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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 detailed feedback plays a crucial role in building confidence and improving performance.

BPS Assessment’s practice papers provide comprehensive feedback, breaking down your answers to highlight what you did well and where you can improve. By making the most of this feedback, you can refine your prescribing skills, avoid common mistakes, and approach your next prescribing exam with confidence.

Let’s explore how to use this feedback effectively in your revision strategy.

1. Understand Where You Went Wrong

One of the most valuable aspects of BPS Assessment’s feedback is its ability to pinpoint mistakes. Instead of simply marking an answer as right or wrong, the feedback provides:

• A detailed explanation of why the correct answer is the best choice.
• Insights into common errors and misconceptions.
• An analysis of optimal vs. sub-optimal answers, helping you see where small mistakes can impact patient safety.

Tip: After each practice paper, go through the feedback carefully and categorise your mistakes – was it a calculation error, a misunderstanding of contraindications, or a misinterpretation of the question? Identifying patterns will help you focus your revision.

2. Learn from Sub-Optimal Answers

Not all incorrect answers are completely wrong – some responses may be partially correct but not ideal. The feedback highlights:

• Why an alternative response is better, so you can refine your decision-making?
• What makes an answer sub-optimal such as missing key safety considerations. 
• How to improve for next time, ensuring you select the safest, most appropriate option in future exams.

Tip: Keep a revision journal where you write down sub-optimal answers that you’ve given and note the reasoning behind the best answer. This will reinforce learning and help you avoid similar mistakes.

3. Improve Your Exam Technique

Feedback doesn’t just teach prescribing principles – it also helps refine how you approach questions in prescribing exams.

• Question interpretation – Understand what examiners are looking for.
• Time management – Recognise which questions you spend too long on.
• BNF navigation skills – Learn how to find information quickly and efficiently.

Tip: If you struggled with time management in your practice papers, try setting a timer for each question to get used to working under exam conditions.

4. Strengthen Your Clinical Judgement

Safe prescribing isn’t just about getting the right dose – it’s about making well-rounded clinical decisions. The detailed explanations provided in BPS Assessment’s practice papers allow you to:

• See the rationale behind correct answers, helping you develop a prescribing mindset.
• Understand safety considerations, such as interactions, contraindications, monitoring and data interpretation.
• Apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios, ensuring you’re not just passing an exam but also becoming a safer prescriber.

Tip: Read through the feedback even for questions you got right – there may be extra insights that strengthen your understanding.

5. Track Your Progress Over Time

One of the best ways to boost confidence before a prescribing exam is to see tangible improvement. By regularly completing practice papers and reviewing your feedback, you can:

• Identify topics where your performance is consistently improving.
• Spot recurring weak areas and adjust your revision focus.
• Feel more confident as you see your scores and prescribing accuracy improve.

Tip: Keep a progress log where you track your scores and common mistakes. This will help you stay motivated and ensure you’re making steady improvements.

Turning Feedback into Success

Detailed feedback is one of the most powerful tools in your exam preparation. By actively engaging with practice paper feedback, you can:

• Learn from mistakes and sub-optimal answers.
• Strengthen your clinical reasoning and prescribing confidence.
• Improve time management and exam technique.
• Track your progress and refine your approach before exam day.
• The more you understand and apply this feedback, the more prepared you’ll be to pass your prescribing exam—and to prescribe safely and effectively in clinical practice.

If you’re looking for high-quality practice papers with detailed feedback, visit the BPS Assessment Learner Portal. Here, you’ll find a range of resources designed to help you refine your prescribing skills, improve your confidence, and perform at your best on exam day.

Get started today by exploring our set of Prescribing Practice Papers and take your revision to the next level.

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 on their first attempt, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn this setback into success. The good news? You’ll have another opportunity to take the exam later in the year, giving you time to improve and pass with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down what went wrong, how to improve, and what steps to take to ensure you pass the PSA next time.

1. Reflect on Your Performance: What Went Wrong?

Before diving into revision, take time to analyse your performance. Ask yourself:

• Which question types were most challenging? (e.g. prescribing, dose calculations, adverse drug reactions)
• Did I run out of time?
• Was I confident using the BNF?
• Did I misread questions or make avoidable errors?

Tip: Go through the feedback provided on the PSA platform. Understanding why you struggled is the first step in improving.

