IMGs often have questions about the best ways to prepare for the MRCPsych Paper B exam, particularly with a new exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK trainees and applicants.
So, what study materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? Here we have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help in your preparation for the Paper B exam. We will also address some of the changes in the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The topics we’ll cover are as follows:
If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.
If you’d like an overview of the entire examination series, take a look at the article published in our IMG Resources library here.
Let’s begin with a quick recap of the second exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.
MRCPsych Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.
The 150-mark paper comprises It is made up of around two-thirds multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and one-third extended matching item questions (EMI). One third of the paper covers critical review, with the other two thirds covering clinical topics.
The breakdown of the sections is as follows:
For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper B exam here.
It can be tough to know the best place to start, and after talking with some psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees), the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants to prepare for the exam. 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, available here.
Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here.
Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.
Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.
Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.
IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper B exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.
Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources. These include:
SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.
SPMM Video Lectures: A course covering the most important questions pertaining to clinical and critical appraisal topics. This is delivered through 19 hours of viewing - 10.5 hours of clinical topics and 8.5 hours of critical appraisal. Also provided is a PDF of Q-Bank to print and practice. These are available for 3 months from the date of purchase for the price of £199 and can be found here.
Brainscape Flashcards: Sets of web and mobile flashcards with hundreds of questions across all of the syllabus covered in the MRCPsych Paper B exam. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is available here.
Superego Café Question Bank: This question bank provides over 500 multiple choice questions to help you prepare for your examination. The question bank includes constantly updated revision questions and is available as a mixed variety to reflect the MRCPsych Paper B examination. This can be accessed here.
BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.
Get Through MRCPsych Paper B: Written by authors with recent exam success, the book provides candidates with realistic and up to date MCQ and EMIs, closely matched to themes appearing most often in the Paper B exam. This can be found here.
TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper B exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.
The SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources are the most highly recommended by IMG psychiatrists we have spoken to and are available in different formats depending on your revision needs.
A three-hour long exam which simulates exam conditions with a mock exam paper comprising new questions not available in the question bank. It includes a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.
Duration |
6 weeks |
Cost |
£15 |
Next start date |
On demand |
Website |
These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.
N/A |
|
Cost |
£249 |
Next start date |
On demand |
Website |
IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper B Crash Course
This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors.
The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration.
You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper B Study Course by joining the Facebook group here.
As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. Applicants from Singapore and Hong Kong who intended to sit exams in local centres are also invited to apply for the online sitting of the exam. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych in the blog we've written here.
The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Great stuff, this is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up for a while! After a well-earned break, you can apply to sit the CASC exam, which you are eligible for once you’ve passed the MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B exams. For more information, take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Consultant Psychiatrist (General Adult Psychiatry) – Republic of Ireland
Location: Republic of Ireland - South
Salary: €222,215 to €266,925 per annum
Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland
Specialism: General Adult Psychiatry
Job Type: Inpatient and Community Services
A trust in the South of the Republic of Ireland is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in General Adult Psychiatry to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering both inpatient and community mental health services. The psychiatry department consists of a diverse and well-established team, including Consultant Psychiatrists, Nurse Team Leads, Community Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Support Workers, and other allied health professionals.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to work across varied settings, contributing to high-quality care for adults with complex mental health needs. Applicants with European Specialist qualifications or UK CCT are strongly encouraged to apply, and both internationally based and Ireland-based doctors are welcome.
Job Requirements and Details
Core Duties of the Role
Life in the Republic of Ireland – South Region
The South of Ireland is known for its high quality of life, combining vibrant urban life with the tranquillity of coastal and rural living. The region offers beautiful landscapes, excellent schools, rich cultural traditions, and a welcoming community. Well-connected transport links and a variety of recreational and family-oriented opportunities make it a fantastic place to live and work.
