COVID-19 and the MRCPsych examination

Online news
03 April 2020

We are sorry to announce that because of the HM Government restrictions imposed due to Coronavirus, we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the Paper A diet of the MRCPsych examination that was due to take place on 16 June 2020. Any candidate who was planning to sit this diet and whose Validity Period has started may apply for an extension to their Validity Period.

We have already had to cancel the Paper B diet that was due to take place on 31 March 2020 and the Singapore CASC that was due to take place in May 2020.

We appreciate these cancellations are very disruptive for trainees preparing for exams when they have much else to contend with. A major concern is the effect they may have on career progression. Having consulted widely, including with the Psychiatric Trainees Committee, with National Recruitment, and with the General Medical Council, we have decided to temporarily vary the exam regulations, and until June 2021 will waive the requirement to have passed the written papers before taking the CASC.

Candidates would still have had to complete 24 months training in psychiatry before taking the CASC, and would need to pass all elements of the exam before being awarded Membership of the College.

We are actively exploring alternative ways to deliver examinations. If we need to make further changes to the exam calendar, we will let you know as soon as possible. In the meantime we continue to work closely with trainee representatives.

Dr Ian Hall
Chief Examiner
3 April 2020

More information is available on our main exams pages

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