# Practising for Medicine MRCP (PACES) with MedMock

Canonical page: https://medmock.com/exams/medicine-mrcp-paces

## What is the PACES OSCE, and how do you practise for it?

MRCP(UK) PACES is the clinical examination that completes MRCP(UK) membership, taken after Part 1 — a 125-minute carousel of five stations assessing physical examination, communication, consultation skills and clinical judgement. MedMock lets you rehearse its four spoken encounters (two Communication, two Consultation) out loud against a realistic AI patient and examiner, with instant feedback on the PACES clinical skills.

An illustrative example station, written by MedMock with example feedback, is at https://medmock.com/exams/medicine-mrcp-paces/example

## About this exam

MRCP(UK) PACES is the clinical examination that completes MRCP(UK) membership, usually sat by Internal Medicine Training doctors after passing Part 1. The real exam is a 125-minute carousel of five stations and eight encounters marked on seven clinical skills: two Communication encounters, two integrated Consultations and four physical-examination encounters. MedMock covers the four spoken encounters — Communication (Stations 1 and 4) and Consultation (Stations 2 and 5) — with the real timings; the physical-examination encounters are not simulated.

## What happens in the real PACES (checked against the official source on 2026-09-24)

PACES is the clinical part of MRCP(UK): a half-day exam of five stations and eight patient encounters, lasting 125 minutes including 5 minutes between stations. There are two 10-minute communication encounters with no examiner questions, two 20-minute consultations (15 minutes with the patient, then 5 minutes of examiner questions) and four 10-minute physical examination encounters. Two independent examiners at each station grade the skills tested as Satisfactory (2), Borderline (1) or Unsatisfactory (0).

- **Station 1: Communication** (10 minutes): You read written instructions in the five minutes before the station, then talk with a patient, relative or surrogate (such as a healthcare worker) for 10 minutes. The examiners observe and do not ask questions.
- **Station 1: Respiratory examination** (10 minutes): You examine a patient's respiratory system following brief written instructions, with up to 6 minutes for the examination and at least 4 minutes of questions from the examiners.
- **Station 2: Consultation** (20 minutes): After reading a short note or referral letter, you have 15 minutes to take a history, carry out a relevant examination and respond to the patient's concerns, followed by 5 minutes of questions from the lead examiner.
- **Station 3: Cardiovascular examination** (10 minutes): You examine a patient's cardiovascular system following brief written instructions, with up to 6 minutes for the examination and at least 4 minutes of questions from the examiners.
- **Station 3: Neurological examination** (10 minutes): You examine a patient's nervous system following brief written instructions, with up to 6 minutes for the examination and at least 4 minutes of questions from the examiners.
- **Station 4: Communication** (10 minutes): The same format as the Station 1 communication encounter: 10 minutes with a patient, relative or surrogate, observed by the examiners with no questions.
- **Station 4: Abdominal examination** (10 minutes): You examine a patient's abdominal system following brief written instructions, with up to 6 minutes for the examination and at least 4 minutes of questions from the examiners.
- **Station 5: Consultation** (20 minutes): The same format as Station 2. One of the two consultation stations is likely to be a patient with an acute presentation and the other is likely to be less acute.

Marking: Ten examiners, two at each station, complete a marksheet for each of the eight encounters and record their marks independently without conferring. Each skill tested is graded Satisfactory (2 marks), Borderline (1 mark) or Unsatisfactory (0 marks), and the grades are totalled to give a score for each of seven skills (A physical examination, B identifying physical signs, C clinical communication, D differential diagnosis, E clinical judgement, F managing patients' concerns, G maintaining patient welfare) and a total score. The communication encounters test skills C, E, F and G, the physical examination encounters A, B, D, E and G, and the consultations all seven.

Passing: Candidates must reach the pass mark in each of the seven skills (A 16/24, B 14/24, C 11/16, D 15/24, E 20/32, F 10/16, G 28/32) and an overall score of at least 126 out of 168. This standard was agreed in May 2024 and applies to all assessment periods from 2024/02 onwards.

Sources: https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/format https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Candidate%20guide%20notes%20PACES23%20-%20Ver24JAN25.pdf https://www.thefederation.uk/news/mrcpuk-paces-pass-standard https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/guidance-and-information/pass-marks-explained
Full format page: https://medmock.com/exams/medicine-mrcp-paces/format

## How to prepare for the PACES (facts checked against official sources on 2026-09-27)

PACES is eight patient encounters across five stations (four physical examinations, two communication encounters and two consultations), with two examiners at each station and seven clinical skills marked across the exam. Prepare by examining as many patients as you can, including people with no abnormal signs, against a six-minute timer with seniors watching; rehearse communication and consultation scenarios out loud; and study the examiners' published reasons why candidates fail each skill.

