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Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine

 

Please note that the 2027 exam dates were updated in October 2026. The revised dates are shown in the table below.

The Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM)

Achieving the DPM is considered a landmark achievement for any physician undertaking a career in pharmaceutical medicine. It affirms their knowledge and expertise in our specialty, and their commitment to enhancing the health of society.

The qualification is comprised of two parts: physicians who pass Part 1 (the Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine) become eligible to sit Part 2. Successful completion of Part 2 leads to the award of the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine.

Developed and overseen by FPM, completing the DPM signifies not only expertise in pharmaceutical medicine, but also a dedication to the highest medical, ethical, and scientific standards.

CPM/ DPM
Not sure whether you should sit the CPM or DPM? Find out about the differences between these qualifications

GMC logo The DPM is the only qualification recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) which is aligned with the PharmaTrain Syllabus. The PharmaTrain Syllabus is used worldwide by universities and providers of courses and examinations in pharmaceutical medicine.

The GMC has also accepted the DPM onto the list of acceptable postgraduate qualifications the GMC accepts as providing assurance that an international medical graduate (IMG) possesses the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for full registration with a licence to practise in the UK as a fully registered medical practitioner (at Foundation Year 2 level). The list contains a number of UK and overseas qualifications recommended by UK Royal Colleges and can be found on the GMC website.

For more information on how to apply, please see the GMC guidance.

Please note: acceptance of IMGs onto the register is wholly at the discretion of the GMC. FPM cannot approve, endorse or guarantee the outcome of any application made to the GMC for that purpose.

Boost Your Spring 2027 Exams Success with Our Spring Saver Bundle

For the first time ever, from 2027, the DPM exams are being offered twice in one year, with a brand-new Spring exam diet joining the established Autumn sitting.

To mark this launch, we’re introducing our limited-time Spring Saver Bundle.

Book your Spring 2027 DPM exams together with the On-Demand Training Programme and benefit from a reduced package price.

One bundle. Your exams. Your preparation.

This bundle gives you:

  • Access to the On-Demand Training Programme
  • Flexibility to study at your own pace
  • A reduced package price when training and exams are booked together

Important: this is an exclusive exam + training package. The Spring Saver Bundle can only be booked if you are also registering for at least one Spring 2027 DPM exam. This discounted training programme is not available on its own as part of this offer.

2027 Exams Schedule:

All our exams are delivered online.

Exam dietExamination PaperDateTime (UK time)DurationBooking windowRecommended Training Programme*
Spring 2027 Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Monday 8 March 2027 12:30 2.5 hours (150 min) 19 October 2026 - Monday 11 January 2027 Spring Saver Bundle
Spring 2027 Short Answer Question (SAQ) Wednesday 31 March 2027 9:30 2.5 hours (150 min) 19 October 2026 - Monday 11 January 2027 Spring Saver Bundle
Spring 2027 Critical Appraisal (CAP) Thursday 1 April 2027 9:30 2.5 hours (150 min) 19 October 2026 - Monday 11 January 2027 Spring Saver Bundle
Autumn 2027 Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Monday 13 September 2027 10:30 2.5 hours (150 min) TBC Standard DPM Training Programme 2027 (open for bookings on 24 November)
Autumn 2027 Short Answer Question (SAQ) Wednesday 6 October 2027 10:30 2.5 hours (150 min) TBC Standard DPM Training Programme 2027 (open for bookings on 24 November)
Autumn 2027 Critical Appraisal (CAP) Thursday 7 October 2027 10:30 2.5 hours (150 min) TBC Standard DPM Training Programme 2027 (open for bookings on 24 November)
*Training programme participation is optional and is not mandatory to sit the DPM examinations.
The Spring Saver Bundle can be booked via our website. You have the option of booking just your exams or booking the Bundle.
The standard DPM Training Programme is delivered annually from February to October. If live instruction is not essential for you, we recommend the Spring Saver Bundle, which provides on-demand access only.
As part of the Spring Saver Bundle, you will receive access to the complete 2026 programme on demand, allowing you to study at your own pace. Your enrolment includes:
  • Recordings of all live teaching sessions
  • Presentation slides and supporting course materials
  • Downloadable learning resources
  • Knowledge quizzes
  • Mock examinations with marking and feedback available through the Learning Management System
Please note that only the programme portion of the Bundle is offered on demand. You will not attend live teaching sessions, and access to the training programme does not allow you to sit the DPM examinations at any time. You must take your examination(s) on the published Spring 2027 exam dates.
For full details of our examination withdrawal policy, please refer to the information below.

