Many Hong Kong psychiatrists complete MRCPsych as part of their training or are at least aware of the exam. Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations (MRCPsych) is one of the best ways for Hong Kong psychiatrists to register with the GMC and find psychiatry jobs in the NHS.
The exams can be taken by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. Here we provide a summary of these exams from a Hong Kong perspective, along with a broader look at the topics below:
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
Postgraduate training in Hong Kong is governed by the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, and historically, psychiatric training in Hong Kong has aligned closely with the UK system of postgraduate education. Most psychiatrists in Hong Kong obtain membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) as part of their post graduate training.
The structure of postgraduate training in Hong Kong also closely follows expectations for UK Trainees by covering the same 6 years of higher specialist training. In Hong Kong, the first three years of basic training incorporate the pre-MRCPsych training scheme, which gives the trainee the opportunity to take the MRCPsych examinations at a similar time in the process to the UK.
The mental health service in Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change over the last 20-30 years, developing a solid foundation in training, legislation, research and academic work. Hong Kong has fast developed a highly regarded psychiatry service and workforce. This level of training and service, coupled with membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) means that Hong Kong Psychiatrists, including specialists and trainees, fit very well into the UK system.
Links through IMG Connect to several of the top performing trusts in the UK, has seen several Hong Kong psychiatrists flourish in the NHS, year on year.
With the parallels in post-graduate specialist training and qualifications like MRCPsych and FHKCPsych, and the high level of experience of Hong Kong Psychiatrists, Hong Kongers are able to enter CESR programmes successfully, gaining specialist registration in the UK reasonably quickly.
Hong Kong Psychiatrists possess the right level of skills, experience and qualifications required for a psychiatrist to apply for CESR. Upon entering the UK system, typically in a job with CESR support, HK psychiatrists can work towards completing the CESR application process with the support of their new employer, leading to being a specialist psychiatrist in the UK.
The MRCPsych examinations are the main component of specialty training for psychiatrists in the UK. The Royal College exams are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.
For IMGs from Hong Kong, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes to full GMC registration - you can find a range of articles covering these routes in our resource library here: Royal College or PLAB route.
For psychiatrists who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take, rather than PLAB.
As above, Hong Kong Psychiatrists who possess full MRCPsych can register to work in the UK. Whether 3 years into specialist training, or complete in all aspects of the postgraduate programme in Hong Kong, whether working as an Associate Consultant, Consultant or Professor, using the MRCPsych postgraduate route to GMC registration is applicable to you.
Psychiatrists in all main specialisms of psychiatry are eligible for registration and very much in demand to fill vacancies within the NHS.
A very successful route for Hong Kong Psychiatrists has been to secure a non-training post in the NHS, often appointed as a Specialty Doctor, Specialist Grade. Coupled with a developed CESR support programme, a non-training post can ensure swift progress to specialist registration in the UK. CESR will be a requirement for Hong Kong Psychiatrists to allow an appointment to a permanent consultant post.
For Hong Kong Psychiatrists who have not yet sat the examinations, in the following sections of this blog we will provide an overview of the format, dates, fees and exam centres, as well as look at how to prepare.
The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by any registered doctor in Hong Kong.
Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych a Hong Kong doctor must be registered with the medical council of Hong Kong, or any recognised medical board if working elsewhere overseas. They must also complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.
For each part of the exam the Royal College suggest the following eligibility criteria:
MRCPsych Paper A
You are eligible for Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner (in Hong Kong or elsewhere)
MRCPsych Paper B
It is a recommended to have at least 12 months experience in psychiatry before taking this examination.
Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC)
The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).
This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions made up of approximately two thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and one third extended matching item questions (EMI).
It covers the following sections of the syllabus:
This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions. The content includes one third critical review and two thirds on clinical topics.
It covers the following sections of the syllabus:
The CASC is based on a format similar to OSCEs. Specifically, the examination consists of two circuits which must be completed on the same day.
In total, the circuit includes 16 stations, made up of:
Stations consist of several elements with instructions provided to all candidates, marked against the examiners construct.