2. Make a Structured Study Plan

Rushing into revision without a strategy can lead to repeating the same mistakes. create a realistic, structured study plan that allows enough time to revise each topic properly.

• Set goals – Focus on weaker areas while maintaining strengths.
• Prioritise question practise – Use practice papers to develop confidence.
• Simulate exam conditions – Time yourself to build speed and accuracy.

Tip: Give yourself plenty of time before the next sitting – last-minute cramming is rarely effective!

3. Master Time Management

One of the biggest challenges of the PSA is completing all the questions in two hours. If time was an issue in your first attempt, work on:

• Practising under timed conditions – Answer practice questions with a strict time limit.
• Using the ‘flag and return’ method – If a question is taking too long, move on and come back later.
• Managing calculations efficiently – Practice quick mental maths and using a calculator effectively.

Tip: Not all questions in the PSA are scored equally; spending longer on the higher-scoring questions could benefit you in the long run. Read our blog about mastering the time pressures to get a sense of how long to spend on each section. 

4. Get Confident with the BNF

Knowing how to navigate the BNF (British National Formulary) quickly is key to passing the PSA. Many students fail because they waste time searching for drug information or misunderstand key details.

• Practise searching for drugs efficiently – Utilise both the Medicines Complete and NICE BNF. Learn where to find indications, contraindications, dosages, and interactions.
• Familiarise yourself with prescribing for special populations – Elderly patients, renal impairment, and pregnancy.
• Use it in your practice questions – So you’re comfortable looking things up quickly during the exam.

Tip: Speed matters! The faster you find information in the BNF, the more time you have to answer questions.

5. Learn from High-Quality Resources

Make sure you’re using the right materials to prepare.

• Official PSA resources – Review the official exam guidance and sample questions.
• BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal – Free eLearning sessions, revision tips, and more 
• BPS Assessment’s Learner Portal Blog Section (Portal Post) – Expert advice on passing the PSA, including strategies for success.

Access free revision resources here: https://portal.bpsassessment.com/ 

Tip: Using structured resources will help you focus on exam-style questions rather than just reading textbooks.

6. Don’t Let Failure Knock Your Confidence

Failing an exam is tough, but it does not define your ability as a doctor. Plenty of skilled, competent healthcare professionals have had setbacks in their careers – what matters is how you learn and improve.

• Stay positive – One exam won’t shape your entire career.
• Seek support – Talk to professors, mentors, or peers about how to improve.
• Look after yourself – Eat well, sleep properly, and take breaks to avoid burnout.

Tip: Surround yourself with supportive people and remind yourself why you’re doing this – to become a safe and effective prescriber.

Your Next Steps

If you didn’t pass the PSA this time, don’t panic – you’ll have another chance later in the year. By identifying your weak points, improving your exam technique, and using the right resources, you’ll be in a much stronger position for your next attempt.

• Learn from your mistakes
• Revise with a structured plan
• Practise under exam conditions
• Stay positive and persistent

You’ve got this! Good luck with your next PSA attempt!

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 the difference in your preparation and performance. Here’s how you can stay calm, focused, and confident before and during the exam.

1. Prepare with Purpose

A solid study plan reduces last-minute panic.

• Set a realistic revision schedule with dedicated time for each question type.
• Use official PSA resources to familiarise yourself with question styles and assessment format.
• Practise with timed mock exams to simulate real exam conditions.

Tip: Identify and focus on weak areas early so you have time to improve before exam day!

2. Master the BNF 

The BNF is your best friend during the PSA—but only if you know how to use it!

• Get familiar with drug monographs, contraindications, and dosages.
• Learn how to quickly navigate the MC BNF, BNFc & NICE BNF, and BNFc online (you’ll have access to these resources during the exam and two weeks before when attempting the official practice papers).
• Pay close attention to key sections like prescribing for special populations (elderly, renal impairment).

Tip: Practice searching for drug information quickly to save time during the exam.

3. Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Health

A healthy mind and body are just as important as studying. Make sure to:

• Get enough sleep – Lack of rest can affect concentration and memory.
• Eat well – Fuel your brain with balanced meals and stay hydrated.
• Take breaks – Overloading yourself can lead to burnout.

Tip: Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your professors, friends, or family and lean on your support networks. You’re not alone in this!

