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 Risk Assessment Stations

Risk assessment is tested in virtually every CASC station. Master the frameworks that ensure you never miss a critical risk factor.

Overview

Risk assessment is arguably the most important clinical skill tested in the CASC exam. It goes beyond simply asking about suicidal ideation — examiners expect a nuanced, systematic approach that considers static factors, dynamic factors, and protective factors. Risk assessment skills are tested both in dedicated risk stations and integrated into almost every other station type.

Key Skills Assessed

Structured suicide risk assessment (ideation, intent, plan, means)
Violence risk assessment framework
Assessing self-neglect and vulnerability
Identifying and weighing protective factors
Formulating risk as low/medium/high with clear rationale
Developing a risk management plan

Recommended Framework

1. Set Context

Explain purpose, ensure privacy, use empathic transitional phrases to introduce risk questions

2. Suicidal Ideation

Passive death wish, active suicidal thoughts, frequency, triggers, duration

3. Intent & Plan

Strength of intent, specificity of plan, access to means, preparatory actions

4. Previous History

Past attempts (number, method, severity), previous self-harm, response to previous crises

5. Static Risk Factors

Male sex, older age, chronic illness, social isolation, family history

6. Dynamic Risk Factors

Current mental state, substance use, recent losses, hopelessness, command hallucinations

7. Protective Factors

Social support, children/dependents, religious beliefs, reasons for living, engagement with services

8. Formulation & Plan

Synthesise into low/medium/high risk with clear management plan and safety netting

Example Exam Scenarios

Assess suicide risk in a 35-year-old man following relationship breakdown
Evaluate violence risk in a patient with paranoid delusions about neighbours
Assess risk of self-neglect in an elderly patient with severe depression
Conduct a risk assessment following a serious suicide attempt

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Asking risk questions in a checklist manner instead of conversationally
Not asking about access to means
Forgetting protective factors — risk is a balance
Assessing risk without formulating a management plan
Being too afraid to ask direct questions about suicide

Examiner Tips

Use natural transitions: "When people feel as low as you\
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