¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ

Becoming an M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ/DCH Examiner

Medical professionals can apply to become an examiner for M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ (membership exam) and DCH (Diploma of Child Health) clinical examinations. On this page you will find information about the types of examiners who assist with these examinations.

Please note: We are currently not processing any new applications for M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ examiners for India and Pakistan based applicants. Once applications are open again, we will update this page.

Each section below links to a document that explains in full what the duties are for each type of examiner as well as the eligibility requirements and application process.

The final section contains documents of use for all types of examiners, including a Code of Conduct, the Misconduct Policy, the Examiner Privacy Policy and information about examining for the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ after retirement from clinical practice.
Last modified
1 October 2025

Contacting us

If you are interested in becoming examiners, whether overseas or within the UK, please first read the relevant guidance below.

You can get then get in touch with us at examinerapps@rcpch.ac.uk or complete the form on our website so that we can assist you.

Types of examiners

The ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ has particular pathways for categories of examiners. This chart should help you see the progressive pathway.

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiner Elect becomes M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiner

Title given once a submitted M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiner application is approved by Examiner Review Panel (ERP). M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiners Elect begin training and assessment towards appointment as an M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiner.

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiners Elect may be UK or Overseas.

 

Paediatricians with a suitable breadth of experience and knowledge to be able to examine for both M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiners may be UK or Overseas.


DCH Examiner Elect becomes DCH Examiner

Title given once submitted DCH Examiner application is approved by Examiner Review Panel (ERP). DCH Examiners Elect begin training and assessment towards appointment as DCH Examiner.

DCH Examiners Elect may be UK or Overseas.

 

Medical professionals with a background in another specialty allied to paediatrics and Consultant paediatricians with a suitable breadth of experience and knowledge to be able to examine on DCH.

DCH Examiners may be based in UK or Overseas.


Senior Examiner Elect becomes Senior Examiner

Title given once a submitted Senior Examiner application is approved by Examiner Review Panel (ERP). Senior Examiners Elect begin training and assessment towards appointment as Senior Examiner.

Must be an examiner first.

 

The lead examiner in the examining team at a particular centre and responsible for all key quality assurance aspects on the exam day.

Senior Examiner appointment is made through an application and training process.

Senior Examiners are expected to continue to act as examiners and hosts when not allocated as Senior Examiners.

Senior Examiners are the only UK examiners permitted to be placed onto Overseas exams as examiners.


Host

The consultant paediatrician, or other clinical lead professional, with responsibility for all local clinical exam arrangements at a given centre.

Many Hosts are Examiners who have gone through the Examiner Elect process. However, you do not need to be an Examiner to be an M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ/DCH Host.

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Clinical Examiner - UK

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiners form the backbone of all of the M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Clinical exams in the UK. They examine on M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Clinical exams across the country. With enough experience, M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Examiners in the UK may apply to become Senior Examiners.

The M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ UK Examiner document provides information about:

  • the responsibilities of this type of examiner
  • the eligibility requirements for applying to become an examiner
  • the application process.

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Clinical Examiner - Overseas

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Overseas Examiners are the equivalent of UK examiners in their own countries. Applicants for this position must live and work in a country that hosts the exam. Applicants for this position should only expect to examine in the country in which they live and work.

The M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Overseas Examiner document provides information about:

  • the responsibilities of this type of examiner
  • the eligibility requirements for applying to become an examiner
  • the application process.

Becoming an M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Overseas Examiner (PDF)

M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Clinical Senior Examiner

Senior examiners help to run the M¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Clinical exams wherever they are held. Senior Examiners are also expected to continue to act as examiners and/or hosts for UK exams. Only Senior Examiners are selected to travel from the UK to overseas centres and examine there.

The Senior Examiner document provides information about:

  • the responsibilities of this type of examiner
  • the eligibility requirements for applying to become an examiner
  • the application process.

DCH Clinical Examiners - UK and Overseas

DCH UK Examiners examine on the DCH exam in the UK, while DCH Overseas Examiners examine on the DCH in the handful of overseas countries where it is held (Hong Kong, Egypt and India).

The DCH UK and Overseas Examiner document provides information about:

  • the responsibilities of this type of examiner
  • the eligibility requirements for applying to become an examiner
  • the application process.

Becoming a DCH UK /Overseas Examiner (PDF)

Policies, code of conduct and retirement

Examiners moving between the UK and overseas policy (PDF) - explains the policies relating to examiners moving between countries

Examiner privacy policy (PDF) - explains the privacy duties of examiners as well as the College’s obligations to applicants for examiner positions

Examiner code of conduct and performance policy (PDF) - provides the policy framework for all examiner activity and behaviour

Examiner misconduct policy (PDF) - lays out the process for handling cases of possible misconduct by examiners

Examiner retirement from clinical practice (PDF) - provides information for doctors who have demitted/retired from clinical practice