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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 into each PSA question type, how they’re structured, how many marks they carry, and roughly how long you should spend on each.

The PSA exam structure at a glance

The PSA is a two-hour, online assessment designed to test your prescribing competence. You’ll face 60 questions in total, divided across eight different sections, with a combined total of 200 marks.

We’ve included a simple table breakdown below: 

 

Question Type	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Prescribing (PWS)	8	10	80
Prescription Review (REV)	8	4	32
Planning Management (MAN)	8	2	16
Providing Information (COM)	6	2	12
Calculation Skills (CAL)	8	2	16
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)	8	2	16
Drug Monitoring (TDM)	8	2	16
Data Interpretation (DAT)	6	2	12

 

Total: 60 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes.

Because the Prescribing section alone accounts for 40% of the total marks, managing your time effectively across each section is crucial!

PSA exam question types explained

Below, we’re taking a deep dive into what each question type involves, what it’s testing, and a suggested time allocation for each.

1. Prescribing (PWS) questions

8 questions | 10 marks each | 80 marks total

These are the heart of the PSA and the highest-scoring section. You’ll be asked to prescribe a drug based on a clinical scenario, using a digital prescription form.

Each prescription must be complete, including the drug name, dose, route, and frequency, and needs to be clinically appropriate for the patient’s condition, age, and comorbidities.

Top tip: Always check for contraindications, allergies, and interactions using the BNF (which you’ll have access to in some form during the exam).

Allotted time suggestion: Around 7 – 8 minutes per question (≈ 55 – 60 minutes total).

2. Prescription Review (REV) questions

8 questions | 4 marks each | 32 marks total

Here, you’ll review an existing prescription chart and identify any problems such as dosing errors, drug interactions, or missing information. You may need to choose what action to take or to correct an error.

Top tip: Be methodical, check each medication for indication, dose, route, and frequency before deciding what to change.

Allotted time suggestion: 3 – 4 minutes per question (≈ 28 – 30 minutes total).

3. Planning Management (MAN) questions

8 questions | 2 marks each | 16 marks total

You’ll be asked to choose the most appropriate next step in a patient’s management from several options, for example, which treatment to start, adjust, or stop.

Top tip: Read everything carefully; small details often change the correct answer.

Allotted time suggestion: 1.5 minutes per question (≈ 12 minutes total).

4. Providing Information (COM) questions 

6 questions | 2 marks each | 12 marks total

These test how you communicate with patients about their medicines. You might be asked what key advice to give when starting or stopping a treatment.

Top tip: Think about what a patient needs to know to use their medicine safely. Think, side effects, monitoring, and administration tips.

Allotted time suggestion: 1.5 minutes per question (≈ 9 minutes total).

5. Calculation Skills (CAL) questions

8 questions | 2 marks each | 16 marks total

You’ll calculate doses, infusion rates, or conversions. A simple calculator is provided in the exam interface, but many students find it faster to use their own.

Top tip: Double-check units and make sure your final answer makes clinical sense,  is it a realistic dose?

Allotted time suggestion: 2 minutes per question (≈ 16 minutes total).

6. Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) questions

8 questions | 2 marks each | 16 marks total

You’ll interpret clinical scenarios to identify, manage, or prevent adverse drug reactions.

Questions might ask you to:

• Identify which drug caused a patient’s new symptoms
• Recognise a drug interaction
• Decide on the best course of action after an adverse event

Top tip: Be ready to apply your pharmacology knowledge, and don’t forget to use the BNF interactions checker.

Allotted time suggestion: 1.5 – 2 minutes per question (≈ 12 – 16 minutes total).

7. Drug Monitoring (TDM) questions

8 questions | 2 marks each | 16 marks total

These assess how well you understand drug monitoring, knowing which tests to request, when to measure levels, and how to interpret results.

Top tip: Pay attention to trends in results (e.g. renal function) that might change drug safety or dosing.

Allotted time suggestion: 1.5 minutes per question (≈ 12 minutes total).

8. Data Interpretation (DAT) questions 

6 questions | 2 marks each | 12 marks total

You’ll analyse patient data such as lab results, drug levels, or vital signs (usually in the form of a graph or table) to make safe prescribing decisions.

Top tip: Look for patterns and remember, practice makes perfect! 

Allotted time suggestion: 1.5 minutes per question (≈ 9 minutes total).

