose: Practical assessment evaluating physical examination skills, developmental assessments, history taking, communication skills, and clinical management under exam conditions.
Eligibility: Completion of all three theory exams (FOP, TAS, and AKP).
Format: Multi-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) featuring real paediatric patients, simulated scenarios, and communication stations with actors/parents.
What we offer
Preparing for MRCPCH Clinical? MCIQ offers station-by-station walkthroughs, communication skill scripts, and video demonstrations of clinical examinations.
Start Clinical Prep →| Component | UK Centre Fee | International Centre Fee |
|---|---|---|
FOP (Single Paper) | £365 | £455 |
TAS (Single Paper) | £365 | £455 |
FOP & TAS (Combined Sitting) | £659 | £804 |
AKP | £659 | £929 |
MRCPCH Clinical | £925 | £1,300 – £1,930 (varies by region) |