7 Critical PACES Exam Mistakes in Your Final Weeks — and How to Avoid Them
PACES exam mistakes can sneak up on even the most well-prepared candidates — especially in the final few weeks before the exam.
At Ealing PACES, we’ve worked with thousands of trainees, and we’ve seen the same avoidable errors crop up again and again. The final weeks before your PACES exam can feel intense — a mix of frantic revision, self-doubt, and pressure to “do it all.” But how you use this final stretch can make a real difference.
Here’s what to watch out for — and how to stay on track.
⚠️ 1. Focusing on Rare Cases Instead of Core Skills
It’s tempting to spend hours chasing esoteric diagnoses. But PACES is designed to test how safely and confidently you manage common clinical presentations.
Fix it: Master the bread-and-butter cases first — aortic stenosis, COPD, stroke, diabetic neuropathy. Examiners are looking for safe, structured, and efficient clinical reasoning — not obscure zebras.
⚠️ 2. Neglecting Communication and Explanation Stations
Some candidates spend all their time on clinical signs and forget that 40% of the exam involves talking. Poor structure or lack of empathy in communication stations can cost valuable marks.
Fix it: Practice explaining a diagnosis clearly. Use the “chunk and check” method. Record yourself and ask: “Would a non-medical friend understand this?”
⚠️ 3. Not Practising Under Timed Conditions
Knowing your cases is one thing — performing under pressure is another. If you’ve never timed yourself, your pacing might fall apart on the day.
Fix it: In your final weeks, simulate exam conditions as closely as possible. Time your stations. Don’t stop to correct yourself. Get used to thinking fast and speaking clearly.
⚠️ 4. Skipping Feedback
Revising solo can reinforce bad habits. Without feedback, you might not realise you’re consistently missing key steps in your examination or explanation.
Fix it: Work with a partner, join a small group, or book a session with a tutor. Constructive feedback — especially from experienced clinicians — is a game-changer.
⚠️ 5. Over-Studying Without Rest
Burnout doesn’t help you pass. Sleep-deprived, over-rehearsed candidates often underperform simply because they’re exhausted.
Fix it: Schedule rest days. Sleep well. Protect your mental energy. PACES rewards calm, confident performance — not last-minute cramming.
⚠️ 6. Not Having a Clear Strategy for Station 5
Station 5 is unique — it’s a double station, combining history, communication, and clinical reasoning under time pressure. Some candidates approach it without a structured plan, which can lead to confusion and lost marks.
Fix it: Use a clear structure like “ICE” (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations), summarise key points out loud, and state your differential confidently. Practise full run-throughs of Station 5 scenarios to refine your timing and transitions.
⚠️ 7. Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore the Exam Day Itself
Many candidates focus so much on revision that they overlook practical exam-day prep — like what to bring, how to plan their journey, or what to eat.
Fix it: Prepare everything the night before — clothes, ID, stethoscope, snacks. Visualise your stations and go in with a calm, focused mindset. You’ve done the work — now it’s time to show it.
🌟 Final Thoughts
With just a few weeks to go, the goal isn’t to learn everything — it’s to refine what you already know and deliver it clearly, confidently, and safely.
Avoid the common PACES exam mistakes above, and focus on quality practice over quantity.
If you’re unsure how to structure your final prep, our Ealing PACES course offers focused practice and honest feedback from experienced examiners — exactly what you need in this final stretch.
📅 Spots are filling quickly for our upcoming dates — book now to secure your place.
For official guidance on PACES exam structure, visit the MRCP(UK) PACES information page from the Royal Colleges.