If you didn’t pass the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) on your first try, don’t worry. With the right preparation, you can approach your resit with confidence. This blog will give you some tips to help you get ready for your PSA resit and map out a plan before the next exam.
Start by reviewing your last exam
One of the biggest advantages resitters have is exam experience. Use your memory of sitting the exam to reflect on where things didn’t go to plan. Think about which areas you found most challenging and how you managed your time on the day. That reflection is where your revision plan should start.
If you completed any practice papers beforehand, go back and review those too. The patterns in where you can improve are your revision roadmap, and having that clarity from the outset means your preparation will be much more targeted.
Build a plan that works around your schedule
Build a revision schedule that gives you:
- Regular study sessions each week
- Time to review key prescribing topics (e.g. dose calculations, adverse drug reactions)
- Time to complete full practice papers under exam conditions
Setting out a realistic weekly schedule with shorter, focused sessions where you are actively working on a specific area can help you not feel overloaded.
Feel confident with the eight question types
The PSA uses eight question styles and each one tests different aspects of prescribing safety. Some of the areas worth prioritising include prescribing questions, dosage calculations, adverse drug reactions and prescription review.
Knowing how the marks are split across each section can really help you decide where to focus. Some sections carry significantly more weight than others, which is worth keeping in mind when planning your revision time.
To help understand what each question covers and the marks available for each have a look at our quick guide here
Sharpen your BNF navigation
Confidence with the BNF is one of the most practical things you can work on ahead of the resit. Spend time practising lookups during your revision, especially within the timed setting of a mock paper.
Focus on dosing guidance, contraindications, prescribing for specific populations e.g elderly or pregnancy, and key safety and monitoring information. The quicker and more confidently you can navigate it, the more time you will have left for the exam questions.
Make the most of the resources available to you
On the BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal, you’ll find:
- PSA prep, eLearning and assessments
- Detailed explanations for how to answer each question style helping you learn from mistakes
- Exam tips and blog content tailored to both first-time sitters and resitters
Use these resources to revise smarter and improve your confidence ahead of your re-sit.
Get help from the people around you
Talking to your tutors or university faculty about the areas you want to work on can be really valuable, and so can connecting with peers who have sat or passed the exam. Even an informal study group can help you stay on track, keep things in perspective and pick up approaches you might not have considered on your own.
Ready for Your PSA Resit?
You have already got exam experience, a clearer picture of where to focus and everything you need to prepare well. Don’t forget to also use the resources available and believe in your own ability.
Good luck with your resit!
