OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Free MRCPCH Theory and Science (TAS) Practice Questions

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

View examination details, outline and sources

Loading selected examination banks…

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the MRCPCH Theory and Science (TAS) practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1Which cortical region remains relatively late to mature during adolescence and is important for planning and weighing decisions?

    1. A.Primary visual cortex
    2. B.Prefrontal cortexCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Primary auditory cortex
    4. D.Primary somatosensory cortex

    Explanation: NIMH identifies the region as "called the prefrontal cortex, is one of the last parts to mature." It links this region to planning and decision-making. The primary sensory cortices in the other options are not the prefrontal executive region described.

    Reference: NIMH: The Teen Brain—7 Things to Know — 1. Adolescence is an important time for brain development

  2. 2Blood leaving the normal left ventricle for the systemic circulation passes through which valve?

    1. A.Pulmonary valve
    2. B.Aortic valveCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Tricuspid valve
    4. D.Mitral valve

    Explanation: NHLBI states, "The aortic valve separates the left ventricle and aorta." It is the outflow valve to the systemic circulation. The pulmonary valve is right ventricular outflow; tricuspid and mitral valves are atrioventricular inflow valves.

    Reference: NHLBI: How Blood Flows through the Heart — Heart valves

  3. 3Which physiological abnormality permits gastro-oesophageal reflux in a child?

    1. A.Persistent failure of the pylorus to open
    2. B.Failure of distal colonic enteric ganglia to develop
    3. C.Inappropriate relaxation or weakness of the lower oesophageal sphincterCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Sustained contraction of the lower oesophageal sphincter during swallowing

    Explanation: NIDDK states, "GERD may develop if the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t". This permits stomach contents to return to the oesophagus. Pyloric obstruction affects gastric emptying, distal aganglionosis affects colonic transit, and failure of sphincter relaxation during swallowing impedes entry into the stomach rather than describing this reflux mechanism.

    Reference: NIDDK: Symptoms & Causes of GER and GERD in Children — What causes GER and GERD in children?

  4. 4A parent is using rewards to encourage a child to put toys away when asked. Which response makes the reward contingent on the target behaviour?

    1. A.Give a sticker each morning regardless of tidying
    2. B.Remove a favourite activity after toys are left out
    3. C.Give the promised sticker before asking for tidying
    4. D.Give specific praise immediately after toys are put awayCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The NHS advises, "You can help your child by rewarding them for good behaviour." Praise following the specified action is contingent reinforcement. A routine reward is not contingent on tidying; removing an activity is punishment; providing the reward beforehand does not reinforce a completed target action.

    Reference: NHS: Dealing with child behaviour problems — Offer rewards

  5. 5Incomplete formation of the septum separating the two ventricular chambers leaves a direct communication. Which congenital lesion results?

    1. A.Atrial septal defect
    2. B.Patent ductus arteriosus
    3. C.Coarctation of the aorta
    4. D.Ventricular septal defectCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: NHLBI defines the lesion: "A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the left and right ventricles". An atrial septal defect connects atria; a patent ductus connects great vessels; coarctation is a narrowing of the aorta. None is a ventricular septal communication.

    Reference: NHLBI: Congenital Heart Defects—Types — Ventricular septal defect

  6. 6What structural process produces gastric outlet obstruction in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

    1. A.Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of pyloric muscleCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Failure of oesophageal sphincter relaxation
    3. C.Loss of ganglion cells from the distal colon
    4. D.Rotation of the midgut around its mesentery

    Explanation: The guideline states, "Pyloric stenosis is caused by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the muscular layers of the pylorus leading to gastric outlet obstruction." The lesion is thickened pyloric muscle. Oesophageal sphincter dysfunction, distal colonic aganglionosis and midgut volvulus involve different sites and mechanisms of obstruction.

    Reference: Royal Children's Hospital: Pyloric Stenosis — Background

  7. 7Which cells in the lower part of the epidermis produce the pigment responsible for skin colour?

    1. A.MelanocytesCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Fibroblasts
    3. C.Langerhans cells
    4. D.Keratinocytes

    Explanation: The NCI describes "Melanocytes: Cells that make melanin and are found in the lower part of the epidermis." These are the pigment-producing cells. Fibroblasts produce connective-tissue components, Langerhans cells have an immune role, and keratinocytes form the main keratin-producing epidermal population.

