Skip navigation

Practical Information

This section contains all the practical information candidates should be aware of when applying for an examination. This includes information on notifying FPH of extenuating circumstances and on the FPH withdrawal policy. The FPH Examinations Appeal Policy can also be viewed here, which all candidates who are considering submitting an appeal should read carefully.

Also on these pages is information for FPH Examiners, including their terms of appointment and responsibilities. There is also detailed guidance concerning confidentiality, as well as the question setting and marking processes surrounding both the DFPH and MFPH examinations.

Important documents relating to DFPH and MFPH Exams. 

Adjustments Policy

Reasonable adjustments are intended to assist candidates to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and expertise and be fairly assessed without affecting or circumventing the requirements of the assessment. FPH takes adjustment requests very seriously and carefully considers how best to accommodate the requests we receive. FPH works with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to ensure that our policy aligns with other Royal Colleges and that we adhere to best practice.

Please note that if you wish to apply for a reasonable adjustment, you must provide all supporting documentation required and a letter from your TPD at the time of application. Late documentation will not be considered. Please note that there is a fee associated with withdrawing if you wish to delay your attempt due to a condition that is currently being assessed.

Please see the Policy for Candidates Requiring Adjustments below for further information. If you have any queries, please contact educ@fph.org.uk.

Policy for candidates requiring adjustments

Appeals Policy

Please note, marks/results will not be altered to reflect individual circumstances. 

Reciprocal arrangement between the DFPH and the Irish MFPHMI Part I Examination in relation to CCT

FPH statement 

Claiming tax relief for MFPH Exams

The HMRC confirmed in 2015 that they are satisfied that public health specialty registrars employed on a specialty training contract and who pay the MFPH exam fees themselves will qualify for a deduction for the cost of those fees against their earnings from that employment. Trainees will be able to claim this tax relief either by completing form P87 or through their self-assessment tax return if they meet the criteria for self-assessment. For more information, please visit Tax relief for employees - GOV.UK

In order to allow HMRC to handle claims as efficiently as possible, specialty registrars in training should include a receipt or proof of payment for the MFPH exams. Claims made without a proof of payment may be delayed while HMRC contact the individual to request supportive evidence.

Validity period of  examination passes

Once the Diplomate examination (DFPH) has been passed, no candidate will normally be permitted more than seven years to pass the Final Membership examination (MFPH). The seven-year validity period will be calculated from the date that a candidate passes the DFPH examination. This will be calculated from the exam date, not the date of the results letter.

Should a candidate fail to achieve a Final Membership examination (MFPH) pass within the seven-year limit, they will be required to take the Diplomate examination (DFPH) again and their attempt limit will be reset.

Any examination pass achieved prior to, or while on a break from the training scheme, will only be considered valid for CCT as long as the candidate enters or re-enters the training programme within seven years of passing the examination.

If a candidate wishes to apply for exceptional circumstances to this rule, they should complete the form below.

Application form for exceptional circumstances 

Become a Member

Become a Member

FPH is the professional home for public health in the UK and abroad. We support over 5,000 members across all career stages enabling them to drive the profession forward and achieve our vision of improving public health.

More details