Where Can I Take the MRCPsych CASC Exam? A Complete Guide for International Psychiatrists If you're an international psychiatrist preparing for the MRCPsych CASC exam, one of your first questions might be, “Where can I take the CASC exam?” With several international centres now available, candidates have greater flexibility than ever before. This guide will explain the current exam centres, the application process, and key details to help you on your path to UK specialist registration. What is the MRCPsych CASC Exam? The MRCPsych CASC (Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies) exam is the final stage in the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination series. It is a practical assessment designed to test candidates on their clinical and communication skills across 16 stations, where they interact with patients (played by actors) in simulated clinical scenarios. Before you can sit the CASC exam, you need to: Have passed both MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B. Have at least 24 months of post-foundation clinical experience in psychiatry. For further eligibility criteria and full details on how to apply, visit the RCPsych’s official exam application page. Where Can I Take the MRCPsych CASC Exam? The MRCPsych CASC exam is held at three key locations worldwide. Candidates can choose the centre that best suits their location and travel needs: United Kingdom (Sheffield) The primary CASC exam centre is located in Sheffield, UK. Most UK-based candidates and many international candidates choose this centre. The exam is conducted twice a year, typically in January and September. Singapore For candidates based in Asia, Singapore offers a convenient location. This centre runs the CASC exam once annually in June. Doha, Qatar The newest centre is located in Doha, providing a more accessible option for candidates in the Middle East. The Doha location holds the exam once annually in November. These three locations ensure the CASC exam is accessible to international psychiatrists, providing multiple options to suit different geographical regions. How to Apply for the MRCPsych CASC Exam Applications for the CASC exam must be submitted through the RCPsych’s online application portal. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the key dates and deadlines for each exam sitting. You can find the full schedule of exam dates, application deadlines, and other important updates on the RCPsych Exam News and Updates page. Key points to remember when applying: Be sure to apply early, as places at each centre can fill up quickly. Double-check your eligibility criteria to avoid any delays in processing your application. Make sure all documents (e.g., proof of experience, qualifications) are ready and uploaded during the application process. Recent Updates on CASC Exam Centres and Dates As of 2025, the CASC exam centres are located in the UK, Singapore, and Doha. This international spread reflects the growing demand for more accessible exam locations for international psychiatrists. Additionally, the RCPsych regularly updates candidates on any changes in exam schedules, policies, or application processes. Candidates are encouraged to check the RCPsych exam news page for any updates, including the latest on registration dates, exam format, and more. FAQs About the MRCPsych CASC Exam for International Candidates 1. Can I take the MRCPsych CASC exam outside of the UK? Yes, you can take the CASC exam in Singapore or Doha, Qatar, in addition to the UK. All centres follow the same schedule, offering exams in January and September. 2. When is the CASC exam held? The CASC exam is held several times a year, in January, June, September and November. 3. How do I choose my CASC exam centre? You can choose the exam centre that is most convenient for you (Sheffield, Singapore, or Doha) when you apply for the exam through the RCPsych application portal. 4. How do I prepare for the MRCPsych CASC exam? Preparation involves practice with clinical scenarios, focusing on communication, diagnosis, and patient management skills. Consider attending mock exams and study groups specifically tailored to the CASC format, and join our online IMG Psychaitrist group for free courses and resources. You will join a group of UK and international psyhciatrists working towards MRCPsych.  Final Thoughts The MRCPsych CASC exam is a significant milestone for international psychiatrists looking to gain UK specialist registration. With exam centres in the UK, Singapore, and Doha, it’s now more convenient for overseas candidates to take this essential step. Be sure to regularly check the RCPsych exam news page for updates and ensure all your documents and requirements are in order before applying.

