Many first-time candidates lose time because they start the application without the right proofs in place, or they upload documents that the system cannot accept. This guide explains what you must prepare for the 2026 sittings, with clear steps and a practical checklist.

It focuses on identity checks, medical degree verification, and proof of medical registration, because these items drive approval for new applicants. Use this page to confirm your file format, translations, and name-match rules before you apply under the MRCOG Part 1 eligibility criteria.

MRCOG Eligibility Criteria For 2026 Sessions

RCOG treats MRCOG Part 1 as a process where eligibility approval comes before exam booking. RCOG states that a first-time candidate must submit an eligibility application, while a candidate who has previously sat any MRCOG part does not need another eligibility application.rcog+1​

Who Must Submit An Eligibility Application?

You must submit an eligibility application if you are a new, first-time MRCOG candidate. Resit candidates can proceed to booking without repeating eligibility.rcog+1​

What RCOG Checks At This Stage

RCOG’s eligibility requirements focus on identity, medical registration details, and proof of your primary medical degree (or degree details shown on a registration certificate). This means your success at this step depends on clean, readable, properly certified files.

MRCOG Part 1 Eligibility Criteria: Essential Document Checklist

RCOG asks you to prepare a small set of documents, and each document must meet its acceptance rules. Use the checklist below for your first submission to reduce follow-up requests and protect your exam timeline.

1) RCOG Account Number And Registration Number

RCOG states that you need your RCOG College account number for the eligibility application. RCOG also asks for your General Medical Registration Number (if relevant) or your Medical Registration Number.

2) Government-Issued ID (Name Must Match)

RCOG requires a scanned copy of your government-issued ID. RCOG lists examples such as a driver’s license, passport, or original birth certificate.

RCOG states that the name on your ID must match your medical degree certificate or your medical registration certificate. If names differ, RCOG says you must upload authorised evidence such as a marriage certificate or a legal name-change document.

3) Proof Of Your Primary Medical Degree (PMD)

RCOG states that you must submit either your primary medical degree certificate or your medical registration certificate if it states your primary medical degree and university. RCOG confirms the same rule in its Part 1 FAQs.rcog+1​

4) Translation Rules (If Your Documents Are Not In English)

RCOG states that documents must be in English and must include an authorised translation when the original is not in English. RCOG repeats this requirement in the FAQs.rcog+1​

MRCOG Eligibility: Certification And File Rules

RCOG states that the scan or photo must be taken from the original document, and it cannot be a scan of a photocopy. RCOG also states that the certifier must sign and date the document and confirm in English that it is a true copy of the original.

RCOG states that the certifier must be a Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Justice of the Peace, another person entitled to practise law, or an authorised officer of an embassy or consulate. RCOG also states that the certifier must not be your relative, and you cannot certify your own documents.

Name Mismatch: The Strict Rule Most People Miss

If the name on your primary medical degree does not match your government-issued photographic ID, RCOG says you must email an attested copy of your photo ID, a re-issued degree certificate or a medical registration certificate showing your new or married name, and a marriage certificate or affidavit that shows both your former and new name. RCOG also states that a marriage certificate or affidavit alone is not enough.

Combine Files Into One Upload

RCOG says you should combine all necessary eligibility files into one document rather than emailing separate documents. RCOG notes that you can use PDF merge tools to create a single file.

MRCOG Clinical Experience Records To Keep Ready For 2026

RCOG’s Part 1 eligibility list does not ask you to upload clinical experience letters, so eligibility usually depends on identity and degree or registration proofs. Still, basic experience records help you support your MRCOG pathway when you apply for posts, observer roles, or clinical attachments.

Keep these items together:

• Internship or foundation completion certificate (dates and stamps).

• Hospital experience letter with role title and dates.

• OBGYN posting or rotation proof.

• Current registration or good standing document (if issued locally).

Conclusion

A first-time Part 1 applicant needs a clean, certified, and complete eligibility file, because RCOG reviews eligibility before it allows exam booking. Focus on three proofs: government ID, your registration number, and your primary medical degree certificate (or a registration certificate that includes the degree and university).

Follow the English and certification rules, and combine your files into one document before upload. Submit early, because RCOG states it needs at least four weeks to process applications after the eligibility close date.