Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP)|21 April 2026|7 min read
The MRCPsych (Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) consists of three examinations: Paper A, Paper B, and the CASC (Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies). Paper A tests basic sciences and clinical theory. Paper B tests critical review, clinical topics, and advanced psychological processes. The CASC tests clinical and communication skills through twelve interactive stations.
The MRCPsych resource market is smaller and more fragmented than the MRCP market. This guide covers every significant platform and provides guidance on the CASC — the component that most candidates find the most challenging.
The Platforms
MRCPsychMentor — The Established Q-Bank with AI CASC
MRCPsychMentor is the established MRCPsych Q-bank from the PassMedicine family. It offers 4,000+ questions across Paper A (2,000+) and Paper B (2,000+), with the proven PassMedicine engine providing peer comparison histograms, timed tests, mock exams, and revision notes under each question.
MRCPsychMentor's key differentiator is its AI-powered CASC exam simulator — aligned to the RCPsych curriculum and mark scheme. This interactive tool lets you practise CASC stations with AI-driven feedback, a feature no other platform offers. For the CASC, which is the most difficult component and the one with the fewest dedicated preparation resources, this is a significant advantage.
Compare MRCPsychMentor vs PassMRCPsych | Compare MRCPsychMentor vs BMJ OnExamination
PassMRCPsych — The Largest Q-Bank
PassMRCPsych is an independent platform claiming the largest MRCPsych Q-bank in the field at 5,000+ MCQs. It offers comprehensive revision notes aligned to the RCPsych 2023 syllabus, mock exams closely mimicking the real exam format, and a mobile-friendly platform. Content is written by consultant psychiatrists and trainees who have recently passed.
PassMRCPsych is often acceptable as a study budget purchase through deaneries — worth checking with your training programme.
Compare PassMRCPsych vs BMJ OnExamination
BMJ OnExamination — Check Your Trust
BMJ OnExamination offers an MRCPsych module within its broader exam platform. As with other BMJ OnExamination products, the first step is always to check whether your NHS Trust provides free access through its library subscription. Many do, making this a zero-cost option.
The MRCPsych module covers Papers A and B but does not include a CASC preparation tool.
iMedics — Free Tier Available
iMedics offers a free MRCPsych tier with limited questions and paid upgrades. Useful for trying before committing to a paid resource. The bank covers Paper A primarily.
SPMM Course — The Comprehensive (Expensive) Option
The SPMM (Specialist Psychopharmacology Mentoring for Mental Health) Course is often cited as the most in-depth MRCPsych resource, covering the syllabus at a level of detail that exceeds other platforms. However, it is also the most expensive option and has received criticism for a dated, less user-friendly interface.
SPMM is strongest for Paper A (psychopharmacology and basic sciences) and for candidates who want the deepest possible content coverage. It is overkill for some candidates and essential for others.
CASC Preparation
The CASC is the component that most candidates find most challenging. Unlike written papers, the CASC tests real-time clinical interaction: history-taking, mental state examination, risk assessment, communication of difficult diagnoses, and management planning in twelve timed stations.
MRCPsychMentor's AI CASC simulator is the only dedicated online preparation tool for this component. Beyond this, CASC preparation typically involves: formal CASC courses (offered by the RCPsych, private providers, and some deaneries), study groups where trainees practise stations with each other, and self-directed practice using published CASC case books.
The CASC pass rate has historically been lower than the written papers. Dedicated CASC preparation is not optional — it is essential.
The MSRA Connection for Core Psychiatry
Core Psychiatry ST1 selection is based solely on the MSRA score. There is no interview. This means that before you even begin MRCPsych preparation, you need to pass the MSRA with a competitive score.
iatroX offers a free MSRA Q-bank with AI-adaptive learning — covering the exam that determines whether you get a psychiatry training place in the first place. While iatroX does not currently offer a dedicated MRCPsych bank, its free MSRA coverage is directly relevant to every aspiring psychiatrist.
Our View
For Paper A and Paper B: use PassMRCPsych (largest bank, comprehensive notes) or MRCPsychMentor (proven engine, peer comparison) as your primary resource. Check BMJ OnExamination Trust access for a free supplement.
For CASC: MRCPsychMentor's AI simulator is unique and valuable. Combine with a formal CASC course and study group practice.
For MSRA (the exam that gets you into psychiatry training): iatroX — free.
Information based on public sources as of 21 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.