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As a medical student, preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) can feel overwhelming, especially with your busy schedule. But here’s the truth: starting early is the key to success. The 2025 PSA exams may seem far away, but by beginning your preparation now, you’ll give yourself the best chance to excel when exam day arrives. Let’s explore how you can effectively use your time to get ahead of the curve and maximise your results.

1. Understand the Exam Format and What’s Expected of You

The first step to tackling the PSA is familiarising yourself with the structure of the exam. The PSA assesses your ability to prescribe safely across a number of different areas, including clinical scenarios, calculations, adverse drug reactions, and more. Knowing the layout of the exam, the question formats and how much time to allocate for each means you can focus your study time on topics that need the most attention.

2. Make a Study Plan – and Stick to It

A solid study plan is crucial for PSA Exam preparation. Break your learning into manageable chunks, spread over the coming months. Allocate time each week, or if you can’t manage that, each month to revise specific topics such as drug interactions, prescribing in special populations, and common prescribing errors.

Don’t forget to incorporate revision of guidelines like the BNF, BNFc and NICE, including how best to search for terms and key pieces of information as this will help you manage your timings in the real exam.

By pacing your learning over a longer period, you reduce the risk of burnout and improve retention of key prescribing concepts.

3. Utilise the Official PSA Exam Resources

The official PSA website provides invaluable resources to help you prepare, including practice papers, FAQs, and information about the lead-up and what to expect post-exam. Make these resources your first port of call. Complete the practice papers to gauge your progress, identify your weak areas, and focus your revision accordingly. The practice papers will help you become familiar with the types of questions and scenarios you’ll face in the actual exam.

Additionally, reviewing the official FAQs on the PSA website is a great way to address any lingering concerns or questions about the exam structure and what’s expected of you.

4. Leverage BPS Assessment Resources

Beyond the official resources, the BPS Assessment learner portal offers a suite of tools designed to support your PSA journey. These include PSA Prep, a series of 9 free eLearning sessions specifically tailored to PSA content. These sessions break down each of the 8 question items found in the exam with future details on the competencies being tested, what to look out for and how much time to spend on each style of question. These online resources are available at any time and on any device, giving you the freedom to tackle them at your own pace.

BPS Assessment also offers additional practice materials, including a full 2-hour, 60-question paper, that mirrors the exam format, allowing you to refine your skills under timed conditions. 

The earlier you begin working through these resources, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel as exam day approaches.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

The PSA is a practical exam that requires you to think on your feet and apply your knowledge to real-world prescribing scenarios. As such, regular practice is key. Set aside time to work through prescribing questions, focusing on different case scenarios and drug interactions. The more you practise, the better you’ll become at identifying pitfalls and handling clinical prescribing under pressure.

6. Find Study Partners or Create Study Groups

Studying with peers can be incredibly useful when preparing for the PSA. Not only can you share resources and ideas, but explaining concepts to others is a great way to reinforce your own understanding. Group discussions also allow you to tackle complex clinical scenarios together, gaining diverse perspectives and strategies for answering tricky questions.

Consider joining or creating an online PSA study group if you can’t meet in person. The collaborative learning environment can keep you motivated and accountable as you prepare.

7. Stay Consistent and Don’t Procrastinate

Procrastination is the enemy of any exam success. But it’s particularly easy to put off preparation for the PSA, especially when the exam dates seem so far away. Nevertheless, small, consistent efforts over time will pay off in the long run. Aim to dedicate a little time each week to your PSA studies. By January, you’ll find yourself well-prepared without the stress of last-minute cramming.

The earlier you start, the more confident you’ll be when your PSA exam date approaches in 2025.

8. Take Care of Yourself Along the Way

Lastly, don’t forget to balance your studies with self-care. Preparing for the PSA can be stressful, so make sure you’re getting enough rest, exercise, and downtime. A well-rested and healthy mind will absorb information more effectively, keeping you sharp and focused for exam day.

