General points for Part 1 and Part 2
We have highlighted some important points for candidates in previous newsletters, and we include them again here as a reminder:
We are adding an additional diet for both Part 1 and Part 2 UK candidates in 2021. As a result, the dates of the exams and their application periods have been updated on our website, and are set out here.
Despite the move to online remotely proctored exams in the UK and selected other areas (see below), the format of the exams remains the same: each exam consists of two papers, each 3 hours in duration, which will run on the same day. It is essential therefore that candidates remember to log in to the second paper.
All candidates are strongly encouraged to work through the sample questions on our website (Part 1 here and Part 2 here), which will give them a good idea of the kind of questions to expect when they come to take the exam.
Our exam regulations state that candidates should remain in the exam for its entire duration and not leave early. This also applies to the online exams. In entering our exams, candidates are agreeing to abide by our regulations, including this one.
Part 1: UK
All diets in 2021 will run entirely online in the UK. Candidates who are not able to sit the online version of the exam, including those who require reasonable adjustments, should see our guidance about how to apply to sit a paper version of the exam.
The contingency (back up) exam for the first diet will run on 30 March. All candidates who have been transferred to this from the main exam in January have already been contacted.
The next main diet will run on 11 May. The application window is now closed.
Part 1: International
As above, the next diet will be 11 May, the application window is now closed.
Most international centres will run the exam in pencil and paper format. Selected areas, and candidates enrolled in a Federation training programme, will have an online option – candidates in those areas will be contacted directly.
Part 2: UK
All diets in 2021 will run entirely online in the UK. Candidates who are not able to sit the online version of the exam, including those who require reasonable adjustments, should see our guidance about how to apply to sit a paper version of the exam.
The next diet will take place this week, on 23 March.
A contingency online exam for this diet will also run and will only be available to candidates who experience significant technical issues with the main exam on 23 March. Candidates who experience issues with their exam should contact central office as soon as possible after the March exam.
Part 2: international
As above, the next diet will be this week, 23 March.
Most international centres will run the exam in pencil and paper format. Selected areas, and candidates enrolled in a Federation training programme, will have an online option – candidates in those areas have been contacted directly.
Specialty Certificate Exams / European Specialty Exams
All SCE / ESE exams for 2021 are currently planned to run as scheduled, in Pearson Vue centres; details for each specialty can be found here. This page also gives dates for the contingency exams for most specialties (a few have yet to be finalised and these dates will follow shortly) – these will be run for candidates whose place is cancelled or who, after registration, cannot take the exam due to COVID-related reasons.
Feedback
We welcome feedback. If you have specific queries relating to your exam day please contact the exams office at your College of entry.
For other general queries or suggestions please email Policy.Officer@mrcpuk.org
