The Certification Examination: Opinions of Royal College Examiners

Abstract

There has been increasing concern among candidates and psychiatrists regarding the Canadian written and oral certification examinations. Views of candidates and psychiatrists have been obtained. The results presented in this survey were obtained through a questionnaire that was completed by 64 past and present Royal College examiners. General support for the establishment of guidelines for the selection of examiners, for increased emphasis on the use of in-training evaluations and for the need of clear operational criteria for examiners and candidates was voiced. Finally, the evaluation model that most responding examiners favoured included re-introducing one part essay into the written examination. Overall, although finding it exhausting, most examiners enjoy examining and are satisfied with the present system. Recommendations concerning improvements to the present system are presented.