How IMG Connect Will Support You
By applying through IMG Connect, you will benefit from dedicated support throughout your relocation and recruitment journey, including:
Once placed, our relocation team will assist with:
This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and supportive mental health service, delivering high-impact care in General Adult Psychiatry within one of Ireland’s most scenic and vibrant regions.
Consultant Psychiatrist (Old Age Psychiatry) – Republic of Ireland
Location: Republic of Ireland - South
Salary: €222,215 to €266,925 per annum
Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland
Specialism: Old Age Psychiatry
Job Type: Inpatient and Community Services
A trust in the South of the Republic of Ireland is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in Old Age Psychiatry to lead a multidisciplinary team providing both inpatient and community services. The psychiatry department consists of a diverse team of professionals including Consultant Psychiatrists, Nurse Team Leads, Community Mental Health Nurses, Healthcare Support Workers, Care Home Liaison Nurses, Young Onset Dementia Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Dementia Post-Diagnostic Support, Care Managers, and other support staff.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work across both inpatient and community services, allowing for a broad and varied clinical experience in the field of old age mental health care. The position is open to both international applicants and those already based in Ireland, and those with equivalent qualifications such as a European Specialist qualification or CCT in the UK are strongly encouraged to apply.
Consultant level experience in psychiatry.
Eligible for Medical Council of Ireland (MCI) registration with equivalent European certification.
Prior experience in Old Age Mental Health is essential.
Salary will range from €222,215 to €266,925 depending on experience and qualifications.
Provide clinical leadership in Old Age Psychiatry services across both inpatient and community settings.
Supervise and support the training and professional development of junior doctors.
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care to patients.
Participate in the development and improvement of services within the department.
The South of Ireland offers a wonderful blend of vibrant urban areas and peaceful rural settings. With stunning coastlines, charming villages, and bustling cities, it’s an ideal location for both professional and personal life. Major cities offer excellent cultural, recreational, and family-oriented opportunities.
Transport links are efficient, and the region is home to highly regarded schools, a wealth of outdoor activities, and a rich cultural scene. Ireland\'s unique history and traditions provide a welcoming and enriching experience.
When applying through IMG Connect, you’ll receive the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We will support you with:
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
Application support with expert knowledge of Irish medical specialties and recruitment processes.
Interview preparation including at least two video calling interview sessions.
Contract and salary negotiations for the best possible relocation package, including accommodation and other benefits.
Once you have accepted your new role, IMG Connect’s relocation team will guide you through the entire transition, including:
Document gathering and verification.
Visa and work permit assistance if required.
Accommodation support for both short- and long-term housing.
Travel and relocation assistance, including support for your family in finding local schools or any other necessary pastoral care.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to the ongoing development of services in the field of Old Age Psychiatry in the Republic of Ireland\'s South Region.
A Health Board on the South Wales coast is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join a central clinic as part of an evolving mental health service committed to delivering a 24-hour single point of admission, supported by two treatment wards and five dynamic community mental health teams.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead clinical change within a supportive and multidisciplinary environment, where collaboration with management and clinical colleagues is highly valued.
This opportunity is open to both UK-based and international doctors, with CESR portfolio support available to help progress toward specialist registration.
Job Requirements and Details
Qualifications: Full GMC registration with a licence to practise, MRCPsych preferred, CCT or equivalent specialist qualification and training in Psychiatry.
Experience: Applicants must have significant experience in general adult psychiatry.
Desirable: Previous leadership roles, community mental health experience, and involvement in service development or clinical governance.
Salary: £106,000 to £154,760 per annum, dependent on experience and length of service.
Core Duties of This Role
Take overall clinical responsibility for outpatient care, including the development and oversight of Care and Treatment Plans.
Provide leadership and supervision to the multidisciplinary team, with clear delegation of responsibilities.
Contribute to service planning in line with the strategic direction of the Health Board.
Provide educational supervision to junior medical staff, supporting training and development in line with Royal College guidelines.
Actively participate in quality assurance, clinical governance, risk management, and clinical audit processes.
