The MRCP Part 2 Clinical Examination, commonly referred to as the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES), is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess the clinical knowledge and competencies of trainee doctors aspiring to enter higher specialist training, specifically at the ST3 level. To be eligible to undertake the PACES exam, candidates must have successfully passed the MRCP Part 1 written exam within the preceding 7 years. The examination is meticulously structured to uphold stringent standards, ensuring candidates demonstrate competence across a spectrum of skills and are capable of delivering a high standard of patient care.
Throughout the examination, candidates are evaluated on their proficiency in executing essential clinical skills. The exam consists of five clinical stations, each featuring either real patients presenting with specific conditions or trained surrogates. At each station, two independent examiners closely observe and assess the candidate's performance.
PACES Exam Application Dates:
Please refer to the table below for the application dates for the 2024 diets:
| Diet | Application Period | Assessment Period |
|----------|---------------------|-------------------|
| 2024/01 | 09-Oct-23 to 16-Oct-23 | Jan – Mar |
| 2024/02 | 19-Feb-24 to 26-Feb-24 | Early Jun –Aug |
| 2024/03 | 17-Jun-24 to 24-Jun-24 | Sept – early Dec |
MRCP PACES Exam Cost:
The application fee for the PACES exam ranges from £1,202 to £1,278.
PACES Exam Centres in India:
There are 9 centres in India for the PACES Exam, the highest number among all countries except the UK. These centres include Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, New Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, and Thiruvananthapuram.
PACES Exam Format:
The PACES exam format underwent revision starting from the third Diet of 2023. Key aspects of the new format include:
- Half-day examination conducted in a hospital or clinical skills centre
- Assessment of seven core skills
- Eight patient interactions
- Two independent examiners evaluating each candidate
- Evaluation at all five clinical stations
- Flexibility to begin at any station and rotate every 20 minutes until all stations are completed, with a 5-minute break after each station
- Carousel structure involving various encounters and skills assessed at each station
Skills Assessed in PACES Exam:
The PACES exam assesses seven core skills during clinical interactions, with different combinations of skills evaluated at each encounter. The table below outlines the skills assessed at each station:
[The table for Skills Assessed in PACES Exam]
Marking Scheme:
Candidates are evaluated by ten examiners, with two at each station. Examiners assign marks based on a combination of skills assessed during each encounter, categorizing performance as Satisfactory, Borderline, or Unsatisfactory.
PACE Results:
Candidates can access their detailed results through their 'My MRCPUK' accounts. Result declaration typically takes 3 weeks for UK centres and between 4 to 6 weeks for International centres after the last exam in the respective centre.