The Portal Post
The latest information for clinical learners and professionals from the team at the British Pharmacological Society Assessment.
Are you concerned about taking the PSA?
When it comes to the Prescribing Safety Assessment, it’s completely understandable to feel some pressure. The PSA is a high‑stakes exam, and for some students it can feel daunting, especially when balancing revision alongside placements, lectures, and everything else that comes with life at medical school. The good news is
Quick guide to PSA exam sections
Whether you’re counting down to the next PSA exam on 23rd April or just starting your PSA preparation, understanding the structure of the Prescribing Safety Assessment is key to good planning. Our guide breaks down all eight sections of the PSA, helping you understand what’s expected and where to focus
Dark mode is now available on the eLearning portal
We’ve just added dark mode to the BPS Assessment eLearning portal. It is a small change, but if you do a lot of your revision in the evening it should make a noticeable difference. Staring at a bright white screen for hours is not great for your eyes, and dark
Prescribing Safety Progress in 2025
As we look forward to another year of supporting learners across the UK and beyond to become confident, safe prescribers, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the BPS Assessment community
What to Do If You’ve Failed Your PSA in 2026
Failing the Prescribing Safety Assessment can feel disheartening. You’ve put in work, sat the exam and not received the results you were hoping for. Feeling worried about what comes next
Sitting the Prescribing Safety Assessment in 2026? Here’s what you need to know
If you’re a UK medical student or foundation doctor, the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) represents an important step in demonstrating your prescribing competence. To help you prepare we’ll walk you
🎄 The BPS Assessment Advent Calendar is here 🎄
December can be a tricky time for revision. To help make it more manageable we’ve created our BPS Assessment advent calendar sharing bitesize revision content on our Facebook and Instagram
Five Study Habits That’ll Help You Ace Your PSA First Time
What’s the secret to passing the PSA first time? With so many different study approaches out there, it can be tough to know which ones actually make the difference. In
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
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
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
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