Preparing for the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK) is an important step for any medical professional. After passing MRCP Part 1, the next stage is MRCP Part 2, where a candidate’s clinical judgement, problem-solving skills, and understanding of real-life medical cases are tested.
With a clear study plan and steady preparation, candidates can move forward to MRCP PACES, the final exam needed to achieve full MRCP (UK) certification. This guide provides the official MRCP Part 2 exam dates for 2026, along with eligibility requirements, exam format, and key timelines to help candidates plan effectively.
MRCP Part 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026
A candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria to register for the exam:
Part 1 Pass: You need to pass MRCP Part 1 before going on to the subsequent exams.
Recognised Medical Qualification: You need a recognised primary medical qualification such as an MBBS that is approved by the GMC or a local authority.
Clinical Experience: You are advised to have between 24–36 months’ post-qualifying clinical experience when presenting for the written and clinical exams.
MRCP Part 2 Exam Dates 2026
Below are the official MRCP Part 2 2026 diets, including exam dates, application windows and result dates.
MRCP (UK) Part 2 – Key Dates 2026
|
Diet |
Exam Date |
Application Period |
Results By |
|
2026/1 |
25 March 2026 |
6 January – 13 January 2026 |
8 May 2026 |
|
2026/2 |
15 July 2026 |
5 May – 12 May 2026 |
28 August 2026 |
|
2026/3 |
25 November 2026 |
15 September – 22 September 2026 |
8 January 2027 |
MRCP Part 2 Exam Format & Syllabus Overview :
The MRCP Part 2 examination is a crucial step toward achieving the MRCP (UK) qualification. It is designed to assess advanced clinical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and the application of clinical skills in real-world scenarios. The syllabus spans a broad range of internal medicine specialties, including cardiology, neurology, rheumatology, respiratory medicine, maternal medicine, metabolic disorders, and several other key areas essential for modern clinical practice. This wide coverage ensures that candidates are well-prepared for higher specialist training and complex medical decision-making.
Exam Format – MRCP Part 2
Mode: Written Examination
Total Papers: 2
Duration: 3 hours per paper
Question Type: Clinical scenario–based MCQs
Total Questions: 100 questions per paper
What the Questions Include
Unlike Part 1 (emphasising basic and pre-clinical science), Part 2 places greater emphasis on gaining an extensive understanding of the practical clinical applications and decision-making in medical practice. The questions in Part 2 assess your ability to perform various tasks related to the approach to the patient, such as:
• Prioritising diagnostic or problem lists
• Planning investigations and interpreting clinical data, including blood tests and arterial blood gases
• Interpretation of clinical images, including ECG, chest X-ray, CT/MRI scans, and pathology
• Choosing the most appropriate immediate and long-term management
• Assessing patient prognosis
Final Remarks:
The MRCP Part 2 exam is an important step toward earning the MRCP (UK) qualification, and planning with the correct exam dates, eligibility details, and format helps candidates prepare with confidence. With a steady study routine and focused practice, candidates can build the skills needed to move forward to MRCP PACES.
Farz Academy supports this journey through a range of short-term and long-term MRCP Part 2 courses designed especially for working professionals. These programs are created to fit busy schedules and provide high-yield guidance, extensive practice, and focused exam-oriented preparation. The academy’s strong 93% pass rate in recent exam diets reflects the success of its training approach. For more details or the latest updates, candidates can contact Farz Academy directly.