We outline who is eligible for theory exams and how to register, when and where the exams usually take place, what time they start and end, and how much they cost.
-
Membership
Milestones: Finding the time'Twas the Milestones before Christmas... The winter edition of your member magazine is now out, with contributions on supporting professional activities, our rota gaps survey, service development and so much more.
Get involved in a College roleApplications are now open until 6 January for a host of roles, many of which support paediatric training - including to represent your fellow trainees, develop scenarios for our START assessment and review Portfolio Pathway applications. -
Education and careers
Our upcoming coursesWe offer a range of courses, including our popular 'How to manage' series on clinical topics, plus safeguarding, effective educational supervision and exam preparation. Many are hosted online. -
Work we do
Our College strategyCovering the next three years and with four strategic goals, our strategy aims to meet our members' priorities to support their working lives and be a powerful advocate for children and young people. -
Resources
Discharge and medication safetyWe have six recommendations to improve the safety of liquid medicines during the transition from hospital to home care.
Thrive Paediatrics resource hubEspecially for members, our new hub offers evidence and good practice examples in wellbeing, plus stories from paediatricians' lived experience. -
Key topics
10 Year Health Plan for the NHSWe want to ensure children and young people are at the centre of the Government's plan. Our briefings outline our recommendations and how members in England can input.
Air pollution and child healthOur Companion, developed with members, helps you build your knowledge, talk to patients and advocate for change - such as joining a clean air community in the UK or internationally. -
News and events
From Professor Steve Turner...As RCPCH President, Steve shares regular updates with members by email and on this website - such as his regular feature on #WDYCD4Y: What Does Your College Do For You.
RCPCH Conference 2025Our major event of the year takes place from 26 to 28 March in Glasgow and online, and you don't want to miss it! Get your early bird ticket now for 15% off.
Paediatric services and rota gapsWe surveyed members across the UK to understand more about understaffed rotas and how to address them for both a high quality service and clinician wellbeing.
Most candidates sit their theory exam in a dedicated test centre. Some are eligible to use online invigilation instead, which is done at home or in a private setting.
We normally have three theory exam diets a year. Check the dates and locations of upcoming theory exams, and when you need to apply (regularly updated).
Use our online booking system to apply for an upcoming exam during the application period. As needed, you can request reasonable adjustments. We also explain how to withdraw your application.
Your admissions document will be emailed to you about 5-6 weeks before your booked exam. This has the information you need to sit your exam. You will need to bring a valid form of ID.
Find your results on your RCPCH online account (this website) 6-7 weeks after your exam. Many candidates do not pass on their first attempt. Consider your training timeframe and speak with your supervisor and others for support.
Our syllabus outlines the core knowledge requirements for each theory exam. We also explain the question types and how to approach questions with images.
What is it like to sit the theory exams on a computer? To help understand how it works, practice with our online sample papers for each theory exam.
How and what to study? Our short, free videos by examiners offer quick tips and our textbooks cover each exam in detail. We also host regular courses.