Making the most of your 2 hours

Here’s how your time might look if you stick roughly to the suggested timings:

Section	Time (approx.)
Prescribing	55 – 60 min
Prescription Review	25 – 30 min
All other sections combined	30 – 35 min
Total	≈120 min

 

Try to stay calm, mark for review, and move on if you’re stuck. Remember to leave a few minutes at the end to check the questions you’ve flagged. The prescribing section carries the most marks, but smaller sections can help boost your score if you answer efficiently.

Understanding the structure and weighting of PSA question types can transform how you prepare, helping you focus on high-yield sections, so plan your time wisely and walk into the exam with confidence.

For more guidance, explore the rest of our blogs on the Portal Post or our catalogue of free-to-use resources, including our 9 free eLearning resources specifically designed to support those sitting the PSA (PSA Prep).

Good luck, you’ve got this!

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 resource in partnership with the MHRA and the British Pharmacological Society (BPS).

When should you report?

Do you know what information to include? Whether your suspicion is strong enough to warrant a report? The MHRA recommends reporting every time on the basis of reasonable suspicion. You do not need to establish causation before submitting a report. A report should be made whenever you suspect a medicine may have caused an adverse reaction.

Building your knowledge with the new assessment

We’ve developed an MHRA Yellow Card scheme assessment specifically to help better understand the regulatory role of the MHRA, the importance of post-market surveillance activities in the real world and the value of reporting any suspected safety concerns to the Yellow Card scheme.

What the assessment covers:

The Assessment is a collaboration between BPS and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and is delivered as a one-hour  formative assessment, containing two modules:

1. Module 1: ‘MHRA and the Yellow Card scheme’ – general knowledge questions about the role of the MHRA and the Yellow Card scheme; and
2. Module 2: ‘Reporting Adverse Incidents’ – scenario-based case studies about adverse incidents and reporting routes.

Why complete it now:

Learning about Yellow Card reporting during training means it becomes integrated into your practice from day one. When you encounter your first suspected adverse drug reaction, you’ll already know the appropriate steps. The process will be familiar rather than something you need to investigate while managing clinical responsibilities.

Pharmacovigilance also features in professional assessments, including the PSA. Understanding how to identify and report safety concerns is a core competency expected of newly qualified prescribers.

How it works:

The assessment is available on the portal and can be completed at a time that suits your schedule. You’ll work through interactive case based scenarios that mirror real clinical situations. Once completed, you’ll be ready to use the Yellow Card scheme throughout your career via the online portal at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or the Yellow Card app.

Ready to get started?

Access the MHRA Yellow Card scheme assessment through the portal’s eLearning section  https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/yellow-card-scheme/ 

Explore more learning resources

The Yellow Card assessment is part of our comprehensive range of training materials designed to support your prescribing journey, more resources can be found here: https://portal.bpsassessment.com/ 

For more information about the Yellow Card scheme visit: 

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ 

https://www.bps.ac.uk/education-engagement/society-training-opportunities/bps-assessment-training-solutions/mhra-yellow-card-scheme-assessment

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 exam timings, question layout and what to expect before tackling the exam. 

How long is the PSA exam? 

The time allocated for completing the PSA exam is 120 minutes (2 hours), unless you qualify for special dispensation. Candidates can use this time however they wish, but it’s advisable to spend more time on the questions which score highest. More information about the questions and their scores is outlined below, so keep reading to find out more!  

What score is allocated to each question in the PSA exam?

The PSA exam is made up of eight distinct question types arranged in an order determined by the assessment blueprint. Each question type has a specific number of marks allocated to it, based on the competencies being tested. We’ve summarised the question types and their allocated marks below to help you decide which questions require more of your time: 

• Prescribing (80 marks) – 8 questions with each question earning 10 marks. 
• Prescription Review (32 marks) – 8 questions with each question earning 4 marks.
• Planning Management (16 marks) – 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.
• Providing Information (12 marks) – 6 questions with each question earning 2 marks. 
• Calculation Skills (16 marks) – 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.
• Adverse Drug Reactions (16 marks) – 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.
• Drug Monitoring (16 marks) – 8 questions with each question earning 2 marks.
• Data Interpretation (12 marks) – 6 questions with each question earning 2 marks.

What else can I expect when sitting the PSA exam? 

Time keeping is far from the only skill being tested during the PSA, in fact, while candidates might see this as their biggest challenge, the exam tests a wide range of prescribing competencies expected of a final year medical student, such as managing adverse drug reactions, calculating drug doses and communicating important information to the patient. 

