What is the MRCPsych Paper A exam pattern?

MRCPsych Paper A contains 55 questions across 1 section: MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q). Total duration is 180 minutes (about 196 seconds per question).

Does MRCPsych Paper A have negative marking?

No — MRCPsych Paper A has no negative marking. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, so attempt every question.

How is MRCPsych Paper A scored?

Scaled score range: 100 to 1000. MRCPsych Paper A (pass 700/1000).

How can I practise MRCPsych Paper A online for free?

Wrexa Edge gives you a free full-length MRCPsych Paper A mock test — with instant scoring, detailed explanations and analytics — plus 49 more with a one-time $1.99 unlock that never expires. Start practising in under a minute, no card required.

How long is the MRCPsych Paper A exam?

MRCPsych Paper A runs for 180 minutes total. On Wrexa Edge the timer is enforced exactly as on the real exam — including no inter-section breaks.

What topics are covered in MRCPsych Paper A?

MRCPsych Paper A is split into: MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q). Each section is timed and weighted separately. MRCPsych Paper A · MCQ. United Kingdom examination. · Official language: English.

What tools or aids are allowed during MRCPsych Paper A?

No special tools are required. Note: real exam is proctored — Wrexa Edge mirrors this with a webcam-based proctoring flow you can enable.

Is the MRCPsych Paper A test adaptive?

No — MRCPsych Paper A is a fixed-form (linear) test. Every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.

How many MRCPsych Paper A mock tests does Wrexa Edge offer?

Wrexa Edge generates 50 distinct MRCPsych Paper A variants — each with different question content, not just shuffled options — the first one free for everyone and 49 more with a one-time $1.99 unlock. That's 2750 unique practice questions in the real test-day interface.

Is there a free MRCPsych Paper A test series 2026?

Yes. The Wrexa Edge MRCPsych Paper A test series for 2026 gives you a free full-length mock test (50 in total) plus subject-wise and topic-wise tests — instant scoring and detailed analysis, no card required.

Are MRCPsych Paper A previous year question–style papers included?

Every MRCPsych Paper A mock is modelled on the official exam pattern and the style of previous years' papers — the same 55-question structure, sections and marking — so your practice mirrors the real paper you'll sit.

Which is the best free MRCPsych Paper A mock test online?

Wrexa Edge's MRCPsych Paper A mock test replicates the real exam interface, timing and marking scheme, with instant score, section-wise analysis and 50 fresh variants — a strong free choice for 2026 preparation.

Can I take the MRCPsych Paper A mock test on mobile?

Yes. MRCPsych Paper A mock tests run in any browser on mobile, tablet or desktop — no app or download needed. Start on your phone and your progress and analytics sync when you sign in.

What is the MRCPsych Paper A syllabus?

The MRCPsych Paper A syllabus maps to its 1 section: MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q). Wrexa Edge's mock tests cover the complete syllabus topic by topic — see the topics-covered breakdown above — so you practise every area at real exam difficulty.

What is the eligibility for MRCPsych Paper A?

Typically about 30 months of postgraduate experience in psychiatry (post-foundation) with GMC or equivalent registration. It is the first written exam of the MRCPsych. Wrexa Edge focuses on realistic MRCPsych Paper A practice: a free full-length mock in the exact exam pattern, ready whenever you are.

When is the MRCPsych Paper A exam and how should I prepare?

Official MRCPsych Paper A exam dates are announced by the conducting body for each cycle — check the latest notification for the current schedule. To be ready, follow a phased study plan and take full-length timed mocks; Wrexa Edge gives you a free MRCPsych Paper A mock with instant scoring so you can track your readiness week by week.

MRCPsych Paper A Mock Test 2026 — Free Practice

MRCPsych Paper A exam at a glance

Questions

180

Minutes total

Section

Variants

50 full-length mock tests

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MRCPsych Paper A key facts & eligibility

MRCPsych Paper A at a glance — verified exam facts
Conducting body	The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), UK; delivered via Pearson VUE.
Official website	rcpsych.ac.uk ↗
Mode	A computer-based written paper of 150 questions (multiple-choice questions and extended-matching items) in 3 hours.
Frequency	Several diets a year at Pearson VUE centres.
Scoring & marking	150 questions (MCQs and EMIs) on the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry — behavioural science, human development, neurosciences, clinical psychopharmacology, and the principles underlying assessment and management. The pass mark is set per diet by a modified Angoff method.
Score validity	A pass counts toward the MRCPsych; later components must follow within the allowed window.
Language	English.

Who is eligible for MRCPsych Paper A?

Typically about 30 months of postgraduate experience in psychiatry (post-foundation) with GMC or equivalent registration. It is the first written exam of the MRCPsych.

Last verified July 2026 against RCPsych — Exams. Always confirm current details on the official website before you register.

MRCPsych Paper A section breakdown

The MRCPsych Paper A mock test on Wrexa Edge replicates the real exam's section structure — same names, same question count per section, same time limits. No inter-section breaks — the timer runs continuously.

MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q)

55 questions · 180 minutes · ~196 sec/question

Marking scheme

+1 per correct. Try your score.

+1Correct

0Wrong

0Unanswered

Correct answers 36 Wrong answers 7

Your score0/ 1000

Strategy: MRCPsych Paper A has no negative marking. Attempt every question — blank answers cost you potential marks but cannot pull your score down.

Scale: MRCPsych Paper A (pass 700/1000).

How MRCPsych Paper A is conducted

Mode
Proctored — Wrexa Edge mirrors this with a webcam-based proctoring flow (face detection, room scan, fullscreen lock, tab-switch detection).
Test format
Linear / fixed-form — every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.
Backtracking
Allowed — you can revisit and change answers within a section.
Mark for review
Available — flag tough questions and return to them before submitting the section.

MRCPsych Paper A time strategy

With 55 questions in 180 minutes, you have about 196 seconds per question on average. Successful candidates aim for the following pacing on each section:

MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q)
Target ~196 sec/question. If a question takes more than 294 seconds, mark for review and move on.

Wrexa Edge's analytics show your actual time-per-question after every mock so you can spot which sections you're losing time on.

MRCPsych Paper A topics covered

Across the 50 Wrexa Edge variants of MRCPsych Paper A, the following topics appear most often (sample distribution from one variant):

MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q)

Paper A — Psychopharmacology · 11
Paper A — Psychopathology · 9
Paper A — Behavioural Science · 8
Paper A — Neuroscience · 8
Paper A — Human Development · 6
Paper A — Classification & Assessment · 5
Paper A — History & Psychotherapies · 5
Paper A — Genetics · 3

MRCPsych Paper A difficulty calibration

Advanced tier. Advanced-level: high-stakes exam with rigorous content depth. Expect 4-8 months of structured prep.

MRCPsych Paper A · MCQ. United Kingdom examination. · Official language: English.

Verified content — Wrexa Edge's MRCPsych Paper A bank has been deeply curated with real exam-aligned content (estimated 100% syllabus coverage).

How Wrexa Edge prepares you for MRCPsych Paper A

Real test-day interface
Our cert skin mirrors the actual MRCPsych Paper A testing software — same timer, palette, tools, and navigation.
50 distinct variants
2750 unique practice questions, each variant a fresh test — not just shuffled options.
Detailed analytics
Scaled score, section accuracy, topic-wise heatmap, time-per-question — see where to focus after every attempt.
Spaced repetition (Notebook)
Wrong answers and flagged questions flow into an SM-2 spaced-repetition deck so you actually retain what you learn.
Optional proctoring
Browser-based face-api detection (no install) — turn it on to simulate real MRCPsych Paper A test-day conditions.
Free to start
No credit card. Sign up, pick a variant, and your first MRCPsych Paper A mock starts in under a minute.

MRCPsych Paper A study plan

A phase-by-phase roadmap from your first concept to test-ready. Stretch or compress each phase to fit the time you have before your attempt.

1 Phase 1 — Science foundations Months 1–2

Study behavioural science, human development and neurosciences
Build clinical psychopharmacology fundamentals
Start MCQ/EMI practice mapped to the RCPsych syllabus

2 Phase 2 — Depth & breadth Months 2–3

Cover the psychological and social sciences underpinning psychiatry
Do high-volume MCQ/EMI questions with an error log
Target weak science areas, especially psychopharmacology

3 Phase 3 — Mocks Final weeks

Take full-length timed mocks (150 questions, 3 hours)
Aim above the Angoff-set pass mark
Consolidate high-yield neuroscience and psychopharmacology

Where MRCPsych Paper A can take you

A strong MRCPsych Paper A result opens up these careers and higher-study paths:

MRCPsych progression
Paper A is the first written step toward the MRCPsych.
Psychiatry training
It underpins progression through UK psychiatry specialty training.
NHS psychiatrist career
A step toward a career as a psychiatrist in the NHS.
International recognition
MRCPsych is recognised across many mental-health systems.

Best books & official prep for MRCPsych Paper A

MRCPsych Paper A question banks (e.g. SPMM, PassMRCPsych) — Various
High-volume MCQ/EMI practice for the basic sciences.
Revision notes for MRCPsych Paper A — Various
Condensed neuroscience, psychopharmacology and psychology.
RCPsych syllabus & curriculum — RCPsych
The official scope the exam is built from.
Psychopharmacology review (e.g. Stahl) — Various
A high-yield, heavily tested area.

Official practice: RCPsych publishes the syllabus; the paper is science-heavy, so MCQ/EMI practice across neuroscience, psychology and psychopharmacology is the reliable route.

Previous-year papers: RCPsych does not release past papers; the syllabus and reputable question banks are the best preparation.

Sample MRCPsych Paper A practice questions

5 questions taken from the MRCPsych Paper A mock tests on Wrexa Edge. Try each one, then reveal the answer.

MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q) · Paper A — Psychopathology

Q1. A sense that something strange and significant is happening, preceding the crystallisation of a delusion, is?
1. Déjà vu
2. Derealisation
3. Overvalued idea
4. Delusional mood (Wahnstimmung)
Show answer

Answer: D — Delusional mood (Wahnstimmung)
MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q) · Paper A — Behavioural Science

Q2. The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period is called?
1. Spontaneous recovery
2. Stimulus generalisation
3. Higher-order conditioning
4. Habituation
Show answer

Answer: A — Spontaneous recovery
MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q) · Paper A — Psychopharmacology

Q3. Elimination of a fixed amount of drug per unit time regardless of concentration (e.g. alcohol at usual doses) is?
1. First-order kinetics
2. Zero-order kinetics
3. Second-order kinetics
4. Michaelis constant kinetics
Show answer

Answer: B — Zero-order kinetics
MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q) · Paper A — Classification & Assessment

Q4. What change did both DSM-5 and ICD-11 make regarding schizophrenia subtypes such as paranoid and hebephrenic?
1. Expanded them to twelve subtypes
2. Made subtype mandatory for diagnosis
3. Removed them in favour of symptom specifiers
4. Replaced them with personality clusters
Show answer

Answer: C — Removed them in favour of symptom specifiers
MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q) · Paper A — Human Development

Q5. Egocentrism and animistic thinking are characteristic of which Piagetian stage?
1. Sensorimotor (0–2 years)
2. Concrete operational (7–11 years)
3. Formal operational (11+ years)
4. Preoperational (approximately 2–7 years)
Show answer

Answer: D — Preoperational (approximately 2–7 years)

