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.
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Membership
Membership renewalsWe have published the fees for each membership type for the 2026 calendar year, plus information about how to apply for a concession, access your benefits and use your online account.
Milestones: ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ &Us takeover¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ &Us is celebrating its 10th anniversary and – as a birthday treat – this network of children, young people and families from across the UK has taken the latest edition of Milestones. -
Education and careers
Assessment reviewWe are reviewing the programme of assessment for doctors in postgraduate paediatric training, to ensure that the assessments taken in the workplace and our examinations are fair, fit for purpose and sustainable. -
Work we do
College strategy - one year onLast September, we launched the first phase of our strategy to support paediatricians' working lives and advocate for a healthier future for children and young people, and the combined actions of members, staff and children and young people have already had positive impacts. -
Resources
Viral respiratory tract infections guidanceWe have updated our national recommendations on the management of children in hospital with viral respiratory tract infections, to use in partnership with your local infection prevention control team.
IHA delivery standardsAn Initial Health Assessment is a statutory appointment for every child or young person entering care in the UK. Guided by eight child-led outcomes, our standards aim to improve their health and wellbeing. -
Key topics
Help protect children from fluEvery winter, thousands of children are admitted to hospital with flu. You can make a difference. As paediatricians, your support is vital in increasing flu vaccine uptake. -
News and events
Engagement standardsChildren and young people have the right to be heard and actively involved in decisions on their health services. Our standards are designed to help you develop and deliver meaningful opportunities for their engagement.
Grand Round 2025-26Register for our new fortnightly series of free, one-hour webinars, which replicate the 'Grand Round' that takes place in many hospitals. Each features an expert-led presentation on clinical and professional paediatric practice, followed by a live Q&A.
Latest report from our neonatal auditOur National Neonatal Audit Programme assesses whether babies admitted to neonatal units receive consistently high quality care. We present findings from data collected in 2024 and recommendations.
Most candidates sit their theory exam in a dedicated test centre. Some are eligible to use remote 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 3-4 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 ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ 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.