Pass the PSA Exam: Tips for First-Time Takers and Re-Sitters

With the first PSA exam out of the way, some might see this as a time to sit back and relax, but there are still three more opportunities to sit the exam. Whether you’re preparing for your first attempt or gearing up for a re-sit, now is the time to refine your skills and build confidence in your prescribing abilities. Staying proactive in your preparation will ensure you’re ready when your exam date arrives.

In this blog, we provide essential tips tailored to both first-time sitters and re-sitters, helping you maximise your preparation time effectively.

For First-Time Sitters: Build a Strong Foundation

As a first-time PSA candidate, preparation is key to ensuring success on exam day. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Familiarise Yourself with the Exam Format

  • The PSA consists of eight question types, ranging from prescription writing to data interpretation. Take time to understand how each section is structured and what skills are being tested. Check out our blog ‘How is the PSA exam scored’ for a more detailed breakdown.
  • Explore free resources such as the PSA Prep eLearning modules, which break down each question type and provide essential tips.
  • Check out sample questions available on the official PSA website to get a feel for the exam style.

2. Master the BNF – Medicines Complete and NICE

  • Knowing how to navigate the Medicines Complete British National Formulary (MC BNF), BNF for Children (MC BNFc) and NICE BNF and BNFc (in the UK) efficiently is crucial.
  • You will have access to these BNF resources up to 2 weeks before the exam when using the official practice materials as well as during the exam itself. Practising how to use them effectively beforehand will save you time under pressure.
  • Use case-based learning to apply BNF knowledge to real-world scenarios.

3. Strengthen Your Knowledge with Targeted Practice

  • Some topics are more complex than others, such as antimicrobial prescribing, dose calculations, and contraindications.
  • Work through case studies and mock scenarios to reinforce your understanding.
  • Use practice papers and self-marking exercises to test your prescribing knowledge.

4. Lean on Your Support System

  • Discuss prescribing challenges with your peers and professors—collaborative learning can highlight areas you might have overlooked. 
  • Join study groups or online forums where students share tips and discuss tricky prescribing cases.

For Re-Sitters: Learn from Experience and Focus on Improvement

If you didn’t pass the PSA on your first attempt, don’t be discouraged. Many candidates improve their scores significantly on a second sitting by refining their approach.

1. Reflect on Your Previous Attempt

  • Identify the areas where you struggled—was it time management, understanding the question types, or interpreting guidelines?
  • Focus your revision on these weaker areas to turn them into strengths.

2. Use PSA Prep to Fill in Knowledge Gaps

  • If you didn’t use them the first time around, the PSA Prep eLearning sessions available on the BPS Assessment Portal are an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of the PSA questions and re-familiarise yourself with the layout and structure of the exam.
  • They provide step-by-step guidance on answering different question types, helping you approach the exam more strategically.

3. Practice Under Exam Conditions

  • Timed practice papers will help improve both speed and accuracy.
  • Simulate exam conditions by working through questions without referring to external notes, using only the BNF.

4. Develop a Better Exam Strategy

  • Many students struggle with time pressure, so practice prioritising easier questions first to build momentum.
  • Use structured approaches, such as double-checking doses and contraindications before finalising your answers.

5. Seek Support and Stay Positive

  • Don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutors or educational supervisors for guidance on improving your performance.
  • Remember, re-sitting the PSA does not define your abilities as a doctor—it’s simply an opportunity to refine your prescribing skills.

Whether you’re sitting the PSA for the first time or preparing for a re-sit, the right preparation strategies can help you succeed. Make use of free resources like PSA Prep, practice navigating the BNF efficiently, and take advantage of study groups and support networks. With focused effort and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to passing the PSA and strengthening your prescribing confidence.

 

How to Pass the PSA Exam as a Foundation Doctor: Study Tips & Key Resources

As a foundation doctor, sitting the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) exam is a crucial step in demonstrating your prescribing competency. The next sitting of the PSA exam for foundation doctors is on March 20th, and ensuring you’re fully prepared can make all the difference in passing the PSA the first time.

In this guide, we’ll provide practical tips and key resources to help you maximise your study time and confidently approach the PSA exam.

Understanding the PSA Exam for Foundation Doctors

The PSA exam is designed to assess your ability to prescribe safely and effectively, covering eight core domains, including prescription review, drug monitoring, and data interpretation. 

As a foundation doctor sitting the PSA, you need to be familiar with BNF resources such as the Medicines Complete British National Formulary (MC BNF), Medicines Complete British National Formulary for Children (MC BNFc) and NICE BNF and BNFc (in the UK), all while being able to implement strong decision-making skills under timed conditions.

Study Tips for Passing the PSA First Time

1. Familiarise Yourself with the PSA Question Formats

The PSA consists of various question types, including:

  • Prescription Writing (PWS) – is worth 80 marks (8 questions worth 10 marks each)
  • Prescription Review (REV) – is worth 32 marks (8 questions worth 4 marks each)
  • Planning Management (MAN) – is worth 16 marks (8 questions worth 2 marks each)
  • Providing Information (COM) – is worth 12 marks (6 questions worth 2 marks each)
  • Calculation Skills (CAL) – is worth 16 marks (8 questions worth 2 marks each)
  • Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) –  is worth 16 marks (8 questions worth 2 marks each)
  • Drug Monitoring (TDM) – is worth 16 marks (8 questions worth 2 marks each)
  • Data Interpretation (DAT) –  is worth 12 marks (6 questions worth 2 marks each)

2. Use High-Quality PSA Preparation Resources

There are several excellent resources available to help foundation doctors sitting the PSA:

  • BNF Online & App – essential for understanding drug interactions, contraindications, and recommended dosages. You will have access to MC BNF, MC BNFc and NICE BNF and BNFc links during the exam. 
  • PSA Blueprint – the blueprint outlines the core topics covered in the exam and why they are tested.
  • BPS Assessment’s Free Resources – these 9 Free eLearning sessions (PSA Prep) are designed to help you tackle each question style found in the exam.
  • Medical School & Foundation Training Materials – reviewing previous prescribing assessments or resources provided in your training can be beneficial.

3. Develop a Systematic Approach to PSA Questions

When answering PSA questions, use the following structured approach:

  • Read the question carefully – Identify key clinical details and patient history.
  • Consult the BNF resources where needed – Ensure correct drug selection and dosing.
  • Eliminate incorrect answers – Narrowing down options can help improve accuracy.
  • Manage your time wisely – Don’t dwell too long on one question; move on and return if necessary.

4. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Time management is critical for passing your PSA exam first time. Simulating exam conditions by:

  • Setting a 90-minute timer and completing practice questions without interruptions.
  • Review your answers and identify patterns in errors.
  • Take mock PSA exams to gauge your readiness and build confidence.

5. Learn from PSA Past Papers & Feedback

Analysing past PSA exam questions can highlight common prescribing pitfalls. Many foundation doctors find that revisiting past PSA practice papers and learning from expert explanations significantly boosts their performance. 

Key Takeaways for Preparing for the PSA Exam as a Foundation Doctor

  • Start early and practice under timed conditions.
  • Use the BNF resources as your primary prescribing reference.
  • Familiarise yourself with different PSA question formats.
  • Take advantage of high-quality PSA preparation resources.
  • Review past PSA questions and learn from mistakes.

With the right approach and preparation, you can pass the PSA first time and demonstrate your prescribing competency with confidence. Good luck to all foundation doctors sitting the PSA on March 20th!