Pros: Unmatched for exam strategy; brilliantly concise; focuses on the "performance" aspect of medicine; excellent ethics and communication section. Cons: Not a standalone textbook for physiology (if you forgot what Churg-Strauss syndrome is, you’ll need a general textbook to supplement it).
The MRCP PACES exam is a challenging and demanding assessment that requires candidates to demonstrate a high level of clinical competence. Many candidates struggle with the exam, citing the following challenges:
The book is structured around the five core PACES stations:
This is where Pastest arguably beats the competition. Most textbooks give you a script for breaking bad news. Pastest provides uncomfortable scenarios : the angry relative demanding a second opinion, the patient with factitious disorder, the colleague who made a medical error. The manual offers "linguistic fencing"—exact phrases to deflect hostility without accepting blame. For many registrars, this section alone justifies the cover price. MRCP PACES Manual -Pastest-
A: For PACES, get the physical copy . You will be writing notes in the margins, sticking post-its on the "Rare but important" signs, and tearing out the summary cards. The eBook is great for searching, but the manual is a bedside companion.
The book is rich with clinical images that illustrate the most popular cases seen in the exam, which is vital for recognizing physical signs.
The MRCP PACES exam is designed to assess a candidate's ability to demonstrate clinical skills and competencies in a real-world setting. The exam consists of five stations, each testing a different aspect of clinical examination and communication skills. The stations are: Many candidates struggle with the exam, citing the
Pastest, known primarily for its question banks (Qbanks), took a different approach with the PACES Manual . Unlike MacLeod’s Clinical Examination (the anatomical bible) or Talley & O’Connor (the practical guide), Pastest focuses on .
| Resource | Best For | Weakness | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Communication, exam strategy, time management, mark schemes | Robotic tone, weak on rare signs, poor color images | | MacLeod’s Clinical Examination | Core clinical technique (how to percuss the liver) | No exam strategy; overwhelming detail | | Talley & O’Connor | Bedside teaching; differentials | Too verbose for quick recall | | EASYPACES (Online) | Video demonstrations of real signs | No written reference for communication |
A: Yes. The MRCP PACES Manual -Pastest- updates annually. Recent changes include a focus on virtual consultation skills (telerehabilitation) and more emphasis on frailty syndromes. Do not buy a second-hand copy from 2021. mark schemes | Robotic tone
: Practicing in a timed "carousel" to build stamina for the 125-minute exam. Focused Feedback
It includes unique insights into examiner behavior and marking schemes, helping candidates understand exactly what is required to pass.
Owning the manual is not enough; you must weaponize it. Here is a proven 6-week schedule.