    Reference: NCI: Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version — General Information, epidermal cell types

  8. 8Maternal rubella infection in utero is associated with characteristic congenital cardiac lesions. Which lesion is among the most commonly associated defects?

    1. A.Patent ductus arteriosusCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Complete transposition of the great arteries
    3. C.Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
    4. D.Complete atrioventricular septal defect

    Explanation: CDC describes "congenital heart disease (most commonly patent ductus arteriosus, or peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis)" in congenital rubella. PDA is the listed characteristic association among these choices. The other lesions are real congenital malformations but are not the characteristic common rubella-associated pair.

    Reference: CDC: Congenital Rubella Syndrome Case Definition — Clinical description

  9. 9Where does rotavirus replicate to produce its characteristic intestinal disease?

    1. A.Gastric parietal cells
    2. B.Villous epithelium of the small intestineCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Ganglion cells of the distal colonic plexus
    4. D.Biliary epithelial cells within the liver

    Explanation: CDC states, "Viral replication occurs in the villous epithelium of the small intestine." Infection can impair intestinal absorption and brush-border enzyme activity. Gastric acid-producing cells, colonic ganglia and biliary epithelium are not the characteristic intestinal replication site.

    Reference: CDC Pink Book: Chapter 19—Rotavirus — Pathogenesis

  10. 10In atopic dermatitis, how does an impaired epidermal barrier contribute to dry skin?

    1. A.It increases water retention within the epidermis
    2. B.It increases melanin production in the basal layer
    3. C.It allows more moisture to escape through the skinCorrect answer: C
    4. D.It reduces water movement across the epidermis

    Explanation: NIAMS explains that "the skin barrier changes, allowing moisture to escape". Increased loss of moisture explains dryness and susceptibility to damage. Greater retention or reduced water movement would oppose that mechanism; melanin production concerns pigmentation rather than barrier water loss.

    Reference: NIAMS: Atopic Dermatitis — Causes of Atopic Dermatitis, Genetics

Exam Review

About MRCPCH Theory and Science (TAS)

MRCPCH Theory and Science (TAS) · GB

Key exam facts

Provider
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) runs the examination; TestReach supplies the computer examination platform.
Format
Computer-based examination at a test centre or by online invigilation; single best answer questions with five answer options. TAS is independent of FOP, although the two can be taken on the same day.
Exam questions
Total questions: 100.
Time limit
2 hours (120 minutes) of standard answering time; TAS is in the afternoon. Arrival/log-in precedes the examination.
Passing score
Criterion-referenced Modified Angoff standard setting; the pass mark varies by diet rather than using a fixed percentage. Since 2025.2 judges make two judgments; final ratings are averaged and the nearest achievable mark sets the pass mark. Unsuitable items may be removed after review.
Exam fee
TAS single examination in the UK: GBP £365 in both the published 2026 and 2027 schedules, identical for test-centre and online invigilation. International single-exam fee: £455. Combined FOP/TAS is a separate fee and is not the TAS-only price.

Topics covered

The authority publishes percentage ranges for each content area. The practice percentages below use the midpoint of each range, normalized to 100%; they are not exact percentages published by the authority. Practice question counts may differ slightly because of rounding.

  • TAS blueprint group: 5–30% — Official range: 5–30% (Practice allocation: 17.95%)

