[Oral examination for certification in psychiatry].

This paper first describes interviewing techniques and oral presentations made by candidates to the examiners. It then describes the factors related to a failing score on the oral certification examination. The author draws conclusions regarding the difference between the corporation examination, which gives candidates the right to practise, and the Royal College examination or that of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, where the candidates chose whether or not they wish to take the examination.