Preparing for the MRCP PACES can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy and mindset, success is within reach. We are proud to introduce our expert faculty, Dr. Joseph Barker, MRCP, and Dr. Nabil Ilyas, MRCP, who bring extensive experience and a passion for teaching to our program. Having both passed PACES, they have compiled their top tips to help you excel. 1. Understand the Exam Format The MRCP PACES exam consists of five stations, each designed to test different clinical skills. Familiarise yourself with the structure and timing of each station to manage your time effectively during the exam. Each station is 20 minutes with 5-minute intervals in between. The stations include: Station 1: Respiratory and Communication (10 minute, 10 minute)  Station 2: Consultation (15 minutes with 5 minute QA with examiner) Station 3: Cardiovascular and Neurological System Examination (10 minute, 10 minute) Station 4: Abdominal and Communication (10 minute, 10 minute) Station 5: Consultation (15 minutes with 5 minute QA with examiner) 2. Practice Clinical Examinations Thoroughly Practice as you’re examined.  Regularly practice clinical examinations on colleagues, friends, patients, mum & dad or even a pillow. Pay special attention to performing systematic examinations and articulating your findings clearly. This will help you build muscle memory and fluency in your exam technique. Make sure to practice in front of people who make you nervous, that way you get used to performing under pressure. 3. Develop a Structured Approach Create a consistent and structured approach for each clinical examination. This ensures that you cover all necessary aspects and don't miss key points under pressure. WIPE – Wash your hands, Introduce yourself, Permission, Expose … then inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation – look how simple the examination stations are! Same for the history – presenting complaint, patient concern*, history of presenting complaint … past medical history… you know the rest. *Bring up the patient's concerns early so you can shape the consultation around them as people. 4. Refine Your Communication Skills Effective communication is vital for ALL stations especially consultation and communication stations. Practice explaining medical conditions, treatment options, managing complaints and delivering bad news with empathy and clarity. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your communication style. 5. Master the Art of Differential Diagnosis Develop a strong foundation in formulating differential diagnoses. There is no substitute for being out on the wards and this really is where the examiner can get the measure of a candidate. For each clinical scenario you encounter, practice thinking through possible diagnoses and justifying your reasoning in a STRUCTURED manner- there is a theme here. Practice out loud, we promise it will help. 6. How to investigate and manage patients You will have passed MRCP Part 1 and 2. You have the knowledge but PACES tests decision making; you need to know emergency cases thoroughly and have a logical and STRUCTURED approach to care. # Investigations start with bedside investigations, then bloods, then imaging, then special tests. For management patient care is ALWAYS “dictated by degree of severity and patient choice”, whilst management options more often than not “include conservative, medical and surgical options”  - these stock phrases buy you time to think of what goes after. Use them. 7. Simulate Exam Conditions Recreate exam conditions by timing your practice sessions and simulating the exam environment. Nominate an examiner and don’t break character until time is up, however excruciating the line of questioning. This will help you get accustomed to the time constraints and pressure of the actual exam. Consider joining a study group or attending mock exam sessions for added realism. IMG Connect Medicine Facebook group can help you find study partners. 8. Focus on Common* Conditions (*common = common for PACES) While preparing, prioritise common and high-yield conditions that are frequently tested in PACES. Things that are stable in outpatient but have excellent signs, like dialysis, transplant and congenital heart disease. Ensure you can confidently assess, diagnose, and manage conditions such as COPD, heart failure, stroke, and diabetes. Don’t forget that if a patient doesn’t show up the examiners will go and fish someone from the wards. Keep an eye out for cannulas, wrist bands and drains which can be a clue as to their inpatient status. 9. Seek Feedback and Reflect Ask anyone that will watch you to give you feedback. Your final exam technique will be the sum of the best titbits from every one of these people, whether they are supervisors, mentors, peers or family. Reflect on your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your preparation strategy accordingly. Continuous feedback and self-reflection are key to ongoing improvement. 10. Balance Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. The PACES process, including the months of build-up, is mentally and physically demanding, requiring you to stay focused on your goal for a long time. We all thought PACES was impossible at some point… and now we are teaching it. You will get there but make sure to maintain good health by getting adequate rest, exercise, nutrition and to have fun in the build up to reduce stress and improve stamina. 11. Clinical consultation (CC) station: Answering patient concerns carries more marks than one can imagine. It is the make or break of the CC station. PLEASE DO NOT wait for the “bell at 2 mins remaining” but start to address patient concerns maybe with 5 mins left on the clock as the patient/surrogate always have follow-up concerns.  Many candidates feel that they’ve got the “case” and they feel confident about the station. But they don’t realize that this cardinal mistake has happened leading them to score less than they would have liked.  12.  Examination Station Practice, Practice, Practice on presenting your examination findings in under 2 minutes in an orderly fashion. Everyone knows how to examine an abdomen, everyone knows ascites or a hepatomegaly or what ballot-able kidneys feel like but only a few know ‘how to put it all together’ and present it in a very systematic and neat manner leading to an accurate differential. Conclusion  Passing the MRCP PACES requires a combination of clinical knowledge, practical skills, effective communication and self-belief. By following these ten tips, you can enhance your preparation and boost your confidence for the exam. Remember, consistent practice, a structured approach and a positive mindset are your best allies in achieving success.   IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:                  

The MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming for overseas Psychiatrists and UK trainees alike.  Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?    In this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:  An overview of MRCPsych What is MRCPsych Paper B? How is the exam structured and marked? Am I eligible to sit this exam? As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam? Where and how do I apply? How much will the exam cost? What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych B? #IMG Tips Passed? What next? Skip to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An overview of MRCPsych  The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.  For IMGs taking this route, full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration.  The exams within the series are as follows:  MRCPsych Paper A  MRCPsych Paper B  MRCPsych CASC  For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.  MRCPsych Paper B  Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.  Each questions is worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions:  One third - critical review  Two thirds - clinical topics  Exam structure and marking  Paper B will cover the following sections of the syllabus:  Organisation and Delivery of Psychiatric Services  General Adult Psychiatry  Old Age Psychiatry  Psychotherapy  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  Substance Misuse/Addictions  Forensic Psychiatry  Psychiatry of Learning Disability  Critical Review  In Paper B, the percentage split, and marks allocation for the 150-mark exam will be approximately:  Eligibility    Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych Examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  You are eligible to sit Paper B if you are a fully registered medical practitioner. It is also recommended that you have 12 months experience in Psychiatry before attempting Paper B.  Exam locations and dates  Since the Pandemic, commencing from 2021, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online and will remain this way for the forseeable future. This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website. This change makes it much easier for international psychiatrists to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.  Exams are usually held three times a year – you will find the most up-to-date information on exam and application dates on the Royal College website. Applications  To apply you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. The form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut-off date, your application will not be considered.  For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.  You will need to provide the following:  Personal details  Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration  Training  Written paper selection  Fees  At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.  Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.  See below for MRCPsych Paper B fees for 2024:  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £496 Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £550 Preparation  With lots of materials online, we have discussed with our community of international psychiatrists as to the best resources and materials relating to the exams. 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, 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, 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. 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, you'll need scroll down to see 'Taking Papers A and B onine: Sample Exam'. 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 Tips  Start your revision early – preparation is key, and what better way to avoid last-minute stress?  Choose the best resources for you – whether it’s the Royal College materials, online courses or flash cards, try to figure out what works best for you.  Join our online support community – why not be part of a community of like-minded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants? Join IMG Connect on social media for a place to ask questions and share resources.  Passed? What next?  Now that you have passed Paper A and B you are now eligible to sit the CASC exam. 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 library.             

In this blog, we’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the CASC exams, as well as introducing you to the team at PassTheCASC, an online learning and resource platform for MRCPsych CASC aspirants. We will be covering:  What is MRCPsych CASC?  Why does MRCPsych CASC Matter? What resources are available? The 3-Keys Tutorial Examples CASC Simulator What is MRCPsych CASC?  Let’s begin with a quick recap of the CASC exam. The Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies or CASC is a practical exam which takes the format of an OSCE and tests your clinical skills in a range of competencies.  It is made up of two circuits of individual stations made up of:  Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management  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 CASC exam here.  Getting started with preparation It can be tough to know the best place to start, psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees) as well as the team at PassTheCASC, it seems the general consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants prepare for the exam.  Why does MRCPsych CASC Matter? The value of holding MRCPsych CASC 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. To secure and work in an NHS job at the Speciality Doctor grade, and above, many NHS Trusts will list MRCPsych CASC as essential criteria.  MRCPsych also provides a stepping stone 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 speciality doctor, the new specialist grade and consultant roles.   What resources are available?  IMG Connect have a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the CASC exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.   IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych CASC Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych CASC course for overseas psychiatrists sitting the CASC exam. This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role-play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, 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 CASC 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 CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Partnering with PassTheCASC As an exciting development in our provision of medical education, IMG Connect and PassTheCASC have forged a partnership to offer extensive support to overseas doctors preparing for the MRCPsych CASC exams. This collaboration aims to ensure your exam success through a series of exam-focused training videos and continuously evolving and up-to-date revision resources to keep pace with the demands of the MRCPsych CASC exams, along with discounts on revision course subscriptions.  