Doha CASC: What RCPsych’s Update Means for MRCPsych Candidates

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RCPsych has confirmed an additional CASC exam diet in Doha, Qatar, in November 2025, which is already fully subscribed following 180+ applications from doctors worldwide. Below, we’ve distilled the President’s update into the key points candidates need—plus practical prep tips from the PassMRCPsych team.

For the most accurate and current details, candidates should regularly consult the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website.

The headlines (at a glance):

  • New international CASC: An extra diet in Doha (Hamad Medical Corporation), November 2025.
  • Why it matters: CASC demand has surged—>120% growth since 2019—and ~40% of candidates now sit outside the UK & Ireland.
  • Capacity boost: Existing diets in Sheffield and Singapore can’t meet demand alone; Doha adds much-needed places for international candidates.
  • Global reach: Since 2015, Papers A & B have run in 44 countries; Doha extends that accessibility to CASC.
  • UK context: Core training expansion continues; England’s fill rates rose from 67% (2017) to 99% (2024).
  • Standards unchanged: The same blueprint, specification, standard setting, QA and values apply in Doha as in the UK/Singapore.

Why Doha?

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) was selected after a formal tender (Nov 2023) with scoring against criteria agreed by RCPsych committees. The panel included the Chief Examiner, Chair of the CASC Panel, Director of Professional Standards, Head of Examinations and the International Manager, chaired by the Dean and supported by the Presidential Lead for Global Mental Health Strategy.

Key reasons highlighted:

  • Accessibility: Easier travel and visa processes for many candidates across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent—addressing a frequent barrier for those travelling to UK diets.
  • Proven exam delivery: HMC has purpose-built facilities and experience supporting clinical exams, including the RCP (UK) PACES.

Standards and Values

RCPsych emphasises that CASC is delivered consistently worldwide. The blueprint, marking, examiner calibration and QA are universal, regardless of location. The College also acknowledged differing customs and legal frameworks internationally, and described a values-based assessment and EDI engagement (including a July 2024 meeting with College EDI leaders and concerned members). On balance, attendees supported proceeding with the Doha diet.

What This Means For You

  1. More choice of venue: In addition to Sheffield and Singapore, Doha opens another pathway—particularly helpful if you face visa or cost hurdles getting to the UK.
  2. Competition remains high: The Doha 2025 diet is already full. Future diets are likely to fill quickly—apply early.
  3. Same exam, different postcode: Your prep doesn’t change. Stations, competencies and standards remain aligned to the CASC syllabus.

FAQs (Quick Answers)

Is the Doha CASC the same exam?
Yes—same blueprint, competencies, and standards, with RCPsych QA at each stage.

Why expand now?
Demand has grown substantially both within the UK (more trainees, near-universal fill rates) and globally (larger international cohort).

Why HMC in Doha?
Top-scoring bid, purpose-built facilities, track record hosting comparable clinical exams, and better visa/access for many candidates.

Will there be more places for UK candidates?
RCPsych says it is working to increase UK capacity; Doha and Singapore primarily support international demand.

For finer details (tender process, logistics, documentation), check RCPsych’s official Doha CASC FAQs on their website.

How to Prepare (PassMRCPsych Game Plan)

Even with a new venue, CASC success still hinges on the fundamentals:

Mindset and logistics
If travelling: plan arrival buffers, check visa timelines, and rehearse sleep/meals/hydration. On the day, focus on process over perfection—each station is a fresh start.
Map the blueprint to skills
Break down stations by domain (history, risk, capacity, formulation, physical health, communication with carers, etc.). Tie each to observable behaviours you can practise.
Drill deliberate practice
Short, focused circuits (4–6 stations), timed with strict bell discipline. Rotate roles: candidate, patient, examiner. Use structured feedback (What went well / Even better if / Evidence).
Use the PassMRCPsych AI CASC Simulator!
Sharpen communication micro-skills
Signpost and chunk information.
Use patient-centred language; avoid jargon.
Demonstrate empathy explicitly (naming emotion + validating rationale).
Summarise and safety-net.
Decision-making under pressure
Practise frameworks: risk (acute/chronic/protective), capacity (understand/retain/weigh/communicate), consent, MCA best interests, safeguarding, and practical next steps (who/what/when).
Realistic exam-day rehearsal
Full mock under exam conditions: timings, reading time, note discipline, and moving cleanly between stations.

Final Word

The Doha CASC expansion recognises the global demand for MRCPsych while holding the line on standards. For candidates, the message from the RCPsych is simple: same exam, more access.

Focus your preparation on consistent, observable skills—and practise like it’s the real thing.