These have a standardised format with elements in common between stations of a similar type. Find out more here.
For a more detailed guide on the recent MRCPsych exam changes, read our blog on Online MRCPsych Examinations.
The assessment portfolio should demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, including competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability, by the time of application.
In addition, you must demonstrate that you have undertake the following activities as part of your structured job plans:
Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.
Whilst there is no assessment criteria form available, (this is incorporated into the online submission), take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.
For Hong Kong Psychiatrists, the good news is that since the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists embarked on the expansion and development of formal specialisms in psychiatry, the core competencies required by the Royal College in the UK are easier to gain access to than in other parts of the world. At the time of writing, the Hong Kong College oversees the following clinical divisions: general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, addiction psychiatry, rehabilitation psychiatry and learning disability.
Postgraduate training in Hong Kong allows for MRCPsych aspirants to apply for the examinations with confidence.
Hong Kong MRCPsych candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.
Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC exam and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead, confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.
Acceptable sponsors in Hong Kong include:
Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment.
To apply from Hong Kong, you will need to complete an online application form which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Applications must be submitted no later than 3:30pm UK time (10:30pm HK time) on the last day of the application period.
Note: the online application form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and applications submitted after this will not be accepted.
You can sit Paper A and B in any order. You will be required to enter contact details and training history, including your medical registration. If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor.
After you have completed the written exam, you have 1,643 days to sit the CASC – you can find specific time limits here.
Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and the costs for 2021 are as follows:
Paper A |
Paper B |
CASC |
|
PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) |
£486 (~HK$5228) |
£437 (~HK$4701) |
£1,004 (~HK$10,799) |
Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) |
£539 (~HK$5797) |
£485 (~HK$5217) |
£1,115 (~HK$11,993) |
Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CASC examination will not be run in Hong Kong in 2022.
The good news is that changes have been made and all examinations for MRCPsych can be taken online. Hong Kong psychiatrists can now sit all three MRCPsych exams without leaving the country, and even from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier for HK doctors to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration within a normal time frame.
These are the exam dates available at the time of writing.
Paper A
Diet |
Date of Examination |
Application Period |
Publication of Results |
2 |
8 December 2021 |
4 - 22 October 2021 |
11 February 2022 |
1 |
14 June 2022 |
4 – 14 April 2022 |
22 July 2022 |
2 |
6 December 2022 |
3 – 14 October 2022 |
15 February 2022 |
Paper B
Diet |
Date of Examination |
Application Period |
Publication of Results |
1 |
29 March 2022 |
25 January – 4 February 2022 |
13 May 2022 |
2 |
4 October 2022 |
25 July – 5 August 2022 |
4 November 2022 |
CASC - UK & Ireland
Date of Examination |
Application Period |
Publication of Results |
|
1 |
10 – 21 January 2022 |
1 – 12 November 2021 |
25 February 2022 |
2 |
12 – 23 September 2022 |
6 – 17 June 2022 |
31 October 2022 |
With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best exam resources and materials for Hong Kong doctors. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.
Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B Critical Review Evidence Based Practice Syllabic Content.
Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques. They are helpful in familiarising yourself with the exam format to allow you to work quickly and efficiently on the day, and are a good way to benchmark your knowledge and progress against the syllabus.
Marking schemes (Paper A and B): Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.
Marking scheme (CASC): A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.
CASC examination guide: The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment.
CASC preparation videos: Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.
CASC Blueprint: This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Whether you completed MRCPsych as part of your postgraduate training some time ago, or have recently completed the examinations, you can apply for a full GMC registration with license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
This is a great time to get in touch with us to discuss your route towards and preparation for GMC registration, or to find psychiatry jobs in the NHS if you’re further along in the process. In the meantime, why not have a look at our blog on Finding Psychiatry Jobs in the UK for Hong Kong Doctors.
If you’ve passed part of the MRCPsych exams, it’s time to look ahead to your next exam. You can find comprehensive guides to each of the MRCPsych exams in the IMG Resources library.
