About the MRCPI Paediatrics Part II Written exam

A new MRCPI Paediatrics Part II Written exam format was introduced in October 2019. 

The examination replacing the essay paper now consists of one SBA paper (Paper 1), this paper is comprised of 80 single best answer (SBA) questions.  There is no change to the format of the SAQ paper (paper 2), this paper is comprised of 20 short answer questions covering mainly data interpretation and clinical scenarios. Each paper is 2.5 hours long with an hour break in between. 

The examination is conducted by remote invigilation via computer based testing.

The questions in this paper test advanced knowledge, problem solving and management of emergency situations in General Paediatrics with an increased focus on specialist areas. 

It is expected that potential Part II Written candidates will gain a further 6 – 12 months clinical experience after successful completion of the Part I written examination.

The aim of the written examinations is to sample the broad breadth of knowledge that would be expected of a doctor starting in a general Paediatrics registrar post.

You must achieve a pass in both papers to pass the exam.

The examination is aligned to the BST Paediatrics curriculum (see link to document below).

COVID-19 Impact : Remote Invigilation

From June 2020 onwards all of our written examinations will be delivered by remote invigilation instead of at a physical examination centre. 

Please find all the information about remote invigilation in this link https://www.rcpi.ie/examinations/remote-invigilation/ 

Application fee

The fee to sit Part I is €630 in Ireland, or €710 if you are taking the exam outside Ireland. The method of payment is credit or debit card, taken at the end of the online application process.

Don't forget, if you're in Ireland you can claim a refund of €450 under the HSE Clinical Course and Examination Refund Scheme.

If you require a visa

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.

How to prepare

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 Paediatrics, as the MRCPI in Paediatrics is based on this curriculum. It serves as a 'blueprint' for the exam.

You should also read the regulations document for this exam, available below.

Apply for this exam here

The next MRCPI Part II Written Exam will take place on Thursday, 26 August 2021, applications are now closed as of 30 June 2021. The next Part II Written Exam will take place in March 2022.

Please note that:

• Verifications are completed up to two weeks after the closing date for applications.
• Paediatrics 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. Please find all the information about remote invigilation here.
• Places in this examination might be limited. If the number of applications for this exam exceeds the number of places available, priority will be given to doctors on our Basic Specialist Training programme first.

Cancellation policy

Before you apply, please read our Cancellation policy

Contact us

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.