Before week 1: create a baseline
Complete a mixed diagnostic set, record accuracy and confidence by specialty, and identify your available weekly hours. Choose one question bank and one consolidation system.
Weeks 1–2: foundations and early questions
Use specialty blocks to rebuild weak systems while answering questions from the first day. Aim for careful review rather than speed. Begin clinical sciences, statistics and pharmacology early.
Weeks 3–5: coverage and consolidation
Increase question volume, revisit repeated errors and start mixed sessions. Each week should contain at least one retrieval-only review without notes.
Weeks 6–7: mixed timed practice
Shift towards mixed timed sets. Review low-confidence correct answers as well as incorrect answers. Use topic clusters only for clear persistent weaknesses.
Week 8: performance protection
Use short mixed sets, high-yield visual review, formulas and repeated errors. Reduce heavy new learning, protect sleep and confirm travel and test-centre arrangements.
Weekly template for a full-time doctor
| Day type | Task |
|---|---|
| Three workdays | 45–60 minutes questions + 15 minutes error review |
| One lighter workday | 90-minute specialty block |
| One protected day | Two 90-minute sessions plus mixed review |
| Post-night or exhausted day | 20-minute visual recall or complete rest |
Frequently asked questions
Is eight weeks enough for Part 1?
How many questions should I do?
What should I do after nights?
When should I start timed sets?
Official sources and editorial note
Exam format information was checked against the official MRCP(UK) website on 30 July 2026. Examination dates, fees and delivery arrangements can change, so candidates should confirm the current position directly with MRCP(UK).
Independent educational guidance only. Med with Spence is not affiliated with MRCP(UK) or the Royal Colleges of Physicians.
Dr Sunney Salhan
NHS clinician, medical educator and creator of Med with Spence. The platform is designed to help busy doctors turn question-bank errors into clear, memorable clinical reasoning.
Founder credentials and editorial standards →Turn revision errors into clinical mental models.
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