What is MRCPsych Paper A?
Paper A is the first of the written MRCPsych examinations set by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It assesses the scientific and theoretical foundations of psychiatry, the knowledge that underpins everything you do clinically. Unlike Paper B, which leans towards clinical topics and critical appraisal, Paper A concentrates on behavioural science, human development, basic neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and descriptive psychopathology and classification.
Format and timing
Paper A is a three-hour written paper of approximately 150 questions. It uses two formats: single-best-answer MCQs (one correct answer from five options) and extended matching items (EMIs), where several clinical vignettes are matched against a themed option list. There is no negative marking, so you should answer every question.
How the pass mark works (Angoff)
Paper A does not use a fixed percentage pass mark. Instead the College uses a modified Angoff standard-setting method: a panel judges, question by question, the proportion of just-competent candidates who would answer correctly, and these judgements set the passing standard for that sitting. In practice the mark tends to sit in the region of the high-50s to mid-60s per cent, but it varies between diets, so treat any single figure with caution and confirm on the RCPsych website. Read our explainer on the Angoff method for detail.
The syllabus: Paper A (5 sections)
Paper A covers five basic science and theoretical sections. Click any area for what the exam tests, high-yield subtopics, and worked example questions:
- 1. Behavioural Science & Sociocultural Psychiatry
- 2. Human Development
- 3. Neuroscience
- 4. Clinical Psychopharmacology
- 5. Classification & Assessment in Psychiatry
Paper B covers a separate nine clinical sections (general adult, old age, child and adolescent, psychotherapy, substance misuse, forensic, learning disability, organisation of services, and research methods). The question bank includes both papers. Across both papers the syllabus spans 14 sections in total.
You can also browse the revision hub to work section by section.
Recommended textbooks
Anchor your reading to the texts the questions are drawn from, so your facts match the blueprint:
- Psychopharmacology: The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry
- Neuroscience: Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists
- Behavioural science / psychology: Gross, Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour
- Descriptive psychopathology: Fish's Clinical Psychopathology and Sims' Symptoms in the Mind
- Classification: the ICD-11 guide
- General and clinical psychiatry: New Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry
A study strategy that works
The most efficient way to prepare is questions first, reading second. Attempt questions actively, read the explanation whether you were right or wrong, and log the subtopics you miss. Space your practice over weeks rather than cramming, and revisit weak areas deliberately. A good bank does the bookkeeping for you, our weakness tracker flags any subtopic where you score below 60% and points you to the relevant chapter.
For the mechanics of answering, see how to pass Paper A and our EMI technique guide.
How long to revise
Most candidates give themselves 8-12 weeks of consistent daily questions alongside targeted reading. If you are sitting in November, our 12-week study plan lays out a week-by-week structure.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions is MRCPsych Paper A?
Around 150 questions over three hours, mixing single-best-answer MCQs and extended matching items (EMIs).
What is the Paper A pass mark?
It is set by modified Angoff standard-setting for each sitting, so it varies; check the RCPsych website for the current diet.
How long should I revise?
Most candidates use 8-12 weeks of daily questions plus targeted reading. See our 12-week plan.