Choose the pathway before the examination
Start with the specialty you want to practise and its entry-level person specification. Some pathways have core and higher stages with a further application; others have a different progression structure. Examinations are part of those pathways, not interchangeable tickets into training. Check the curriculum as well as recruitment guidance.
Find the official examination provider
Use the linked organisations as the starting point for current formats and eligibility.
- Surgery: intercollegiate MRCS, followed later by the relevant JCIE specialty fellowship examination.
- Physician specialties: MRCP(UK) through the Federation, with later examinations depending on the specialty.
- General practice: RCGP guidance on MRCGP, including AKT, SCA and workplace assessment.
- Anaesthesia: RCoA guidance on FRCA; new examination formats are planned from July 2027, with transition rules.
- Emergency medicine: RCEM guidance on MRCEM and FRCEM.
Compare the work as well as the exam
Use taster experience and conversations with trainees to understand the specialty’s clinical work, on-call responsibilities and training structure. Before paying for an exam, confirm that it supports your intended route and that you meet its eligibility requirements. Other specialties have their own college examinations; the national person-specification directory links the relevant entry requirements.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Your next steps
Suggested preparation checklist
- Identify the specialty and entry level.
- Read the current person specification and curriculum.
- Use the official college examination guidance.
- Check transition rules, eligibility and timing before booking.
Official sources
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Follow the current guidance for your recruitment year and circumstances.
- NHS England — 2027 specialty person specifications (opens in a new tab)
- Intercollegiate MRCS — candidate guidance (opens in a new tab)
- JCIE — specialty fellowship examinations (opens in a new tab)
- Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians — examinations (opens in a new tab)
- RCGP — MRCGP examinations (opens in a new tab)
- RCoA — FRCA examination changes from July 2027 (opens in a new tab)
- RCEM — MRCEM examinations (opens in a new tab)
- RCEM — FRCEM examinations (opens in a new tab)
Independent educational guidance from Coursemia. Preparation suggestions are not official eligibility or ARCP requirements. Where guidance changes, the official provider’s current instructions take precedence.