    • Adolescent Health/Medicine
    • Understand how ongoing dynamic brain development affects cognition, risk taking and decision making in adolescence
    • Understand the pathophysiology of sexually transmitted diseases and their treatment
    • Behavioural Medicine/Psychiatry
    • Understand the scientific basis of the management of emotional and behavioural problems
    • Know the scientific basis of the treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Be aware of the pharmacology of the main medications used in child and adolescent mental health
    • Dermatology
    • Understand the anatomy of the skin
    • Know how abnormalities in skin anatomy and physiology relate to appearance, dysfunction and disease
    • Understand how injuries to the skin including burns affect function
    • Understand the role of infective agents in skin disease
    • Understand the pharmacology of agents used to treat common skin diseases
    • Diabetes Mellitus
    • Understand the aetiology and pathophysiological basis of diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2 and MODY and the scientific basis of the investigation of suspected diabetes
    • Understand the physiological actions of hormones on glucose homeostasis
    • Understand the anatomy, embryology and function of the endocrine pancreas
    • Understand the pathophysiological basis of diabetic emergencies including diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia
    • Understand the pharmacological basis of treatment of diabetes
    • Emergency Medicine (including accidents and poisoning)
    • Understand the science and rationale underpinning basic and advanced life support
    • Understand the pathophysiological processes of the various types of shock, including haemorrhagic, hypovolaemic, neurogenic and septic shock
    • Understand the scientific basis for the recognition and management of the seriously ill or injured child including burns and scalds
    • Understand the pathophysiology and the science, behind the management of anaphylaxis
    • Understand the anatomical and pathophysiological changes that lead to the signs and symptoms of neurological injury
    • Understand the, epidemiology, physiological and metabolic mechanisms, and consequences of accidents including trauma, drowning, and inhalation. Understand the science underpinning accident prevention
    • Understand the pathophysiology of bone healing
    • Understand the risks of radiological investigation and how to mitigate these, including investigations that do not use imaging
    • Understand the pathophysiology of severe head and spinal injury and neurogenic shock
    • Understand the mode of action, physiological and metabolic mechanisms and consequences of substances taken without medical advice for recreational use or self-poisoning
    • Ethics and Law
    • Know the legal rights of children and young people in the UK
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Know and understand the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system
    • Know the histology and understand the physiology and pathophysiology of muscles and joints in health and disease and understand how structure relates to function
    • Know the science underlying investigations used in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of musculoskeletal disorders
    • Understand the pathophysiology underlying disease associations of rheumatological conditions with other conditions including eye disease, and metabolic disorders
    • Understand the pharmacology of agents, including monoclonal antibodies, used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disease
    • Neurodevelopment and Neurodisability
    • Know the anatomy and understand the physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems
    • Understand the scientific basis of normal and disordered neurodevelopment in childhood including theories of pathophysiology recognising the known genetic and environmental factors
    • Understand the scientific basis of non- pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for the management of neurodisability
    • Nutrition
    • Understand the principles of body composition in children and its basic assessment e.g. weight, BMI
    • Understand the scientific basis of nutrition
    • Know the constitution of infant feeds commonly used in health and disease
    • Know the principles of nutritional management in childhood disease e.g. neonates, intensive care, cystic fibrosis
    • Know the nutritional consequences of being underweight and overweight on other body systems e.g. cardiac and on long term health
    • Know the epidemiology of obesity and malnutrition in global child health
    • Know the scientific basis of dietary supplementation including with calories, vitamins, minerals
    • Ophthalmology
    • Know the anatomy and embryology of the eye and understand how structure of the eye relates to function
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of eye disorders
    • Understand the normal development of vision and the pathophysiology of visual impairment
    • Know the physiology of the eye and its movement e.g. pupillary reflexes, anisocoria, strabismus, refractive errors, nystagmus
    • Understand the pharmacology of agents commonly used in eye disease including antimicrobials and mydriatics
    • Palliative Care and Pain Management
    • Understand the science and rationale underpinning termination of resuscitation and withdrawal of care including the criteria for diagnosis of brain stem death
    • Understand the principles of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in symptom control for children
    • Patient Safety and Clinical Governance
    • Understand the concepts of patient safety and clinical governance
    • Know about the human factors and physiological stressors (e.g. fatigue, hunger) that contribute to adverse events
    • Understands how effective communication has been shown to reduce clinical risk
    • Know the main routes of transmission of hospital acquired infections and their prevention
    • Safeguarding
    • Know the evidence base for sound decision making in child protection
    • Know the epidemiology of physical abuse, sexual abuse neglect and fabricated and induced illness
    • Know the scientific basis of investigations recommended in the investigation of suspected non-accidental injury
    • Know the scientific limitations of imaging and investigations in the diagnosis of non-accidental injury

  • TAS blueprint group: 10–50% — Official range: 10–50% (Practice allocation: 30.77%)