1. **Check eligibility, attempts and dates** — You must have passed Part 1. You have up to six attempts at PACES, and the old rule of passing within seven years of Part 1 has gone. Centres and dates are allocated at random, so be ready to sit on any date in the assessment period.
2. **Learn what 'satisfactory' means** — Before each exam, examiners calibrate every case and agree what you must cover for a satisfactory mark, judged against an internal medicine trainee entrusted to act with indirect supervision. Practise against the published marksheets for all eight encounters; the Federation reminds candidates that examiners are not looking for perfection.
3. **Examine many patients against the clock** — Each examination encounter allows at most six minutes to examine, and a patient with no abnormal findings may appear. The Federation advises examining as many patients as possible, including those without abnormalities, having seniors watch your technique and practising with a timer. Examiners value confidence that a sign is absent as much as finding one that is present.
4. **Present your findings and answer precisely** — At least four minutes of each examination encounter are questions. Practise presenting the signs you found, then the most likely diagnosis first, a differential that fits this patient, investigations and management. Answer exactly what is asked; if an examiner cuts across you, it is to cover every skill in the time.
5. **Use the five minutes' reading time** — Before each communication and consultation encounter you have five minutes with the scenario. MRCP(UK) advises using it to be clear about the task and to plan the interview, and you can take your notes in. Practise with the Federation's sample scenarios, which it describes as very similar to the real ones.
6. **Rehearse whole consultations in 15 minutes** — At Stations 2 and 5 you have 15 minutes to take a history, examine and respond to the patient's concerns, then five minutes of questions; one case is likely to be acute and the other less so. Rehearse with a timer, leaving time to examine and to ask the patient what questions they have.
7. **Practise communication with a senior watching** — The two 10-minute communication encounters test how you guide the interview, explain clinical information, apply knowledge including ethics and give emotional support, and the examiners ask no questions. Ask a senior colleague to watch, avoid specialist language, and finish by summing up what you have agreed and the way forward.
8. **Get your kit and dress right** — Bring your own stethoscope, and declare an amplifying stethoscope or magnifying ophthalmoscope on arrival if you want to use one. UK centres usually require short sleeves (or sleeves rolled up) and no tie, watch or wrist jewellery; if you do not comply you cannot sit and will not get a refund.

Official resources:

- PACES: Preparation (https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/preparation): Examiner-written advice on each of the seven skills, including the common reasons candidates fail them and how to improve.
- PACES sample scenarios (https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/sample-scenarios): Sample communication and consultation scenarios with role-played videos of examiners calibrating and marking.
- PACES marksheets (https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/marksheets): The marksheet for each of the eight encounters; practise against their headings.
- PACES23 guidance notes for candidates (https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Candidate%20guide%20notes%20PACES23%20-%20Ver24JAN25.pdf): What happens at each station, the timings and warnings, the equipment you may use and the conduct rules.
- Preparatory advice from the Associate Medical Director for Clinical Examinations (https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Preparatory%20advice%20and%20information%20to%20candidates%20PACES%20Examination%20Website%20May%202026.pdf): The points examiners stress to candidates on the day, from reporting signs to handling concerns.
- PACES FAQs (https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/paces-faqs): Dress code, English language level, allocation of dates and centres, and attempts.

Common mistakes examiners report:

- Reporting signs you did not find to fit a diagnosis. MRCP(UK) calls this unprofessional and says it usually earns unsatisfactory marks for identifying physical signs, which the Federation lists among the most common reasons for failing PACES. (source: https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Preparatory%20advice%20and%20information%20to%20candidates%20PACES%20Examination%20Website%20May%202026.pdf)
- Examining through clothing. Candidates who do so usually receive unsatisfactory marks for physical examination in that encounter. (source: https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Preparatory%20advice%20and%20information%20to%20candidates%20PACES%20Examination%20Website%20May%202026.pdf)
- Reciting a 'textbook' list of differentials instead of the likely diagnoses for the patient you have just seen; a good differential for the wrong signs is not satisfactory. (source: https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/preparation)
- Parking the patient's concerns until later. MRCP(UK) advises addressing them as soon as they are raised; delay can leave too little time and cost marks for managing patients' concerns. (source: https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Preparatory%20advice%20and%20information%20to%20candidates%20PACES%20Examination%20Website%20May%202026.pdf)
- Visiting your allocated hospital, even on a course, after you are told where you will sit. MRCP(UK) treats it as suspected misconduct. (source: https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Candidate%20guide%20notes%20PACES23%20-%20Ver24JAN25.pdf)

Sources: https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/format https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/guidance-and-information/regulations/limit-attempts https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/paces-faqs https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/preparation https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/marksheets https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Preparatory%20advice%20and%20information%20to%20candidates%20PACES%20Examination%20Website%20May%202026.pdf https://www.thefederation.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Candidate%20guide%20notes%20PACES23%20-%20Ver24JAN25.pdf https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/paces/sample-scenarios https://www.thefederation.uk/news/mrcpuk-paces-pass-standard https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/guidance-and-information/candidate-feedback
Full guide: https://medmock.com/exams/medicine-mrcp-paces/prepare

Dates: PACES runs in three UK diets a year, each an assessment window rather than a single date. Diet 2026/03 runs late September to late November 2026 (applications closed 27 July 2026); diet 2027/01 runs late January to mid April 2027 (applications open 10 November and close 17 November 2026, 08:00). Your exact date arrives with your admission documents at least four weeks before. (source: MRCP(UK)).
All PACES dates: https://medmock.com/exams/medicine-mrcp-paces#dates

