Survey of candidates taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2 examination

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire given to candidates taking the MRCP(UK) Part 2 examination through the Royal College of Physicians of London in June 1993. The aim of the study was to survey their pre-examination preparation and experience in the different parts of the clinical examination. Candidates were given a questionnaire at the end of the examination and asked to return it by post. The response rate was 45% (203 out of 456). We collected data covering a number of areas: usual forms of teaching (short case or long case), standard of in-hospital teaching, type of preparation taken for the examination (including number of courses attended), candidates' satisfaction with their performance, and candidates' use and assessment of counselling services.