Free eLearning resources from BPS Assessment

If you want to check your knowledge in prescribing and clinical pharmacology, it’s worth remembering that we have a collection of free eLearning resources on the BPS Assessment portal. Covering everything from pharmacovigilance to polypharmacy, they’re there whenever you want to test yourself or brush up on an area, all designed to help you become a safer, more confident prescriber.

Here’s a look at what’s available and how each one can support your learning.

 

MHRA – Yellow Card Scheme

The Yellow Card scheme is the UK’s system for reporting suspected side effects and safety concerns with medicines and medical devices. It’s run by the MHRA and is a cornerstone of post market surveillance. We offer a free assessment, developed in partnership with the MHRA and BPS, which covers the role of the MHRA, when and how to report an adverse incident, and works through real world scenarios to help the process feel familiar before you ever need to use it in practice.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/yellow-card-scheme/ 

 

Polypharmacy Knowledge Check

Patients being on multiple medicines is getting more common, and knowing how to manage this safely is a skill you’ll use throughout your career. Our assessment has a set of 16 questions designed to help anyone involved in prescribing get to grips with the risks and considerations around polypharmacy, from interactions to deprescribing.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/polypharmacy-knowledge-check/ 

 

Antimicrobial Prescribing Knowledge Check

Written and reviewed by the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, this set of 15 questions covers the fundamentals of antimicrobial prescribing. With antimicrobial resistance a growing concern across the NHS, this is a useful way to check your understanding of responsible prescribing before you’re making these decisions on the wards.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/antimicrobial-prescribing-knowledge-check/ 

 

MHRA – Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Assessment

Prescribing safely for pregnant and breastfeeding patients requires a particular kind of care. This assessment, developed in collaboration between BPS and the MHRA Safer Medicines in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding team, walks through the key principles and considerations involved, giving you a solid foundation for this area of practice.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/mhra-pregnancy-breastfeeding-assessment/ 

 

Drugs In Healthcare & Society

This free introductory session gives you a taste of the topics covered in our wider Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics eLearning course. Access it to understand the scale of prescribing in the UK across primary and secondary care, learn the main reasons medicines are prescribed, get to grips with the challenges involved in using medicines in healthcare, and understand the ways medicines can affect public health.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/drugs-healthcare-society/ 

 

Introduction To Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Another free taster from our Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics course, this session introduces some of the core concepts you’ll need as you progress through medical school and beyond. Access it to learn the definition of clinical pharmacology, understand how it’s relevant in healthcare, and understand the role of a clinical pharmacologist.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/introduction-clinical-pharmacology-theraputics/ 

 

CERSI Course

Developed by the Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation in Pharmacogenomics, this free course is a great introduction to pharmacogenomics and its growing role in prescribing decisions.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/product/cersi-course/ 

 

Don’t forget PSA Prep

If you’re preparing to sit the Prescribing Safety Assessment, our PSA Prep collection is also free and includes nine eLearning sessions written and reviewed by a team of UK experts. Each one focuses on a different question style found in the exam, from calculations to prescription review, helping you understand exactly what’s expected and where candidates commonly lose marks.

https://portal.bpsassessment.com/portal-shop/psa-exam-prep/ 

 

Ready to get started?

All of these resources are available to access free of charge through the portal, simply select the ones you want and we’ll email you your login details. 

Explore the full range here: https://portal.bpsassessment.com/prescribers-free-resources/

Mock PSA exams: 21st to 28th August 2026

If you’re a foundation doctor sitting the PSA on 24th September 2026, we’d encourage you to take part in the mock exams running from 21st to 28th August 2026.

 

Why the mock is worth your time

A mock is the best way to test your knowledge of the PSA materials under exam conditions, with a time limit and no pausing to check things. It’s far better to hit a tricky calculation question or run short on time in a mock than to meet that for the first time in the real exam.

It’s also a good confidence check. Do well and you’ll go into the real exam feeling more settled. Struggle with a section and you’ve still got time to work on it before it matters. 

 

Practise the PSA exam format with free PSA Prep

In addition to taking your mock exam ensure you are making use of the free resources available to you including PSA Prep from BPS Assessment which is a set of free eLearning sessions built to get you familiar with exactly what you’ll face in the exam, the format, how each question type works, and where people typically lose time, such as calculations and time pressure.

