Navigating MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B: Leveraging PassMRCPsych for Exam Success
- July 11, 2023
Guest blog, written by Dr Jon Turvey, Core Psychiatry Trainee, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Dreams of providing quality psychiatric care within the dynamic medical landscape of a job in the NHS, often lead overseas psychiatrists from healthcare systems around the world to embark on the journey towards Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).
As a crucial milestone on the path to a career in psychiatry within the UK, the MRCPsych examinations provide an internationally recognised credential that sets the bar for clinical excellence, comprehensive medical knowledge and training, and confident decision-making skills in the field.
In this blog, we’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the Paper A and B exams, as well as introducing you to PassMRCPsych, an online learning and resources platform for MRCPsych aspirants, summarised in the headings below:
- Why does MRCPsych matter?
- An overview of MRCPsych Paper A
- Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B
- IMG Psychiatrists partners with PassMRCPsych
- Mapping your MRCPsych journey
- Using PassMRCPsych for exam success
Why does MRCPsych Matter?
The value of holding MRCPsych cannot be understated, serving as both a symbol of your medical competence as a psychiatrist and giving you a competitive edge in the NHS job market. Attaining full MRCPsych demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to patients.
MRCPsych also provides a steppingstone for further specialist training and can significantly enhance career prospects for international psychiatrists, more easily facilitating entry into more senior positions in the NHS, such as specialty doctor, the new specialist grade and consultant roles.
An overview of MRCPsych Paper A
Paper A is a written exam comprising 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended-matching questions (EMQs), sat over 3 hours and now held online, through test centres. Paper A forms the foundation of the MRCPsych and focuses on the basic sciences that underline psychiatric practice. It touches on areas such as neurosciences, psychology, and social sciences, which are the cornerstone of psychiatry and set the scene for more advanced topics.
The average pass mark is typically around 60-70%, although this varies slightly depending on the difficulty of the paper for each diet. As per the latest statistics from the Royal College website, approximately 65% of candidates pass Paper A each diet.
You can find a detailed breakdown of the Paper A exam here.
Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B
Similarly to Paper A, Paper B comprises 150 MCQs and EMQs sat over 3 hours through a remote test centre. Paper B requires an understanding of more nuanced clinical topics like psychopathology, treatment protocols, and management strategies for psychiatric disorders. It's about applying your foundational knowledge to real-world scenarios and demonstrating effective clinical decision-making.
For Paper B, the average pass mark usually ranges around 65-70%, with a pass rate of approximately 60%.
See here for an in-depth overview of the Paper B exam.
Partnering with PassMRCPsych
As an exciting development in our provision of medical education, IMG Connect and PassMRCPsych have forged a partnership to offer extensive support to overseas doctors preparing for the MRCPsych exams. This collaboration aims to ensure your exam success through a series of exam-focused webinars and a continuously evolving and up-to-date revision resource to keep pace with the demands of the MRCPsych exams, along with discounts on revision course subscriptions.
Mapping Your Journey: A 4-Month Study Plan
Navigating the MRCPsych exams is no easy feat. It demands rigorous and methodical preparation for UK trainees and IMGs alike. Here's a 4-month study plan for each exam to keep your preparation on track:
- Month 1: Get to Grips with the Syllabus - Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and identify key areas that you need to focus on (these may be areas you are less familiar with or those not covered by your current practice). Use this month to dive into the revision notes on PassMRCPsych. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to Paper A and Paper B study courses to support your study alongside your PassMRCPsych resources.
- Month 2: Deep Dive into Topics - In this month, start working on each topic systematically. Use the revision notes to ensure you cover every aspect and create your own short notes for quick revision closer to the exam date.
- Month 3: Challenge Yourself - This is the month to test your knowledge. Attempt the MCQs in the question bank regularly. This will help you gauge your understanding and identify areas of weakness. Don’t forget to read the explanations when you get the answers wrong!
- Month 4: Revise and Review - Revision is the key to retaining information. Revisit your short notes, attempt more MCQs, and make full use of the PassMRCPsych mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern. This final month should be dedicated to reinforcing your learning, particularly on topics which you need to keep in your short-term memory.
Remember, while this study plan serves as a roadmap, you should adapt it to suit your personal learning style and pace e.g., time available to prepare and external commitments. The aim is to ensure comprehensive understanding and effective retention of knowledge.
PassMRCPsych - Your Companion in Success
The seemingly vast MRCPsych syllabus might appear intimidating, but with the right guidance and resources, passing Paper A and Paper B can transform from an uphill task into an achievable goal. Here's where PassMRCPsych comes into play.
