The CPSA

CPSA · OSCE

Station types

Every OSCE station is one of these types, scored against the same marking domains. Prepare each, then log practice attempts to reveal your weakest domain across stations.

History-taking

Focused or full history from a simulated patient — elicit the story, explore ICE, form a differential.

Data gatheringCommunicationClinical reasoning & management
no practice logged yet
Clinical examination

Perform a focused, system-based physical examination and present your findings.

Data gatheringProfessional behaviourClinical reasoning & management
no practice logged yet
Communication & explanation

Explain a diagnosis, procedure or result; shared decision-making; breaking bad news; consent; counselling.

CommunicationProfessional behaviourPatient safety
no practice logged yet
Mental state examination & risk

Take a psychiatric history, perform and present a structured MSE, and — critically — a risk assessment.

Data gatheringCommunicationPatient safety
no practice logged yet
Prescribing & medication review

Write or review a prescription safely — a practical prescribing task, drug-chart or TTO review.

Clinical reasoning & managementPatient safety
no practice logged yet
Data interpretation

Interpret bloods, an ECG, imaging, or observations and act on the findings.

Clinical reasoning & managementPatient safety
no practice logged yet
Practical skill / procedure

Demonstrate a GMC practical procedure to competence in the exam setting.

Data gatheringPatient safetyProfessional behaviour
no practice logged yet
Professionalism, ethics & safety

Navigate an ethical/professional scenario — escalation, error disclosure, safeguarding, capacity.

Professional behaviourCommunicationPatient safety
no practice logged yet