Examination delivery and format
From June 2026, all UK and International written assessments will be delivered in centre.
Those sitting before this date should note that sessions will continue to run via remote online proctoring (ROP) to maintain consistency for candidates preparing under the current format and to support a smooth transition to incentre delivery.
This information is designed to give candidates who will be sitting a centre-based SCE exam guidance as to what to expect, both before the exam and on the day itself.
Before the exam day:
- Check the location of your exam venue, detailed on your admission document. Admission documents are issued via email three to four weeks prior to the examination date
- Plan your route to the venue, leaving plenty time for any possible transport delays
- Print a copy of your admission document
- Check that the name and date of birth on your admission document matches the name on the forms of ID you will present at the examination
- Contact MRCP(UK) with any name/date of birth discrepancy queries well in advance of the examination day
- Re-read the MRCP(UK) Regulations, We ask candidates to familiarise themselves with sections 4.4b to 4.6 of the MRCP(UK) regulations prior to sitting an SCE.
- The online practice test can be taken here. Please click 'ok' on the first page, 'yes' on the second page and 'confirm' on the following page and accept the terms
On the exam day:
- Arrive at the venue at the reporting time detailed on your admission document
- Be at your desk at least 15 minutes before Paper 2 is due to start
- Be prepared to store any bags, coats and electronic devices (including mobile phones and pagers) away from your desk
- Water in a clear bottle may be taken into the exam hall, along with a small snack. Please be mindful of fellow candidates when consuming these (food in wrappers or with a strong odour should be avoided).
- Bring appropriate warm clothing as we may not be able to regulate the examination venue temperature to suit all requirements
- Ensure you bring lunch refreshments, as appropriate. You may not be able to buy any refreshments at or in close proximity to the examination centre
- Be prepared to show your ID before the start of each paper
- Listen to and follow all instructions given by the Chief Invigilator
- Leave all stationery on your desk when each paper ends
- Candidates will be required to stay for the 3-hour duration of the paper even if they finish early. This is to reduce the possibility of disruption for any candidates who are still completing the exam
On the exam day do not:
- Bring any stationery or calculators to the examination. A pen and paper will be provided for note making. As per our Regulations, use of calculators is not permitted’. Please link word Regulations to https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/guidance-and-information/regulations?dm_t=0,0,0,0,0
- Write any notes on your admission document
- Wear a hood during the exam, as you will be asked to remove it by the Chief Invigilator.
Sample questions are available on the Specialty pages to show the type of question that will be in the exam.