Are you curious about how national recruitment and training placements really work? Behind the scenes, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye—and some of it might surprise you. As of December 2025, we’ve noticed a surge in questions about the College’s role in this process, from assessment methods and applicant prioritization to the allocation of training posts and our own exams. But here’s where it gets controversial: How transparent is the system, and are all applicants truly on equal footing?
We’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ section to shed light on these topics, aiming to clarify the College’s responsibilities and the steps we’re taking to tackle the challenges head-on. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, these insights are designed to demystify the process and ensure everyone understands how it works. And this is the part most people miss: the FAQs also address common misconceptions and provide real-world examples to illustrate key points.
Check out our detailed FAQs on national recruitment and training places here: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/faqs-on-national-recruitment-and-training-places-december-2025. Still have questions? Members can submit them directly to the College Officers via our Question Time with the Officers page: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/question-time-with-the-officers/submit-a-question-for-the-next-question-time-with-the-officers-members-only.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do you think the current recruitment and training system is fair, or are there areas that need improvement? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
