The MRCP Part 1 exam aims to test your knowledge and understanding of basic medical science and common disorders, whilst also assessing
your problem solving skills.
The exam consist of two papers, each of which is
3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice
questions
in the form of
'best of five'. A 'best of
five' question consists of a
brief scenario (the stem) and five
statements (options)
of which one
is the best answer. The detailed syllabus is published on the MRCP
website.
We strongly advise looking at the MRCP website for up to date news, sample questions, and
detailed information regarding the marking scheme used
for
the exam.
The breadth of knowledge required to pass the MRCP part 1 exam is large. You will need to
have knowledge acquired
from
book work as well as clinical
experience. In addition to the knowledge, getting used to the format of 'best of five' questions can be difficult. Doing lots of past questions will help you develop the skills required to answer this format, as well
as help identify the common question topics. You will learn more from the questions you get wrong if you make an effort to read around the themes of each question and learn the key points set out in the answer explanation. The Revision Progress area of your BMJ OnExamination account keeps you updated on your performance, and will help
highlight the areas you need to concentrate on prior to your exam.
The following tips may help you answer 'best of
five' questions:
Read the question first and
try to answer it without looking at the options. By trying to think of
the correct answer first you will
be less likely to be fooled by a wrong answer.
Make sure you read all the options. Don't just
accept the first correct
one
you
see. Often
answering a 'best of five' question depends on judging two similar
options, either of which
could be
the best answer.
Do not spend too much time on a single question. It
is easy to spend a lot of time deliberating over one question, which
may mean you have to rush the others.
It is your overall performance
which matters,
so
don't worry too much about individual
tricky questions.
Do not keep changing your answer. Research suggests that the first answer you choose is usually the correct one.
If the answer isn't immediately obvious first eliminate the options you know are false. This
will improve your
chances of guessing.
If you find yourself having to guess, go with your gut feeling even if you can't think of a reason. If you have prepared well, there is
a good chance you will be correct.
Finally, remember there is no substitute for practice so start early and try to do lots of past
questions. But don't get over-stressed and
ensure that you relax the night before the exam, have a good breakfast
and arrive to the venue with
plenty of time.
Good luck with your exam, and we hope you to see you back for help with your Part 2 exam
soon from Dr. Elzohary
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