Key Takeaways 

Starting your PSA prep early is the most effective way to ensure you feel confident and prepared when exam day arrives. By taking advantage of the official resources, utilising the BPS Assessment tools, and maintaining a consistent study routine, you’ll set yourself up for success. 

Don’t wait until the last minute—get ahead of the curve now, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re cruising through the PSA with confidence!

As a foundation doctor, preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a crucial step in your medical career. With the exam date fast approaching, it’s important to start your preparation now (if you haven’t already) to ensure you pass with confidence. In this blog, we’ll cover essential tips and resources to help you succeed, including valuable tools from both the official PSA platform and the BPS Assessment learner portal.

Create a Study Plan

As a foundation doctor, your schedule is likely already packed with clinical duties, on-call shifts, and the demands of ongoing learning. Finding time to prepare for the PSA can seem daunting, but with careful planning, it’s entirely manageable.

Start by creating a realistic study plan that fits around your busy schedule. Break down the content into manageable chunks and allocate time each week to focus on specific topics. It’s important to set a realistic time frame.  

Familiarise Yourself with the Official PSA Platform

One of the most important steps in preparing for the PSA is getting to know the official PSA platform. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Explore the PSA Platform: Spend some time navigating the official PSA website. Familiarise yourself with the layout, available resources, and how to access different sections. This will ensure that you’re comfortable with the platform on exam day.
• Review the FAQs: The PSA platform has a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses common questions about the exam, including its format, types of questions, and technical requirements. Reviewing these FAQs will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to handle any issues that may arise during the exam.
• Use Official Practice Papers: The official PSA website provides practice papers that closely resemble the actual exam. Working through these papers will give you a realistic sense of the exam’s difficulty and timing. It also helps you get used to the exam interface, including the abbreviations, the built-in calculator etc so you’re not caught off guard on the day of the test.

Utilise BPS Assessment Learner Portal Resources

In addition to the official PSA resources, the BPS Assessment learner portal offers a range of tools specifically designed to help you prepare for the PSA. Here’s how you can benefit:

• PSA Prep:  Nine comprehensive eLearning sessions specifically designed to support those sitting the PSA. These sessions cover essential topics and are completely free to access.
• Practice Papers: The learner portal features practice papers that simulate the real exam environment, helping you become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter. Regular practice will build your confidence and improve your speed and accuracy.
• Other Prescribing Resources: The portal also offers other prescribing resources that cover key prescribing topics, such as polypharmacy, menopause and Antimicrobial stewardship. These modules are designed to reinforce your understanding of complex concepts, making your learning experience more engaging and effective.
• Detailed Feedback: Take the time to review the detailed feedback provided in the above resources. This feedback will highlight your strengths and identify areas where you need further improvement, allowing you to tailor your study plan accordingly.

Focus on Time Management

Time management is a critical aspect of the PSA. The exam is time-limited, and you’ll need to work efficiently to complete all the questions within the allotted time. As you practise, pay attention to how long it takes you to answer each question and work on strategies to improve your speed without compromising accuracy. Regular timed practice sessions can help you develop a sense of pacing that will be invaluable on exam day.

Review Key Prescribing Guidelines

The PSA assesses your ability to prescribe safely, which means you’ll need to be familiar with key prescribing guidelines. Make sure to review the most up-to-date clinical guidelines, including those on antibiotic use, drug interactions, and managing chronic conditions. Make sure you are familiar with NICE and BNF (in the UK) as understanding these guidelines will not only help you pass the PSA but will also enhance your clinical practice.

Join Study Groups or Seek Peer Support

Studying with peers can be incredibly beneficial. Consider joining a study group where you can discuss challenging topics, share resources, and test each other’s knowledge. Peer support can also provide motivation and make your study sessions more enjoyable.

Stay Calm and Confident

Finally, remember to stay calm and confident as the exam approaches. You’ve worked hard to reach this point in your medical career, and with the right preparation, you’re well-equipped to pass the PSA. Make sure to get plenty of rest before the exam, and approach the test with a positive mindset.

Just remember, make a plan, familiarise yourself with the official PSA platform, and take advantage of the BPS Assessment learner portal. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to passing the PSA and advancing in your medical career with confidence. Good luck!

