10 Tips for Passing MRCPsych A & B with Dr Kevin Li
- February 01, 2022
Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration? Are you just beginning your journey through the MRCPsych exams?
Today, we’re back with Dr Kevin Li, who will be sharing some top tips on the MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B for overseas MRCPsych A & B aspirants. Kevin is a brilliant psychiatry specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong, having passed the MRCPsych and received full GMC registration with license to practice.
1. Start with the Royal College website
This is the best place to begin as it has key information including the syllabus - on which the exam is based, helping to guide the course of your preparation and revision.
2. Don’t use resources that are more than 3 years old – 5 years maximum
The curriculum and syllabus for Specialty Training in Psychiatry are updated regularly, so it’s best to find and use resources that are as up-to-date as possible.
3. Don’t combine study for Paper A and Paper B
Focus on each paper as an individual element – they each have different requirements, including what sections of the syllabus they are targeting and how much experience you must have before sitting the exam.
4. Divide your time according to the marks weighting of the sections
For example, general adult and critical review have the most marks in the exam, with 20% and 33.5% respectively, so you should prioritise these in your revision, then try to spend a proportionate amount of time on each section based on the marks it holds.
5. Perfect what you know
If there are any areas you are experienced or confident in, try to perfect these in order to gain the most marks possible in what you find to be the least challenging areas. These areas may also be easier to revise if they are better aligned with your training and practice to date.
6. Which exam should you sit first? It depends
If you want to pass the exams as quickly as possible, it makes sense to apply for the nearest upcoming diet of whichever exam comes first.
Knowledge wise Paper B has more sections and requires a lot more time and practice, particularly for critical review calculations. This combined with the Royal College’s advice of having 12 months’ experience in psychiatry before sitting the exam means that for most people, sitting Paper A first is the best choice.
7. Use diagrams for more challenging topics
Find or better still, create diagrams to better illustrate and explain the mor difficult to understand topics. Especially where you have little experience of a topic, it can be helpful to represent it visually.
8. Keep difficult topics fresh in your mind
If you need longer than 3 months to prepare for either exam, either leave the more difficult topics to the end of your revision or begin with them and be sure to revisit them at the end. You may not retain this information long-term, so it’s important to have it as fresh in your mind as possible when coming up to the exam.
9. Take time off before the exam for intense study
If you can, try to put some time aside in the week(s) coming up to the exam to for a final push of intense study before the exam.
10. Practice is key
Books are great resources for increasing your overall psychiatry knowledge, however they are not necessarily the best resources for the Paper A and Paper B exams. Question banks and past papers such as SPMM are very useful in preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A & B.
Getting started
For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
For news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
The postgraduate route to GMC registration, whilst not the fastest, can be the most rewarding in the long run. The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK, and as an international psychiatrist, this is the route that allows you to most closely align your qualifications with the requirements of more senior jobs in the NHS.
Relevant Jobs
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
A CCT in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or General Adult Psychiatry, or being within six months of obtaining one, is preferred for this role. Section 12 approval under the Mental Health Act is essential. Candidates with an interest in adolescent mental health care are encouraged to apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide clinical leadership for a general adolescent inpatient unit focusing on acute mental health needs and short-term treatment pathways.
- Lead multidisciplinary assessments, treatment planning, and case management for adolescents with complex mental health disorders.
- Supervise junior medical staff and contribute to training programs within the service.
- Participate in clinical governance activities, including audits and service development initiatives.
Located in the vibrant North West region of England, this role offers a blend of urban and rural living opportunities. With excellent transport links to major cities and nearby countryside, the area provides a variety of housing, leisure activities, and cultural experiences. Families will benefit from outstanding schools and ample recreational opportunities. The region also boasts a rich industrial and cultural history that shapes its unique character.
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
- 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 requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Full GMC registration, doctors with CCT or close to completing CESR, and those with AC and/or S12 are encourage to apply for this role. Anyone with an interest in community-based multidisciplinary services and patient-focused care should apply. The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Lead and support the community mental health team in implementing transformation programs.