A leading NHS mental health hospital in the East of England is looking for a Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age Psychiatry with a focus on functional illness within inpatient care. The service sits within a well-integrated healthcare system combining mental and physical health services. The post is based on a 22-bed ward, supported by a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists. This Old Age Psychiatry job is open to both international and UK-based doctors, with MRCPsych or EEA specialist certification most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILSConsultant level experience in old age psychiatry
Be eligible for GMC registration, either with MRCPsych (Full), or EEA specialist certification
Consultants with an interest and prior experience in old age psychiatry and inpatient functional illness should apply
The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882 dependent on experience or grade
Provide medical oversight and psychiatric input for 22 beds (14 for functional illness, 8 for organic illness) on an inpatient ward
Conduct psychiatric assessments, care planning, and contribute to regular MDT reviews
Supervise junior doctors and support their training and development
Collaborate with community teams including the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team for Older People (CRHTT-OP)
Liaise with other services such as social care, physical health teams, and voluntary sector partners to ensure coordinated care
Engage in clinical documentation, audits, research, and educational activities
LIFE IN THE REGION
This region offers a balance of vibrant urban living and tranquil countryside settings. From lively city centres with extensive amenities to quiet villages rich in charm, there’s something for everyone. The area benefits from excellent rail and road connections (50 minutes to London) high-performing schools, and a diverse mix of leisure and cultural attractions.
Steeped in history, the region is known for its architectural heritage and community spirit, making it a highly desirable location for professionals and families alike.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new post, including:
Document gathering and checking
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel arrangements
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS Board in Eastern Scotland is looking for a Consultant Psychiatrist with experience in Old Age Psychiatry to lead an outpatient community team.. The Psychiatry department comprises a team of psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals including Nurse Team Lead, Community Mental Health Nurses, Community Mental Health Nurses, Healthcare Support Workers, Care Home Liaison Nurses, Young Onset Dementia Nurse, Occupational Therapists, Psychologist, Dementia Post Diagnostic Support, Care managers, DPDS Link Worker, Alzheimer Scotland Link Worker.
This Psychiatry job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCPsych or equivalent are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Consultant level experience in psychiatry
Be eligible for GMC registration, either with MRCPsych (Full), or EEA specialist certification
Prior experience in Old Age mental health care.
Anyone with consultant experience in old age psychiatry should apply. The salary will be between £107,144 - £142,369 per annum, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide clinical leadership and management in Old Age Psychiatry services.
Supervise junior doctors and contribute to their training and professional development.
Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality patient care.
Participate in service development and improvement initiatives within the department.
LIFE IN SCOTLAND
This location offers a blend of urban convenience and rural tranquillity, with easy access to major cities such as Edinburgh, Dundee, and Glasgow. Whether you prefer city living with vibrant culture and nightlife or coastal and countryside retreats with stunning landscapes, there are plenty of options.
The region has excellent transport links, making commuting easy, and offers high-quality schools and a wealth of recreational activities, including outdoor pursuits, cultural festivals, and family-friendly attractions.
Scotland is steeped in history, known for its ancient castles, famous universities, and contributions to global innovation. The country provides a unique cultural experience, rich in traditions and scenic beauty.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
Document gathering and checking
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel arrangements
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
Anyone with an interest in community or inpatient psychiatry should apply. The salary will be between £107,144 - £142,369 per annum, dependent on experience or grade.
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
An NHS mental health hospital in the North West of England is looking for a Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, with an interest in both functional and organic disorders. The Mental Health department is part of a well-established multidisciplinary team, working alongside Consultants, Specialty Doctors, and various healthcare professionals. This psychiatry job is open to both international applicants and UK-based doctors, though those with MRCPsych (Full) or an EEA equivalent qualification are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
This region offers a mix of urban and rural living, with bustling towns and peaceful countryside options for residents. The area boasts excellent transport links, making it easily accessible from major UK cities. There are highly rated schools, a variety of leisure facilities, and plenty of green spaces, making it a great location for professionals and families alike. Historically, the region has played a key role in British heritage, with significant contributions to industry, culture, and transportation.
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role, including: