ONE STANDARD FOR EVERY DOCTOR WHO PRACTISES IN THE UKSearch
← Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment
STEP 1 OF 3 · UK MEDICAL STUDENTS

CPSA format at a glance

Timed stations, designed and marked by your school.

  • ⏱ 3 min read
  • UK medical students
  • Step 1 of 3
  • Reviewed 27 October 2026
One circuit,many skills1History2Examination3Procedure4Communication5Prescribing6Professionalism
A circuit of stations, each testing a different skill.
  • The CPSA is usually run as an OSCE: a circuit of timed stations.
  • Each school designs its own, but every design must meet the GMC’s UKMLA requirements.
  • Expect history taking, examination, procedures, communication, prescribing and professional dilemmas.

Typical stations

  • Taking a history from an actor or patient.
  • Examining a system and presenting findings.
  • Explaining a condition, test or plan.
  • Practical procedures and prescribing tasks.

Each station has its own task, time limit and mark scheme, set by your school within the GMC’s requirements. Ask your clinical skills team for the details.

Your checklist

  • Read my school’s CPSA handbook

This page is general education, reviewed 27 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.