The online platform is armed with resources tailored specifically to the MRCPsych syllabus, from comprehensive revision notes that decode every topic in the syllabus, to an MCQ question bank with over 5000 questions, and mock exams providing the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge under timed conditions.
Better still, PassMRCPsych can also be used through a mobile app (on both iOS and Android), ensuring that your study materials are just a tap away and facilitating the seamless switch from studying at your desk to revising on-the-go.
It’s important to acknowledge that the MRCPsych exams come with a not insignificant cost. Understanding the financial constraints that often accompany rigorous exam preparations, PassMRCPsych offers highly competitively priced subscriptions which ensure that every aspirant, regardless of their budget, has access to top-notch preparation resources.
Dr Aisha, a satisfied user, shared her experience:
"PassMRCPsych.com was instrumental in my MRCPsych journey. The meticulous revision notes, the challenging MCQs, and the realistic mock exams provided an unparalleled learning experience. The convenience of a mobile app made it possible for me to study anywhere, anytime. And the affordable subscription didn't put a dent in my pocket while offering unparalleled resources."
Your Future Awaits
With your career goals within reach, embark on your journey towards conquering the MRCPsych exams by subscribing to PassMRCPsych for Paper A and Paper B. Utilise their exhaustive resources and mock exams, and watch your preparation transform into success!
For a walkthrough of the PassMRCPsych platform and resources, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the MRCPsych, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Relevant Jobs
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a Crisis & Assessment Team role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.
The Department & Team
The Crisis and Assessment Team (CAT) serves as the primary gateway to adult and older people\'s mental health services, conducting assessments in the community and emergency settings, alongside medical reviews. They collaborate closely with law enforcement, responding to Adult Protection Notices and coordinating mental health law assessments. This role within the CAT focuses on streamlining referrals, providing short-term crisis interventions, and ensuring individuals receive appropriate ongoing care. You\'ll engage with both working-age adults and older adults, with responsibilities extending to police referrals and mental health law assessments during standard working hours, with on-call commitments.
Continued Professional Development
Professional development is integral to their ethos, offering CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and opportunities for sub-specialist development. They prioritize ongoing learning through conferences, local CME events, and a generous study leave allowance.
Life in the area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum consultant experience
EEA candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to an Old Age role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.
What is the health & community service like?
Working in this location is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. The service fosters strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in a modern education center.
What is the department & team like?
The inpatient services are currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, including two wards for older adults. One ward offers 14 assessment beds for individuals over 65 experiencing functional mental health issues, with some flexibility for those under 65. The other ward provides 10 assessment beds for patients with dementia. Following the refurbishment, the latter ward will feature 8 acute assessment beds and 8 transitional/step-down beds for those with dementia or enduring mental health problems who cannot be supported in local nursing or residential homes.
The Older Adults Community Mental Health Team (OACMHT) manages a caseload of about 300 patients, including new referrals triaged by the Crisis and Assessment team, providing both short-term treatment and long-term care coordination. The role involves providing medical support to the OACMHT alongside two other consultants and a staff grade doctor.
The post holder will join an established team, comprising 2 WTE older adult consultants, 1.0 WTE Associate Specialist (Memory Assessment Service), 2.0 WTE staff grades (inpatient and community), and 1.0 WTE F1 doctor (inpatients and community). Dedicated administrative support includes a 0.5 WTE medical secretary and ward and team secretarial support.
Continued Professional Development
This position offers further training and accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. The organization supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.
Living in the Area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Old Age Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
- Experience in Old Age Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
- MRCPsych
- Consultant experience in Old Age Psychiatry
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a General Adult role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%
General Adult Psychiatry Department & Team
The inpatient service features 17 adult acute beds, including an extra-care area, for individuals aged 18 to 65 with severe mental illness requiring admission. The goal is to promote recovery and well-being, helping service users achieve their potential. The service caters to a diverse population with complex needs. The multidisciplinary inpatient team includes doctors (two part-time consultants, staff grade/clinical fellow, and F2), a clinical psychologist, nurses, a social worker, occupational therapists, an art therapist, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff.
The Home Treatment Team functions as a step-up, step-down service to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitate early discharge. They attend ward reviews, support patients on leave, and assist with discharge planning, also gatekeeping inpatient beds. The team includes two part-time consultants, a 0.5 FTE team manager, two FTE senior practitioners, 5.5 FTE nurse practitioners, one FTE social worker, three FTE senior HCAs, and one FTE occupational therapist. Covering all adult ages, there is an arrangement with an Older Adult Consultant for additional support if needed.
