Psychiatry Exams FAQs

Why do I have to write questions?

Writing questions is a core component of the active learning methodology employed by the platform. This approach requires trainees to formulate and submit questions based on the MRCPsych syllabus, which deepens understanding through the process of active recall and creation. Submitted questions undergo review, providing contributors with feedback that reinforces their knowledge and identifies any gaps.

How does the AI expansion work?

The platform incorporates AI-powered insights that analyze user interactions with questions to provide personalized feedback. This technology helps identify individual strengths and weaknesses, offering data-driven suggestions to optimize study focus. The AI augments the learning experience by delivering additional context and explanations tailored to user performance.

Can I create and download study notes?

The platform provides comprehensive study notes that are pre-written and mapped to the official Royal College syllabus for MRCPsych. These notes reflect the latest recommended reading materials. However, the current system does not support user creation of custom notes or the ability to download notes for offline use; all note access is through the online platform interface.

How comprehensive is the syllabus coverage?

Syllabus coverage is complete for all MRCPPsych exam components: Paper A, Paper B, and the CASC clinical exam. Every topic is explicitly mapped to the Royal College's official learning objectives. Study notes and questions are regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with the most current syllabus and exam guidelines, providing thorough preparation across the entire curriculum.

Are mock exams included or extra cost?

The platform does not list separate, full-length timed mock exams as a distinct feature. Instead, preparation relies on the extensive bank of recalled questions and CASC vignettes, which simulate exam content and format. These practice materials are all included within the standard lifetime access fee, without any additional costs for mock exam simulations.

What happens to questions I submit?

Submitted questions are entered into a review process involving both the community and NHS Consultant Psychiatrists. Questions are evaluated for accuracy, relevance to the syllabus, and quality. Once approved, they are added to the live question bank, where they become available to all users. Contributors benefit from the reinforcement of their own knowledge through the submission and feedback cycle.

Can I flag questions that seem incorrect?

Users can flag questions within the platform if they identify potential errors or inconsistencies. Flagged items are prioritized for review by the consultant team and moderators. This community-driven quality control helps maintain the high accuracy and reliability of the question bank for all trainees preparing for the MRCPsych exams.

Are CASC vignettes timed like the real exam?

The CASC vignettes are designed to replicate the clinical scenarios and format of the actual Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies exam. The platform does not enforce strict timing mechanisms for these vignettes. Users are advised to practice under self-imposed timed conditions to develop the pace and decision-making required for the real exam environment.

How does contributing questions work?

Contributing questions involves drafting multiple-choice or vignette-based questions aligned with the MRCPsych syllabus and submitting them through the platform. Submissions receive peer and consultant feedback, focusing on clinical accuracy and exam relevance. Approved questions are published, and contributors engage in a collaborative learning process that enhances their own mastery of the material.

Will this replace textbooks or clinical supervision?

The platform is intended as a targeted supplement to traditional study methods, not a replacement. It provides focused, exam-specific practice through active learning and community discussion. Foundational knowledge from textbooks and the practical experience gained through clinical supervision remain essential components of psychiatric training that this resource complements.

How often is the question bank updated with new recalled questions?

The question bank is updated regularly as new recalled questions are submitted by trainees who have recently taken the MRCPsych exams. Each submission is verified for accuracy by NHS Consultant Psychiatrists before being added to the live collection. This ongoing process ensures the content remains current with evolving exam trends and syllabus iterations.

Is the platform accessible on mobile devices?

The platform is a web-based service fully accessible on any device with a modern internet browser, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. This cross-device compatibility allows trainees to study flexibly, whether at a desk or on the move, without requiring dedicated mobile applications.

What is the process for peer review of submitted questions?

Peer review begins with community feedback on submitted questions, followed by a formal evaluation by NHS Consultant Psychiatrists. Consultants assess each question for clinical correctness, alignment with learning objectives, and clarity. This two-stage review ensures that all published questions meet a high standard of quality and relevance for MRCPsych preparation.

Are there any limitations on accessing content after the one-time payment?

Following the one-time payment of £45 for lifetime access, users experience no recurring fees and no limitations on accessing any core platform features. This includes all recalled questions, flashcards, study notes, community forums, and the ability to submit questions. The lifetime access model provides uninterrupted use of all current and future updates to the platform content.

How does the spaced repetition flashcard system optimize retention?

The flashcard system implements a spaced repetition algorithm that schedules card reviews at scientifically determined intervals based on user performance. Cards that are answered correctly are shown less frequently, while those answered incorrectly reappear sooner. This method efficiently combats the forgetting curve, promoting optimal long-term retention of key psychiatric concepts for the MRCPPsych exams.

• Psychiatry Exams is an online platform designed for MRCPsych exam preparation, offering recalled questions, consultant-written explanations, and active learning tools for Papers A, B, and CASC.
• Users create an account via the pricing page, select a lifetime access plan, and gain immediate entry to the central dashboard housing all core study materials and analytics.
• Navigate to the question bank section to filter practice material by specific exam paper (A, B, or CASC) and difficulty level like intermediate or advanced.
• Select a recalled question, choose an answer, and immediately review a detailed, consultant-verified explanation mapped to the Royal College syllabus.
• Activate the integrated flashcard system to utilise spaced repetition algorithms, which schedule concept reviews based on individual recall performance for long-term retention.
• Participate in the active learning model by drafting and submitting original exam-style questions, which are reviewed by peers or moderators before potential inclusion.
• Join the associated WhatsApp community through the platform link to access topic-specific discussion groups, moderated by consultants, and scheduled group revision calls.
• Monitor the personal performance analytics tab to track progress metrics, including question accuracy rates by syllabus category and time spent per topic.
• Use the performance data to identify weak syllabus areas, then target those zones with focused question practice and flashcard reviews for efficient study.
• Access the complete, mapped study notes and syllabus coverage directly within the platform to supplement question-based learning and ensure comprehensive exam readiness.