Preparing for exams
This section will help you learn more about what you need to do to prepare for Paper A, Paper B and CASC.
A College resource available is MRCPsych eLearning, offering online learning resources to support resident doctors preparing for MRCPsych exams. For any queries regarding MRCPsych eLearning, please contact elearning@rcpsych.ac.uk.
More more about preparing for our exams see our frequently asked questions.
MRCPsych Paper A is a written paper on the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry.
How long is the exam and what are the questions?
Paper A is a three hour exam worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions.
It is made up of approximately:
- two-thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and
- one-third extended matching item questions (EMI).
What does it cover?
Paper A covers the following sections of the syllabus:
- Behavioural Science and Sociocultural Psychiatry
- Human Development
- Basic Neurosciences
- Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry
On Paper A, the percentage split/marks on a 150 mark exam is/would be:
| Section | Percentage split/marks |
|---|---|
| Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry | 16.67% / 25 |
| Human Development | 16.67% / 25 |
| Basic Neurosciences | 25.00% / 37 or 38 |
| Clinical Psychopharmacology | 25.00% / 37 or 38 |
| Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry | 16.67% / 25 |
Members of the College can log in and access sample questions from this link. Non-members should email the Examinations team at examinations@rcpsych.ac.uk
MRCPsych Paper B is a written paper which assesses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.
How long is the exam and what are the questions?
Paper B is a three-hour exam worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions.
It is made up of approximately two-thirds multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and one-third extended matching item questions (EMI).
- One-third of the paper covers critical review.
- Two-thirds of the paper covers clinical topics.
What will it cover?
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
| Section | Percentage split/marks |
|---|---|
| Organisation and delivery | 5.50% / 8 |
| General Adult | 20.00% / 30 |
| Old Age | 9.00% / 14 |
| Psychotherapy | 5.50% / 8 |
| Child & Adolescent | 9.00% / 14 |
| Substance misuse | 6.50% / 10 |
| Forensic | 5.50% / 8 |
| Learning disability | 5.50% / 8 |
| Critical Review | 33.5% / 50 |
Current syllabus (PDF)
Current critical review syllabus (PDF)
Members of the College can log in and access sample questions from this link. Non-members should email the Examinations team. Examinations@rcpsych.ac.uk
Sample questions from Paper B - Login required (PDF)
Overview
We are updating the Paper A and Paper B syllabi to ensure it continues to reflect the 2022 Core Psychiatry Curriculum, current clinical practice, ensuring the MRCPsych remains fit for purpose as a formal standardised assessment of knowledge and competencies.
Why the Syllabus is Changing
The syllabus review began in 2024 with the aim of:
Aligning content with the 2022 Core Psychiatry Curriculum
Ensuring relevance to current psychiatric practice
Supporting resident doctors in building a strong and comprehensive knowledge base
This work has focused on maintaining high standards while making sure the syllabus remains clear, focused, and up to date.
Development and Approval
The updated syllabus has been carefully developed through a structured review process and has been formally approved by the Examinations Committee and Education and Training Committee.
Key Dates
September 2026 – New syllabus will be published
January 2027 – New syllabus comes into effect for Paper A and Paper B
What This Means for Candidates
Candidates preparing for Paper A and Paper B should:
Continue to use the current syllabus for examinations up to the end of 2026
Review the new syllabus once published in September 2026 to prepare for exams from January 2027
Further guidance and supporting materials will be made available alongside the publication of the finalised syllabus.
Stay Updated
We encourage all candidates and educators to check this page regularly for updates and further information as we approach the publication date.
If you have any questions, please contact the Examinations team examinations@rcpsych.ac.uk