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My DPM Experience: How the qualification supported my career

With Dr Lydia Spurr MFPM

Why take the DPM?

  • The only GMC-recognised qualification, aligned with international PharmaTrain standards: The GMC has approved the DPM as an acceptable postgraduate qualification for overseas doctors. It can be accepted as evidence that the holder has the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to apply for full registration with a licence to practise in the UK.
  • Pathway to Membership: Successful candidates may be eligible to apply for Membership of FPM (MFPM). Becoming an FPM Member is a significant professional achievement and entitles individuals to use the prestigious post-nominals MFPM.
  • Increases your employability: The DPM demonstrates that you have the depth of knowledge, skills, and professional competence required to excel in pharmaceutical medicine. It signals to employers, peers, and regulators that you meet a recognised standard of expertise.
  • Developed and overseen by FPM: Ensures the highest medical, ethical, and scientific standards
  • Demonstrates that you are an expert: on the theory and practical applications of pharmaceutical medicine
I started my role as Clinical Development Physician shortly after sitting the DPM, and in the interview process the fact that I was sitting the DPM was a definite positive that worked in my favour to landing the job!
– Dr Soha Damany

What are the benefits of taking the DPM?

“It’s given me a bigger picture of what pharmaceutical medicine is all about”

Dr Shilpa Govindraj, Dr Ugochukwu Stephanie Igwe, Dr Imran Lodhi, and Dr Babatunde Oyesile talk about the benefits of taking the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine.

Registration and fees

DPM Part 1 exam entry fee: £450
DPM Part 2 exam entry: £780
DPM Part 2 resit exam entry SAQ or CAP: £390
Location: Online (See our online examinations FAQs)

Withdrawal Policy:

Candidates wishing to withdraw from an examination must email exams@fpm.org.uk.
  • Full refund before the registration deadline.
  • Refund less a £75 administrative fee per paper after the registration deadline and more than 14 days before the exam.
  • No refund within 14 days of the exam, for non-attendance, or after starting an exam, except where approved under the Mitigating and Exceptional Circumstances Policy.
  • Examination fees cannot be transferred to another sitting.
  • Candidates who fail Part 1 will be automatically withdrawn from Part 2 and receive a full refund of the Part 2 fee.
Please refer to the full Withdrawal Policy for complete details.

 

Privacy Notice:

If you are registered or anticipate being registered with the GMC, your personal data, including exam marks, will be passed to the GMC for quality assurance purposes and to facilitate the awarding of CCTs. Please note our privacy policy and terms and conditions.
If you are a physician in PMST or undergoing revalidation through an approved designated body, you should discuss the outcome of any exam at your next ARCP or revalidation appraisal respectively.

Examination Guidance and Regulations

A pass in the Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine (CPM) is also Part 1 of the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM) but in order to take the Diploma examinations, candidates do have to be medically qualified.

DPM Part 1 is a Multiple Choice Question paper (MCQ) of 75 questions, each with five possible answers, all to be completed in 2 hours 30 minutes.

DPM Part 2 consists of a Short Answer Question (SAQ) paper of ten questions all to be completed in 2 hours 30 minutes; and a Critical Appraisal paper (CAP) in which candidates have 2 hours 30 minutes to study a published paper and answer questions on it.

The time allowed for the written exam is sufficient to complete the papers working at a reasonable pace.  See our reasonable adjustment policy (pdf) for candidates who may require additional time.

Please refer to the Guidance and regulations for DPM candidates (pdf) for details of changes implemented in 2019, whereby a Part 1 pass is now final leading to an award of CPM and Part 2 candidates who pass one of the papers but fail the other, do not have to retake the paper they passed at the subsequent 3 exam sittings.

Digital handbook

To download further details about the DPM exam, see the links below.

For exam tips and past papers, see the links below: