The psychiatry certification examination in Israel: a survey of candidates' opinions, and a proposal for change.

Twenty-eight past candidates for the final qualifying examination in psychiatry in Israel returned a questionnaire on their attitudes towards the examination and its four components. Candidates considered the examination generally unreliable in assessing ability, and were particularly critical of the section on psychotherapy. The implications of the findings are considered and recommendations offered, taking into consideration the special nature of specialty training in psychiatry. It is suggested that the live interview and psychotherapy sections be retained, though not the psychiatry and neurology sections. Additional effort needs to be made to enhance reliability. The interview should include a more detailed discussion, while the psychotherapy section should place less emphasis on the written report.