If you didn’t pass the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) on your first try, don’t worry—it happens. With the right preparation, you can nail your resit. This post will give you straightforward tips to help you get ready for your PSA resit, so you can tackle the exam with confidence and a clear plan.

Understand What to Expect

This time around, make sure you’re really clear on what each section of the PSA involves and how it’s scored. Here’s how to get prepared:

• Check out the official PSA website: Read up on the exam structure and go through the FAQs 
• Use PSA Prep: Access the free PSA Prep sessions available on the BPS Assessment portal, specially designed by a team of experts to address common challenges faced in the exam and provide valuable insights into the marking process (there’s one session for each section of the exam, so if you know which sections you struggled with most, focus on those sessions) 

Knowing what’s expected will boost your confidence and help you study smarter for your resit.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Good time management can make a big difference in the PSA exam, since not all questions are worth the same amount of marks. Here’s a rough idea of how you might split your time, based on the number of points each section is worth:

• Prescribing (PWS): 48 minutes
• Prescription Review (REV): about 19 minutes
• Planning Management (MAN): just under 10 minutes
• Providing Information (COM): just over 7 minutes
• Calculation Skills (CAL): just under 10 minutes
• Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR): just under 10 minutes
• Drug Monitoring (TDM): just under 10 minutes
• Data Interpretation (DAT): just over 7 minutes

Use this as a starting point, then personalise as you need to based on your strengths and weaker areas. 

Get to Know Your BNFs

Dealing with time pressure is key since it’s similar to what you’ll face in real clinical settings. Being quick with the Medicines Complete and the NICE British National Formulary (BNF) is crucial. Focus especially on the ‘treatment summaries’ section, where important details are often hidden. Knowing these resources well can save you a lot of time during the exam.

Focus on Your Weaker Areas

Practising regularly is essential. Figure out where you’re weaker and hit those areas hard:

• Review each exam section: Pay special attention to any sections where you scored lower, and try to understand why
• Use practice papers to improve: These mimic the real exam, letting you practise effectively and learn from mistakes
• Group study sessions: Sometimes discussing tricky topics with peers can help clarify things you’re struggling with

The more you use these resources, the better your understanding and exam skills will become. 

Once you’ve made use of the official PSA practice papers, try the 3 bonus practice papers from BPS Assessment which have been designed to mirror the format of the PSA exam, with feedback on every question so that you can learn from your mistakes and practice until perfect! 

Ready for Your PSA Resit?

By sticking to these tips, you’ll be in great shape for your PSA resit. Stay confident; every bit of preparation helps.bMake sure you go over all the available materials and head into your resit determined and positive.

Good luck, and remember, being well-prepared is your best bet for success!

If you’re preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment, you’ll want to know exactly what’s in the exam. So in this blog post we look at the detailed structure of the PSA exam, to help you get exam-ready.Continue reading

Preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. As you gear up for this pivotal exam, it’s natural to feel apprehensive. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can transform stress into success! 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through effective PSA preparation techniques that will get you confident and exam-ready.Continue reading

If you’re a UK medical student, you’ll know that the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) exam is an important step on your journey towards becoming a qualified prescriber. You may also feel like it’s just another hurdle to overcome but, trust us, it’s more like a stepping stone on your way to becoming a safe and effective prescriber. 

So, why is the PSA exam so valuable for students like you? Let’s break it down.

 

1. Builds a Solid Foundation

First thing’s first, the PSA exam isn’t about making your life harder. It’s about laying down the groundwork for your future. Prescribing medications is a complex skill that involves a thorough understanding of pharmacology, patient care, and the healthcare system. It’s also often done under immense time pressure. So by preparing for and taking the PSA, you’re building a solid foundation in all these areas, ensuring you’re ready to face the challenges of real-world prescribing safely and effectively.

 

2. Enhances Patient Safety

At the heart of the PSA is patient safety. All over the world, avoidable medication errors are having real-life implications to patient safety. In the UK alone, for example, the cost of avoidable medication errors is around £98.5 million every year. 

