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← Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment
STEP 2 OF 3 · UK MEDICAL STUDENTS

Preparing for the CPSA

Practise out loud, with a partner and a timer.

  • ⏱ 4 min read
  • UK medical students
  • Step 2 of 3
  • Reviewed 27 October 2026
Introducename, role, consent1Listenopen questions2Exploreideas and worries3Explainplain words4Agree, closeplan, safety-net5
A reliable shape for most consultation stations.
  1. Practise stations with a partner, taking turns as doctor, patient and examiner.
  2. Say what you are doing while you examine.
  3. Build a bank of plain-English explanations.
  4. Record yourself once a week and watch it back.

Building skills week by week

  • Form a small practice group and take turns as candidate, patient and examiner.
  • Film or record yourself when permitted, and watch for jargon and missed steps.
  • Rehearse an opening: introduce yourself, confirm identity, explain and gain consent.
  • Use placement time to ask seniors to watch you and give feedback.

Your checklist

  • Booked weekly practice
  • Practised one explanation aloud

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.