Limited Attempts Policy - February 2023

RCPI Additional Attempt Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define the limits at attempts for the MRCPI examinations.
Scope
This policy applies to MRCPI examinations in General Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and
Gynaecology taking place from 27 February 2023 onwards and replaces the previous policy introduced in
2019. It applies to all Parts of an MRCPI examination, both written and clinical/OSCE.
A candidate applying to sit an MRCPI examination based in Ireland or overseas must agree to this policy
and all applicable policies and regulations.
Policy Overview
From 27 February 2023 candidates sitting MRCPI examinations will be allowed a maximum of six attempts
for each component i.e., 18 attempts in total if the examination consists of three parts.
Candidates who reach six attempts at any examination will be allowed to apply for one final additional
attempt. To allow for sufficient additional training and education there must be a minimum of six
months or one examination diet between the sixth and the additional (seventh) attempt. The maximum
time allowed between the sixth and the additional (seventh) attempt is three examination diets. Only
one additional attempt will be permitted.
The number of attempts is counted from a candidate’s first sitting of an MRCPI examination, not from the
effective date of this policy.
Following a sixth unsuccessful attempt, a candidate can request one additional attempt only, if their
trainer/educational supervisor confirms that the candidate has demonstrated an improvement in
knowledge and skill, so that a pass result is highly likely at the next attempt.
Withdrawals and/or deferrals (as per the RCPI Cancellation Policy) will not be deemed an attempt.
However, if a candidate does not attend an MRCPI examination and is recorded as absent, this will be
counted as one attempt. If a candidate encounters extenuating circumstances on the day of the
examination and cannot attend, they must contact the RCPI examinations team (exams@rcpi.ie) preferably
on the day of the examination or in any circumstances within three working days of the examination.
Definition of Trainer/Educational Supervisor

An RCPI Trainer oversees RCPI trainees’ development and education at all training levels, through their
involvement in teaching, training, evaluation, and supervision.
If a candidate is not on an RCPI training programme, their application for an additional attempt can be
supported by a Consultant (or equivalent)/Educational Supervisor. The Consultant/Educational Supervisor
must be involved in the process of reviewing and agreeing the candidate’s additional learning.
How to apply for one additional attempt

Candidates applying for an additional attempt (seventh) must complete an MRCPI Additional Attempt
Form and send it to their trainer/educational supervisor for their completion and submission to the
Examinations team on behalf of the candidate.
By signing the form, the trainer/educational supervisor confirms:

• they and the candidate have reviewed the candidate’s previous attempts and have implemented an
educational plan.
• candidate has demonstrated such an improvement in knowledge and skill, so that a pass result is
highly likely at the next attempt.
The trainer/educational supervisor emails the Additional Attempt Form to exams@rcpi.ie no later than
four weeks before the published closing date for the requested exam.
MRCPI will not accept requests for additional attempts based on exceptional circumstances. The MRCPI
regulations make it clear that any candidate who starts an examination is declaring themselves fit to sit it.
Candidates who have already undertaken attempts at the examinations and receive a late diagnosis of any
condition which requires reasonable adjustments to support them, and which they had not previously
received, should contact RCPI to discuss the situation by the closing date for the exam application.
Link to Form
Additional attempt requests for each examination will be reviewed and approved by the following:
• General Medicine - Director of Examinations for the Institute of Medicine
• Paediatrics - Associate Dean of Examinations, Paediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Examinations Board
Examinations Coordinator can refuse a request for additional attempts if a candidate has already taken one
additional attempt (seventh attempt).
Number of attempts and time limits for the MRCPI General Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and
Gynaecology examinations
Examination Maximum Number Time limit Additional Maximum Time limit for
of Attempts to Pass Attempt completing Additional Attempt
Part I Written 6 Unlimited 1 3 diets from the 6th attempt
Part II Written 6 6 years 1 3 diets from the 6th attempt
Part II Clinical/OSCE 6 3 years 1 3 diets from the 6th attempt
Additional Information
Restricting attempts at professional examinations is in the best interest of candidates.

We want to ensure that candidates give themselves the best chance of successfully completing their
MRCPI examinations.
International evidence suggests that restricting attempts at professional examinations is the most ethical
approach, and in the best interest of candidates.
Candidates who attempt examinations in rapid succession without gaining at least three months additional
experience following an unsuccessful result are unlikely to be successful on subsequent attempts.
In addition, candidates are significantly less likely to pass the examination following three unsuccessful
attempts without remediation of their clinical skills. This is reflected in the data on pass rates that RCPI has
gathered since the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research
(FAIMER) review of the MRCPI in General Medicine in 2011.

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RCPI Additional Attempt Policy

Definition of Trainer/Educational Supervisor

How to apply for one additional attempt

By signing the form, the trainer/educational supervisor confirms:

Restricting attempts at professional examinations is in the best interest of candidates.

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