No, the MRCPsych written papers are not computer-adaptive. Paper A and Paper B are linear, fixed-form exams in which the difficulty does not respond to your answers, and every candidate sitting a paper faces the same questions.
What the format actually is
Both Paper A and Paper B consist of multiple-choice questions and extended matching items, in a balance of roughly two-thirds MCQs and one-third EMIs. They are fixed written papers, so unlike an adaptive test that builds a different paper for each candidate, everyone sitting a paper answers the same items. Confirm current question counts and timings on the RCPsych website.
How the pass mark is set
The MRCPsych written papers are criterion-referenced, with the standard set to a defined level of competence rather than a fixed percentage, so the raw mark needed can vary between diets while the standard stays constant. For how this compares across exams, see how medical exam pass marks are set.
What would be different if it were adaptive
If the papers were adaptive, each would select questions based on your running ability and every candidate would see a different paper with rising difficulty, as in the AMC CAT, explained in how computer-adaptive testing works. The MRCPsych papers are fixed papers measured against a fixed standard.
How to prepare
With fixed papers, target your weak areas and space your revision. iatroX offers adaptive MRCPsych practice, with free sample questions to try at iatroX.
Frequently asked questions
Are the MRCPsych papers adaptive? No. Paper A and Paper B are linear, fixed-form written exams of MCQs and EMIs. Difficulty does not change based on your answers.
What question types does MRCPsych use? Multiple-choice questions and extended matching items, in a balance of roughly two-thirds MCQs and one-third EMIs across both papers.
How are the MRCPsych papers marked? By criterion-referenced standard-setting to a defined competence level, so the mark needed can vary between diets while the standard is constant.