The Portal Post
The latest information for clinical learners and professionals from the team at the British Pharmacological Society Assessment.
PSA exam questions by type: What you’ll see and how long to spend on each
If you’re preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA), you’re not alone! Thousands of students will take it between October 2025 and June 2026. Knowing exactly what to expect on the day can make a huge difference to your confidence and performance. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive
Learn about Yellow Card reporting with our new assessment
The Yellow Card scheme is the UK’s system for collecting and monitoring information about suspected side effects or safety concerns with medicines and medical devices. Run by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), it serves as a critical medicine surveillance tool.That’s exactly why we’ve developed a new training
How long is the Prescribing Safety Assessment? Timing, question breakdown & what to expect
For the majority of candidates, sitting the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) can be a daunting experience. Many admit to struggling most with the time pressures – ensuring that they answer all 60 questions within the given time. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful blog, to take you through the
Pass the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) first time: Your ultimate preparation guide
Passing the UK PSA exam on your very first attempt isn’t about luck, it’s about smart, focused preparation. In this blog, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to
Sitting the PSA Exam in Australia and New Zealand: FAQs for Students
If you’re a final year medical student in Australia or New Zealand, you may have heard of the Prescribing Skills Assessment – or even the UK PSA – and be
Passing the UK PSA Exam: Key Tips, Timing Advice, and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Whether you’re a final-year medical student or a foundation doctor stepping into clinical practice, the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a key milestone in your medical education journey. It’s more
How to Pass the Prescribing Safety Assessment Without Running Out of Time
Time pressure is one of students’ biggest challenges when sitting the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA). Even the most confident prescribers can feel overwhelmed by the ticking clock. If you’ve found
How to Prepare for a PSA Re-Sit and Pass with Confidence
If you’re preparing for a Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) re-sit, you’re not alone – and you’re not at a disadvantage. Many students go on to pass the PSA confidently on
How to Use Practice Feedback to Pass Your Prescribing Exams with Confidence
Passing your prescribing exams requires more than just memorising drug names and guidelines – it’s about understanding why certain prescribing decisions are correct and learning from your mistakes. That’s where
Failed the PSA Exam? What to Do and How to Pass Next Time
Failing the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) can feel discouraging, but it’s important to remember it’s not the end of the world. A proportion of students and foundation doctors don’t pass
Managing PSA Exam Stress: Tips for Staying Calm Under Pressure
The next Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is fast approaching on 20th March, and it’s normal to feel a mix of pressure and anticipation. However, managing stress effectively can make all
PSA Exam Structure Explained: Your Blueprint for Passing
Whether you’re a medical student or a foundation doctor preparing for the upcoming Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA), understanding the exam structure is essential for success! With the next sitting approaching
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