Continued Professional Development
This position offers further training and accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. The organization supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in three years and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.
Living in the Area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Adult Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Adult Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Consultant experience in Adult Psychiatry
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.
The post holder will be expected to take on the full range of duties including the routine and emergency diagnosis and management of children and young people with significant mental health problems (up to the age of 18), the support of other team members, and providing consultation and advice to other agencies. Successful applicants will be encouraged to develop a special interest and take a clinical lead in one of the following areas: Eating Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, or Transition.
The Health Service
Working for this service is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Their clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. They foster strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in their modern education centre.
Department & Team
The Mental Health Service is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, supported by secretarial and administrative staff. The service provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues in children and young people up to their 18th birthday.
Currently, CAMHS manages 1,627 open cases. In 2022, 926 new referrals were received, with 752 new referrals to date in 2023. The current locum postholder\'s caseload is approximately 90, with most cases having an allocated care coordinator. While most new assessments are conducted by other members of the multi-disciplinary team, some will require an initial medical assessment. On average, there are 1-2 new assessments and 15-20 follow-up appointments per week, depending on case complexity and other commitments.
Continued Professional Development
The health service offers further training & accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. Health & Community Services supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years, and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.
Living in the Area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
- MRCPsych
- Consultant experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
A prime opportunity awaits a dedicated Specialty Doctor in Psychiatry to join the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) for a NHS job in the UK, with CESR support. Located at Eaglestone Health Centre on Milton Keynes Hospital Campus, you\'ll provide top-tier assessment, consultation, and treatment for individuals in mental health crises, with office space and administrative support.
As part of a medical team with a Consultant Psychiatrist and Trainee Doctor, you\'ll demonstrate motivation, energy, and a fervent commitment to exceptional patient care. Strong teamwork, organizational skills, initiative, effective communication, and empathy are key. Operated by an NHS Foundation Trust that is known for excellence locally, nationally, and internationally, this role offers professional growth opportunities for EU-trained specialists and experienced IMGs seeking CESR completion.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
Established in 2002 through the merger of several trusts, this NHS Foundation Trust is among the UK\'s largest. With about 7,000 staff, they serve a third of London\'s population and extend services to areas like Milton Keynes, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire.
Their focus is on delivering patient-centered, safe, and effective care across various settings, from hospitals to community clinics and even patients\' homes. They emphasize community-based services, aligning with the NHS\'s modernization goals. They prioritize recruiting exceptional individuals who support patients and colleagues alike, offering opportunities for career development. The role entails participating in clinical supervision sessions with the team\'s consultant psychiatrist.
What is the Department & Team like?
The Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals delivering a 7-day service for individuals in acute psychiatric crises. They offer intensive community-based interventions as an alternative to hospitalization and support early discharge, facilitating the transition back to the community. The team triages referrals, deciding on home treatment or admission, aiming to provide less restrictive alternatives to hospitalization when feasible.
The Team is composed of:
- 1.0 wte Consultant Psychiatrist
- 1.0 wte Specialty Doctor
- 1.0 wte Core Trainee / equivalent
- 1.0 wte Team Manager
- 3.0 wte Senior Practitioner Band 7
- 14.5 wte Mental Health Practitioner Band 6
- 2.6 wte Occupational Therapist Band 6
- 2 wte Therapy Support Staff Band 4
- 6.6 wte Support Worker Band 3
- 3 wte Medical Secretary and Team Administrator Band 4
The post holder is expected to make an assessment, diagnosis, formulation of risks and development of a management plan for new referrals, re-referrals and patients under the care of the team. The post holder is expected to identify need for referrals to other services such as referrals for psychological interventions and review treatment plans and risk assessments of patients in the service.
Career Development & Opportunities Available
There is real opportunity to progress through CESR at pace at this trust, with a strong desire for newly-qualified consultants to develop their specialty areas of interest and undertake in various cancer trials and research projects where possible. Research is encouraged here, particularly when this is appropriate to professional development and to the service development of the department.
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
Life in South East
South East, a vibrant urban area in Buckinghamshire, offers a blend of city amenities and rural charm. Residents enjoy scenic parks & perfect for outdoor activities. The area boasts excellent schools and universities. Transportation links are convenient, with easy access to major cities like London and Birmingham via train and nearby airports like Luton and Birmingham. Housing options range from modern apartments in the city center to spacious suburban homes, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry - Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry - Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
- MRCPsych
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry - Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team