Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP)|21 April 2026|6 min read
MRCP Part 1 is an expensive exam to prepare for. The exam fee itself is significant, and most candidates spend an additional £50–200 on Q-bank subscriptions. For trainees on a limited budget — particularly IMGs who may be funding their own preparation — the question of whether free resources can replace paid ones is a genuine concern.
This guide covers every free MRCP option available in 2026 and provides an honest assessment of where free is sufficient and where investment makes a material difference.
The Free Options
iatroX — Free AI-Adaptive Q-Bank
iatroX offers a free MRCP Part 1 and Part 2 Q-bank with AI-powered adaptive learning. The key differentiator is that the free access is not a limited trial or a subset of questions — the core MRCP bank is fully free.
The adaptive algorithm identifies your weak topics from your performance and automatically prioritises them. The spaced repetition mode schedules reviews at optimal intervals. The integrated clinical AI lets you query the guideline or mechanism behind any answer — effectively giving you an AI tutor within the Q-bank at no cost.
The platform also covers MSRA, AKT, PLAB, UKMLA, MRCEM, PSA, and PANE for free. Specialist diploma banks (DRCOG, DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, DTM&H) are available for £99 per year.
iatroX is UKCA-marked and MHRA-registered. Native iOS and Android apps are available.
Limitation: the MRCP bank is growing but is currently smaller than PassMedicine's 5,100+ questions. It is a strong supplement or primary resource for budget-constrained candidates, but candidates who want maximum question volume will benefit from adding a paid bank.
iMedics — Free Tier
iMedics offers a free MRCP Part 1 tier with a limited number of questions. Paid silver and gold packages unlock more content. The free tier is useful for trying the platform before committing, but the question volume is too limited to serve as a primary revision resource.
BMJ OnExamination — Potentially Free via NHS Trust
BMJ OnExamination offers an MRCP Part 1 module that many NHS Trusts provide free of charge through their library subscriptions. This is the best-kept secret in MRCP preparation. Before paying for any Q-bank, email your Trust library and ask whether they provide BMJ OnExamination access codes.
If your Trust provides free access, BMJ OnExamination becomes a strong primary resource at zero cost. The questions are expert-written by specialty clinicians and cover the MRCP syllabus comprehensively.
RCP Learning — Official College Resource
The Royal College of Physicians offers its own short-term MRCP learning resource (typically 1-month access) with a Q-bank relevant to MRCP Part 1 and Part 2, plus mock exams. Check the RCP website for current availability and pricing — it is sometimes offered at reduced cost or as part of membership.
Free Textbooks and References
NICE CKS, the BNF, and PubMed are free and cover the clinical knowledge tested in MRCP Part 1. They are reference tools rather than revision tools, but they are invaluable for understanding the guideline behind a wrong answer.
Is Free Enough?
The honest answer depends on your starting knowledge level and your risk tolerance.
For candidates with strong clinical knowledge (scoring above 55% on diagnostic tests) who are self-disciplined about targeting weak areas, a combination of iatroX (free adaptive Q-bank) and BMJ OnExamination (free via Trust) can provide sufficient preparation. The adaptive algorithm compensates for lower question volume by ensuring you spend time on the topics that matter most for your individual performance.
For candidates with weaker starting knowledge (scoring below 50%) or who want the safety net of maximum question exposure, investing in PassMedicine (~£35 for 4 months) alongside the free iatroX adaptive supplement is the most cost-effective approach. The additional 5,100+ questions and community comment threads provide breadth that free resources alone may not match.
For IMGs funding their own preparation without institutional support, the strongest free stack is: iatroX (free MRCP bank + clinical AI) + BMJ OnExamination (if Trust access available) + iMedics free tier. If a single paid investment is possible, add PassMedicine — at £35 for 4 months, it offers the highest return on investment of any MRCP resource.
The Recommended Free Stack
If you are committed to preparing for MRCP Part 1 without spending money on Q-banks, here is the strongest possible free approach.
Primary Q-bank: iatroX (free, AI-adaptive, spaced repetition, clinical AI).
Secondary Q-bank: BMJ OnExamination (check Trust library access).
Supplementary Q-bank: iMedics free tier (additional questions, different style).
Guideline reference: iatroX clinical AI for instant NICE/BNF guideline retrieval when reviewing wrong answers.
Textbook reference: NICE CKS, BNF, Oxford Handbook (if you have access through your Trust library).
This stack provides adaptive question practice, guideline-linked learning, and a secondary Q-bank — all at zero cost. Supplement with PassMedicine at £35 if any budget is available.
Information based on public sources as of 21 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.