MRCPsych Paper A: sittings, booking and prep

Next sitting to book 7 Apr 2027 · 4 sittings listed

About

MRCPsych Paper A is the first written theory paper of the MRCPsych examination.

Who can sit

You can take Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner, from FY2 onwards, though it does not count towards eligibility for Paper B or the CASC.

Next booking7 Apr 2027 · Booking opens 4 Jan 2027 · closes 15 Jan 2027

Every sitting

12 Nov 2026
Booking closed · results from 11 Dec£630
7 Apr 2027 · Next sitting
Booking opens 4 Jan 2027 · closes 15 Jan 2027 · results from 14 May 2027
8 Jul 2027
Booking opens 5 Apr 2027 · closes 16 Apr 2027 · results from 6 Aug 2027
10 Nov 2027
Booking opens 16 Aug 2027 · closes 27 Aug 2027 · results from 10 Dec 2027

Before you book

How do I get a place on MRCPsych Paper A?
You apply through the College’s online application form during the published application window, paying by credit or debit card, and applications close at 3.30pm UK time on the last day of the window.
What is the format?
Paper A is a three-hour paper of 150 questions worth 150 marks, about two-thirds multiple choice and one-third extended matching items, and it is taken online.
How is it marked?
The pass mark is set for each paper by the Modified Angoff method, so it differs for each paper, and no marks are deducted for wrong answers.
When are results?
Results publication dates are listed per sitting on the College’s exam dates page, for example 11 December 2026 for the 12 November 2026 sitting.
What comes after MRCPsych Paper A?
After passing your first written paper you have six years from the results publication date to complete all remaining parts of MRCPsych.