Fulfil on-call commitments on a 1:14 rota, with prospective cover across the SBUHB area.
Engage in continuous professional development, including annual job plan review and maintenance of Royal College CPD requirements.
Opportunities for involvement in research and innovation are encouraged and supported.
Living and Working on the South Wales Coast
The South Wales coast offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban convenience. With stunning beaches, nearby national parks, and a thriving cultural scene, the region provides a high quality of life for professionals and families.
The area is well connected, with excellent schools, vibrant communities, and strong transport links to Cardiff, Bristol, and London. Whether you\'re seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful place to call home, the South Wales coast offers an ideal setting for both work and leisure.
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 will assist you with:
CV preparation with a bespoke session from one of our NHS recruitment specialists.
Application support tailored to psychiatric roles and NHS expectations.
Two comprehensive video interviews to prepare for your NHS panel.
Contract negotiation including salary, relocation, and service expectations.
Post-offer, your IMG Connect relocation executive will guide you through:
Visa sponsorship (including COS and application support).
Accommodation search assistance.
Family relocation support (schools, childcare, etc.).
Local area orientation and integration advice.
A trust in the West Midlands is looking for a Specialist Doctor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health with an interest in community-based care for children and young people. This exciting role supports the a CAMHS team, providing vital services to a diverse population across both urban and rural settings. The multidisciplinary team includes mental health practitioners, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and administrative support staff.
This opportunity is open to both UK-based and international doctors, with CESR portfolio support available to help progress toward specialist registration.
Job Requirements and Details
Qualifications: Full GMC registration with a license to practice and at least six years of CAMHS experience.
Desirable: Experience working with children and young people in mental health or multidisciplinary settings.
Salary: £96,990 - £107,155 per annum, dependent on experience.
Core Duties of This Role
Comprehensive psychiatric assessment, care planning, and evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents.
Leadership and consultation within a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities for supervision and teaching.
Liaison with professionals in education, paediatrics, social care, and adult mental health services.
Contribution to clinical governance, service development, and quality improvement.
Participation in clinical audits, peer reviews, and regular MDT meetings.
Life in the West Midlands
The West Midlands offers a blend of vibrant towns and peaceful countryside, giving professionals and families the flexibility to choose a lifestyle that suits them. The region features outstanding schools, excellent transport links (M5, M50, and nearby airports), and a wealth of leisure activities, from historical landmarks to outdoor exploration in areas like the Malvern Hills.
With strong educational institutions and a rich cultural history, the West Midlands supports both personal and professional growth in a balanced and welcoming environment.
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 practices.
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions.
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you’ve accepted your new role, you’ll be guided by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will assist you all the way to starting your new role, including:
Document gathering and checking.
COS and Visa application support, if applicable.
Assistance with finding accommodation.
Family support for schools and pastoral care.
A UK-based mental health service is seeking a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist to join their Neurodevelopmental Team. This is a part-time (0.8 FTE), permanent post, offering an exciting opportunity to take on a senior clinical leadership role within a well-established specialist service for children and adolescents with complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
The team operates within a multidisciplinary framework, delivering comprehensive assessments, pharmacological treatment, and evidence-based care for young people. The role is ideal for experienced consultants looking to shape service delivery while maintaining strong clinical involvement.
This opportunity is also open to international applicants, particularly those eligible for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register and who will be applying via CESR.
Job Title: Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist – Neurodevelopmental Team
Contract: 8 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week – Part-Time
Applicants must have:
This role is based in a well-connected and scenic part of the UK, ideal for those who enjoy a balance between urban accessibility and countryside living. With excellent road and rail links, London is just 1 hour by train and car, offering easy commuting and travel.
The area is highly attractive for families, with access to top-rated schools, green open spaces, and a vibrant local community. Whether you\'re seeking historic towns, cultural attractions, or tranquil rural retreats, this region offers something for everyone.
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 be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including: