As the festive season unfolds and the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to set goals for success—especially if you’re preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) in 2025. For final-year medical students and foundation doctors, making smart use of the holiday period can pave the way for a confident start to the exam season.
Here’s how to turn your New Year’s resolutions into actionable steps for effective PSA preparation.
1. I Will Use the Festive Period to Get Ahead
The holidays might be packed with celebrations, but they also offer valuable downtime for uninterrupted study! Setting aside just 30 minutes a day to review prescribing principles or tackle a practice paper can make all the difference.
💡 Festive Tip: Pair your study time with a cosy hot chocolate or your favourite festive treat to make it more enjoyable.
2. I Will Master the PSA Exam Format by January
Understanding the structure of the PSA is key. The exam tests your ability to prescribe safely and effectively, covering topics like drug monitoring, interactions, and contraindications.
- Dive into the PSA Practice Papers for realistic simulations of the actual exam.
- Use these papers to familiarize yourself with the question styles and gain confidence in tackling them.
3. I Will Complete All PSA Prep eLearning Sessions
The PSA Prep eLearning series on the BPS Assessment Portal is a free resource to kickstart your preparation. These nine modules are designed to:
- Help you understand the exam format.
- Explain what each question evaluates.
- Build your knowledge across key prescribing areas.
By completing these sessions early, you’ll set a strong foundation for tackling the PSA.
4. I Will Practice Under Timed Conditions
Time management is as important as knowledge for the PSA. Make it a habit to complete practice papers under timed conditions, mirroring the real exam experience. This will:
- Help you gauge how quickly you can navigate questions.
- Highlight areas where you may need to pick up the pace.
🎄 Festive Tip: Treat yourself to a focused study session with Practice Paper 3 from BPS Assessment— a full-length practice paper with in depth feedback perfect for practicing your timing. Keep the festive spirit alive with a mince pie or two.
5. I Will Become BNF-Savvy
The Medicines Complete British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFc) are invaluable resources during the PSA, along with the NICE BNF. They’re accessible in the exam through the assessment platform, so learning to navigate them effectively can save you precious minutes.
- Spend 15 minutes daily familiarizing yourself with the different interfaces.
- Practise the searching sections like dosage guidelines, contraindications, and interactions.
6. I Will Plan My Preparation Around PSA Exam Dates
Mark your calendar with the 2025 PSA exam dates:
- Thursday 30th January 2025 (Medical schools only)
- Thursday 20th March 2025
- Thursday 1st May 2025
- Thursday 5th June 2025 (Medical schools only)
Start preparation well in advance and allocate study goals for each week leading up to your chosen date.
7. I Will Focus on My Weak Spots
Some areas of prescribing, such as paediatric dosing or interactions, may feel more challenging than others. Resolve to:
- Dedicate extra time to reviewing complex topics.
- Use resources to target these areas with confidence-building exercises.
- Supplement your learning with case studies or mock prescriptions.
8. I Will Celebrate My Progress Along the Way
Don’t forget to reward yourself! Acknowledge small wins—whether it’s completing a practice paper or mastering a tricky topic—and treat yourself to something fun. These small celebrations will keep you motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Ready to Make 2025 Your Year of PSA Success?
The holiday season is the perfect time to start strong. With resolutions to guide your study and a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well-prepared for the PSA.
Check out the BPS Assessment Portal for more tips, practice resources, and insights to help you excel. Let’s make 2025 a year of accomplishment and prescribing confidence!