The Royal College of Psychiatrists sets a maximum number of attempts for each MRCPsych component. Understanding these limits is important for planning your exam timeline and managing the pressure of preparation.
Attempt limits
Paper A: a maximum of 6 attempts. After 6 failed attempts, you may not attempt Paper A again without special permission from the RCPsych Examinations Committee.
Paper B: a maximum of 6 attempts. The same limit and appeal process applies as for Paper A.
CASC: a maximum of 6 attempts. The same limit applies.
Each component is counted independently. Failing Paper A does not affect your attempt count for Paper B or CASC.
What counts as an attempt
Sitting the exam and receiving a result counts as an attempt, regardless of whether you pass or fail. Withdrawing from a sitting after the late withdrawal deadline also counts as an attempt in most circumstances — check the RCPsych withdrawal policy for the specific rules.
Withdrawing before the late withdrawal deadline — typically four to six weeks before the exam — does not count as an attempt and may qualify for a partial fee refund.
What happens at 6 attempts
After 6 failed attempts at any component, you may apply to the Examinations Committee for permission to make further attempts. The Committee considers each case individually and may grant additional attempts, require a period of further training, or recommend alternative career pathways. Permission is not guaranteed.
Practical implications
The 6-attempt limit is generous — most candidates who pass do so within two to three attempts. However, the limit creates a psychological pressure that can compound with each failed attempt. If you are approaching your fourth or fifth attempt, consider seeking formal exam coaching or mentorship alongside your question bank preparation.
The most effective way to minimise your attempt count is structured first-time preparation: start three to four months before the exam, use an adaptive question bank that targets your weakest areas, read the relevant guidelines, and sit mock exams under timed conditions.
iatroX's MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B banks each contain over 1,500 questions with adaptive learning and EMQ format practice. All included at £29 per month or £99 per year.