There are 9 sessions in total, an introduction plus one for each question type:

  • Introduction to the PSA and its questions
  • Prescribing (PWS)
  • Prescription Review (REV)
  • Planning Management (MAN)
  • Providing Information (COM)
  • Calculation Skills (CAL)
  • Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)
  • Drug Monitoring (TDM)
  • Data Interpretation (DAT)

 

Other websites to use for revision 

UK Foundation Programme

The UK Foundation Programme is the organisation responsible for Foundation Years training. It hosts an official preparation page that brings together trusted materials, and it runs the mock paper each year, giving candidates a low stakes opportunity to assess their readiness ahead of the real exam.

Queen Mary University of London & Barts

Queen Mary University of London and Barts have produced a comprehensive free collection of PSA content, all accessible via guest access.

Prescribing Safety Assessment: FAQs and details on what to expect on the day.

 

Five PSA resources to help you prepare for your exam

Preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment takes time, and tracking down good quality material shouldn’t be part of the workload. To save you the search, we’ve pulled together some free PSA resources available across the web including some of our free materials. Here’s a quick introduction to each one, followed by a link to find them.

 

Where these resources come from

UK Foundation Programme

The UK Foundation Programme is the organisation responsible for Foundation Years training. It hosts an official preparation page that brings together trusted materials, and it runs the mock paper each year, giving candidates a low stakes opportunity to assess their readiness ahead of the real exam.

Queen Mary University of London & Barts

Queen Mary University of London and Barts have produced a comprehensive free collection of PSA content available, all accessible via guest access.

BPS Assessment

BPS Assessment are the leading PSA practice material provider and have a range of eLearning, prep and assessment materials available. Written by prescribers and based on UK guidelines, these resources can be used as an effective revision tool.

 

The resources

1. QMUL & Barts PSA teaching materials

One of the most comprehensive free PSA collections online, bringing together official guidance on how the exam is structured and marked, worked practice questions across every question type, and handy prescribing reference materials to support your revision.

🔗 QMUL & Barts PSA course

 

2. Managing your time in the PSA

A short video covering when to move on from a difficult question and how to make effective use of flagged review time. Worth ten minutes for anyone who finds time pressure their biggest challenge in practice papers.

🔗 Via the UK Foundation Programme prep page

 

3. PSA revision sessions

Recorded revision sessions from a series of live PSA prep sessions, aimed at foundation doctors preparing to sit the PSA.

🔗 Via the UK Foundation Programme prep page

 

4. Safe prescribing webinar

A recorded webinar from the UK Foundation Programme on safe prescribing, aimed at F1 doctors. It’s a useful, official refresher on prescribing practice alongside your PSA revision, and free to watch any time.

🔗 Via the UK Foundation Programme PSA page

 

5. BPS Assessment PSA Prep sessions

Nine free eLearning sessions covering all eight question types alongside a general introduction to the exam. Available on the BPS Assessment learner portal alongside other free resources and modules to support prescribing practice.

🔗 Learner Portal

 

PSA and Portal FAQs: Your Questions Answered

If you’re preparing to sit the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA), you may have some questions about the exam and the BPS Assessment portal resources available to help you prepare. We’ve pulled together some of the most commonly asked questions about both to help you feel more informed and confident going into your sitting.

 

What does the PSA test?

The PSA tests the prescribing skills expected of a Foundation Year 1 doctor across eight distinct question types: Prescribing, Prescription Review, Planning Management, Providing Information, Calculation Skills, Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Monitoring and Data Interpretation. Questions are set across a range of clinical settings including medicine, surgery, paediatrics and general practice.

 

How long is the exam and how is it structured?

The standard length of the PSA is 120 minutes but this may vary depending on whether you are entitled to reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustment measures should be in line with what is in place at your medical or foundation school.  The PSA consists of 60 questions across eight sections. Prescribing carries the most marks at 80, making it the most important section to prioritise. We’ve added a link to a video from City St George’s called ‘Managing your time in the PSA’ that walks you through time management strategies and helps you plan how to pace yourself effectively across the exam.

Video link via UKFPO resources page: https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/curriculum/prescribing-safety-assessment-psa/preparation-resources-for-sitting-the-psa/  

 

Can I use the BNF during the exam?

Yes. The BNF and BNFc are available online throughout the exam via Medicines Complete. UK candidates also have access to the NICE BNF. No other resources are permitted and no notes can be made in the BNF during the assessment. 

 

When are the next PSA dates?

For the 2026/2027 training year, the confirmed sitting dates are 24 September 2026 (foundation year doctors), 28th January 2027, 18th March 2027, 15th April 2027 and 3rd June. If you’re sitting through a medical school, your school will confirm which dates apply to you. For the latest information, visit the Prescribing Safety Assessment website.

 

What is PSA Prep?

PSA Prep is a set of nine free eLearning sessions developed by BPS Assessment and created by UK clinical experts. Eight sessions cover each of the PSA question types in depth, including how to approach each one and where marks are awarded. There is also an introductory session to get you oriented. It is free to access through the portal once you have an account and is a great starting point for your revision. 

Access it all here: https://portal.bpsassessment.com/portal-shop/psa-exam-prep/ 

 

What other eLearning is available through BPS Assessment?

BPS Assessment offers a range of free online learning and assessment resources through the portal, accessible anytime and anywhere via a cloud-based platform. These are suitable for anyone involved in prescribing and clinical pharmacology and cover a broad range of topics including pharmacogenomics, MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, polypharmacy, antimicrobial prescribing, medicines use in pregnancy and breastfeeding and an introduction to Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 

You can browse all the free resources at portal.bpsassessment.com/prescribers-free-resources.

 

Where can I find more information about the PSA?

For further information on exam dates, scoring and preparation materials visit the Prescribing Safety Assessment website and the UKFPO website

You can visit our FAQs page or browse our blogs on The Portal Post for revision tips, guides and exam support.

 

Still have questions?

Get in touch and we will do our best to help.

Good luck with your preparation!

How to Approach Your PSA Resit With Confidence

If you didn’t pass the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) on your first try, don’t worry. With the right preparation, you can approach your resit with confidence. This blog will give you some tips to help you get ready for your PSA resit and map out a plan before the next exam.

 

Start by reviewing your last exam

One of the biggest advantages resitters have is exam experience. Use your memory of sitting the exam to reflect on where things didn’t go to plan. Think about which areas you found most challenging and how you managed your time on the day. That reflection is where your revision plan should start.

If you completed any practice papers beforehand, go back and review those too. The patterns in where you can improve are your revision roadmap, and having that clarity from the outset means your preparation will be much more targeted.

 

Build a plan that works around your schedule

Build a revision schedule that gives you:

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

Setting out a realistic weekly schedule with shorter, focused sessions where you are actively working on a specific area can help you not feel overloaded.

 

Feel confident with the eight question types

The PSA uses eight question styles and each one tests different aspects of prescribing safety. Some of the areas worth prioritising include prescribing questions, dosage calculations, adverse drug reactions and prescription review.

Knowing how the marks are split across each section can really help you decide where to focus. Some sections carry significantly more weight than others, which is worth keeping in mind when planning your revision time.

To help understand what each question covers and the marks available for each have a look at our quick guide here

 

Sharpen your BNF navigation

Confidence with the BNF is one of the most practical things you can work on ahead of the resit. Spend time practising lookups during your revision, especially within the timed setting of a mock paper.

Focus on dosing guidance, contraindications, prescribing for specific populations e.g elderly or pregnancy, and key safety and monitoring information. The quicker and more confidently you can navigate it, the more time you will have left for the exam questions.

 

Make the most of the resources available to you

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

  • PSA prep, eLearning and assessments
  • 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.

 

Get help from the people around you

Talking to your tutors or university faculty about the areas you want to work on can be really valuable, and so can connecting with peers who have sat or passed the exam. Even an informal study group can help you stay on track, keep things in perspective and pick up approaches you might not have considered on your own.

 

Ready for Your PSA Resit?

You have already got exam experience, a clearer picture of where to focus and everything you need to prepare well. Don’t forget to also use the resources available and believe in your own ability. 

Good luck with your resit!

Are you concerned about taking the PSA?

When it comes to the Prescribing Safety Assessment, it’s completely understandable to feel some pressure. The PSA is a high‑stakes exam, and for some students it can feel daunting, especially when balancing revision alongside placements, lectures, and everything else that comes with life at medical school.