## Stations you can practise

- **Station 1: Communication** — 5 minutes' reading, then a 10-minute conversation with a patient, relative or healthcare worker — explaining a diagnosis or treatment, breaking bad news, or an ethically difficult discussion. The examiners observe and ask no questions. Marked on Clinical Communication, Clinical Judgement, Managing Patients' Concerns and Maintaining Patient Welfare.
- **Station 2: Consultation** — 5 minutes' reading, 15 minutes with one patient — history, explanation and an agreed plan — then 5 minutes answering the examiner's questions on the case. The real station also includes a focused examination, which is not simulated here.
- **Station 4: Communication** — A second 10-minute Communication encounter after 5 minutes' reading, on a different scenario. No examiner questions.
- **Station 5: Consultation** — A second Consultation on a different presentation: 5 minutes' reading, 15 minutes with the patient, then 5 minutes of examiner questions. The real station also includes a focused examination, which is not simulated here.

## Sample PACES questions

- *Station 1: Communication:* A 60-year-old man with newly diagnosed lung cancer. Break the news compassionately.
- *Station 5: Consultation:* A 40-year-old man referred to the medical clinic with double vision and a drooping eyelid. Assess his problem, address his concerns and agree a plan.

## Example scenarios

- *Station 1: Communication:* Discuss the withdrawal of active life-prolonging treatments with the son of an elderly patient with end-stage dementia.
- *Station 2: Consultation:* A 45-year-old woman referred by her GP with new palpitations and breathlessness on exertion. Assess her problem, address her concerns and agree a plan.
- *Station 4: Communication:* Explain to a patient that a medication error led to them receiving the wrong dose, and address their concerns.
- *Station 5: Consultation:* A 40-year-old man referred to the medical clinic with double vision and a drooping eyelid. Assess his problem, address his concerns and agree a plan.

## How a practice session works

1. **Choose a station** — Pick from the PACES stations — all 4 that MedMock runs, or let MedMock surprise you the way exam day will.
2. **Have the conversation** — Speak naturally, out loud. The AI patient responds in real time — with emotions, cues and unexpected turns, just like a real encounter.
3. **Get instant feedback** — The moment you finish, you get specific, examiner-style feedback and a score — what you did well, what cost you marks, and precisely what to fix before the next attempt.

## Price

Start with a one-off £5 taster: 30 credits (30 minutes of speaking practice), not a subscription. After that, or instead, £69 per month for 350 credits. One credit is one minute of spoken practice, or two typed exchanges, and where the examiner or patient speaks first, that opening line is free. Examiner scorecards, mark schemes and model answers for finished sessions are included at no extra credit cost. Cancel at any time. Full details: https://medmock.com/pricing

## Frequently asked questions

### How does the feedback work?

When you finish a station you can have it marked, and the scorecard comes back in seconds — what you did well, what cost you marks, and exactly what to work on next. Scorecards, mark schemes and model answers are included at no extra credit cost.

### Can I practise specific PACES stations?

Yes. You can pick any of the 4 stations to drill a weak area, or run a Full Mock that takes you through the stations MedMock practises, back to back.

### How much does it cost?

You can start with a one-off £5 taster: 30 credits, which is 30 minutes of speaking practice, with no subscription. After that, or at any time, you can choose a monthly plan, which includes a monthly credit allowance. Current prices are on the pricing page.

## About MedMock

MedMock is a web app for practising the spoken parts of UK medical and dental exams and interviews out loud. The candidate talks; an AI patient, examiner or interview panel answers in real time by voice; and when the station ends MedMock marks the performance against that exam's assessment domains and shows the model answer.

It covers 104 spoken exams and interviews — OSCEs, vivas, structured oral exams, simulated consultations, and specialty-training and consultant interviews. It does not cover written or multiple-choice papers, and it is not a question bank.

It was founded by Mr Sam Nahas, MBBS BSc MEd FRCS (Tr & Orth), a practising consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the UK, with co-founder and CTO Arjan Jandu. It is operated by VirtualPatients Ltd (company no. 16303492).

Pricing: a one-off £5 taster of 30 credits to try it (not a subscription, one per account), and a monthly subscription from £20 to £129 depending on the exam (student exams cost least, fellowship exit exams and consultant interviews most), or £199 to £275 for the Intensive plans, which carry more credits. One credit is one minute of spoken practice, or two typed exchanges, and where the examiner or patient speaks first, that opening line is free. Examiner scorecards, mark schemes and model answers for finished sessions are included at no extra credit cost. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.

It runs in a web browser on a laptop or phone; spoken practice needs a microphone. There is no public demo: practice needs an account with credits, usually from the taster or a monthly plan.

MedMock is for adults aged 18 or over. Sign-up asks every new account to confirm it.

MedMock is a revision tool. The patients, examiners and cases are fictional and AI-generated; it is not clinical guidance and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any Royal College, the GMC, the GDC or any examining body.

Start with the £5 taster: https://medmock.com/auth/signup