The 3-Keys Consistency! In order to pass the MRCPsych CASC you must be consistent in your performance across all 16 stations. We believe that consistency is unlocked with mastering ‘The 3-Keys’: Knowing Your Exam-self (Optimising your mindset), Knowing the Exam (Mastering your exam-technique) and Knowing the Subject. Watch Dr. Mishra in an excerpt from Key 1: Know your Exam-self.   Tutorial Examples All of the  PassTheCASC videos are accompanied by a related audio-visual tutorial revealing the succinct structure, relevant phrases, core clinical knowledge and key advice to ensure you excel in every station. There are over 20 related Tutorials from Pass The CASC for candidates to learn with confidence for free on YouTube. 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.  CASC Simulator Structure building! The ability to create and conduct a structured interview is critical for any candidate aiming to pass their MRCPsych CASC. The ‘CASC Simulator’ is specifically designed to help subscribers accelerate their development of this fundamental skill.   PassTheCASC - Your Companion in Success Dr. Mrigank Mishra MBChB, MRCPsych, Dip CBT, the founder and owner of PassTheCASC.  Mrigank is a UK trained Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist and University College London MRCPsych CASC course lecturer. He also holds a Diploma in Cognitive Therapy from the University of Oxford. His special interest is CASC teaching and in 2010 created the Complete Online MRCPsych CASC Revision Course: Pass the CASC. All stations are conducted by Dr. Mishra, so unlike any other MRCPsych CASC course available, teaches a proven, consistent and systematic exam technique that can be applied across the wide range of scenarios encountered in the CASC. He also demonstrates the key Communication Skills assessed by examiners in every station.  Dr. Uppal (West Midlands Deanery), a satisfied user, shared her experience:   “I passed the CASC on my first attempt! I purchased Pass the CASC 3 weeks before the exam and it was my main source of revision. I wanted to thank Dr. Mishra and the team as I found the exam questions very similar to those discussed in the videos. I scored nearly 80% having passed 14 stations!” Your Future Awaits With your career goals within reach, embark on your journey towards conquering the MRCPsych CASC exams by subscribing to PassTheCASC. Utilise their resources 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.   I've passed, what’s next?  Once you’ve passed MRCPsych CASC, you’ve completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite. Great stuff, this is a massive achievement! Armed with this and your English language test, you are ready to apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.   You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive jobs postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and sub-specialism, sign up here.                  

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.             

Following an extensive review of its assessment strategy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has announced changes to the delivery of the MRCPsych examinations. MRCPsych Paper A and B will remain online for the foreseeable future, and the CASC exam will remain online for the May 2023 diet, moving back to an in-person exam from September 2023. Online MRCPsych Written Papers The written MRCPsych papers (Paper A and Paper B) will continue to be delivered through a test centre of your choosing (including international centres). This exciting development was of course accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling MRCPsych examinations to be delivered for both overseas doctors and UK trainees. The structure of MRCPsych Papers A and B remains that candidates complete 150 questions. From these questions, roughly 100 are multiple choice with single answers and 50 are extended matching questions which ask a series of multiple choice questions about information in a single question stem.  The online system is straightforward, requiring only a few checks and guidelines to follow to help you make the process a success.  In-person CASC Exam Subject to final GMC approval, from September 2023 the CASC exam will be delivered face-to-face in the UK, with international centres for face-to-face delivery set to be introduced in 2024. There will be no further online diets after May 2023. Face-to-face delivery enables candidates to better demonstrate that they meet the key capabilities outlined in the 2022 curriculum. After consultation with stakeholders, it was clear that the validity and reliability of the examination was of prime importance, and that face-to-face assessment is the optimal way to assess the clinical skills required for psychiatric practice. The structure of the MRCPsych CASC exam remains unchanged - candidates complete two circuits, each of eight stations. An examiner will evaluate your performance and the invigilator would be on hand to make sure that everything runs to plan.  The September 2023 exam will be held in Sheffield, with international centres to be confirmed for 2024 onwards. If you are an overseas candidate for whom this change will delay when you will sit CASC, email the Royal College who are able to extend validity periods according to individual circumstances. Getting started An online application form must be completed and takes around 15 minutes. For full guidance on the application, please visit the Royal College website here. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group to become part of a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. In the group you will find tailored resources for Psychiatry IMGs including our MRCPsych Crash Course.  This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. You can access our CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Connect with us  Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) and chat with an IMG Consultant to discuss your options for NHS roles with CESR support and start your journey towards Specialist Registration with IMG Connect.  For access to a community of like-minded psychiatry IMGs and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.    To receive the latest 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.               