The good news is that stress around the PSA is manageable, and much of it comes down to preparation and knowing what to expect.

 

Know the exam format

One of the quickest ways to reduce anxiety is to understand what you’ll be asked to do on the day. The PSA has a clear structure, and being familiar with it removes much of the uncertainty. Familiarise yourself with the eight question types, the timing, and what each section is assessing. When fewer things come as a surprise, you can focus your attention on answering the questions rather than worrying about the format.

 

Focus on the most important data

In the exam you’ll be presented with clinical information, and your task is to identify what is relevant to safe prescribing. Practising this skill during revision means you are less likely to spend valuable time on exam day working out where to focus. With practice, it becomes easier to pick out the key details quickly and confidently.

 

Use the BNF

The British National Formulary (BNF) is an essential resource for the PSA, and you’re allowed to use it during the exam. The key is knowing how to navigate it efficiently, so it supports your decision‑making rather than slowing you down. Regular use during preparation helps ensure it feels familiar on the day.

 

Remember your calculations and conversions

Drug calculations and unit conversions appear regularly in the PSA and can cause difficulty if they’re not well practised. Including these in your revision routine helps build confidence and reduces the risk of avoidable mistakes.

 

Get comfortable with time pressure

The PSA is a two‑hour exam with 60 questions, and time management is a common challenge. The time pressure reflects real clinical practice, where prescribing decisions often need to be made promptly and safely. Practising under timed conditions can help you develop a steady pace and improve confidence.

 

Look after yourself

This part is easy to overlook during revision, but it makes a real difference. Your wellbeing affects both learning and performance. Try to sleep well, eat regularly, and take breaks. If exam stress starts to feel unmanageable, it’s important to speak to someone you trust, such as a friend, tutor, or member of university support staff.

 

Make the most of what BPS Assessment has to offer

The BPS Assessment Hub is designed to support PSA preparation. Our resources cover all eight question types and provide detailed feedback to help you understand both correct answers and common errors. If you want to practise under exam‑style conditions, the 60‑item practice paper can be completed in a two‑hour sitting, with feedback to guide further revision. You can explore our eLearning, practice papers, and free resources here.

The PSA is challenging, but it is an assessment that many students pass each year with steady preparation. Taking a structured approach and making use of available resources can help you feel more prepared. Feeling nervous is common, and it often reflects how much the outcome matters to you.

 

Watch the video

The British Pharmacological Society has created a short video that covers many of these points in a clear, accessible way. It can be a helpful addition to your preparation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dW7EuQJyog

Quick guide to PSA exam sections

Whether you’re counting down to the next PSA exam on 23rd April or just starting your PSA preparation, understanding the structure of the Prescribing Safety Assessment is key to good planning. Our guide breaks down all eight sections of the PSA, helping you understand what’s expected and where to focus your revision efforts.

The PSA is a two-hour online assessment that tests your prescribing competence across 60 questions, worth a total of 200 marks. Each section assesses different prescribing skills, from writing prescriptions to calculating drug doses and recognising adverse reactions. Let’s explore what each section involves and how you can approach them with confidence. 

 

1. Prescribing

8 questions, 10 marks each (80 marks total)

This is the largest section of the PSA, accounting for 40% of the total marks. You will be given clinical scenarios and asked to write complete, accurate prescriptions using a digital prescribing interface.

What’s being tested:

  • Selecting the correct medicine for the indication
  • Prescribing the correct dose, route and frequency
  • Managing acute and routine clinical situations safely

Top tip: Always consider patient-specific factors such as age, weight, renal function and allergies. Use the formulary provided within the exam platform to confirm doses and prescribing advice.

 

2. Prescription Review

8 questions, 4 marks each (32 marks total)

You will review prescriptions written by others and identify errors or issues that could cause harm.

What’s being tested:

  • Systematic review of prescriptions
  • Identification of prescribing errors and omissions
  • Recognition of clinically significant interactions or contraindications

Top tip: Review each medicine methodically, checking indication, dose, route, frequency and interactions.

 

3. Planning Management

8 questions, 2 marks each (16 marks total)

You will choose the most appropriate management option from five possible responses.

What’s being tested:

  • Clinical judgement
  • Knowledge of first-line management
  • Recognition of when treatment may be inappropriate or unsafe

Top tip: Use the treatment summaries in the formulary provided and become familiar with where common conditions are located.

