About the MRCP PACES exam
What is MRCP PACES?
MRCP PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is a clinical exam testing clinical knowledge and skills of doctors hoping to begin higher specialist training (ST3).
MRCP PACES Exam Format
The MRCP PACES exam consists of a ‘carousel’ containing five clinical stations. Each station is 20 minutes long and there is a 5 minute interval between stations. Two independent examiners oversee each PACES station where there is a patient with a given condition, or a surrogate patient.
See the MRCP(UK) website for the full MRCP PACES exam format.
The Royal College are updating the format of the exam from 2023/3 - read our blog for an update.
MRCP PACES Preparation
Our PACES subscription contains a variety of cases for each PACES station. The layout of the stations and the subject matter simulates the real exam allowing you to revise for a clinical exam online. As well as clinical videos our PACES preparation resource contains a variety of resources which help you to gain the theoretical knowledge needed to pass PACES. These include MRCP PACES tips for each station, role-play material which enables you to replicate the cases in each station, and MRCP PACES podcasts.
PACES Core Skills
Seven core skills are assessed in PACES: Physical Examination, Identifying Physical Signs, Clinical Communication, Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Judgement, Managing Patients’ Concerns, and Maintaining Patients’ Concerns. Use a variety of resources and real life practice to strengthen all these skills.
Carousel Stations
The five clinical stations you’ll encounter are: Respiratory & Abdominal, History Taking, Cardiovascular & Neurological, Communication Skills & Ethics, and Clinical Consultations. Split your revision and practice appropriately, and be sure to work on your weaker areas.