MRCPCH Part 1 - 7 Steps to pass your exam

1. Can you sit MRCPCH Part 1?

Guidelines set out by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health stipulates that every candidate wanting to sit for the exam must hold a medical qualification recognised by the Royal Colleges of Paediatricians and Child Health. Candidates will not be admitted to the exam until 18 months after their graduation date as given on their diploma of medical qualification. It is expected that all candidates would have spent six months as a house physician or training in another post involving the care of emergency medical patients, either adults or children. In the United Kingdom this is a prerequisite to obtaining full registration with the General Medical Council. MRCPCH Part 1 examination centres.

2. Selecting an exam date

Now that you know if you are eligible to sit the exam you can select an examination date preferably 3 - 6 months away depending on your current work schedule. By committing to an exam date and paying for it, you have a measurable goal which you can work towards. Don't procrastinate!

3. Get familiar with the syllabus

The best way to prepare for the MRCPCH Part 1 exam is have a structured study plan. Once you have the outline of the syllabus you can identify and then allocate different amounts of time and effort on specialties requiring more study.

4. Focal/core text

Even with online resources and revision questions, a majority of the examination theory will be address in MRCPCH textbooks. There are various MRCPCH textbooks which can be bought at the 123Doc bookstore There are numerous MRCP Part 1 text books on the market

5. Group discussion/study

By working in groups, ideas are shared and difficult questions are discussed. In preparing for the exam many candidates do become stressed, as they have to often cope with outside factors such as busy work schedules. Forums and Blogs are a good mechanism to channel positive motivation and learning. Why not try the 123Doc Forum [hyperlink to www.123doc.com] where you might meet other students who have the same questions as you.

6. Practice, practice and more practice

Anyone who has taken the MRCPCH Part 1 exam and was successful will tell you that the key to passing your exam is practice, practice and more practice. Multiple choice questions and 'best of fives' scenarios are a good way to get you into the rhythm of answering questions. Try this free demo: MRCPCH Part 1 Questions {hyperlink to http://www.123doc.com/pub_cgi/session.pl} and see how you get on.

7. Time yourself

Time yourself doing an exam. The best way to simulate actual exam conditions is to do under time constraints. Try a free MRCPCH Part 1 Mini Mock Exam which is timed to give you the effect sitting a real exam.