Psychiatry Training in the UK: What it is and How to Apply
If you are interested in Psychiatry training 2026 in the UK, this blog covers the MSRA 2026 exam and all you need to know about applying.
Introduction
Psychiatry training has become more competitive in recent years. Before applying it is essential to check if you are eligible to apply or not. There is a single application for Core Psychiatry training and you will be offered a place based on your performance in the MSRA 2026 exam. There are no interviews for Core Psychiatry training applications.
Core Psychiatry Training in UK
In the UK Core Psychiatry training is spread over 3 years which prepares you for higher specialty training which is a minimum for 3 years as well. During this period you will be rotating through different Psychiatry settings every 6 months and will be expected to pass the MRCPsych exams. More information about Psychiatry training can be found in our IMG conference video.
The Psychiatry Application Process
There are usually 2 nationwide rounds of recruitment every year, however as the competition ratios are increasing this may not be the case.
Those planning to start training in August 2026
– Applications open 23rd October 2025 and close on 20th November 4pm UK time
– Successful applications will be invited to book their MSRA exam around 15th December 2025 – exact date TBC.
– The MSRA exam will take place 12th- 25th February 2026 if you have only applied for GP or Psychiatry training but if you have applied for any other specialty it will be on 6th- 19th January 2026.
The CREST 2024 Form
The CREST form stands for the Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training. Only the 2024 Crest Form (updated in 2023 or 2024) will be accepted for the 2026 Specialty training applications. It is a form to demonstrate you have achieved your foundation competencies and is only required for International Medical graduates. It is not applicable if you have completed your Foundation competencies in the UK.
For more details on the CREST form, read this blog here
MSRA exam
The MSRA Exam includes two parts:
1) Clinical Problem Solving – 97 questions in 75 minutes. Out of these, 86 questions are scored, and the remainder 11 are “pilot” questions which are being tested for future exams.
2) Professional Dilemma – 50 questions in 95 minutes. Out of these, 42 questions are scored, and 8 are pilot questions.
Click here to find out more about the MSRA exam, as well as sample questions.
I prepared for the MSRA while working as a clinical fellow in a community psychiatry job – when I did not have on-calls or weekends and nights, and I prepared for about 6 weeks in total.
It may be more helpful to start earlier if someone is in an acute ward with several on-call shifts on their rota. The primary thing that helped me for the exam was attempting mock exams and reviewing the incorrect answers; this was because studying topic-wise was a bit difficult with obligations at work hampering a steady timetable.
Click here to see all Arora MSRA packages and resources – including our all-in-one MSRA Ultimate Package.
Who is Psychiatry training for?
Psychiatry is a great career option if you enjoy engaging with patients and dealing with a wide range of mental health issues. There is a wide variety of specialties within Psychiatry and more information about Psychiatry training can be found in this video or on the Royal College of Psychiatrists page.
How can Arora help with Psychiatry Application
Our most popular and comprehensive MSRA Ultimate Package contains an all round and complete preparation plan for boosting your MSRA score. It contains multiple resources in one discounted bundle – 2x online video courses, Live MSRA crammer course, SJT and clinical question banks, SJT and clinical mock exams, 2x audiobooks and 3x digital flashcard sets (clinical, pharmacology and SJT). For full contents and samples click here.
To register for our next free MSRA webinar click here: Next Free Webinar
For our Free MSRA Countdown Programmes click here: Free MSRA Downloads
Other blog that may help you
Author Bio — Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Author Bio — Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
