Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA)

The Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) has been developed jointly by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and MSC Assessment. It is intended to be a valid and reliable tool allowing medical graduates and foundation doctors to demonstrate that they have achieved the core prescribing competencies outlined in Outcomes for graduates (originally published in Tomorrow’s Doctors).

All F1 doctors are required to pass the PSA to be awarded a Foundation Year 1 Certificate of Completion (F1CC) at the end of the first year of the foundation programme.

F2 stand-alone doctors can choose to sit the PSA, if they and their supervisor(s) feel this may be helpful to them. This should be discussed with their foundation school.

PSA requirements and process

Key information about the PSA, including how it works, who needs to sit it and important dates and requirements

Preparation resources for sitting the PSA

Videos, tutorials and downloadable materials to support F1 doctors preparing to sit the PSA

UKFP PSA mock paper – Guidance

Information about PSA mock paper, including when to access it and how to approach it so candidates get the most out of the experience

Safe prescribing webinar

For further information on safe prescribing during the UK Foundation Programme, have a look at the webinar below, recorded in August 2024: