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The Diploma in Child Health — established in 1935 — recognises competence in the care of children in specialties allied to paediatrics. Two exams: the FOP theory paper (shared with MRCPCH) and the DCH Clinical 8-station OSCE (delivered remotely since October 2020). Pitched at the level expected of a newly appointed GP with some paediatric training. Open to clinicians from over 300 candidate applications per year globally.
Full DCH bank, AI Tutor and timed mocks — $29/month or $99/year. All paid exam banks included.
100 best-of-five SBA questions · 2 hours · delivered via TestReach. The DCH FOP is the same paper as the MRCPCH FOP — DCH candidates take ONE theory exam (FOP only), MRCPCH candidates take three (FOP + TAS + AKP). Both DCH and MRCPCH theory papers are non-sequential and can be taken in any order relative to the clinical exam.
8-station circuit · delivered remotely via an online platform since October 2020 (applicants can be UK-based or overseas). Some scenarios include role-players acting the part of parents or adolescents. Examiners assess against the standard expected of a newly appointed GP who has completed a short period of training in paediatrics with a special interest.
A primary medical qualification recognised by the GMC (or equivalent verifiable by RCPCH). At least 4-6 months of paediatric clinical experience is strongly recommended (no formal minimum but optimal preparation). DCH Clinical requires FOP to be passed first.
From the 2024.3 diet onwards, candidates have a maximum of 6 attempts at each part of the MRCPCH and DCH theory and clinical examinations.
Theory (FOP) 2026 diets: 18 February, 24 June, 14 October (same as MRCPCH FOP). DCH Clinical: two exam periods per year — typically one in spring/summer and one in autumn — confirm exact dates on the RCPCH DCH Clinical page. International candidates can sit FOP and DCH Clinical at participating overseas centres.
Approximate distribution across the DCH FOP/Clinical syllabus. The DCH is pitched at the standard expected of a newly appointed GP with paediatric experience — emphasis on common, important paediatric presentations seen in primary care.
Source: official Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) blueprint
Mapped to the published RCPCH DCH curriculum and prioritised using item-density signals across the iatroX bank.
Fever in under-5s — NICE NG143 traffic light system (green/amber/red features), sepsis screening thresholds, empirical antibiotic choices by age, when lumbar puncture is mandatory. The single most examined topic.
Bronchiolitis vs viral wheeze vs asthma — distinguishing features, NICE NG9 bronchiolitis admission criteria, BTS/SIGN asthma severity ladder, when to use IM adrenaline for anaphylaxis vs nebulised salbutamol
UK Immunisation Schedule (Green Book) — primary course, pre-school boosters, HPV (universal from age 12-13, 1 dose since Sept 2023), MenACWY, MenB, RSV maternal vaccine (2024 introduction) and RSV infant nirsevimab/clesrovimab. Recent changes commonly tested.
Safeguarding red flags — recognising NAI patterns (TEN-4-FACESp bruising rule, fractures inconsistent with developmental stage), fabricated/induced illness, sexual abuse presentations (anogenital findings), neglect indicators. Escalation pathways.
Growth and feeding — failure to thrive workup, breastfeeding troubleshooting, formula choices, weight loss thresholds in newborns (>10% birth weight requires assessment), centile crossing rules
Status epilepticus algorithm — paediatric APLS (lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg IV, buccal midazolam 0.5 mg/kg, then phenytoin/levetiracetam, thiopentone induction). Sodium valproate avoidance in girls of childbearing potential.
Recognition on darker skin — meningococcal rash, jaundice (visible later on darker skin), eczema, erythematous conditions. RCPCH OSCE scenarios now include patients with varied skin tones.
Capacity, consent and Fraser/Gillick — providing contraception/sexual health advice to under-16s (Fraser), broader medical decision-making (Gillick competence), parental responsibility, child protection legal framework.
Observations from UK GP trainees and recent DCH candidates. Verify against current NICE, RCPCH and BNFc guidance.
Candidate-reported observations — not official guidance.
A pragmatic phased approach used by recent GP trainees who passed the DCH first time, sitting FOP and Clinical sequentially.
A live item from the iatroX bank. Try it before launching a full session.
A 13-year-old boy with type 2 diabetes has blood pressure readings of 129/83, 131/82 and 128/84 mmHg at three diabetes clinic visits. Each reading was taken after rest with an appropriately sized cuff. On the clinic chart, both systolic and diastolic readings are above the 95th centile for his age and sex. He feels well and has no previously diagnosed hypertension. Which investigation is most appropriate before deciding whether to start antihypertensive treatment?
Why iatroX is built differently for DCH.
Every iatroX item is tagged to a blueprint topic, so your performance dashboard mirrors the structure of the exam itself.
The engine surfaces your weakest topics first, in real time, instead of marching you through a static syllabus.
Incorrect items return at increasing intervals to interrupt the forgetting curve and lock knowledge into long-term memory.
Timed full-length simulations that mirror the official exam structure under realistic conditions.
One iatroX subscription includes the DCH bank, the Socratic Tutor inside supported sessions, and every other premium iatroX exam bank.
Cancel anytime · 7-day money-back guarantee on annual
Any registered medical practitioner with a primary medical qualification recognised by the GMC (or equivalent verifiable by RCPCH). The DCH is designed for clinicians, including GPs and trainees, who want to provide evidence of their experience in child health. RCPCH recommends at least 4-6 months of paediatric clinical experience before the exam.
FOP theory exam (shared with MRCPCH): three diets per year — 18 February, 24 June, 14 October 2026. DCH Clinical: typically two exam periods per year (spring/summer and autumn). The Clinical exam is delivered remotely since October 2020. Confirm exact 2026 Clinical dates on the RCPCH DCH page.
Two non-sequential exams: (1) FOP — 100 best-of-five SBAs in 2 hours delivered via TestReach; (2) DCH Clinical — 8-station OSCE circuit delivered remotely via an online platform. Both must be passed for the DCH award. FOP and Clinical can be taken in any order.
DCH candidates take ONE theory exam (FOP) plus the DCH Clinical OSCE — a shorter pathway designed for GPs and clinicians who want a recognised paediatric credential. MRCPCH candidates take THREE theory exams (FOP + TAS + AKP) plus the MRCPCH Clinical (10-station OSCE) — the membership exam for paediatric specialty trainees aiming for CCT.
From the 2024.3 diet onwards, candidates have a maximum of 6 attempts at each part. Both FOP and DCH Clinical have their own attempt limits.
The DCH validates a structured level of paediatric competence that is increasingly recognised by employers and patients. It supports GPs with a special interest in paediatrics, those running children's clinics or working in mixed-age practice settings. It is also recognised internationally and provides post-nominals (DCH).
Yes. A single iatroX subscription (£29/month or £99/year for UK users; $29/$99 elsewhere) includes the DCH bank alongside MRCPCH FOP/TAS/AKP, DGM, and every other premium iatroX exam bank. No add-ons or per-exam fees.
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Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP · Last reviewed 12 May 2026
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