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Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine

Application Window: 2 June -14 July 2025

Date of examination Multiple Choice Paper: September 2025

Date of examination Short Answer Questions Paper: Tuesday 21 October 2025

Date of examination Critical Appraisal Paper: Wednesday 22 October 2025

Exam News 2024

The Exam Application Period is now closed!

The Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM)

Achieving the DPM is a defining moment in the career of any pharmaceutical physician. It affirms their knowledge and expertise in our specialty, and their commitment to enhancing the health of society.

The DPM is considered a landmark achievement for any physician undertaking a career in pharmaceutical medicine.

The qualification is comprised of two parts. Once a candidate has passed DPM Part 1 they are eligible to sit DPM Part 2. Candidates who pass DPM Part 2 are awarded the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine.

GMC logoThe UK General Medical Council (GMC) has approved the DPM as an acceptable postgraduate qualification. This means that the DPM is 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.

See the full list here

2024 Exams schedule:

ExaminationDateTime (UK time)DurationLocation
Part 1 Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper September 2025 13:30 2.5 hours Online
Part 2 Short Answer Questions (SAQ) Tuesday 21 October 2025 13:30 2.5 hours Online
Part 2 Critical Appraisal papers (CAP) Wednesday 22 October 2025 13:30 2.5 hours Online

Registration and fees

  • BOOKINGS FOR 2025 WILL OPEN 2 JUNE 2025
  • DPM Part 1 exam entry fee: £415
  • DPM Part 2 exam entry: £720
  • DPM Part 2 resit exam entry SAQ or CAP: £360
  • Location: Online (See our online examinations FAQs)
  • Registration deadline: The registration window will open on Monday 2 June and close at 17:00 (UK time) on Monday 14 July 2025.
  • Withdrawal Policy: A candidate who withdraws from the exam must do so via email to exams@fpm.org.uk Fees will be refunded in full to a candidate whose withdrawal reaches the FPM office before the published registration deadline. Candidates who withdraw after the published registration deadline will be subject to a £75 per paper administrative fee. A candidate who does not appear for the exam or withdraws after starting the exam will not be entitled to a refund. If you are entered for both Part 1 and Part 2 but fail the Part 1 exam, you will be withdrawn from the Part 2 exams and receive a full refund of the Part 2 fees.
  • 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.

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.

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.

A recent DPM awardee

Having a solid foundation in the pillars of Pharm Med (RGN, Clin Dev, Clin Pharm, DSS, HMP, SDM) equips you with the core skills required for any role in pharma“- A recent DPM awardee

How could the DPM benefit you?

  • The DPM is a qualification that is respected around the world
  • Increases your employability
  • Demonstrates that you are an expert on the theory and practical applications of pharmaceutical medicine
  • Sense of achievement, both academic and professional. The DPM is a challenge!
  • Helps pave the way to FPM Membership and Fellowship