    • Cardiology
    • Know the anatomy and embryology of the normal heart and vascular system
    • Understand the development of the heart and know the abnormalities that are associated with common congenital heart diseases
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of heart diseases
    • Know the normal fetal circulation and transitional changes after birth
    • Understand the physiological basis of myocardial function
    • Understand how the anatomy of the heart relates to changes in physical signs including what underlies the heart sounds and murmurs
    • Understand the pathophysiology of cardiac conditions including cyanosis, heart failure, shock, syncope, myocarditis and unexpected cardiac death
    • To be able to interpret appropriate investigations in a child with suspected cardiac pathologies including hypertension
    • Understand how the electrical activity of the heart translates to the ECG
    • Understand how blood pressure is generated, measured and interpreted in health and disease and the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in hypertension
    • Understand the pharmacology of drugs used to treat common cardiac conditions including duct dependant cyanosis, heart failure and arrhythmias
    • Understand the scientific basis of infective endocarditis
    • Endocrinology and Growth
    • Understand the anatomy, embryology and function of the important endocrine organs e.g. brain, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals and gonads
    • Understand the pathophysiological basis of disorders of the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands
    • Understand the pathophysiological basis of endocrine emergencies including adrenal crisis and hypoglycaemia
    • Understand the physiological actions and regulation of endocrine hormones
    • Understand the scientific basis of the investigation of endocrine diseases
    • Understand the physiological basis of growth and puberty
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors that influence growth and puberty
    • Understand the scientific and statistical basis of growth measurement and charting
    • Genetics and Dysmorphology
    • Understand the scientific basis of genetic disorders and inheritance
    • Understand the chromosomal and molecular basis of genetic disorders and the principles of testing
    • Understand the scientific basis of genetic screening and diagnosis
    • Know the environmental factors which may affect prenatal development
    • Haematology and Oncology
    • Understand the physiology and pathophysiology of haematopoiesis that occur throughout childhood
    • Understand the scientific basis of blood transfusion including the role of major and minor blood antigens
    • Understand the pathophysiology of coagulation disorders and hypercoagulable states
    • To be able to interpret commonly reported haematological investigations
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of haematological disorders and malignancies and understand the molecular basis of cell growth and regulation
    • Know the anatomy of the reticuloendothelial system
    • Understand the tissue effects of ionising radiation
    • Understand the pharmacology of drugs used in the treatment of haematological and oncological disorders including monoclonal antibodies
    • Metabolism and Metabolic Medicine (including fluid management and acid base balance)
    • Understand the biochemistry and metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrate including urea cycle, Krebs cycle, fatty acid cycle
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of metabolic disorders
    • Understand the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders e.g. electrolyte and acid base disturbance, hyperammonaemia, hypoglycaemia
    • Understand the scientific basis of investigations that are used in the diagnosis of metabolic disorders
    • Understand the physiology and pathophysiology of bone metabolism
    • Understand the scientific principles underlying screening for metabolic disease
    • Understand the principles of dietary, vitamin and pharmacological treatment of metabolic diseases
    • Nephro-urology
    • Know the anatomy and embryology of the urogenital system
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of renal and bladder disorders
    • Understand the physiology of the normal kidney and bladder and the pathophysiological and histopathological changes that occur in renal disorders
    • Understand the scientific basis of imaging and physiological investigations used in renal disorders
    • Understand the physiological basis of renal dialysis and hemofiltration
    • Understand the pharmacology of agents commonly used in renal disorders
    • Neurology
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of neurological disorders
    • Understand the scientific principles of neurophysiological studies e.g. EEG, EMG, BAER, otoacoustic emissions
    • Understand the physiological and pathophysiological changes that occur in neurological disorders including migraine, raised intracranial pressure, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, epilepsy
    • Understand the causes of abnormalities seen in the CSF used in the diagnosis of neurological conditions including infections
    • Understand the causes of abnormalities seen in the production and resorption of CSF
    • Understand the scientific basis of pharmacological and non- pharmacological treatments for the management of neurological disorders e.g. AEDs or ketogenic diet
    • Pharmacology
    • Understand the mode of action, physiological and metabolic mechanisms of therapeutic agents including intravenous fluids
    • Understand the mechanisms of undesired effects of therapeutic agents
    • Understand the pharmacokinetic principles of dosing and prescribing in children
    • Science of Practice
    • Understand research methodologies
    • Understand the principles of statistical testing, evidence based medicine, its limitations and applications in practice
    • To be able to recognise appropriate statistical testing and to choose the correct test in context
    • Know the principles of clinical and research governance
    • Know the principles of screening in research and clinical practice

  • TAS blueprint group: 20–80% — Official range: 20–80% (Practice allocation: 51.28%)

    • Gastroenterology and Hepatology (including surgical abdominal conditions)
    • Understand the pathophysiology of vomiting/regurgitation
    • Understand the pathological mechanisms of infective agents in the gut and liver
    • Understand the pathophysiology of diarrhoea
    • Understand the pathophysiology of food allergies and intolerances
    • Understand the pathophysiology of constipation
    • Understand the pathophysiology of liver disorders including jaundice
    • Know the anatomy and embryology of the gastrointestinal tract and how variation relates to specific disorders e.g. malrotation, atresias, Hirschprung disease
    • Know the basic histopathology and cellular dysfunction of important disorders causing malabsorption including coeliac disease
    • Understand the physiological basis of normal gut, liver and exocrine pancreatic function including motility, digestion, absorption and secretion
    • Understand the anatomical and physiological and hormonal changes in gut and liver that occur throughout childhood
    • Understand the role of the gut in homeostasis and its dysfunction
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of gut and liver disease
    • Understand the pharmacological basis of treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders
    • Infection, Immunology and Allergy
    • Know the epidemiology, pathology and natural history of common infections of childhood including normal patterns of frequency
    • Understand microbiological characteristics, including antibiotic resistance, virulence and other mechanisms which lead to the spread of infection in communities and populations
    • Understand the pathophysiology of fever and sepsis and the scientific rationale for treatment
    • Understand the scientific basis of immunisation
    • Understand the scientific basis of allergy and anaphylaxis and the rationale for treatments
    • Understand host defence mechanisms and their pattern of development
    • Know the epidemiology, genetic and environmental triggers and natural history of atopic, allergic and autoimmune diseases
    • Understand the pharmacology and rational use of antimicrobials including the problem of resistance development
    • Know the classification and essential features of infectious agents
    • Neonatology
    • Understand the normal physiological processes occurring during the perinatal period
    • Understand the scientific basis of common diseases and conditions affecting the new born including the consequences of prematurity
    • Understand the physiology underlying fluid and electrolyte management and nutrition in the neonate
    • Understand the science of acquired and congenital infections in the newborn period
    • Understand the statistical principles and science of the practice of newborn screening
    • Understand the embryology of the human fetus from conception to birth and how errors in this process can lead to diseases or congenital anomalies
    • Understand the physiology of jaundice in the neonatal period and principles of treatment
    • Understand the causes and mechanism of brain injury in term and preterm infants and its relationship to short and long term neurodevelopmental sequelae
    • Understand the physiological basis of neonatal resuscitation
    • Understand the principles of mechanical ventilation including the interpretation of blood gases
    • Understand the pathophysiology of respiratory disease of the newborn and its complications
    • Respiratory Medicine with ENT
    • Know and understand the anatomy and embryology of the respiratory tract and the ear
    • Know the genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of respiratory diseases and disorders of the ears, nose and throat
    • Understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system in health and disease
    • Understand the physiological changes that occur in the respiratory system during sleep
    • Know and understand the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and principles of treatment
    • Understand the physiological changes that occur in respiratory disease and how this is reflected in respiratory function tests
    • Understand the risks associated with smoking and passive smoking exposure
    • Understand the physiology of mechanical ventilation
    • Understand the pharmacology of agents commonly used in respiratory disease and the scientific basis of non-pharmacological interventions e.g. physiotherapy

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Computer-based examination at a test centre or by online invigilation; single best answer questions with five answer options. TAS is independent of FOP, although the two can be taken on the same day.

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 100.

How long is the exam?

2 hours (120 minutes) of standard answering time; TAS is in the afternoon. Arrival/log-in precedes the examination.

What is the passing score?

Criterion-referenced Modified Angoff standard setting; the pass mark varies by diet rather than using a fixed percentage. Since 2025.2 judges make two judgments; final ratings are averaged and the nearest achievable mark sets the pass mark. Unsuitable items may be removed after review.

How much does the exam cost?

TAS single examination in the UK: GBP £365 in both the published 2026 and 2027 schedules, identical for test-centre and online invigilation. International single-exam fee: £455. Combined FOP/TAS is a separate fee and is not the TAS-only price.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.