The new MRCPsych Part II exam – golden tips on how to pass

Abstract

“Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer!” (Charles Kaleb Cotton)The MRCPsych Part II examination remains an important milestone (or barrier) for those wishing to pursue higher specialist training in psychiatry. There have been significant changes to the structure of this complex exam, with modification of the multiple choice question (MCQ) and essay papers and the introduction of the critical review paper. With pass rates varying from 39–49% over recent years, it clearly represents a significant hurdle for psychiatric trainees. This article aims to provide specific advice on how best to approach and tackle each of the components of the exam.