Next exam

• 26 November 2008

Duration

• 3 hours

Number of questions

• 200 questions

Types of questions

• 'Best answer 1 of 5' style multiple choice (2/3)
• Extended matching items (1/3)

Marking scheme

• Positive marking (no deductions for incorrect answers)
• The marking scheme is detailed on the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The eligibility criteria are complex. Only the basic criteria are listed here. Candidates are advised to read the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists for the latest information.

For trainees in PMETB/Deanery approved run-through training posts of FTSTA commencing at ST1 level, the requirements of entry to Paper 1 are:

• 12 months mandatory whole time equivalent training in psychiatry by the date of sitting Paper 1
  • 12m in general adult psychiatry, or 6m general / 6m old age, or a combination of 4 or 6 month posts in either general adult or both specialties, which must include a minimum of 6 months general adult psychiatry
  • Training must be supported by a concurrent MRCPsych course
• Workplace based assessments over a minimum of 7-8 months at ST1 competency level
  • 4 Mini Assessed Clinical Encounters (Mini-ACE)
  • 2 Case Based Discussions (CBD)

It is expected that Paper 1 will be taken after 12 months of mandatory training and to have been attained within 24 months of starting training.

Source: General Information & Regulations for the MRCPsych Examinations & Assessment
Programme 2008, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2 April 2008

This is a breakdown of the content of the MRCPsych Paper 1 examination, including the number of questions expected on each topic. The Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that this breakdown is intended as a general guide only and is subject to change. You are advised to view the latest information on the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

General Adult Psychiatry			Psychopharmacology
			Basic psychopharmacology	14
Assessment/Formulation
History and MSE	12		Psychology
Descriptive psychopathology	24		Basic psychological processes	14
Dynamic psychopathology	12		Human psychological development	8
Cognitive assessment	10		Social psychology	4
Neurological examination	10		Description and measurement	6
Assessment	16		Basic psychological treatments	8
Aetiology	12
Diagnosis	12		Miscellaneous topics
Classification	8		History of psychiatry	8
Prevention	6		Ethics/ philosophy of psychiatry	8
			Stigma and culture	8

 

Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists website, 28 March 2008

Discussions take place in the Superego Cafe MRCPsych Forum after each MRCPsych exam. Users post recalled questions. The collected questions are presented here as Adobe PDF files for your convenience. For discussions about answers, please go to the MRCPsych Forum.

Sample questions are also available on the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

	2008 - February, June (available soon)

February 2008 - 434 candidates

Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists website, 28 March 2008

Books

Textbooks that were useful in the preparation of the old MRCPsych Part 1 remain useful for the new Paper 1 examination and will form the foundation of a successful revision programme. Every candidate should read the appropriate chapters of a large textbook and supplement weaker areas of their knowledge with more specialised but smaller textbooks.

No question practice books specifically for the Paper 1 examination were published in time for the examination in June 2008. The first books are starting to become available. In 2009 it is expected that larger numbers of books will become available from established authors and psychiatrists who have sat the exams. These should be more reflective of the types of questions asked.

Revision courses

The usefulness of attending a course will vary from person to person as this is a relatively straightforward exam. It is worth attending a course if you have taken this exam and failed, if only to mix with like-minded people, get tips on preparation and improve your motivation.