MRCP Part 2 Eligibility and Attempts: Six Attempts, No Seven-Year Limit
Published Oct 5, 2026
The MRCP(UK) Regulations set who can sit Part 2 Written and how many times. Here's what the current version, updated September 2026 (https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/guidance-and-information/regulations), says.
You must pass Part 1 first. An application for Part 2 Written can only be made once confirmation of your Part 1 pass has been received (section 3.1).
Candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts at each part of the MRCP(UK) diploma, Part 2 Written included (section 3.3). After six attempts, a candidate can apply for an exceptional additional attempt through the process described on the MRCP(UK) website.
One rule has been removed. Candidates used to have to complete Part 2 Written and PACES within seven years of passing Part 1. The regulations now state that this requirement has been removed (section 3.4).
Part 2 Written is one of three parts. The Federation's results page notes that the diploma is only awarded once all three parts are complete: Part 1, Part 2 Written and PACES.
Study takeaway: with no seven-year deadline, timing your Part 2 sitting around real readiness matters more than rushing it. Six attempts is a ceiling, not a plan, so sit when your practice scores are consistently strong across the whole blueprint.