Exams and assessment

The RCP delivers bespoke, high-stakes postgraduate examinations to clinical professionals from across the healthcare landscape, both in the UK and internationally.

The RCP Assessment Unit is responsible for the development, governance and operational management of UK PACES, the Physician Associate National Exam, and the Diploma in Geriatric Medicine.

We ensure that these examinations are delivered in line with the standards set by the relevant regulatory bodies and support candidates with their assessments as they progress through their careers.

Based at RCP at The Spine in Liverpool, the Assessment Unit develops, manages and delivers exam-based activities in a state-of-the-art assessment facility. This multi-functional and customisable space also offers assessment solutions for external organisations.

We support candidates throughout their assessment journey, from application through to certification.

MRCP(UK) examination

The MRCP(UK) diploma is essential for all physicians who train in a medical specialty in the UK.

The three royal colleges of physicians of the UK share a common membership examination in general medicine: the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom diploma. Successful candidates who pass all three parts are eligible to apply for the award of the MRCP(UK) diploma.

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Our other exams and assessments

Physician associate national examination (PANE)

To become a qualified physician associate (PA) in the UK, all PA students who have completed a PA programme must take the Physician Associate National Examination (PANE).

Diploma in Geriatric Medicine

The Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (DGM) is a credential that is awarded by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and was developed in collaboration with the British Geriatrics Society (BGS).

Diploma in Global Health

The Diploma in Global Health (DGH) is a newly established qualification, developed and awarded by the RCP in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Get involved

There are plenty of ways you can get involved in exams and assessment to help develop your career.

Become an examiner

In order to maintain the high standards of examinations, we are looking for experienced physicians to get involved with examining and supporting assessment.

Becoming an examiner can add an extra perspective to your career: examining is an excellent source of CPD points, and is recognised by most NHS trusts as a supporting professional activity for consultant staff, which will add to your revalidation portfolio.

Other ways to get involved

Would you like to be a volunteer patient?

Volunteer patients are a mix of healthy volunteers and patients with actual signs and symptoms. They participate in medical exams and will be clinically examined by students.

There are no formal skills or qualifications required to join our Volunteer Patient Bank. All our volunteers share an interest in supporting medical education.

Become a volunteer patient