While answering the questions, you’ll also be expected to reference resources, specifically the BNF. Depending on whether you are in the UK or not, you may have access to the Medicines Complete BNF, BNFc or NICE BNF and BNFc (UK only). Being able to effectively navigate these resources to find relevant information will help you better manage your time, so it’s key to get familiar with them beforehand.

How can I make sure I’m fully prepared for the PSA exam?

Preparation is key when it comes to taking the PSA exam! Luckily, there are a number of different resources available to candidates to help you pass the first time. We’ve highlighted some of the main resources available to candidates below:

Official PSA practice papers 

The most obvious place to find resources and practice materials is on the official PSA website. This will also be where you’ll come to sit the real exam, so getting familiar with the platform can go a long way in your preparation. 

PSA Prep

Free to access, PSA Prep includes nine eLearning resources specifically designed to aid your exam preparation. Created as a complete guide to the PSA exam, these resources offer tips and tricks written by prescribing experts on the best way to answer each question item and how to tackle the exam with ease. 

UK Foundation Programme webpage 

More recently, the UK Foundation Programme has brought out a useful webpage which signposts resources created by different institutions. Get access to videos, slides and supplementary materials designed to help you prepare for the PSA and manage your time effectively. 

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for your upcoming PSA exam. But remember, you have only 120 minutes to complete it, so effective time management could be the difference between a pass and a fail. Good luck! 

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 approach your PSA exam with confidence and accuracy.

1. Get to know the exam inside and out

Begin by mastering the PSA’s structure. It features eight distinct question items: Prescribing, Prescription Review, Planning Management, Providing Information, Calculation Skills, Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Monitoring, and Data Interpretation. Each question item has its own scoring allocation and demands. Understanding which sections carry the most marks is vital for strategically allocating your time and focus. 

2. Harness the power of PSA Prep eLearning

A great way to deepen your understanding of the PSA’s structure is by accessing the free PSA Prep eLearning modules from the BPS Assessment Learner Portal. These nine sessions guide you through the structure of exam, the skills expected, what examiners are looking for, and how to avoid common pitfalls. 

3. Get speedy with the BNF

Efficiently using the BNF resources during the exam can save you precious minutes. You may have access to both Medicines Complete BNF and BNFc, and the NICE BNF and BNFc (if in the UK). Familiarise yourself with both resources, focusing on navigating through different sections and finding the information you need effectively. 

4. Practise with official practice papers

Use the built-in practice papers from your exam account. These should give detailed feedback across all eight question types, helping you build speed, accuracy, and confidence.

5. Simulate exam conditions with timed practise

Time pressure during the exam is a factor that many trainees struggle with. Emulate the real PSA by tackling practice papers within a strict time limit. This helps you identify where you’re losing time and which question types need extra attention. 

6. Focus your revision strategy

Because not all questions weigh the same, tailor your revision:

• Prioritise sections 1 & 2; Prescribing (80 marks) and Prescription Review (32 marks).
• Reinforce weaker areas like calculation skills or data interpretation.
• Use each practice session to review mistakes and strengthen areas of uncertainty.

7. Reinforce safe prescribing practice

The PSA is not just about passing an exam; it’s about cultivating safe, effective prescribing habits. Use study materials to focus on dose accuracy, monitoring requirements, adverse reaction recognition, and patient communication skills. All of which add up to ensure you are the safest and most competent prescriber you can be. 

8. Use a structured study plan

Build a schedule that dedicates time to each question section, includes regular timed practice, and allows for progress review. This disciplined approach ensures consistent improvement without last-minute cramming. 

9. Seek other trusted sources of preparatory materials

The UK Foundation Programme has started a signposting site aimed at resident doctors taking the PSA, but these are also very useful for undergraduates:  https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/curriculum/prescribing-safety-assessment-psa/preparation-resources-for-sitting-the-psa/

10. Stay calm, confident, and positively prepared

Your mindset matters. Approaching the exam with optimism and trusting in your preparation can make all the difference. Thorough revision fosters confidence! 

TLDR: Key Takeaways for Passing the PSA Exam on Your First Go

Strategy Focus	Why It Matters
Know the PSA structure	Helps you allocate time to higher-value sections
Use PSA Prep modules	Builds familiarity and exam strategy
Master your prescribing practice	Ensures accuracy on exam day
Practice under timed conditions	Boosts efficiency and stress management
Review performance	Pinpoints weak areas before they cost marks
Seek trusted resources	Builds on your foundations

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 wondering what exactly applies to you. Well, you’re not alone!

This blog is here to help clear up the confusion between the UK PSA and the local version of the Prescribing Skills Assessment delivered at Australian and New Zealand medical schools. We’ve pulled together the most frequently asked questions to help you understand how the local exam works, what to expect, and how to best prepare.

Is My School Signed Up, and Should I Expect a Login?

Yes, if you attend one of the following institutions, your school has signed up for the formative PSA:

Australia

• Flinders University
• Western Sydney University
• Deakin University
• The University of Western Australia
• Curtin University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Tasmania
• Bond University
• Monash University
• The University of Sydney
• The University of New South Wales
• University of Newcastle

New Zealand

• University of Auckland
• University of Otago

If you’re at one of these universities, you will receive a login to access the platform.

🔐 Important: If you want to sign up for an account on the BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal, please do not sign up using your school email address. Use a personal email when registering, as this helps avoid login issues when it comes to sitting the real exam.

Which Formulary is the Exam Based on?

For students at participating Australian and New Zealand institutions, the Prescribing Skills Assessment exam is aligned to the:

• Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)
• New Zealand Formulary (NZF)

That means all prescribing decisions and recommended answers in your exam will reflect local clinical guidelines.

To help you prepare, we strongly encourage you to familiarise yourself with how your national formulary works. These resources are especially useful:

How to Use the AMH:

This video series walks you through key features of the AMH, including an overview and how to navigate it efficiently and interpret information relevant to prescribing. It’s ideal if you’re new to the platform or want a refresher on how to get the most out of it.

How to Use the NZF:

This page outlines how to search for medicines, interpret prescribing information, and use the NZF in clinical decision-making, skills that will be directly relevant in your exam as well as in practice.

What Practice Materials are Available?

Once you’ve been registered by your school and logged into the BPS Assessment platform, you’ll gain access to localised practice papers that reflect prescribing standards from the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) and the New Zealand Formulary (NZF).

You’ll get access to:

• Two 30-question practice papers
• One full-length 60-item practice paper, which you can time yourself on

Each localised paper is developed and reviewed with input from representatives at each participating university. This ensures the materials are not only clinically relevant but also reflect the teaching, curriculum, and prescribing expectations of a final-year medical student at your institution. You can be confident that the skills and knowledge assessed align closely with what you’ve been learning throughout your medical training.

📌 Note: If you’ve worked through all your localised resources and are looking for more practice, there are extra practice papers available to purchase on the BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal. However, you should note that these papers are aligned to the BNF rather than the AMH or NZF. Nevertheless, they may still be a useful resource in your exam preparation, just keep in mind that the recommended answers may differ from your local formulary. And, don’t forget, you’ll need to create a new account on the Learner’s Portal using a personal email address to get access.

When Will I Get My Results?

The Prescribing Skills Assessment is typically delivered over a set sitting window determined by your institution. Results are usually available within 2 weeks after the end of your school’s sitting window.

For the most accurate information about your results release date, check with your course or exam coordinator.

What Happens if I Don’t Pass the First Time?

Talk to your school who may be able to offer you a resit opportunity.

📌 Note: Your school will confirm if and when a resit is available, so keep an eye out for communication from your course or exam coordinator.

Remember: This is your Prescribing Skills Assessment

While the UK PSA and the Prescribing Skills Assessment used in Australia and New Zealand share the same goal; improving prescribing safety and competency, they are not the same exam.

The version you will sit at your university has been specifically localised to reflect Australian or New Zealand clinical practice, using the AMH or NZF rather than the British National Formulary. That means your assessment is tailored to your future prescribing environment, and your preparation should reflect that too!

So while you might come across UK-based resources or references, always keep in mind that your exam is tailored to you:

• Local guidelines
• Local clinical scenarios
• Local patient safety priorities

With the right preparation and understanding of how the assessment works, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed. Good luck!

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 than just another exam, it’s a vital test of your readiness to prescribe medications safely and confidently in real-world settings.

For those looking to prepare well in advance of next year’s sittings, we’ve compiled expert tips, key timing advice, and common pitfalls to avoid, plus details on free learning resources to help you effectively prepare for the exam.

When Is the PSA Exam in 2025/2026?

Mark your calendars! Here are the confirmed PSA exam dates for the 2025/2026 cycle:

Wednesday, 15 October, 2025 – foundation schools only
Thursday, 29 January, 2026 – medical schools only
Thursday, 26 March, 2026 – All sitters (including resits)
Thursday, 23 April, 2026 – All sitters (including resits)
Thursday, 4 June, 2026 – medical schools only

Be sure to check with your school or foundation training programme to confirm your sitting date. You will be registered by your organisation ahead of the sitting, at which point you should receive your login details.

Top Tips for Passing Your PSA Exam

1. Get to Know the Exam Format

The PSA is a 120-minute online exam made up of eight sections, including prescribing, prescription review, planning management, providing information, calculation skills, adverse drug reactions, drug monitoring and data interpretation. Practice under timed conditions to get used to the pace and pressure.

2. Use the BNF Like a Pro

You’ll have access to a version of the British National Formulary (BNF) during the exam, whether that’s the Medicines Complete BNF and BNFc, or the NICE BNF and BNFc (in the UK). Knowing how to search them efficiently can save valuable time. Practise looking up drug interactions, contraindications, and dosage adjustments quickly and efficiently.

3. Practise with Realistic Questions

Use official PSA-style practice papers and cases. The closer your practice materials are to the actual exam format, the more confident you’ll feel.

4. Focus on Common Clinical Scenarios

Many PSA questions reflect common real-life situations, think antibiotics, anticoagulants, pain management etc. Be comfortable with these topics and how they’re applied in clinical settings.

Timing Tips for Exam Day

• Don’t rush the first questions – take a few minutes to orientate yourself and read the instructions carefully.
• Use your time wisely – if a question is taking too long, flag it and move on, you can return to it later.
• Save a buffer – aim to finish with at least 10 – 15 minutes to spare for a final review.
• Practice full papers beforehand – this builds your stamina and helps you learn how long to spend on each section.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

• Prescribing the right drug but wrong route or frequency. Sub-optimal answers can cost you precious marks.
• Overlooking dose adjustments. Consider renal function and other comorbidities when prescribing.
• Failing to review the full clinical scenario. Don’t skim-read, context matters!
• Ignoring drug interactions. Always check for interactions, especially in polypharmacy situations.

Utilise Free PSA Learning Resources

To support your preparation, use free PSA preparation resources such as PSA Prep. A set of 9 eLearning sessions, found on our Learner’s Portal, designed to build your confidence and skills ahead of exam day.

These sessions are:

• 100% free for all students and trainees
• Accessible anytime
• Written by prescribing experts to give you a better understanding of how to approach the exam
• Focused on practical prescribing tasks and exam preparation, including detailed feedback on prescription writing, safety checks, and dosage calculations

To get started:

• Visit the Learner’s Portal
• Create a free account (we recommend using a personal email rather than your university email address)
• Access the PSA Prep resources straight away
• Whether you’re just starting your revision or looking for a final confidence boost, these sessions are a valuable tool in your prep strategy.

Stay calm, stay focused, and remember: the PSA is not just about getting through the exam, but about becoming a safer prescriber for your future patients.

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 yourself running out of time on practice papers or are worried about finishing, you’re not alone.

The good news? With the right strategies, you can complete the PSA within the time limit, without compromising accuracy. Here’s how;

Understand the Structure First

I know we’ve said it so many times, but before diving into time-saving techniques, make sure you know the format inside out! The PSA includes eight question sections, each testing a different aspect of safe and effective prescribing. You’ll have 120 minutes to complete 60 questions (equivalent to 200 marks), so time is tight, but manageable with practice.

Know your timings:

2 minutes per question is a useful average, but some sections (e.g. prescription writing) will naturally take longer.

Others (like data interpretation or calculations) may be quicker — use this to your advantage.

Top Tips to Save Time in the PSA

1. Don’t Get Stuck — Flag and Move On

If a question is taking too long, don’t panic. Use the flagging function to mark it and come back later if you have time. It’s better to secure marks on questions you can answer confidently than to lose time on tricky ones.

🎯 Pro tip: Set a soft time limit for yourself — for example, no more than 3 minutes on any single question before moving on.

2. Use the BNF Efficiently

The BNF is your best friend in the PSA, but it can also be a time sink. Practice navigating it quickly and purposefully, making sure you’re familiar with the different sections. You should know:

• Where to find drug interactions
• How to check doses (especially for renally-impaired or paediatric patients)
• Where to find prescribing guidelines for common conditions

🎯 Pro tip: Get comfortable using the online versions of the Medicines Complete BNF, BNFc and the NICE BNF and BNFc (in the UK) as these are what will be available in the exam.

