Postgraduate training in psychiatry: essential information for trainees and trainers

This guide provides an overview of postgraduate training in psychiatry. It outlines the process of training for psychiatric trainees and so helps them meet the requirements of the curriculum. It will also be of help to those involved in training at all levels – educational supervisors, tutors, training programme directors, and heads of school. The guide is not intended to cover every detail and aspect of training, but it sets out standards across all psychiatric training. The standards have been developed from existing College guidance, including the Basic Specialist Training Handbook (2003) and the Higher Specialist Training Handbook (1998), as well as the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board's Generic Standards for Training (2006) and contemporary literature on postgraduate medical education. Further useful information can be found on the College website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/training.aspx.