The MRCPI General Medicine Part II Written exam consists of two papers, each containing 75 Single Best Answer questions about the diagnosis and management of patients.
The vignettes (clinical scenarios) in Part II questions are generally longer and more descriptive than in the Part I examination. Interpretation of investigation and quick data analysis are required. There are no basic science questions.
The exam lasts five hours in total; each paper is 2.5 hours long. Currently there is a 90-minute break between papers (applicable for remote invigilation).
There is no negative marking and each question is equally weighted so we advise you to attempt all questions.
You can find more information in the GM Regulations available below.
GM Part II Written is now held online, via remote invigilation. Candidates may sit the exam anywhere in the world, provided they have a reliable internet connection. Click here for more details https://www.rcpi.ie/examinations/remote-invigilation/.
Please note that the examination fees are currently under review.
You must have passed MRCPI General Medicine Part I or MRCPI Paediatrics Part I within the last six years. If this six-year period has expired, you must re-sit MCRPI Part I.
If you have one of the qualifications listed below, you are exempt from MRCPI General Medicine Part I, which means you can apply to the Part II Written exam now.
As part of the application process you will be asked to upload ATTESTED copies of your primary medical degree and your exemption qualification(s), ie. see below:
From January 2019 the maximum number of times a candidate can sit any Part of an MRCPI examination will be limited to six attempts.
This will mean that you have six attempts at each component of the MRCPI exams (i.e. 18 attempts in total across the three Parts).
The fee to sit Part II Written is €650 in Ireland and €710 Overseas. The method of payment is credit or debit card, taken at the end of the online application process.
* Fee changes : The fee for MRCPI examination has increased in line with the rising costs associated with delivering the exams, effective for all exams taken after 1 August 2022. Modest fee increases are spread across the three exam components. From the 1 August the fee to sit the Part II Written will be €710 in Ireland and Overseas.
Don't forget, if you're in Ireland you can claim a refund under the HSE Clinical Course and Examination Refund Scheme. Click here for more information
If you hold FRACP you can apply for exemption from MRCPI General Medicine Part II Written.
It's important to prepare for MRCPI exams and not to underestimate how long it takes to get ready. Having an understanding of how each exam is formatted and how questions are constructed will help you prepare and develop good answering strategies.
When you're preparing your study plan, make sure to refer to the curriculum for Basic Specialist Training in General Internal Medicine, as the MRCPI in General Medicine is based on this curriculum. It serves as a 'blueprint' for the exam.
You should also read the regulations document for this exam, also available below.
This calendar includes opening/closing dates for all 2021/2022 examinations. TBC dates will be updated later in the year. The fee for MRCPI examination has increased in line with the rising costs associated with delivering the exams, effective for all exams taken after 1 August 2022. Modest fee increases are spread across the three exam components.
This document contains more detailed information about the exam, the questions to expect, recheck procedure and appeals policy.
Three policies affecting candidates for RCPI examinations have been revised. The new policies apply to all candidates sitting RCPI exams held after 2 July 2022.
All candidates applying to sit an exam must agree to abide by all applicable policies and regulations, please see here for more information.
The applications for MRCPI GM Part II Written examination on 28 July 2022 are now closed. Please note:
You can now apply for MRCPI GM Part II Written examination that will take place on 20 October 2022, please see the link below. The closing date for the application is 5pm Irish time on 8 September 2022. Please note:
Please click HERE to get more information about the RCPI Exams Appeals, Recheck, Cancellation, and Reasonable Adjustments Policies. You can also refer to the GM Regulations document that is available above.
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