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!