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 Communication Skills Stations

Communication skills are tested across all CASC stations. Learn the frameworks and techniques that separate passing candidates from those who fail.

Overview

Communication skills are the thread that runs through every CASC station. Dedicated communication stations may focus on breaking bad news, explaining a diagnosis or treatment, managing an angry or distressed patient, or conducting motivational interviewing. However, your communication is assessed in every station — rapport, empathy, clarity, and professionalism all contribute to your marks.

Key Skills Assessed

Breaking bad news using the SPIKES framework
Explaining diagnoses in patient-friendly language
Managing angry or distressed patients with de-escalation
Motivational interviewing techniques
Psychoeducation for patients and families
Managing non-adherence to treatment

Recommended Framework

1. Establish Rapport

Warm greeting, appropriate body language, empathic opening

2. Assess Understanding

Find out what the patient already knows or expects

3. Deliver Information

Use clear language, chunk information, check understanding after each chunk

4. Respond to Emotion

Acknowledge feelings, validate concerns, allow silence

5. Negotiate & Plan

Involve the patient in decision-making, agree next steps

6. Summarise & Close

Review key points, provide written information if available, arrange follow-up

Example Exam Scenarios

Explain a diagnosis of schizophrenia to a newly diagnosed patient
Break the news of a dementia diagnosis to a patient\
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Delivering too much information at once without checking understanding
Using medical jargon instead of patient-friendly language
Not allowing enough silence after delivering difficult news
Becoming defensive with angry patients instead of acknowledging their feelings
Forgetting to ask about the patient\

Examiner Tips

Show genuine empathy — examiners can tell if you\
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s perspective

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