- Collaborate with primary care, voluntary sectors, and local providers to create integrated care systems.
- Provide patient care directly in the community while supervising and guiding the team on care pathways.
- Foster team development through training and shared clinical responsibilities.
This role is based in the West Midlands, a region known for its vibrant cities and scenic countryside. Popular areas include urban centers like Birmingham and quieter towns offering family-friendly environments. The region features excellent schools, diverse leisure activities, and strong transport links, including rail and international air connections.
Historically, this area has been central to Britain’s industrial and cultural growth, offering a rich heritage and modern lifestyle opportunities.
A hospital in the South West of England is looking for a Specialty Doctor in Psychiatry with an interest in community-based acute mental health care. The psychiatry department is well-supported by a comprehensive Home Treatment Team (HTT) and a wider multidisciplinary network. This role is open to both international and UK-based doctors, particularly those with Section 12 Mental Health Act approval or equivalent qualifications from recognized psychiatric bodies.
Candidates requiring support for CESR portfolios will be considered on an individual basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- Candidates must hold GMC registration and have a minimum of 3 years of psychiatric training or equivalent experience.
- The post is suited to doctors with an interest in mental health crisis care and alternatives to inpatient admission.
- The salary will range between £52,530 and £82,400, depending on experience and grade.
- Conduct psychiatric assessments, including acting as a doctor in Mental Health Act evaluations.
- Work collaboratively with the Home Treatment Team to deliver high-quality, urgent care and reduce hospital admissions.
- Participate in weekly case and risk review meetings within a multidisciplinary setting.
- Engage in clinical governance activities, including audits and quality improvement initiatives.
The South West is renowned for its picturesque coastline, rolling countryside, and vibrant communities. Options for living range from coastal towns with bustling activities to serene rural villages.
The region boasts strong transport links, including rail connections to major cities and convenient access to motorways. Families will find a variety of schooling options, and the area offers numerous leisure activities, from outdoor pursuits to cultural events.
The South West has a rich history, with links to notable figures and contributions to tourism, literature, and maritime heritage in the UK.
A mental health provider in London seeks a Consultant Psychiatrist in Older Adult Psychiatry, with an interest in ECT and dementia care. The position is based on a 14-bedded ward within a newly established mental health campus, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Applications from both international and UK-based doctors are welcome, with preference given to those with MRCPsych or equivalent qualifications.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS:
- GMC registration, Section 12 approval, and Approved Clinician status (or eligibility) are required.
- Relevant experience in older adult psychiatry is essential.
- The salary will be competitive, dependent on experience or grade.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care for older adults with psychiatric conditions.
- Manage and supervise the delivery of ECT services, ensuring compliance with clinical standards.
- Mentor and support trainee doctors in a teaching-focused environment.
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives through quality audits and projects.
This lively part of London combines the charm of urban living with access to serene suburbs and green spaces. Residents benefit from excellent schools, diverse cultural attractions, and efficient public transport connecting them to central London. The area’s rich history and modern amenities make it a popular location for professionals and families alike.
Here’s the anonymized version of the job advert:
A UK-based mental health provider is seeking a Senior Specialist in Psychiatry with an interest in memory assessment services for older people. The psychiatry department includes a skilled team of consultants and clinical nurse specialists, offering a supportive environment for career growth. This opportunity is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, with preference for those holding European Specialist training or MRCPsych qualifications.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- MRCPsych or equivalent qualification is required, along with a minimum of six years in relevant psychiatry roles.
- An interest in dementia and memory-related care is essential.
- The salary will be competitive, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide senior medical leadership within the Memory Assessment Service (MAS), overseeing complex cases.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess, diagnose, and treat dementia and related memory disorders.
- Supervise and mentor clinical staff and contribute to their professional development.
- Participate in service improvement and innovation initiatives.
LIFE IN THE REGION
The region offers a mix of urban living in vibrant towns and peaceful countryside settings, providing options to suit a range of lifestyles. It is well-connected by major transport links and boasts excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions for individuals and families. The area also has a rich history and cultural significance, adding to its charm as a great place to live and work.