PACES FAQs
For those just starting out in their PACES journey, this page answers some of the most frequently asked questions to help you on your way to success! Some of the information here has been crowdsourced from the veritable plethora of experience on the doctorsUK subreddit & huge credit should go to those doctors willing to share and discuss their experiences
"Are there actually official FAQs?"
Yes - they're linked here
"I'm don't know how to start my PACES preparation...
What should I be doing?"
Preparing at work
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Ask your college tutor if there is an existing PACES teaching program or a mock PACES exam
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Ask your consultants & registrars to act as examiners or help source patients to examine
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Organise a whatsapp group of PACES-sitters in your cohort to arrange joint prep sessions
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Practice, practice, practice! Examine and present cases of real-life patients
Preparing at home
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Use Quesmed's fantastic PACES video bank (use discount code PREPACES15 for 15% off!)
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Book work can be helpful for specific topics, (look out for the Quesmed PACES pocket handbook coming out soon!)
Preparing at a course
PACES Ahead run a great course multiple times per year with each exam diet
Prepare ANYWHERE...
By listening to the Pre PACES Podcast
Just starting out? Listen to lay the foundations for success in PACES
"I've just sat my PACES and I am convinced I've failed...."
😩
This a very common feeling after sitting PACES
Remember:
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Your PACES result does not determine whether you are a good or a bad doctor - many excellent registrars before you have failed PACES
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You have probably performed better than you can recall
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Failing a single station is unlikely to ruin your entire exam
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You deserve a reward for your hard work, arrange a treat for yourself for after the exam, and around results time
Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6
"Am I allowed to use my own equipment in PACES? "
🤔
Your PACES centre should provide all equipment required to pass the exam
You are not expected to bring any additional equipment beyond a stethoscope
If you are considering bringing any non-standard equipment including digital stethoscopes, your own ophthalmoscope:
Email MRCPUK here to check if your equipment can be used, the examiners may test it on the day
"My online portal has changed to say 'Results being processed', does this mean my results will be released today?"
💻
I've already sat my exam but want to book for the next diet in case I fail.
1) Will I get my money back if I've passed PACES?
2) I can't seem to book PACES for the next diet, does that mean I've passed?
Firstly - good idea! If you sit your exam late in the PACES diet, applications for the next diet may open before you receive results.
1) If you book PACES for the next diet whilst awaiting your results, and you end up passing your first attempt, you should receive an automatic refund of your application (Source)
2) Anecdotally, this has been the case for a few candidates who have tried to book. I'm not sure this is 100% foolproof and still just wait for the all important email declaring your pass