4. Tackle Exam Anxiety Head-On

Nervousness is normal, but don’t let it control you! Try these strategies:

• Breathing exercises – Breathing deeply can help to slow your heart rate and allow you to think clearly.
• Stay active – Light exercise or a short walk can help relieve tension.
• Visualise success – Imagine yourself answering confidently and passing.

Tip: Use mindfulness apps or relaxation techniques to keep those nerves at bay.

5. Stay Focused Under Pressure

During the exam, efficiency is key. Here’s how to stay on track:

• Read each question carefully – Avoid rushing and misinterpreting details.
• Manage your time wisely – It’s a 2-hour exam, so pace yourself.
• Flag difficult questions – Move on and return later if needed.

Tip: Practice timed PSA questions to build confidence under exam conditions.

6. Make the Most of Free Resources

There are a variety of freely available resources to help you prepare:

• Official PSA Resources – Review the official guidance and sample questions to understand what to expect in the exam.
• BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal – Access a range of free resources, including eLearning sessions, expert blogs, and revision tips to help you build confidence before exam day.

Final Thoughts

PSA exam stress is manageable with the right preparation, mindset, and strategies. By taking care of your mental and physical health, staying organised, and using the resources available to you, you’ll set yourself up for success on March 20th.

You’ve got this! Best of luck!

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 on March 20th, now is the perfect time to familiarise yourself with the question types, scoring system, and best strategies to pass with confidence.

Understanding the PSA Exam Structure

The PSA exam consists of eight different question styles, each designed to assess a specific aspect of prescribing. The exam is scored out of 200 marks, with some question types awarding more points than others. Below is a breakdown of each question type, how it is scored, and tips for tackling each one effectively.

1. Prescribing (80 marks)

You will be required to prescribe the most appropriate drug, dose, frequency, and route of administration for a given clinical scenario.

Scoring: 8 questions with each question earning 10 marks.

Tip: Use the BNF (British National Formulary) to verify dosages and contraindications before finalising your prescription. You’ll have access to BNF resources including Medicines Complete BNF, BNFc and NICE BNF and BNFc (in the UK) through the exam platform. 

2. Prescription Review (32 marks)

Improve patient outcomes by identifying prescribing errors and making appropriate amendments.

Scoring: 8 questions with each question earning 4 marks.

Tip: Look for common errors such as drug interactions, incorrect dosages, or contraindications.

3. Planning Management (16 marks)

Plan appropriate treatment for common clinical indications, and select the best prescribing decision for a given clinical case.

Scoring: 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.

Tip: Consider the patient’s full history before selecting a treatment plan to avoid potential contraindications.

4. Providing Information (12 marks)

You will be asked to provide accurate drug-related information to patients and/or other healthcare professionals.

Scoring: 6 questions with each question earning 2 marks. 

Tip: Always reference the BNF or national guidelines when considering drug interactions and patient counselling points.

5. Calculation Skills (16 marks)

Accurately calculate drug dosages based on weight, renal function, or other important clinical factors.

Scoring: 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.

Tip: Double-check your calculations, especially unit conversions, to avoid potentially serious errors.

6. Adverse Drug Reactions (16 marks)

Detect, respond to and prevent potential adverse drug reactions and appropriately manage drug-related adverse effects.

Scoring: 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.

Tip: Be familiar with common side effects of widely used medications, such as anticoagulants and antibiotics.

7. Drug Monitoring (16 marks)

Demonstrate your knowledge of how drugs work and their clinical effects, as well as your ability to monitor them appropriately to maximise safety. 

Scoring: 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.

Tip: Pay special attention to drugs requiring therapeutic monitoring, such as warfarin and lithium.

8. Data Interpretation (12 marks)

Analyse clinical data (e.g., lab results) to assess the effects of drug therapy and implement necessary adjustments.

Scoring: 6 questions with each question earning 2 marks.

Tip: Look for abnormal lab values and correlate them with possible drug toxicity or necessary dose adjustments.

Final Thoughts on Passing the PSA Exam

• Understanding the PSA exam structure is key to efficient preparation.
• Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Make the BNF your best friend—it’s an essential tool for answering questions accurately.
• Focus on high-yield areas like the prescribing section and prescription review as this is where you’ll score the most marks.

