DPM Part 1 exam - Multiple Choice Paper: 14 September 2022
DPM Part 2 exam - Short Answer Paper: 10 October 2022
DPM Part 2 exam - Critical Appraisal Paper: 11 October 2022
For more information go to online examinations.
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.
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.
Achieving a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (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.
It also opens up the opportunity to become an FPM Member (MFPM) and, ultimately, a Fellow (FFPM), accolades that are held by some of the most exceptional and innovative pharmaceutical physicians in the world.
The Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM) was established in 1976 and has been passed by almost 900 individuals. It is considered a landmark achievement for any physician undertaking a career in pharmaceutical medicine.
The DPM is a qualification 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.
DPM Awardees video
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.
Candidates must possess a medical qualification recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK or be included on an appropriate medical register in their home country. All candidates must be registered as medical practitioners.
The registration process will open on 11th March and close on 5th August
| Examination | Date | Start time | Duration | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper | Wednesday 14 September 2022 | 14:15 | 2.5 hours | Online |
| Part 2 | Short Answer Questions (SAQ) | Monday 10 October 2022 | 14:15 | 2.5 hours | Online |
| Part 2 | Critical Appraisal papers (CAP) | Tuesday 11 October 2022 | 14:15 | 2.5 hours | Online |
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
A pass in the first exam awards a Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine (CPM) and is also Part 1 of the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM). The CPM/DPM Part 1 must be passed before candidates are eligible to sit DPM Part 2.
CPM/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 Diploma candidate should plan a training programme in pharmaceutical medicine, where appropriate with the advice of his or her Educational Supervisor. The training in pharmaceutical medicine should involve courses, distance-learning packages, other tuition and personal study. Candidates are not required to have attended a postgraduate course covering the syllabus for pharmaceutical medicine, though most do.
Study of a current edition of one of the published comprehensive texts is highly recommended as preparation for the examination. Textbooks on key topics in the syllabus such as clinical trials, pharmacokinetics, medical statistics, safety assessments, etc, are also essential reading. Regulatory guidelines, particularly those issued by ICH, can also be a valuable source of up-to-date information. A suggested reading list is included in the DPM digital handbook.
For more information on preparing for the exams, see Guidance and Regulations: DPM Candidates.