 

4. Providing Information

6 questions, 2 marks each (12 marks total)

This section focuses on communicating key information about medicines to patients.

What’s being tested:

  • Prioritising important safety information
  • Understanding what patients need to know to use medicines safely
  • Communicating effectively about high-risk and commonly prescribed medicines

Top tip: Focus on information that prevents harm, such as monitoring requirements or serious side effects.

 

5. Calculation Skills

8 questions, 2 marks each (16 marks total)

You will perform drug calculations and enter the correct final answer.

What’s being tested:

  • Accuracy in dose and rate calculations
  •  Understanding dose adjustments
  •  Correct interpretation of calculation scenarios

Top tip: Work calculations out carefully before entering your final answer and always sense-check the result.

 

6. Adverse Drug Reactions

8 questions, 2 marks each (16 marks total)

This section tests your ability to recognise and respond appropriately to adverse drug reactions.

What’s being tested:

  • Recognition of common and serious adverse reactions
  • Understanding which medicines are associated with specific risks
  • Appropriate action when an adverse reaction occurs

Top tip: Focus on well-established, high-yield adverse reactions linked to commonly prescribed medicines.

 

7. Drug Monitoring

6 questions, 2 marks each (12 marks total)

Some medicines require monitoring to ensure they are effective and safe.

What’s being tested:

  • Knowing what to monitor and when
  • Interpreting abnormal results
  • Assessing whether treatment should be continued, adjusted or stopped

Top tip: Be clear on monitoring intervals and what abnormal results may indicate.

 

8. Data Interpretation

6 questions, 2 marks each (12 marks total)

You will interpret clinical data and decide how it affects prescribing.

What’s being tested:

  • Interpretation of laboratory and investigation results
  •  Recognition of when dose adjustments are needed
  • Understanding how data influences safe prescribing decisions

Top tip: Identify abnormal values and consider their clinical significance.

Sitting your PSA exam with confidence

Breaking down revision for the PSA exam into its component sections makes it far more manageable. Each section tests specific, learnable skills. With structured preparation, strategic time management and thorough practice you’ll be well equipped to demonstrate your prescribing competence.

Remember that the BPS Assessment Learner Portal offers free PSA Prep eLearning sessions covering each section in detail, addressing common challenges like time pressure, calculations and identifying key clinical details. These resources, combined with practice papers and your clinical knowledge will help you to succeed in your exam.

Dark mode is now available on the eLearning portal

We’ve just added dark mode to the BPS Assessment eLearning portal

It is a small change, but if you do a lot of your revision in the evening it should make a noticeable difference. Staring at a bright white screen for hours is not great for your eyes, and dark mode softens the contrast enough to make those longer sessions a bit more comfortable. Less eye strain generally means fewer headaches and better concentration, which is worth something when you are working through a lot of prescribing content.

There are a couple of other upsides too. If you are studying on a laptop or tablet away from a charger, dark mode uses less battery on OLED and AMOLED screens, so you get a bit more time before you need to plug in. It also draws less power overall, which is a small but genuine environmental benefit.

Everything else works exactly as before and you can switch back to light mode any time you like. We’ve put together a short video showing where to find it and how to switch between modes.

Watch the video

Dark mode is available now across desktop and mobile, with nothing to download or update. If you have any questions, get in touch and we will help you out.

Preparing for the PSA on 23rd April?

If you’re settling in for a late night revision session ahead of the PSA exam this month, make sure you check out our free PSA Prep content. 

There are nine sessions designed specifically around the areas of the exam that candidates find most difficult, things like dealing with the time pressure, calculations and picking out the key points in clinical scenarios. Rather than covering the PSA broadly, each session goes deep on one question type so you come away knowing exactly how that part of the exam works, how it’s marked and how to approach it with a bit more confidence. Access them all here

Prescribing Safety Progress in 2025

As we look forward to another year of supporting learners across the UK and beyond to become confident, safe prescribers, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the BPS Assessment community and reflect on the growth and achievements of 2025.