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCPCH for paediatricians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors PLAB for GMC Registration MRCPCH for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCPCH? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.  There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:  PLAB  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination  Relevant European Qualification  Sponsorship / MTI  CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR  Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.  Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.  For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.  The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCPCH - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Paediatricians The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.  For paediatrics, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of paediatrics in the UK, and MRCPCH is the full qualification attained through these examinations.  Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPCH to learn more.  PLAB vs MRCPCH Both MRCPCH and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS It would be difficult for an overseas paediatrician to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCPCH, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Training To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCPCH.  Time PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCPCH has four stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 30 months of postgraduate experience with at least 12 months involving the care of emergency paediatric patients and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost MRCPCH has varying costs depending on whether you sit the exams in the UK or overseas. If sitting the exam in the UK, the exams can cost around £1,985, whereas sitting the exams overseas can cost up to £3,235.   PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.  So for both MRCPCH and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s also important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.  Summary PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO, does not assess ability in paediatrics specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., paediatrics.  PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  MRCPCH involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCPCH will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK paediatrics than PLAB.  #IMG Tips Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Sources https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/education-careers/examinations/mrcpch-about https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application Getting started Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCPCH, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCPCH.   Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

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:  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers? MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK An overview of MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists What is the exam content and format? Assessment Portfolio Sponsorship Requirements How do I apply for the exams? How much will it cost me? As a Hong Kong psychiatrist, where can I sit the exams? How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations IMG Tips Passed? What next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? 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.   What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers?  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.   MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK  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.   What is MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration?   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.   Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists   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)  You have a pass in both Paper A and B; AND  You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met; AND  You have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry; AND  (Overseas candidates) Assessment portfolio  Exam content and format  The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).   Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  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:   Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry  Human Development  Basic Neurosciences  Clinical Psychopharmacology  Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry  Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry  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:   Organisation and delivery  General adult  Old age  Psychotherapy  Child & adolescent  Substance misuse  Forensic  Learning disability  Critical review  CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies  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:   Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management   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.  Assessment Portfolio for Hong Kong Psychiatrists  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:  Observation in interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons   Observation in interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons   Assessment via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor  Formal assessment of competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy  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.   Sponsorship Requirements  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:   College Tutor  Training Programme Director  Educational Supervisor  Head of School  Director of Medical Education (or equivalent)  Head of Department of Psychiatry  Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal  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.  Applications for Hong Kong Doctors 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.  Exam Costs and Payment  Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and the costs for 2021 are as follows:  Candidate  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)  Exam Locations  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.   Exam dates  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  Diet  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    How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?   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.   Paper A sample questions Paper B sample questions 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.   #IMG Tips  Start preparing early - as ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. Early preparation gives you the best chance for success and lessens the need for the dreaded last-minute cramming.  Join a study group – a great way to share resources, tips and meet new friends at the same time! To join an international study group, get in touch on our Facebook community group, see below.   Practise, practise, practise – psychiatry IMGs preparing in Hong Kong have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations, even better if under the supervision of a colleague who has already passed the exams  Join the online psychiatry community – connect with like-minded psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters in the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              Passed? What’s next?   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.  