The PSA exam’s structure focuses on assessing your ability to prescribe medications responsibly and accurately under time pressure, minimising the risk of errors that could lead to adverse drug reactions or complications. 

So, by mastering the principles tested in the PSA, you’re contributing to a safer clinical environment where patient well-being is the top priority.

 

3. Prepares You for Real-world Scenarios

The beauty of the PSA lies in its practicality. The exam scenarios are designed to mirror the challenges you’ll encounter in your medical career, from choosing the right medication for a patient with multiple health issues to adjusting dosages based on kidney function. This hands-on approach means that passing the PSA isn’t just about acing a test; it’s about being prepared for the challenges of day-to-day prescribing. 

 

4. Boosts Confidence

Let’s be honest, the idea of prescribing medication can be daunting for many students. However, passing the PSA is a significant confidence booster. It’s tangible proof that you have the knowledge and skills to make informed prescribing decisions. This confidence will carry through to your interactions with patients, colleagues, and mentors, setting you up for a successful career in medicine.

 

5. Provides a Stepping Stone for Further Learning

The learning doesn’t stop once you’ve passed the PSA. Instead, it’s just the beginning. The principles you’ve mastered will serve as a foundation for continuous learning and improvement in your prescribing practices. Medicine is always evolving, and the PSA equips you with the critical thinking skills needed to adapt and grow throughout your career.

 

What Next?

The PSA exam is more than just a requirement; it’s an opportunity. It’s your chance to demonstrate your commitment to patient safety, your readiness to tackle the complexities of prescribing, and your dedication to becoming the best medical professional you can be. 

So, embrace the challenge, dive into your exam preparation with enthusiasm, and remember, every step you take towards passing the PSA is a step towards a safer, more effective healthcare system. 

Whether you’re looking for free eLearning sessions, prescribing practice papers, or just a bit of encouragement and advice, we’re here to help you navigate the PSA with confidence. Good luck!

Preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a pivotal step in the journey of medical students and foundation doctors. Healthcare professionals must demonstrate proficiency in prescribing medications safely and effectively and making thorough preparation is essential for success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to master the PSA and excel on exam day.

Understanding the PSA

First and foremost, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the structure and content of the PSA. The exam assesses a wide range of prescribing skills, including, therapeutic principles, and clinical reasoning. By understanding the exam’s format and objectives, you can tailor your study approach accordingly. Take a look at some of our blog ‘PSA sections explained’ which go into more detail about the exam structure. 

Gathering Resources

Next, gather a variety of study materials to support your preparation. Utilise official PSA resources, such as practice papers, to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam. Additionally, consider supplemental resources such as online videos, forums and eLearning modules such as PSA Prep to deepen your understanding of prescribing principles.

Developing a Study Plan

With a wealth of resources at your disposal, it’s essential to develop a structured study plan to maximise your preparation time effectively. Allocate specific time slots for reviewing different topics, practising questions, and taking simulated exams to replicate the real-time pressures. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Practising Questions

Practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering the PSA! Dedicate ample time to practising exam-style questions and make good use of the freely available practice papers on the official PSA site. Analyse your responses carefully, identifying areas of weakness and addressing them through targeted review and practice.

Simulating Exam Conditions

As exam day approaches, it’s crucial to simulate real exam conditions to familiarise yourself with the pressure and time constraints you’ll face. Set aside time to complete full-length practice exams under timed conditions, replicating the experience of the actual PSA. This will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared for the rigours of the exam.

Seeking Support

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek support from peers, mentors, and educators as you prepare for the PSA. Collaborate with classmates to review challenging concepts, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and take advantage of any available support resources offered by your institution.

Mastering the PSA requires dedication, diligence, and strategic preparation. By following this comprehensive guide and implementing effective study strategies, you can confidently approach the exam and showcase your prescribing proficiency with success. Remember to stay focused, stay motivated, and believe in your ability to excel. Best of luck on your PSA journey!

