Preparing for the MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment) can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with two very different sections: Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) and Professional Dilemmas (PD). It’s not just about memorising facts - it’s about knowing how to think like a doctor under pressure. That’s where past papers and mock exams really come into their own. When used strategically, they can build your confidence, sharpen your technique, and help you squeeze the most out of your preparation.
Before you get started, brush up on everything you need to know about the exam in the Pastest complete guide to the MSRA.
Why past papers and mocks are so useful
Past papers and mock exams are more than just practice questions. They give you a chance to experience the exam as it really is. CPS questions test your ability to interpret data quickly and make sound clinical decisions, while PD scenarios ask you to respond to real-world professional situations - testing your ‘in the moment’ thinking. Doing full-length papers helps you get used to the format, get a feel for timing, and build the focus and stamina you’ll need for exam day.
Think of each mock exam as a mirror; it shows where you’re strong and where you need to improve, and it’s the latter areas where you can really hone your revision efforts. You might notice, for example, that certain clinical topics consistently slow you down, or that PD scenarios involving difficult communication trips you up. Identifying these patterns early is the key to targeted, effective revision.
How to make mock exams work for you
The first step to utilising mock exams and papers is to challenge yourself to take a full-length mock under timed conditions. Treat it like the real thing, but try not to worry about your score - the point of this exercise is to see where you stand, understand your strengths, and uncover any weak spots to work on.
Once you’ve finished, review every question carefully - even if it’s a little painful. For the CPS sections, ask yourself why you got answers correct and why you got some wrong. For PD, consider how your responses match up against professional principles such as integrity, empathy, and patient safety. The insight you’re able to gain from this exercise of close reflection is far more valuable than the score itself.
Your next step is to adjust your revision strategy accordingly. Focus on the topics and scenarios that tripped you up. If you’re struggling with a particular clinical system, allocate extra time to revising it and doing related practice questions. If you’re unsure about ranking PD scenarios, practise similar situations and think through the reasoning behind your choices. This more targeted approach ensures every study session counts.
How to add mock exams into your revision strategy
Mocks aren’t just for the final few weeks before the exam, or at least they shouldn’t be! The best strategy is to use them throughout your preparation from day one. Alternate between topic-focused practice and full-length mock exams. Starting mocks early gives you a diagnostic baseline that you can then build on, mid-prep mocks let you track progress, and late mocks build stamina and confidence.
When you sit a mock, simulate the real exam as closely as possible. Stick to the time limits, minimise distractions, and work in one sitting if possible. Doing so helps you get used to the pace of the exam and reduces anxiety on the actual day. After each session, spend time analysing your answers and reviewing mistakes. Look for patterns, tweak your revision plan, and focus on improving areas that will make the biggest difference to your score.
What to do in the final weeks
As exam day approaches, your focus should shift from learning new materials to refining your technique and building confidence. Complete full-length timed mocks, review tricky questions, and practise scenarios that challenge your judgement to develop your skills further. For PD, consider talking through difficult scenarios with a colleague or mentor - explaining your reasoning (and hearing theirs) helps solidify your decision-making skills even further.
The goal in these last few weeks shouldn’t be to cram, but to consolidate what you already know, improve pacing through the exams, and strengthen your confidence. By the time you walk into the real exam, you should feel prepared, calm, and ready to absolutely smash MSRA.
Past papers and mock exams are one of the most powerful tools you can have in your MSRA preparation toolkit. Used thoughtfully, they help you build stamina, refine your technique, and target your weaknesses. The key is to treat them as part of a cycle: practice, review, revise, and repeat.
With consistent practice, careful reflection, and focused revision, you’ll enter the exam room with confidence, knowing you’re ready to tackle both CPS and PD questions effectively. By making mocks an integral part of your preparation, you’re not just practising for an exam - you’re practising to perform at your very best.
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