Exam places for MRCP PACES have been hard to secure in some countries. This increase in demand has continued through to 2023, so what can you do to maximise your chances of securing an examination place?  The Royal College of Physicians has advised that they are working to grow capacity internationally. However, this will not have an immediate impact on the number of spots available across the world.  With so many overseas doctors missing out on a spot, we have put together some of the main discussion points to help you to broaden your chances of sitting the exam as soon as possible.  All applications submitted during the application period will be treated equally, with spaces being allocated using a random lottery model. Some spaces are reserved for local trainees and some priority can be given for applicants near the end of their eligibility periods.  So, to maximise your chance of success, we suggest that not only do you apply to your closest PACES exam centre, but also to 3 more centres that you are able to travel to.  Apply to more centres Why should I apply for more centres? More applications equals more chance of securing a place. They way that it works is that if you are not successful with your 1st preference (most local centre), then you will be considered for a space in your 2nd choice centre, and so on until you secure a spot.  Of course, this means that you must be willing to travel to sit the exam. This can be costly, especially if you have to travel to a different country, flights and hotels are not cheap! As such, we suggest taking some time to carefully choose the locations that will not only have the possibility of a spare place, but where your costs will be kept to a minimum.  Candidates will be notified on the outcome of their application within 2 weeks from the closing date, giving you time to plan your travel if necessary.  Whilst this advice does not guarantee a place to sit the exam, it will increase your chances.  If you are not sure what to do, or have any other questions regarding the PACES exam, get in touch with an IMG Connect specialist. Take a look at our IMG library for more information regarding postgraduate exams & PACES IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

PACES is the final exam in the MRCP UK examination series. Attaining full MRCP UK will facilitate registration with the GMC for overseas doctors, allowing you to secure a job in one of the many medical specialties in the NHS, depending on your experience and specialisation. In this article we will consider the following:  What is PACES? Am I eligible to sit MRCP PACES? What is the content and format?  How is PACES marked?  As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam? When should I take PACES? How can I prepare for the exam?  Passed? What next?  What is PACES? The Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) is designed to test the clinical knowledge and skills of trainee doctors who hope to enter higher specialist training (ST3). The exam sets rigorous standards to ensures trainees are competent across a wide range of skills and are ready to provide high-quality care to patients. Am I eligible to sit MRCP PACES? You must have passed the Part 1 written examination within the last seven years before taking PACES. The Royal College strongly advises trainees to apply after competing two years practical experience and Part 2 of the examination. What is the content and format?  PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).  The exam is sat over a half-day and assesses seven core skills over five stations. IMGs can expect eight patient encounters assessed independently by a total of ten examiners (two at each station).  The seven core skills: Physical examination – demonstrate correct, thorough, systematic, appropriate and professional technique of physical examination. Identify physical signs – identifying physical signs correctly. Clinical communication – elicit a clinical history relevant to the patient’s complaints, in a systematic, thorough and professional manner. Differential Diagnosis – create a sensible, clinically assessed differential diagnosis for a patient. Clinical Judgment – select an appropriate management plan for a patient or clinical situation. Select appropriate investigations or treatments for a patient that the candidate has clinically assessed. Managing patients concerns – seeks, detect, acknowledge and address patients or relatives concerns, confirming their understanding and demonstrate empathy. Maintain patient welfare – treat a patient or relative respectfully and sensitively in a manner that ensures their comfort, safety and dignity. The PACES Carousel: The Carousel consists of five stations, each assessed by two independent examiners. Candidates start at any of the five stations, moving round the carousel at 20-minute intervals, until completed. A five-minute period between each station is given.  Candidates are marked on clinical skills at each encounter in the examination. An encounter is when a candidate has an interaction with a patient or a surrogate. Stations 2 and 4 involve one encounter, whereas stations 1, 3 and 5 have two encounters.  How is PACES marked?  PACES is marked on seven skills, A-G, these are:  Skill A: Physical examination (stations 1, 3 and 5) Skill B: Identifying physical signs (stations 1, 3 and 5) Skill C: Clinical communication (stations 2, 4 and 5) Skill D: Differential diagnosis (stations 1, 2, 3 and 5) Skill E: Clinical judgement (all stations) Skill F: Managing patients’ concerns (all stations) Skill G: Maintaining patient welfare (all stations) Skill B, identifying physical signs, is often considered the most challenging skill to pass. As an overseas candidate, where and when can I take the exam? It is a little more complicated than Part 1 or 2 exams and exam slots are often in short supply. Whilst the Royal College is working hard to increase the number of spaces, it is not always possible to offer a place to all applicants. Priority is given to those candidates who are near the end of their stage 2 eligibility period. A full list of examination dates can be found here, please note these are subject to change. Examination centres are subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please see the Royal College website here. The examination is run at clinical centres across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland); these vary from diet to diet. When should I take PACES? Royal College performance data provides some food for thought when considering when to apply for PACES. The data suggests: Wait at least 36 months after graduation before applying. Those taking the exam before this period were less likely to pass. 24-36 months post-graduation – 50% pass rate 36-48 months after graduation – 77% Candidates that had already passed part 1 & 2 written examinations were significantly more likely to pass PACES at first attempt. How can I prepare for the exam?  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.  It is recommended that to give yourself the best chance, you gain clinical experience involving care of emergency patients, adults and children.We advise you to regularly invite senior colleagues to observe and provide feedback on your clinical assessments, so you will be comfortable with the PACES format and give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. PACES station 4 examiner guidance examples: This useful guide contains examples of the types of statements found in the examiner guidance section of station 4 scenarios.  This will help you to understand what the examiner is looking for.  PACES sample scenarios: These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant scenarios to prepare you for the real thing. Sample scenarios cover Station 2, 4 & 5 (‘history taking’, ‘communication skills and ethics’ and ‘clinical consultations’ respectively. Most of these have been previously used in a recent exam, but please note that during the exam you will only receive the section marked ‘information for the candidate’. Videos on what to expect on the day: These helpful videos will give you a true reflection of what to expect on the day of the exam, easing some of the pressure and ensuring you can focus on the task at hand.  PACES candidate video: Whilst there are lots of useful videos online that are easy to find, the PACES candidate video contains important information about the exam, and practical examples of how the exam will run.  Candidate guide notes: these guidenotes created by the Royal College help IMGs to understand what to expect on the day, from your arrival to the completion of the test.  It can also be useful to understand how IMGs have failed the exam in the past, as this will give you the best chance to pass first time. The ‘how I failed PACES’ guide provides tips to help you to identify where you might be going wrong, along with practical advice to help you to improve.  For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blogs on exam tips and preparation.  Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP (UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs Specialise in gastroenterology, respiratory, neurology, dermatology, geriatrics or any other areas within specialist medicine? Search and find live specialist medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK. General & Acute medicine? Search for live vacancies here. IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss specialist medicine job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

For overseas psychiatrists looking to register with the GMC and find a psychiatry job in the NHS, one option is to complete the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations - MRCPsych. Here we will take a detailed look at the MRCPsych exams, fees and centres.  International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is MRCPsych? What is the exam content and format? Eligibility for overseas doctors Assessment Portfolio Sponsorship Requirements How do I apply? How much will it cost me? Where can I sit the exams? How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations Passed? What next? The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Psychiatry throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession. What is MRCPsych?  The MRCPsych examinations are the central component of training for psychiatrists in the UK and the examinations are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.  For international doctors, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes IMGs can take 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 doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take. Overseas doctors must be registered with a recognised medical board in their country of residence and should have undertaken 3 years of training and MRCPsych (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK What is the exam content and format?  The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).  Typically, a UK Psychiatrist would sit Paper A from FY2. Candidates will then progress through MRCPsych examinations from CT1 – CT3, before going on to specially training for CCT.  Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry – 3 hours This is a written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising 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:  Paper A is now taken online.  Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry – 3 hours This is a written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising 150 questions made up of approximately one third covering critical review and two thirds covering clinical topics.  It covers the following sections of the syllabus:  Paper B is now taken online.  CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies The CASC is based on a format that is 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:  five stations on history taking, including risk assessment five stations on examination, including physical and mental state six stations on patient management  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. The CASC exam is taken in person. Eligibility for overseas doctors The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by both:   Doctors from the EU, who are working overseas Non-Eu doctors who are working overseas Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych, an overseas doctor must be registered with a recognised medical board in their country of residence and complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.  Furthermore, prior to taking CASC, overseas candidates must demonstrate competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child & Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability. 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.  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): You are eligible to take CASC if you have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry, by the time of sitting the CASC AND You have a pass in both Paper A and B AND You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met.  In addition, overseas candidates must show their sponsor evidence of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination. Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates: As above, one aspect of eligibility for CASC as to complete an Assessment Portfolio. This must demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, this must include competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability have been achieved by the time of applying for the MRCPsych CASC. In addition, overseas candidates must demonstrate that they undertake the following activities as part of their structured job plans: be observed interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons  be observed interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons  be assessed via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor be assessed formally in having achieved competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy 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 not an assessment criteria form available as 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.  Sponsorship requirements International 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 examination and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations. Acceptable sponsors are:  College Tutor Training Programme Director Educational Supervisor Head of School Director of Medical Education (or equivalent) Head of Department of Psychiatry Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal 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. How do I apply?  To apply you will need to complete an online application form. It takes about 15 – 20 minutes. 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. Payment is made by credit/debit card.  