MRCPCH History Station Exam Timer
Official Duration: 22 mins 00 secs in-room (+ 4m reading outside) · 13m focused history taking (warning at 9m), 9m examiner management viva (warnings at 19m & 21m)
4-Minute Time-Bound Reading Outside Cubicle: Minute 0–2: Scrutinise referral letter, child's age, and presenting complaint timeline. Minute 2–4: Map history checklist (HPC, ICE, PMH, birth/development, immunisations, medications, family/social history) and formulate top 3 differential diagnoses with targeted questions to differentiate them.
Official Station Sequence & Time-Bound Prompts
In-Room: 22:00 · Reading: 04:004-Minute Time-Bound Reading Outside Cubicle: Minute 0–2: Scrutinise referral letter, child's age, and presenting complaint timeline. Minute 2–4: Map history checklist (HPC, ICE, PMH, birth/development, immunisations, medications, family/social history) and formulate top 3 differential diagnoses with targeted questions to differentiate them.
Start consultation with parent/adolescent. Explore history of presenting complaint (HPC), ideas, concerns, and expectations (ICE).
Official warning bell sounds: 4 minutes remaining for history. Inquire about past medical, medications, allergies, immunisations, and family/social history.
Consultation ends and role player departs. Present structured summary to the examiner and outline differential diagnoses and initial investigations.
Official warning knock at 19-minute mark (3 minutes left): Examiner viva on acute management, therapies, long-term counselling, and follow-up plan.
Final 1-minute warning prompt before double bell: Conclude management viva, prioritise immediate patient actions, and summarise key safety netting.
Practising with Live Consultant Feedback?
Time management is the single biggest reason candidates drop marks in MRCPCH stations. In our courses, UK Pediatric Consultants evaluate your exact pacing, communication, and examination techniques.