Preparing psychiatry residents for the certification exam: a survey of residency and exam experiences

To determine which methods best prepare psychiatry residents for the certification exam, and ultimately for practice, to facilitate appropriate residency program curriculum changes.

We sent an anonymous survey to all final year (that is, PGY5) Canadian university-affiliated psychiatry residents, regarding frequency and diversity of observed interviews, form of feedback delivery, research and other training experiences, self-perception of preparedness and knowledge base, and management strategies for exam anxiety 6 months before and immediately after the certification exam.

There was a 52% response rate. Residents from across Canada identified the following factors as enabling successful exam completion: regular mock orals supervised by Royal College examiners, clinical experience with exposure to a wide spectrum of pathologies, individual and group study time, and appropriate anxiety management. Preparation for the oral exam involving sample case vignettes with presentation and formulation skills training was considered to be essential but was identified as an area of educational and experiential weakness in some programs.

To prepare psychiatry residents for successful completion of their certification exam, programs should incorporate regular mock orals observed by Royal College examiners throughout residency training (not just in PGY2 and PGY5). Programs should also incorporate training in case vignettes, training in oral exam skills, and teaching of anxiety-management strategies.