Following a visit to the Royal College of Psychiatrists by Professor W. J. Schudel, it was decided to visit The Netherlands with a view to gathering information about the organisation of postgraduate medical education In psychiatry there. Several Dutch psychiatrists were interviewed during the visit. The ‘Calman’ Report recommends limiting the period of training for British trainees. Formative methods of assessment are to be introduced, with a review of progress at regular intervals. The present Dutch system relies solely upon formative assessment.