MRCP PACES Preparation Tips: How to Start Strong for Your Exam

MRCP PACES Preparation Tips: How to Start Strong for Your Exam

If you’re looking for MRCP PACES preparation tips for the October 2025 diet or beyond, this guide will help you build confidence and structure your revision effectively from the start.

Whether you’re a first-time candidate or returning to improve your score, a strong start can make a real difference. Here’s how to lay the right foundations:

1. Make Your Examination Technique Automatic

You should be able to examine the four systems smoothly, confidently, and without hesitation. By the time you’re in the exam, the mechanics of examination (e.g., tone → power → reflexes) should be second nature.

Tip: While examining, your hands should be on autopilot — your brain should already be preparing your differential and what you’ll say by minute 6.

2. Practice With Purpose

Ask yourself the following questions after every examination practice:

  • ✅ Am I eliciting upper or lower motor neurone signs?
  • ✅ Have I demonstrated a structured, logical approach?
  • ✅ Can I clearly summarise my findings and communicate them confidently?

3. Brush Up on Core Exam Skills

If you feel your undergraduate clinical skills are a bit rusty, revisit the basics. This excellent free resource walks you through various examination techniques in a step-by-step format:

👉 Undergraduate Clinical Skills – Imperial Endo

4. Watch High-Quality Video Demonstrations

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by watching others. We recommend this video demonstration of a lower limb neurological exam with Dr Katie Sidle:

🎥 Lower Limb Examination – Ealing PACES

5. Get Expert Feedback

We also offer a full MRCP PACES preparation course, including a high-fidelity mock exam, to help sharpen your technique under exam-like conditions.

Reminder: You’ll get the most out of the course if you’ve already practiced the basic exam routines before attending.

6. Join Our Free Online Workshop

📆 Date: Monday 4th August
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:00 PM (UK time)

This free online session will cover:

  • ✅ How to structure your PACES presentation
  • ✅ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  • ✅ Neurological examination tips (one of the most feared stations)

📌 Register for the Free Webinar

7. Join the PACES WhatsApp Group

✅ Want more free tips and reminders?

Join our WhatsApp group where we share revision advice, updates, and exclusive course content:

📲 Click to Join the PACES WhatsApp Group

Final Thoughts

Early, structured, and purposeful preparation is key to success in PACES. Don’t leave it too late to start practicing. Build habits now that will carry you through the exam confidently.

If you found these MRCP PACES preparation tips helpful, share them with a colleague or bookmark this page for later.

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