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 using AI-powered practice and realistic patient simulations, 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, including theory revision, practical skills practice with simulated stations, and mock exams under timed conditions. Starting with 1-2 AI practice stations per day and building up to full mock circuits is recommended.

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 AI-powered practice with examiner-style feedback.

What types of CASC 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 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 Cognitive Assessment Stations

Cognitive assessment stations test your ability to use standardised tools, interpret results, and communicate findings — all under time pressure.

Overview

Cognitive assessment stations in the CASC test your ability to administer standardised cognitive screening tools (such as MMSE, ACE-III, or MoCA), interpret the results, explain findings to patients or relatives, and integrate cognitive findings into a differential diagnosis. These stations may also test your knowledge of dementia subtypes and the distinction between delirium, dementia, and depression.

Key Skills Assessed

Administering cognitive screening tools (MMSE, ACE-III, MoCA)
Interpreting scores and identifying patterns
Differentiating dementia subtypes based on cognitive profiles
Distinguishing delirium, dementia, and depression
Explaining cognitive test results to patients and families
Formulating an investigation and management plan

Recommended Framework

1. Introduction

Explain purpose of testing, gain consent, ensure patient is comfortable and able to engage

2. Orientation

Test orientation to time, place, and person

3. Attention

Serial 7s, spelling WORLD backwards, months backwards

4. Memory

Registration, recall (immediate and delayed), address recall

5. Language

Naming, repetition, comprehension, reading, writing

6. Visuospatial

Clock drawing, intersecting pentagons, cube copying

7. Interpret & Explain

Score the assessment, explain results sensitively, outline next steps and investigations

Example Exam Scenarios

Administer a cognitive screening assessment for a patient with memory concerns
Explain the results of cognitive testing to a patient\
,
,
s disease with a patient

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not explaining the purpose of cognitive testing before starting
Rushing through the assessment without building rapport
Failing to recognise and adjust for educational and cultural factors
Not considering delirium as a differential when cognition is impaired
Giving a dementia diagnosis based on screening alone without further investigation

Examiner Tips

Always normalise cognitive testing: "These are routine questions we ask everyone..."
Be sensitive — cognitive testing can be distressing for patients
If a patient becomes frustrated, acknowledge this and offer to take a break
Know the key cognitive profiles for each dementia subtype

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