3. Prioritise High-Yield Sections

Not all questions are equal in time or complexity. Focus on securing marks in the easier, quicker sections first, such as:

• Adverse Drug Reactions
• Drug Monitoring
• Providing information
• Data Interpretation
• Calculations
• Planning Management

Note: While prescription writing and prescription review may take longer, they also incur the most marks, so managing your time with these questions is paramount in making sure you don’t run out of time.

4. Practice with Realistic Timed Conditions

One of the best ways to build speed is practising full-length papers under exam conditions. This builds your time awareness, stamina, and ability to prioritise.

You’ll find a bank of practice questions on the official PSA website; make sure you utilise them!

🎯 Pro tip: After each timed practice, review not just what you got wrong, but where you lost time.

5. Use a Time Management Plan on the Day

Go into the exam with a clear strategy:

• Aim to complete each section in a set amount of time. Take a look at our previous blog – Mastering The Time Pressures Of The PSA, which includes a breakdown of timing for each section of the exam.
• Leave at least 10–15 minutes at the end to review flagged questions.
• Write your timings down on your scrap paper or make mental notes to help keep track.

The Take-Home Message

Running out of time in the PSA is a common worry, but with the right preparation and exam-day tactics, you can beat the clock.

Start by understanding the format, sharpen your BNF skills, and practise with purpose. Time management is a skill, just like prescribing, and you can master both.

Explore more tips, blogs and exam resources on the BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal to build your speed and confidence.

You’ve got this — one question (and one minute) at a time.

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 their second attempt with the right preparation, mindset, and resources.

This blog is here to help you reflect, reset, and build a practical, focused plan to succeed next time.

1. Reflect on your first attempt

Before jumping straight back into revision, take time to reflect on your previous sitting:

• What questions types did you find most difficult?
• Were there certain topics you felt underprepared for?
• Did you run out of time or rush through questions?

Use any feedback you received, either from your practice papers or your exam performance, to identify where things went wrong. Understanding why you struggled is the first step to improvement.

2. Give yourself enough time to prepare

Plan your time well and start early. Build a revision schedule that gives you:

• Regular study sessions each week
• Time to review key prescribing topics (e.g. dose calculations, prescribing for special populations)
• Time to complete full practice papers under exam conditions

Aim for quality over quantity – even short, focused sessions can be effective when you’re working on specific areas of weakness.

3. Focus on the question types that cost you marks

The PSA is made up of eight distinct question styles, each testing different aspects of safe prescribing. Some commonly tricky areas for re-sitters include:

• Prescribing – giving the optimal answer (for full marks)
• Dosage calculations
• Adverse drug reaction identification
• Prescription review questions

Work through each question style individually and learn the best strategy to tackle them. There’s a breakdown of all question types on the BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal to guide your practice.

4. Practise using the BNF effectively

Knowing how to navigate the BNF resources quickly and confidently is crucial for the PSA. If you’re resitting, chances are you already understand the structure, but you may still be losing time on questions if you can’t locate key information fast.

Focus on:

• Drug indications, contraindications, and dosing guidance
• Prescribing for specific populations (e.g. elderly, renal impairment, pregnancy)
• Key safety alerts and monitoring requirements

Spend time practising BNF-based lookups during your revision, especially within the timed setting of a mock paper. Remember you’ll have access to; Medicines Complete BNF and BNFc and NICE BNF and BNFc (only in the UK), so it’s important to be familiar with both. 

5. Make the most of freely available resources

You don’t need expensive tools to pass the PSA, just the right ones.

On the BPS Assessment Learner’s Portal, you’ll find:

• Free practice papers designed to reflect the real exam
• 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.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for support

It’s easy to feel disheartened after not passing the first time, but support is available:

• Speak to your tutors, prescribing leads, or university faculty – they can help identify areas for targeted revision.
• Connect with peers who have sat or passed the exam recently.
• Consider forming a study group or joining an online forum where prescribing challenges and tips are shared.

And most importantly – be kind to yourself. Failing an exam does not define your ability to be a safe, competent prescriber.

You’ve Got This

Failing the PSA first time isn’t the end of your journey – it’s a step on the path to mastering safe prescribing. With focused revision, support from your faculty, and the resources available, you can go into your re-sit with clarity and confidence.

Start early, stay focused, and believe in your ability to succeed!

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!