MRCP UK Part 3 or Clinical (PACES) exams.

**MRCP Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES) Overview: Assessing Clinical Competence for Higher Specialist Training**

The MRCP Part 2 Clinical Examination, commonly referred to as the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES), is a specialized test designed to assess the clinical knowledge and skills of trainee doctors aspiring to enter higher specialist training, specifically at ST3 level. To be eligible to sit for PACES, candidates must have successfully passed the MRCP Part 1 written exam within the last seven years. This examination sets rigorous standards to ensure that candidates are competent in a diverse range of clinical skills and capable of delivering high-quality patient care.

During the PACES exam, candidates will be evaluated on their ability to perform essential clinical skills effectively. The examination consists of five clinical stations, where candidates will encounter either real patients presenting with specific conditions or trained stand-ins (surrogates). At each station, two independent examiners will observe and assess the candidate's performance, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of clinical competence and readiness for higher specialist training.