If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor. It is important to note that the online form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and must be submitted before the closing date and time. Applications submitted after, will not be accepted. How much will it cost me? Candidate Paper A Paper B CASC PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) £496 £446 £1,024 Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) £550 £495 £1,137 Where and when can I sit the examinations? The good news is that changes have been made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Paper A and B can be taken online, making it much easier for IMGs to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration in a normal time frame. To maintain the integrity fo the CASC exam, delivery will be in-person only from September 2023. You can sit the examination from your home country with details on submissions and preparation for an online exam available on the Royal College website. For up-to-date information on application and exam dates, please see the Royal College website here. How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?  With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. 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.  Syllabus: summary of areas of core medical knowledge underpinning specialist training in psychiatry  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 and are a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. In addition sample questions will help you work quickly on the day, you will already know what to expect. Please note: you may be required to be a member to access these.  Paper A sample questions Paper B sample questions  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.  Written papers marksheet example: Again, this is a useful tool to help you familiarise yourself with the exam format and improve your test skills. An example marksheet can be found here.  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.  As ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present. Passed? What's next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCPsych you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) and chat with an IMG Consultant to discuss your options for NHS roles with CESR support and start your journey towards Specialist Registration with IMG Connect.  For access to a community of like-minded psychiatry IMGs and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.    To receive the latest 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.               

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for MRCPsych Paper A, particularly with the changes to the exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK applicants and trainees.  So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? We have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help you in your preparation for the Paper A exam. We will also address some changes to the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  What is MRCPsych Paper A? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? How has the exam been affected by COVID-19? #IMGTips Passed? What’s next? If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.  For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  What is MRCPsych Paper A?  Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.   MRCPsych Paper A is a three-hour written exam which covers the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  The paper comprises 150 questions and is worth 150 marks, with two thirds being multiple choice questions (MCQ) and the other third, extended matching item questions (EMI).  The breakdown of the sections is as follows:  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper A exam here.  Preparation  It can be tough to know the best place to start, so we’ve spoken to some IMG psychiatrists and the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help candidates in their preparation for the exam. These include:  Syllabus: We always recommend this as the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics for a road map to your success in the exam. You can find this here.  Sample papers: These will help you perfect your exam techniques and are an effective way to benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. They will also help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.  Marking schemes: It’s always a good idea to understand how exams are marked so you can structure your revision accordingly, giving you the best chance of a pass. These are available here.  Sample exam: Samples of the exam are also helpful in fully understanding the format and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment, particularly as this is a more recent change to the exam. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: This guidance has been written specifically to help candidates to prepare for sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings that will be in place on the day. This will be more useful closer to the exam date. The guidance can be accessed here.  Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide: the Royal College suggest having a look through this guide, which is a helpful resource to help you to get over the first steps, available here.  What other resources are available?  IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper A exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.  The most highly recommended resources are the SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources. They are available in different formats depending on your revision needs:  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 Booster Mock Exams 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.  Duration  N/A  Cost  £249  Next start date  On demand  Website  spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php    MRCPsychMentor Revision Course: unlimited access to a bank of over 2000 questions, including some from previous exams. These are delivered in the same format as will be in the exam (MCQs and EMIs), with practice timed tests you can complete as many times as you like. You can access the course here.  MRCPsychMentor Mock Exam There are two three-hour long exams available here which simulates exam conditions with mock exam papers of questions not available in the question bank. They include a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.  Duration  6 weeks  Cost  £15 each  Next start date  On demand  Website  www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper A 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 A Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources:  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.  TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper A 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.  How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?  As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych 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.  #IMGTips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Divide your study time according to the marks percentage for each section – dividing your time in this way will ensure you’re putting most of your time towards what will gain you the most marks.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.  Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.  Passed? What next?  Great stuff, this is a fantastic achievement and you should take a well-deserved break!  Once you’re ready, you can apply to sit the Paper B exam (or CASC if you started with Paper B). For more information, take a look at our blog, where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about sitting the exam, including dates, results, fees and structure.  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.  To receive the latest 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.