This certification preparation program is reviewed by Dr. Ran Wilkosin, MD, FACP, FRCP, Chief Advisor at Royal Medical Pathways, for alignment with current sittings and registry requirements.
What is MRCP PACES?
- Full name
- MRCP Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills
- Administering body
- PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is the third and final part of the MRCP(UK) qualification
- Purpose
- Practical clinical examination component of the MRCP(UK), assessing real-patient clinical skills.
- Format
- Station 1 — Respiratory & Abdominal · Station 2 — History Taking · Station 3 — Cardiovascular & Neurological · Station 4 — Communication Skills & Ethics · Station 5 — Brief Clinical Consultations
- 2026-2027 cycle
- Sittings open across the 2026-2027 academic year — contact us for the next available date.
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Overview
PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is the third and final part of the MRCP(UK) qualification. It is a five-station OSCE involving real patients and surrogate scenarios.
The 2026-2027 PACES diet uses an updated marking scheme focused on physical examination, communication, and clinical judgement.
Exam Structure
Station 1 — Respiratory & Abdominal
- Two clinical examination encounters of 10 minutes each.
Station 2 — History Taking
- 20-minute structured history with surrogate patient.
Station 3 — Cardiovascular & Neurological
- Two further clinical examination encounters.
Station 4 — Communication Skills & Ethics
- 20-minute encounter on consent, breaking bad news, or ethics.
Station 5 — Brief Clinical Consultations
- Two integrated 10-minute clinical scenarios.
Eligibility & Registration
- Pass in MRCP Part 1 and Part 2 written.
- 12 months postgraduate clinical experience.
- Registration via MyMRCP for UK or international centres.
How to Register for MRCP PACES in 2026
Check MRCP PACES eligibility
Verify your qualifications meet the MRCP PACES requirements for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Speak with a Royal Medical Pathways advisor
Book a free consultation to map your prep plan and decide which study package suits your timeline and budget.
Register for MRCP PACES
Complete the official registration on the MRCP PACES portal and confirm your sitting window.
Receive your tailored study plan
Get a structured study schedule, syllabus-aligned materials and mentor calls scheduled around your test date.
Sit the exam
Attend your MRCP PACES sitting with confidence, supported by structured preparation aligned to the real exam format.
Collect and verify your certificate
We assist with certificate collection, verification and onward registration with your regulator.
Official MRCP PACES Preparation Videos
Verified videos from official Royal Colleges and reputable institutions. Lazy-loaded, no autoplay.
📺 Official Preparation Video: MRCP PACES Online Preparation — RCPSG Official
Source: RCPSG official
Official RCPSG PACES preparation with communication, clinical, and examination station videos.
📺 Official Preparation Video: MRCP PACES Videos — How I Scored 91% First Try
Source: Dan Beese
Complete PACES strategy guide from a top-scoring candidate.
MRCP PACES FAQs
What is MRCP PACES and who administers it?
MRCP PACES (MRCP Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is administered by the relevant Royal College or licensing body and is required for registration or specialist practice. The 2026-2027 examination cycle is now open for registration through the official portal.
What are the MRCP PACES eligibility requirements?
Eligibility for MRCP PACES varies by administering body but generally requires a recognised professional qualification and, for international candidates, verification of credentials through the appropriate registry. Check the official MRCP PACES portal for the requirements that apply to your situation.
How much does MRCP PACES registration cost in 2026?
MRCP PACES registration fees vary by administering body, region, and the part being sat. For the most current 2026-2027 fees, visit the official examination portal or contact Royal Medical Pathways for guidance and a personalised cost breakdown.
What is the format of the MRCP PACES exam?
MRCP PACES is typically computer-based or delivered as a practical/clinical assessment depending on the part. Most licensing and college exams use multiple-choice questions for written parts and structured assessments for clinical parts.
How should I prepare for MRCP PACES in 2026?
Structured preparation works best: map your study to the current syllabus, prioritise high-yield topics, complete timed mock exams, and use a question bank aligned with the real exam format. Most successful candidates plan 4-12 weeks of focused revision depending on the exam.
What happens if I fail MRCP PACES?
If you fail MRCP PACES, you can retake it according to the administering body's policy. Reviewing your weak areas with structured preparation and a fresh study plan substantially improves your chances on the next sitting.
How many times can I retake MRCP PACES?
Retake policies for MRCP PACES vary by college and licensing body. Most exams allow multiple attempts, sometimes with additional documentation or fees after the first few. Contact the administering body or Royal Medical Pathways for retake guidance specific to your case.
How do I contact Royal Medical Pathways for MRCP PACES support?
Email Support@royalmedicalpathways.com, call +44-7418-363875, or use our contact form. Advisors respond within one business day.