By mastering each question type and applying these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the PSA exam with confidence.

To help build your confidence, take advantage of the freely available resources designed for students and foundation doctors. The BPS Assessment portal offers a range of guidance materials to support your preparation. Make sure to explore these tools and maximise your chances of success. Good luck!

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.

 

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!

As your prescribing exams approach, every tool in your preparation arsenal matters! At BPS Assessment, we’re proud to offer a full 60-item practice paper designed to help you refine your prescribing skills and boost your confidence for exam day.

Here’s why our practice paper stands out and why it’s an essential part of your preparation journey:

A Complete Experience

Our 60-item practice paper mirrors the format, structure, and question style used in your actual exams. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the exam environment, helping you feel more prepared and less anxious on exam day. It’s the perfect way to simulate the exam experience while allowing you to identify areas that need more focus.

Feedback That Matters

What sets our practice paper apart from other resources is the comprehensive feedback we provide. For every question you answer, you’ll receive detailed insights that:

• Highlight where you went wrong: Understand why your answer wasn’t correct, with clear explanations to address common pitfalls.
• Guide you to the correct approach: Learn how to think through the problem and apply the appropriate skills to arrive at the correct answer.
• Provide actionable advice: Gain practical tips for tackling similar questions in the future, ensuring continuous improvement.

This targeted feedback transforms the practice paper into a powerful learning tool, giving you more than just a score—it gives you the knowledge to do better next time!

Why Use This Resource?

• Tailored Learning: Unlike generic practice papers, our feedback is tailored to help you understand your mistakes and grow from them.
• Efficient Revision: With clear advice, you can focus your study time on areas that need the most attention, optimising your preparation.
• Confidence Building: Familiarity with the format and question types, combined with a deeper understanding of how to approach them, will leave you feeling ready to tackle your real exams.

How to Use the Practice Paper Effectively

• Simulate Exam Conditions: Set aside uninterrupted time to complete the practice paper in one sitting, just as you would on exam day.
• Review Feedback Thoroughly: Take the time to read the feedback for every question, even those you answered correctly—you may still find valuable insights.
• Revise Strategically: Use the advice from the feedback to target weak areas and revisit those topics in your study materials.
• Reattempt the Paper: One of the most helpful features of our 60-item practice paper is the ability to attempt it as many times as you want! After revising, go back to the practice paper and attempt it again to track your progress and solidify your understanding.

Ready to Boost Your Prescribing Preparation?

The BPS Assessment full 60-item paper is the ultimate resource for any student aiming to excel in their prescribing exams. With its realistic format and in-depth feedback, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed.

Log in to the BPS Assessment Portal today to access the full 60-item paper and take your preparation to the next level. Your journey to success starts here!

The first Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) of 2025 is just around the corner, taking place on Thursday, 30th January—earlier than in previous years. For final-year medical students and foundation doctors, this means starting the year with a critical milestone. Whether you’ve been preparing steadily or are just getting started, the next two weeks are crucial to ensuring you’re confident and ready for exam day.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step approach to make the most of your time. With expert tips, targeted strategies, and practical resources from BPS Assessment, you can tackle the PSA with confidence.

Two Weeks to Go: Get Familiar with the Exam

Two weeks before the PSA, focus on understanding the exam format and sharpening your skills:

• Revise the PSA structure: To understand what the exam evaluates, revisit the PSA framework and question types. The official PSA website has valuable resources, including example papers and FAQs.
• Use PSA Prep eLearning sessions: BPS Assessment offers PSA Prep, nine free eLearning modules tailored to the PSA. Each session focuses on the different question styles that are found within the exam. This is an excellent time to work through these sessions if you haven’t already!
• Complete a full-length paper: Available through the official PSA site. Use it to simulate the real exam, test your knowledge under timed conditions, and identify areas for improvement.

One week before the PSA exam 

With one week left, focus on consolidating what you’ve learned:

• Focus on weak areas: Review feedback from your practice papers and revisit topics where you scored lower, such as calculations, contraindications, or drug interactions.
• Review the BNF and BNFc: Make sure you’re comfortable navigating these essential resources, as they’ll be your lifeline during the exam. 
• Work through additional questions: If you want more practice material consider the practice papers available on our portal website which include detailed feedback on how best to answer each question. Revisit difficult questions to reinforce your understanding.