You’ve tackled the PSA (Prescribing Safety Assessment) with determination and skill, but what happens next? Here’s a comprehensive guide to what awaits you after the exam.

1. When can I access my results? 

The first sitting of the year, usually conducted in February is the largest sitting of the year. For that reason and because all the exam questions are new, the results can take up to 3 and a half weeks to review and issue. 

The sittings after the February event usually have a shorter turnaround, with most receiving their results two weeks after their sitting. 

You can access your results via their official PSA account by navigating to the ‘my results’ tab. 

2. How will my results be displayed?

Upon accessing your results, you will receive a breakdown based on each question item style. This granular analysis offers invaluable insights into where you’ve performed best and the areas for improvement. 

3. How can I access my PSA Certificate? 

Successful candidates who pass the PSA will have the opportunity to download their PSA certificate through their account. It’s essential to store a copy on a personal device or email it to a personal account for safekeeping and future reference.

4. What happens if I don’t pass the PSA?

For those who haven’t passed, there’s no need to despair. You’ll have the chance to resit the PSA on a future sitting date, determined by your institution, offering a second opportunity to pass. Use this occasion to hone skills and strive for success. BPS Assessment offers a range of PSA resources which could help you on your second attempt. 

Navigating the post-PSA phase requires diligence and patience. Whether celebrating a triumph or preparing for a comeback, understanding the process can empower you on your prescribing journey. Keep pushing forward, stay focused, and remember, every experience is an opportunity to grow. Good Luck! 

Assessments play a crucial role in evaluating your knowledge and skills, especially in the medical field. At BPS Assessment, we understand the importance of creating high-quality assessments, which accurately assess the ability to prescribe medication safely and effectively. In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse of how our team of experts crafts our assessments so that you have the best prescribing resources available. 

Utilising Drug Bank Resources

The first step in crafting our assessments is to tap into the valuable resources available on the BPS Assessment platform, the Drug Bank. This comprehensive database provides our assessment writers with a wealth of information on medications, drug interactions, dosages, and more. Using the Drug Bank, our UK prescribing experts can create questions that accurately reflect the real-world scenarios you may encounter in your clinical practice.

Adhering to the PSA Blueprint

Each assessment question is created to adhere to the UK Prescribing Safety Assessment blueprint. This blueprint outlines the specific competencies and knowledge areas that are expected of foundation doctors and assesses 8 key areas. 

Our team ensures that every question we create closely adheres to these guidelines, covering a wide range of topics related to safe and effective prescribing; from prescription writing to drug monitoring and calculations. Each area is represented by an individual question item style in our assessments, highlighted in the graphic below: 

This alignment guarantees that your trainees are being assessed on the skills and knowledge that matter most in their future healthcare practice.

Peer Review for Quality Assurance

Quality is of paramount importance in assessment creation, which is why every question undergoes a rigorous peer review process. After our experts draft a question, it is carefully reviewed by a panel of experienced peers. This panel includes seasoned healthcare professionals and educators who possess a deep understanding of the PSA and its objectives. They assess each question for accuracy, relevance, and adherence to the PSA blueprint.

Author Revision and Finalisation

Based on the feedback from the peer review panel, the original author of the question revises it as necessary. This may involve refining the wording, adjusting the mark scheme, and enhancing the explanation of answers to ensure clarity. The goal is to create questions that are fair, challenging, and reflective of real-world prescribing scenarios.

By the time a question is finalised, it has undergone multiple iterations and revisions, guaranteeing that it meets the highest standards of quality and aligns perfectly with the PSA’s objectives.                           

Behind every successful assessment at BPS Assessment is a well-defined process that combines the expertise of UK prescribing experts, adherence to the PSA blueprint, and rigorous peer review. We take pride in our commitment to providing you with assessments that accurately assess prescribing skills, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of real-world clinical practice.

When you sit down to prepare for your Prescribing exams, you can trust that the questions you encounter in our practice papers have been carefully crafted to reflect the complexities of safe and effective prescribing. Our dedication to quality and excellence ensures that you are equipped with the best tools to succeed in your exams and your medical career.