Before you can sit the MRCPI Part II Written you must have one of the following qualifications:
- MRCOG Part I (exemption from MRCOG Part I is not accepted)
- RCPI Professional Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (only awarded from 2022 on)
- MRCPI Part I (General Medicine or Paediatrics) obtained within last six years
- MRACOG (Australia)
- MRNZCOG (New Zealand)
- FCOG (SA)
- FCPS (O and G) (Pakistan)
- MRANZCOG
- MMed (O and G) (Malaysia) - 2008 onwards only
We find that most exam candidates in Ireland prefer to focus on MRCOG Part I, as it relates to the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. We do not currently offer MRCPI Part I in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Candidates must have completed 18 months of post-registration training in recognised posts, nine months in Obstetrics and nine months in Gynaecology (or in combined posts). The posts must be recognised by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists at RCPI, at least six months in duration and completed by January before the March examination, or by August before the September examination.
When you apply for this exam you will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- An attested* copy of your primary medical degree. Only original parchment Diploma copies will be accepted, no transcripts or certificates.
- A copy of your Part I or equivalent qualification. For MRCOG Part I, you will need your official Part 1 Pass letter. For FCPS and others, you will need the official parchment Diploma.
- A testimonial form completed and signed by two referees. Download blank testimonial form (PDF, 26KB)
If your degree is not in English you must attach an official translation of the same together with your medical degree. Official translations will only be accepted if they have been prepared and/or authenticated by:
- The issuing university or medical school
- An Irish or British Consulate
- Your embassy or High Commissioner
*Your primary medical degree and Part I or equivalent qualification can be attested by:
- An Garda Siochana (Irish police force)
- The issuing university or medical school
- A solicitor/ notary public/ lawyer
- A Commissioner for Oaths
- An Irish or British Consulate
- Your embassy or High Commissioner
Six months, six times, six years
The maximum number of times a candidate can sit any Part of an MRCPI examination is limited to six attempts.
This means that you have six attempts at each component of the MRCPI exams (i.e. 18 attempts in total across the three Parts).
You must pass the Part I examination within six years of your first attempt. See our Information and Resources section for more information.
It's important to prepare for MRCPI exams and not to underestimate how long it takes to get ready to sit your first exam. 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 2022 curriculum for Basic Specialist Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology , as the MRCPI in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is based on this curriculum. It serves as a 'blueprint' for the exam.
Please also refer to the MRCPI in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Regulations for more information on the exam.
If you require a visa to sit an exam, it is your responsibility to ensure the visa application is made in sufficient time before the examination date. We have no role in granting or refusing visas. A refund will not be given if you are unable to attend the examination as a result of a visa-related problem.
The fee to sit Part II O&G Written exam in 2023 is €710 for both Irish and overseas students.
The fee to sit Part II O&G Written exam in 2024 is €730 for both Irish and overseas students.
The method of payment is credit or debit card, taken at the end of the online application process.
Don't forget: if you're working in Ireland you can claim a refund of the successful examination fee under the HSE Clinical Course and Examination Refund Scheme.
All applications need to be submitted online via an application form. Please see the For Exam Candidates page for all exam updates including application links, and our Exam Calendar for upcoming exam dates.
We have a dedicated examinations support team in our Dublin headquarters. They are there to guide you through your full exam journey, from application to MRCPI conferring. They are present at every exam and always happy to answer your questions.
Contact us at helpdesk@rcpi.ie or tel: +353 1 8639721 (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm Irish time).