Three days before the PSA exam 

As the exam nears, balance last-minute prep with self-care:

• Quick refreshers: Revisit key prescribing principles and ensure you’re confident with common calculations and drug dose adjustments.
• Light practice: Avoid overloading yourself; focus on short, targeted exercises to keep your skills sharp without adding stress.
• Plan your exam day: Ensure you know the exam schedule, your login details for the PSA platform, and any technical requirements.

On Exam Day: Stay Calm and Focused

Finally, approach the exam with confidence:

• Trust your preparation: You’ve put in the work; trust your knowledge and use available resources.
• Utilise the BNF effectively: During the exam, rely on the BNF and BNFc to verify answers and avoid errors.

Ready to tackle the PSA? Explore all our resources here.

As the festive season unfolds and the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to set goals for success—especially if you’re preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) in 2025. For final-year medical students and foundation doctors, making smart use of the holiday period can pave the way for a confident start to the exam season.

Here’s how to turn your New Year’s resolutions into actionable steps for effective PSA preparation.

1. I Will Use the Festive Period to Get Ahead

The holidays might be packed with celebrations, but they also offer valuable downtime for uninterrupted study! Setting aside just 30 minutes a day to review prescribing principles or tackle a practice paper can make all the difference.

💡 Festive Tip: Pair your study time with a cosy hot chocolate or your favourite festive treat to make it more enjoyable.

2. I Will Master the PSA Exam Format by January

Understanding the structure of the PSA is key. The exam tests your ability to prescribe safely and effectively, covering topics like drug monitoring, interactions, and contraindications.

• Dive into the PSA Practice Papers for realistic simulations of the actual exam.
• Use these papers to familiarise yourself with the question styles and gain confidence in tackling them.

3. I Will Complete All PSA Prep eLearning Sessions

The PSA Prep eLearning series on the BPS Assessment Portal is a free resource to kickstart your preparation. These nine modules are designed to:

• Help you understand the exam format.
• Explain what each question evaluates.
• Build your knowledge across key prescribing areas.

By completing these sessions early, you’ll set a strong foundation for tackling the PSA.

4. I Will Practice Under Timed Conditions

Time management is as important as knowledge for the PSA. Make it a habit to complete practice papers under timed conditions, mirroring the real exam experience. This will:

• Help you gauge how quickly you can navigate questions.
• Highlight areas where you may need to pick up the pace.

🎄 Festive Tip: Treat yourself to a focused study session using a full-length practice paper with in depth feedback perfect for practicing your timing. Keep the festive spirit alive with a mince pie or two.

5. I Will Become BNF-Savvy

The Medicines Complete British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFc) are invaluable resources during the PSA, along with the NICE BNF. They’re accessible in the exam through the assessment platform, so learning to navigate them effectively can save you precious minutes.

• Spend 15 minutes daily familiarizing yourself with the different interfaces.
• Practise the searching sections like dosage guidelines, contraindications, and interactions.

6. I Will Plan My Preparation Around PSA Exam Dates

Mark your calendar with the 2025 PSA exam dates:

• Thursday 30th January 2025 (Medical schools only)
• Thursday 20th March 2025
• Thursday 1st May 2025
• Thursday 5th June 2025 (Medical schools only)

Start preparation well in advance and allocate study goals for each week leading up to your chosen date.

7. I Will Focus on My Weak Spots

Some areas of prescribing, such as paediatric dosing or interactions, may feel more challenging than others. Resolve to:

• Dedicate extra time to reviewing complex topics.
• Use resources to target these areas with confidence-building exercises.
• Supplement your learning with case studies or mock prescriptions.

8. I Will Celebrate My Progress Along the Way

Don’t forget to reward yourself! Acknowledge small wins—whether it’s completing a practice paper or mastering a tricky topic—and treat yourself to something fun. These small celebrations will keep you motivated throughout your preparation journey.

Ready to Make 2025 Your Year of PSA Success?

The holiday season is the perfect time to start strong. With resolutions to guide your study and a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well-prepared for the PSA.

Check out the BPS Assessment Portal for more tips, practice resources, and insights to help you excel. Let’s make 2025 a year of accomplishment and prescribing confidence!

The Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a pivotal step in the journey for UK medical students and foundation doctors to demonstrate their prescribing knowledge, accuracy, and judgement. As the PSA 2025 exam dates approach, candidates must understand what’s involved, how to approach preparation and key resources to utilise. In this blog we will walk you through the essentials of preparing effectively for the PSA 2025. Let’s get started!

Key PSA 2025 Exam Dates

For candidates taking the PSA next year, here’s a quick rundown of the exam dates to mark in your calendar:

• Thursday 30th January 2025 – Medical Schools only
• Thursday 20th March 2025
• Thursday 1st May 2025
• Thursday 5th June 2025 – Medical Schools only

Being aware of these dates! Planning ahead can make a significant difference in your preparation approach. For medical students, coordinating your study schedule around these dates is important to give yourself the best chance of success. 

Key Resources for PSA Success

Familiarity with essential resources is a must for the PSA, as they can directly support the accuracy and confidence of your prescribing decisions.

The Medicines Complete BNF and BNFc

The Medicines Complete (MC) British National Formulary (BNF) and the British National Formulary for Children (BNFc) are invaluable tools for those taking the PSA in the UK. These resources offer comprehensive information on the safe use of medicines, including indications, contraindications, dosing, side effects, and interactions. Familiarising yourself with these guides can make all the difference in prescribing accurately and safely, as many PSA questions will involve making decisions based on detailed drug information.

NOTE: Your school may already hold a licence to the MC BNF, giving you early access to these valuable resources for extended practice. However, all students will be able to access the MC BNF and BNFc two weeks prior to the exam and on the exam day itself via the links provided on the PSA platform.

The NICE BNF (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)

Only available in the UK, The NICE BNF is another essential resource that can be especially helpful if you’re comfortable with its digital format. It contains guidance on clinical pathways and is often more interactive, helping you quickly locate the drug information you need. 

TOP TIP: Be sure to practise navigating the MC BNF, BNFc and NICE BNF as these resources are core references in the exam. Recognising sections, knowing where to find important information, and understanding the layout of these resources will save you valuable time during the exam.

Exam Preparation Tips

With the dates marked and resources in hand, here are some strategies to structure your PSA study plan:

1. Create a Study Timeline

You’ll want to design a timeline that works for your schedule. Factor in any coursework or rotations to balance your responsibilities effectively. This timeline should allow for regular study, practice questions, and review of feedback. Set weekly goals to review common medication categories and scenarios that are likely to appear on the PSA, and build in time for focused practice sessions as the exam date approaches.

2. Utilise Practice Questions

PSA practice questions are one of the best ways to prepare for the structure and style of questions in the exam. By completing practice papers, you can strengthen your understanding of common prescribing scenarios, become comfortable with question formats, and identify areas for improvement. Make sure to review the feedback in detail, as this will deepen your understanding and prepare you to avoid common pitfalls.

3. Reinforce Your Knowledge with Targeted Practice Areas

To excel in the PSA, you might want to focus on challenging areas like drug interactions, calculations or management. Use targeted resources to refine your skills.

PSA Prep is an excellent starting point, offering nine free eLearning sessions that not only guide you through common prescribing challenges but also provide insight into the exam format and the specific skills each question is designed to evaluate. This resource helps build both your knowledge and confidence by breaking down complex scenarios into manageable learning steps.

Once you’re familiar with the format, use the practice papers available to you to simulate the real exam experience. Practise under timed conditions, helping you improve your time management and decision-making skills. Plus, get in-depth feedback which highlights areas for improvement, ensuring you can focus your preparation where it’s needed most.

Combining these resources ensures you’re well-prepared for both the structure and content of the PSA.

4. Seek Feedback and Support

If you have access to a study group, consider these as valuable support systems. Peers, mentors, or supervisors can offer useful feedback, answer questions, and share insights. Additionally, consider seeking out past candidates who can offer tips on what to expect and how to manage the exam environment.

Taking the PSA 2025

On exam day, ensure that you have all the required materials, understand the exam platform and familiarise yourself with any specific guidelines. Rest well the night before, and arrive early to settle in and focus.

Preparing early and thoroughly for the PSA 2025 is a strategy that pays off. By starting now, organising your resources, and following a structured approach, you’re setting yourself up for a confident, successful performance. Good luck!