Exam guide
MRCP(UK) Part 1 – everything you need to know
The format, the blueprint, the 2026 dates and how the exam is scored. Updated for the move to computer-based testing at test centres.
Papers
2 × 3 hours
Questions
200 best-of-five
Marking
1 mark each, no negative marking
Pass mark
540 scaled (≈60%)
Attempts
Maximum 6
Fees
£489 UK · £655 international
Format
Part 1 is a written examination taken in a single day. It consists of two papers, each lasting three hours and containing 100 questions in the best-of-five format: a clinical vignette followed by a lead-in question and five options, of which exactly one is the best answer.
Each correct answer scores one mark and there is no negative marking, so you should answer every question. Questions are text-based; there are no images in Part 1.
Scoring and pass mark
Results are reported on a scaled score from 200–800. The pass mark is 540, which corresponds to roughly ≈60% of questions answered correctly. Statistical equating adjusts for small differences in difficulty between diets.
Eligibility and attempts
Candidates need at least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience (the equivalent of completing Foundation Year 1). A maximum of 6 attempts is permitted.
2026 exam dates
| Exam date | Application window | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 28 January 2026 | 4–11 November 2025 | 13 March 2026 |
| 21 May 2026 | 10–17 March 2026 | 3 July 2026 |
| 23 September 2026 | 14–21 July 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
Always confirm dates and fees on the official MRCP(UK) website before applying.
Specialty blueprint
Approximate number of questions per specialty across the 200-question exam. MedAscend mocks follow this weighting.
- 2513%
Clinical Sciences
- 158%
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- 147%
Cardiology
- 147%
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Medicine
- 147%
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- 147%
Infectious Diseases
- 147%
Neurology
- 147%
Renal Medicine
- 147%
Respiratory Medicine
- 147%
Rheumatology
- 105%
Haematology
- 95%
Psychiatry
- 84%
Dermatology
- 84%
Geriatric Medicine
- 53%
Oncology
- 42%
Medical Ophthalmology
- 42%
Palliative Medicine & End of Life Care
Clinical Sciences (25) comprises cell & molecular biology, clinical anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology and statistics/epidemiology.
How to use this
Cardiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Sciences and the four big organ specialties make up roughly two-thirds of the paper. Prioritise them – but do not neglect the small specialties, where a few easy marks are often available.
Read our revision guides →Common questions about the exam
What is the MRCP(UK) Part 1 exam?+
MRCP Part 1 is the first of three examinations leading to Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians. It is a written exam of two three-hour papers, each containing 100 best-of-five questions (200 in total), testing core medical knowledge and the clinical sciences that underpin medical practice.
Who is eligible to sit MRCP Part 1?+
You can apply once you have at least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience (the equivalent of completing Foundation Year 1). Most candidates sit the exam within 12–24 months of graduating.
How many attempts are allowed?+
A maximum of six attempts is permitted at MRCP Part 1. Well-structured revision that focuses on understanding rather than memorising gives you the best chance of passing first time.
How does MedAscend match the real exam?+
Every question is written in the best-of-five format, text only, with one mark per correct answer and no negative marking – exactly like the exam. Mock exams are generated from the official specialty blueprint so the balance of topics mirrors the real paper.
Try MedAscend free for 48 hours
Full textbook access and 100 practice questions. No card required – see for yourself how ready you are.