PRES Level 2 Exam

The PRES Level 2 is a written exam made up of multiple-choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the possible answers given.

For more information on what is examined in the PRES Level 2, please download the PRES 2 Content Map. The Content Map sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours candidates are expected to demonstrate in the exam. It is regularly updated to make sure it reflects real life day-to-day medical practice.

Once deemed eligible for the PRES Level 2, applicants are typically permitted two years or three attempts in which to pass the PRES Level 2.

Upcoming PRES Level 2 Exams

The dates of the upcoming PRES Level 2 exams are shown below.

Please note that there are a set number of places available for the PRES Level 2 exam and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Only candidates who have been deemed eligible for the PRES Level 2 and have received confirmation of their eligibility directly from the Medical Council can apply for a place in the Level 2 exam.

Please note you may be exempted from the PRES if you have one of the accepted exemptions. For more information, please read our Registration Rules and Exemptions page here.

Applying for a place in the PRES Level 2

All eligible candidates will be emailed when applications open. Only candidates who have been deemed eligible for the PRES Level 2 and have received the application form directly from the Medical Council can apply.

Allocations are made on a strictly first come first served basis on receipt of a fully completed PRES Level 2 application form and payment. If your PRES Level 2 application is received after allocations for an exam date/venue have been made, you may be allocated a place in the list for your second or subsequent preference or placed on a standby waiting list.

Please note that the Medical Council reserves the right not to hold an exam at the listed date/venue if there are insufficient candidate numbers or if there are circumstances beyond our control. Candidates will be moved to the next available examinations date/venue.

Booking the PRES Level 2

The Medical Council endeavours to give as much notice as possible prior to the date of the PRES Level 2 . When a date is confirmed for the PRES Level 2 , all eligible candidates will be notified by email.

In order to apply for a place in the PRES Level 2, candidates must complete the Application Form and return the form by email to pres@mcirl.ie. The fee for the PRES Level 2 exam can be found on the Fees Section of our website here.

The Application Form for the exam being held in Dublin, Ireland is available here - PRES Level 2 Application - November 2026 Dublin. 

The Application Form for the exam being held in Dubai, UAE is available here - PRES Level 2 Application - November 2026 Dubai.

Candidates will receive a confirmation letter by email approximately 7 days in advance of the exam. The confirmation letter will confirm the exam time, venue name and address, and what you must bring on the day of the exam.

Withdrawing from a place in the PRES Level 2

In the event that a candidate is unable to attend a Level 2 examination for which they have already accepted a place, they should notify the Medical Council immediately by emailing pres@mcirl.ie quoting their Medical Council reference number. If a candidate does not withdraw from the exam in advance of the application deadline date, the full exam fee will be forfeited.
Transfers to another Level 2 in another venue/session or the next Level 2 are not permitted. Withdrawing from a Level 2 does not constitute an attempt at the Level 2.

If a candidate is absent from the Level 2 on the date and time of their scheduled exam, they will forfeit the full exam fee paid. The fee paid will not be transferred to another Level 2. If a candidate does not attend for a scheduled Level 2 exam, it does not count towards their allowance of three attempts.

PRES Level 2 Results

The Medical Council will notify all candidates about their result as soon as possible after the examination (approximately six weeks after the exam). Results will be issued by email as a Pass or Fail. No diploma or certificate will be issued to successful candidates. Results will not be given over the telephone.

Candidates must not telephone the Medical Council regarding their result, as this will create unnecessary work for staff and may delay the process further.

Provided a candidate’s application for registration is complete and satisfactory, those who are successful in the Level 2 exam will receive their PRES Level 3 eligibility email which explains the next step in the process.

Updating Personal Details

If any personal details (e.g. address, passport number, passport expiry date) change while a candidate is eligible to take the PRES, the candidate should notify the Medical Council as soon as possible by emailing pres@mcirl.ie quoting their Medical Council reference number.

Additional Information

• PRES Handbook
• PRES Exemptions
• Privacy Policy