The MRCP PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is often seen as the most demanding stage of the MRCP exam pathway. With five intense stations, real patients, and experienced examiners assessing your clinical and communication skills — it can be daunting.
But here’s the good news: passing MRCP PACES on your first attempt is absolutely possible — with the right preparation, practice, and guidance.
If you’re looking for MRCP PACES tips that actually work, you’re in the right place. This guide covers essential strategies aligned with the PACES format to help you prepare smart and pass with confidence.
📘 1. Understand the PACES Format
The MRCP PACES now follows the PACES format, which includes five stations, each lasting 20 minutes, with two encounters per station. You’ll be assessed across seven core skills, including:
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Physical examination
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Identifying physical signs
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Clinical communication
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Clinical consultation
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Formulating differential diagnoses
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Explaining and planning management
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Maintaining patient welfare and professionalism
Each station tests multiple skills across two patient encounters — meaning you’ll need to show both clinical acumen and communication finesse throughout.
👉 Tip: Familiarise yourself with the flow of PACES so nothing on the day surprises you.
❤️ 2. Master Core Examinations
In PACES, physical examinations are no longer isolated short cases — they’re integrated into real-world clinical encounters. You may need to examine, interpret findings, and explain your plan all within the same station.
Focus on:
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Cardiovascular
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Respiratory
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Abdominal
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Neurological
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Musculoskeletal systems
👉 Tip: Practise moving fluidly from examination to explanation, especially under time pressure.
💬 3. Sharpen Your Communication
Clear, compassionate communication is vital in PACES. You’ll be expected to:
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Elicit relevant history
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Explain diagnoses
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Discuss management plans
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Handle sensitive conversations (e.g. bad news, anxious relatives)
👉 Tip: Use structured models like ICE and SPIKES to stay calm and consistent during tough conversations.
🧠 4. Build a Study Group
A committed study group is one of the most effective PACES prep strategies. Rotate roles (doctor, patient, examiner), challenge each other, and give honest feedback.
👉 Tip: Record your sessions and review your performance — you’ll catch habits and hesitations you didn’t notice in the moment.
🎯 5. Focused Practice > Endless Practice
Doing more cases doesn’t always equal better prep. Focused, reflective practice wins every time.
Work on:
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Structuring your consultations
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Transitioning between skills
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Summarising confidently under pressure
👉 Tip: Use a debrief checklist after each session — what went well? What needs refining?
🏥 6. Practise on Real Patients
Textbooks and simulations are great — but real patients are better.
Visit the wards, clerk patients, and ask senior clinicians for feedback. You’ll gain exposure to:
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Authentic signs
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Unpredictable responses
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The flow of real consultations
👉 Tip: Keep a clinical log of all the patients you examine. Reflection builds insight.
📚 7. Use High-Yield Resources
There’s a lot out there — here’s what we recommend:
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Face-to-face coaching courses like Ealing PACES, where you’ll receive real-time feedback and mock stations.
😌 8. Be Calm, Confident, and Professional
Examiners want to see a safe, professional doctor. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be competent and composed.
Even if a station doesn’t go well, don’t let it derail the rest of your exam.
👉 Tip: Take a breath between encounters. Reset. Stay grounded.
❗ Bonus: Common PACES Mistakes to Avoid
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Rushing the physical exam or skipping components
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Weak case presentation or lack of summary
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Speaking in medical jargon patients won’t understand
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Poor time management across the station
✅ Final Thoughts
These MRCP PACES tips are designed to set you up for success under the new PACES format. Structured preparation, clinical confidence, and targeted feedback can make the difference between scraping through and passing with clarity.
🎓 Want to Pass First Time? Join Our MRCP PACES Course
We offer a comprehensive Ealing PACES Prep Course, tailored to help you succeed in PACES.
✅ Personalised 1:1 feedback from experienced clinicians
✅ High-yield mock stations and realistic scenarios
✅ Focused support to boost your strengths and fix weak spots
Whether you’re at the start of your PACES journey or ready for final prep — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.