Frequently asked questions

What is the MRCPsych Paper A exam pattern?: MRCPsych Paper A contains 55 questions across 1 section: MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q). Total duration is 180 minutes (about 196 seconds per question).
Does MRCPsych Paper A have negative marking?: No — MRCPsych Paper A has no negative marking. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, so attempt every question.
How is MRCPsych Paper A scored?: Scaled score range: 100 to 1000. MRCPsych Paper A (pass 700/1000).
How can I practise MRCPsych Paper A online for free?: Wrexa Edge gives you a free full-length MRCPsych Paper A mock test — with instant scoring, detailed explanations and analytics — plus 49 more with a one-time $1.99 unlock that never expires. Start practising in under a minute, no card required.
What is the difficulty level of MRCPsych Paper A?: MRCPsych Paper A is rated Advanced difficulty on Wrexa Edge. Advanced-level: high-stakes exam with rigorous content depth. Expect 4-8 months of structured prep. MRCPsych Paper A · MCQ. United Kingdom examination. · Official language: English.
How long is the MRCPsych Paper A exam?: MRCPsych Paper A runs for 180 minutes total. On Wrexa Edge the timer is enforced exactly as on the real exam — including no inter-section breaks.
What topics are covered in MRCPsych Paper A?: MRCPsych Paper A is split into: MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q). Each section is timed and weighted separately. MRCPsych Paper A · MCQ. United Kingdom examination. · Official language: English.
What tools or aids are allowed during MRCPsych Paper A?: No special tools are required. Note: real exam is proctored — Wrexa Edge mirrors this with a webcam-based proctoring flow you can enable.
Is the MRCPsych Paper A test adaptive?: No — MRCPsych Paper A is a fixed-form (linear) test. Every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.
How many MRCPsych Paper A mock tests does Wrexa Edge offer?: Wrexa Edge generates 50 distinct MRCPsych Paper A variants — each with different question content, not just shuffled options — the first one free for everyone and 49 more with a one-time $1.99 unlock. That's 2750 unique practice questions in the real test-day interface.
Is there a free MRCPsych Paper A test series 2026?: Yes. The Wrexa Edge MRCPsych Paper A test series for 2026 gives you a free full-length mock test (50 in total) plus subject-wise and topic-wise tests — instant scoring and detailed analysis, no card required.
Are MRCPsych Paper A previous year question–style papers included?: Every MRCPsych Paper A mock is modelled on the official exam pattern and the style of previous years' papers — the same 55-question structure, sections and marking — so your practice mirrors the real paper you'll sit.
Which is the best free MRCPsych Paper A mock test online?: Wrexa Edge's MRCPsych Paper A mock test replicates the real exam interface, timing and marking scheme, with instant score, section-wise analysis and 50 fresh variants — a strong free choice for 2026 preparation.
Can I take the MRCPsych Paper A mock test on mobile?: Yes. MRCPsych Paper A mock tests run in any browser on mobile, tablet or desktop — no app or download needed. Start on your phone and your progress and analytics sync when you sign in.
What is the MRCPsych Paper A syllabus?: The MRCPsych Paper A syllabus maps to its 1 section: MRCPsych Paper A (55 Q). Wrexa Edge's mock tests cover the complete syllabus topic by topic — see the topics-covered breakdown above — so you practise every area at real exam difficulty.
What is the eligibility for MRCPsych Paper A?: Typically about 30 months of postgraduate experience in psychiatry (post-foundation) with GMC or equivalent registration. It is the first written exam of the MRCPsych. Wrexa Edge focuses on realistic MRCPsych Paper A practice: a free full-length mock in the exact exam pattern, ready whenever you are.
When is the MRCPsych Paper A exam and how should I prepare?: Official MRCPsych Paper A exam dates are announced by the conducting body for each cycle — check the latest notification for the current schedule. To be ready, follow a phased study plan and take full-length timed mocks; Wrexa Edge gives you a free MRCPsych Paper A mock with instant scoring so you can track your readiness week by week.

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