Master Your Psychiatry CASC Exam with AI-Powered Practice

Practice realistic MRCPsych CASC stations with AI-powered patient simulations. Get structured examiner-style feedback, master your timing across all 16 station types, and walk into the exam prepared and confident.

• Designed for MRCPsych trainees
• 50+ station types
• Instant AI feedback
• Exam-style timing

What is the CASC Exam?

Everything you need to know about the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies — the final clinical exam for the MRCPsych qualification.

Exam Overview

The CASC (Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies) is the final clinical examination for the MRCPsych qualification, administered by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It assesses a candidate's ability to conduct psychiatric assessments, communicate effectively, and make safe clinical decisions in realistic simulated scenarios.

The exam is an OSCE-style assessment consisting of 16 stations arranged in two circuits of 8 stations. Each station lasts 7 minutes with 90 seconds of reading time. Candidates interact with trained actors playing the role of patients, relatives, or colleagues.

• 16 Stations Total (2 circuits × 8 stations)
• 7 minutes Per Station (90 sec reading time)
• £1,254 – £1,628 Exam Fee per attempt (2026)
• 4 Sittings Exam Diets 2026 (2 UK + 2 International)

Station Types

• History Taking
• Mental State Examination
• Risk Assessment
• Capacity Assessment
• Breaking Bad News
• Communication Skills
• Family / Carer Meetings
• Psychoeducation

2026 CASC Exam Diet Schedule

Key dates for all 2026 exam sittings — plan your preparation timeline accordingly.

Marking Criteria

Each station is independently marked by a trained examiner using a structured mark scheme. Examiners assess across several domains:

• Clinical Skills — History taking, examination technique, information gathering
• Communication — Rapport, empathy, clarity, active listening
• Risk & Safety — Identifying and managing clinical risks
• Judgement — Clinical reasoning, formulation, management planning

Common Challenges CASC Candidates Face

Understanding these obstacles is the first step to overcoming them.

• Performance Anxiety — OSCE-style exams create intense pressure. Many candidates know the material but freeze under observation.
• Time Pressure — 7 minutes per station means every second counts. Poor time management is one of the top reasons for failing.
• Lack of Structured Feedback — Practising with peers helps, but without examiner-level structured feedback, it's hard to identify blind spots.
• Unrealistic Practice — Friends role-playing patients can't replicate the unpredictability and emotional complexity of real CASC actors.

How CASC Master Helps You Pass

Our AI-powered platform addresses every challenge CASC candidates face — so you walk into the exam confident and prepared.

• AI-Powered Role-Play — Converse with realistic AI patients that respond dynamically — just like a real CASC actor. Each session is unique.
• All Major Station Types — 50+ station types covering history taking, MSE, risk assessment, capacity, communication, and more.
• Structured Feedback — Get detailed examiner-style feedback after every session — strengths, improvements, and model answers.
• Exam-Style Timing — Practice with a 7-minute timer to build the pacing instincts you need for the real exam.
• Realistic Patient Simulations — AI patients with rich backstories, emotional states, and hidden concerns — revealed only if you probe.
• Progress Tracking — Review your session history, track improvements over time, and identify areas that need more practice.

CASC Resources & Articles

Free, in-depth guides to help you prepare for every aspect of the CASC exam.

What Our Free Guides Look Like

Every article is structured for maximum learning with clear headings, key takeaways, and direct links to practice.

Trusted by MRCPsych Trainees

Hear from candidates who used CASC Master to prepare for their exam.

"I passed CASC on my first attempt after using this app for 3 months. The AI feedback was incredibly detailed and highlighted blind spots I didn't know I had."

"The realistic patient simulations were a game-changer. Practicing with the timer helped me manage my time much better in the actual exam."

"After failing CASC once, I found this app and practiced every station type. The structured feedback helped me understand exactly what examiners expect. Passed second time!"

CASC Exam FAQ

Is the CASC exam difficult?

The CASC is considered one of the most challenging postgraduate clinical exams in psychiatry. National pass rates vary between 45-65% per diet. However, with structured preparation, realistic practice, and understanding of what examiners look for, it is absolutely achievable.

How many stations are in the CASC?

The CASC exam consists of 16 stations divided into two circuits (Circuit A and Circuit B), each containing 8 stations. Each station lasts 7 minutes with 90 seconds of reading time. You need to pass at least 8 stations overall, with no more than 4 fails in any single circuit.

How long should I prepare for the CASC?

Most successful candidates recommend 3-6 months of focused preparation. This should include theory revision, practical skills practice with simulated stations, and mock exams under timed conditions.

Is this app suitable for first attempt candidates?

Absolutely! CASC Master is designed for both first-time candidates and those retaking the exam. The app helps develop structured approaches for each station type and builds confidence through realistic practice.

What types of stations does the app cover?

CASC Master covers 50+ station types across all CASC domains, including psychiatric history taking, mental state examination, risk assessment, capacity assessment, breaking bad news, explaining diagnoses and medications, managing angry or distressed patients, motivational interviewing, MDT discussions, legal and ethical scenarios, and more.

How does the AI feedback compare to real examiner feedback?

Our AI evaluator assesses your performance using the same criteria as CASC examiners — clinical skills, communication, risk awareness, and clinical judgement. The feedback provides structured, consistent, and detailed assessment that many candidates find more useful than peer feedback alone.

CASC Station Guides

Your CASC Pass Starts Here

Stop reading. Start practicing. Every hour of simulated practice is worth ten hours of passive revision.

Free stations available — No credit card required