Neither are very precise in the US. I’m studying hard to become board-certified in Psychiatry. (You would already be a doctor but, in practice, would need to be board-certified to practice as a Psychiatrist for the long term) Or I’m studying hard for the board-certification exam in Psychiatry. (It’s obvious that you would need to pass it) Other English-speaking countries would have terminology specific to their systems.

In British English, it would be more natural to say "I'm studying hard in order to pass an exam and become a qualified psychiatrist"

The first sentence is more appropriate: "I am studying hard in order to pass an exam and receive a license as a psychiatrist." In English, the terms "license" and "certificate" have distinct meanings, especially in professional contexts: - A license is an official document issued by a governing authority (like a medical board) that gives you legal permission to practice a profession (e.g., psychiatry, law, etc.). Without a license, you cannot legally work as a psychiatrist. - A certificate is often a document that proves you completed a course or training. It doesn’t necessarily grant you the legal right to practice in a regulated profession. Since psychiatry is a regulated profession, you need a license to legally work as a psychiatrist. That’s why the first sentence is correct!

I understand both, but I would say "become a licensed psychiatrist."