The BPS Assessment Hub is our innovative digital learning and assessment platform designed to build competence in prescribing and promote safer practice. In a world where prescribing errors remain a significant patient safety challenge, well-structured learning and reliable assessment tools are critical. The Hub promotes safer prescribing practices by offering expert-led resources for learners to deepen their understanding of safe prescribing principles.

In 2025, our website welcomed over 26,000 users, reflecting continued confidence from learners and educators worldwide in our resources. 18,000 learners actively engaged with our assessments and practice tools to sharpen their prescribing skills.

Whilst our resources are developed in line with UK clinical guidance, including the British National Formulary (BNF), our reach stretches beyond borders. Alongside strong engagement from learners across the UK, users visited The Hub from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and beyond, showing the global demand for high-quality prescribing support.

Our Prescribing Papers Bundle was the most purchased product, combining our three unique Practice Papers for a discounted price. This popular bundle includes 120 questions, a 60-item mock exam, detailed feedback, and answer justifications, and has been produced by UK experts in line with current clinical standards.

We were pleased to see 3,800 learners take advantage of PSA Prep, our suite of free practice resources designed for those preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment. Covering everything from exam format and time-management strategies to key topic areas, PSA Prep equips learners with foundational knowledge and confidence before they sit their assessment.

These milestones reflect a shared commitment across the prescribing community to safer, more effective practice. As BPS Assessment continues to grow and lead the way to safer prescribing, we remain dedicated to improving and innovating our platform, and broadening access to high-quality resources that support current and future prescribers.

What to Do If You’ve Failed Your PSA in 2026

Failing the Prescribing Safety Assessment can feel disheartening. You’ve put in work, sat the exam and not received the results you were hoping for. Feeling worried about what comes next is completely understandable.

A significant number of students don’t pass the PSA on their first attempt. The great news is you’ll get another opportunity to sit the exam. How you approach your resit is important, focusing your efforts by working out what went wrong and using your first attempt as valuable experience can be a good place to start.

Work out what went wrong

Before jumping back into revision, you need to understand why you didn’t pass. Ask yourself, Which question types caused the most problems? Prescribing, calculations, adverse drug reactions, planning management? Did you run out of time? Which sections took longer than expected? Were you confident using the BNF, or did you waste time searching for information?

If your medical school provides feedback, go through it carefully. Understanding your weak spots is the first step to fixing them.

Build a revision plan

Making a clear revision plan will prevent you from repeating the same mistakes if you use a structured approach that targets your weak areas.

Set specific goals and rather than ‘revise prescribing’, aim for something concrete like ‘complete the Prescribing PSA Prep session and do 20 practice questions’.

Focus on your weaknesses, for example if calculations were the problem, spend more time there. If you struggled with adverse reactions, make that a priority.

Remember to learn from the practice questions. Don’t just check your answers. Understand why the right answer is right and why the wrong ones are wrong.

Use exam conditions to time yourself, use the BNF and practise the full two hours. The more familiar it feels, the better you’ll perform.

Time management

Running out of time is one of the main reasons students fail the PSA. Two hours goes quickly when you’re navigating the BNF and working through clinical scenarios. Practise under timed conditions and stick to it. If you’re spending ten minutes on a question that should take three, you’ll struggle in the real exam. Use the flag and return method. If a question is taking too long, flag it and come back later. Get quicker with calculations and BNF navigation. The faster you can find information and work through calculations, the more time you have for everything else.

Master the BNF

The BNF is your most important tool in the PSA. If you’re not confident using it, you’re at a disadvantage. Know where to find what you need: indications, contraindications, dosages, interactions, side effects. Make sure you practise using the BNF whilst doing questions so you get used to looking things up under pressure.

Use the right resources

Focus on resources that actually target what’s in the exam.

PSA Prep eLearning sessions cover all eight prescribing domains and break down each question style. They’re free and designed specifically for the PSA.

Prescribing Practice Papers give you 120 questions with detailed feedback, including a full two-hour exam simulation.

Free knowledge checks on polypharmacy, antimicrobial prescribing and the Yellow Card scheme are also available on the BPS Assessment portal.

Access everything at https://portal.bpsassessment.com/ 

Look after yourself

Try to get enough sleep, eat properly and drink plenty of fluids, take breaks and talk to people if you need some support. Now you have exam experience and know exactly what needs work, you can approach your resit with a clear plan and the right resources which puts you in a much stronger position.

Good luck!