MRCPCH Part 1 - Syllabus

1. Social Paediatrics
2. Accidents and Poisonings
3. Genetics and Congenital Defects
4. Growth
5. Development
6. Adolescent Health
7. Neurological and Muscular disorders
8. Learning Difficulties
9. Behavioural and Psych Prob
10. Nutrition
11. Foetal and Neonatal Medicine
12. Cardiovascular System
13. Endocrinology
14. Gastroenterology
15. Genito-urinary System
16. Haematology
17. Metabolism
18. Musculoskeletal Disorder
19. Ophthalmology
20. Respiratory
21. Skin and Related Tissues
22. Infectious Diseases
23. Immunology
24. Clinical Pharmacology

MRCPCH Part 2 Examination

Structure

The MRCPCH Part 2 consists of two papers, each of 2 ½ hours duration.

The Examination is a test of clinical knowledge and decision making in all areas of paediatrics
and child health, including questions dealing with research, audit, ethics and medical science
applied to clinical care.

o each paper will carry approximately the same number of marks

o candidate's marks will be combined from the two papers to form an overall
mark
o each paper will consist of a mixture of questions which are known as Case
Histories, Data Interpretation, and Photographic Material
o the questions set will be a combination of new format questions and will
include "best of" list, "n from many" list and "extended matching" questions.

Question Types

Photographic Material
Each question is based upon printed photographic material. The photographs are prepared
from clinical and retinal photographs, radiographs, illustrations of investigation results and
occasionally from pathological material. Candidates are asked to identify abnormalities, or
provide a diagnosis, to recommend investigation or treatment or a combination of these.

Case History
Each question will be a case history with results of physical examination and investigations.
The questions are designed to test ability in diagnosis and in the planning of investigations and
management and may be extended to include photographic material.
Data Interpretation
Each question will consist of such items as sets of laboratory data or graphical data, e.g.
electrocardiograms introduced by a short statement of the clinical setting. Candidates are
asked for specific points of interpretation.
Please note that drugs will almost invariably be referred to by their UK approved names rather
than their trade names. Biochemical and other measurements will be expressed in SI units
(normal ranges or reference ranges will only be provided where these are likely to be in
doubt).

Question Structure

"Best of" list questions

There is one best answer from a given list. Although all the answers given may be reasonable,
one will be the best answer. Marks will only be awarded for choosing the correct answer.
"N from many" questions
A stated number of answers are required from a longer list e.g. a list of possible diagnoses
from an ECG. The candidate is not expected to go through all the options, but to select the
answer from the list provided, for example, if the ECG shows complete heart block, find this
option in the list.
Extended matching Questions
A format which employs a list of answers or options. The list is followed by a set of questions
or statements. The candidate is required to select, from the list of options, the best match for
each of the questions or statements. An example might be a list of causes of wheezing, which
need to be matched with the most appropriate of one or more case histories.
Each question on the MRCPCH Part 2 examination carries its own weighting. You will see on
the exam paper how many points each question is worth. The maximum score per question
will be split by the number of correct responses required. Incorrect responses will gain a score
of zero.

MRCPCH Clinical Examination

Structure

The MRCPCH Clinical examination follows an OSCE style format. Stations are set to test
candidates in:

• Child Development
• Communication Skills
• History-Taking and Management Planning
• Recognition and diagnosis of clinical signs and symptoms
• Physical examination skills