MSRA Exam

MSRA Exam Overview

The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) stands as a crucial gateway for candidates aspiring to secure positions in Core Surgical Training (CST). As an integral addition to the selection process, the MSRA was first introduced in the 2023 recruitment cycle, aiming to meticulously evaluate candidates' competencies and aptitudes.

Overview of MSRA

At its core, the MSRA serves as a comprehensive evaluation tool meticulously crafted to assess competencies delineated within the Core Surgical Training Person Specification. This multifaceted assessment comprises two primary papers: the Professional Dilemmas (PD) paper and the Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) paper. Each paper is meticulously designed to probe specific skill sets deemed essential for the practice of surgery.

MSRA Exam Structure

The PD paper, taking the form of a Situational Judgement Test (SJT), immerses candidates in a series of scenarios mirroring professional dilemmas commonly encountered in medical practice. Conversely, the CPS paper delves deeper into candidates' clinical acumen, challenging their ability to apply clinical knowledge and make informed decisions across various clinical scenarios.

Registration and Invitation Process 

Candidates initiate the examination process by registering with Pearson VUE, utilising specific account credentials linked to the newly introduced Oriel 2 account. However, successful registration does not guarantee an immediate invitation to the exam. Invitations are extended exclusively to eligible candidates, contingent upon meeting predetermined eligibility criteria.

Scoring and Weightage 

The MSRA scores wield significant influence within the overall selection process, constituting a notable 10% of the final interview score it is used to determine which candidates are invited to interview. Both the PD and CPS elements carry equal weightage, with each contributing 5% to the total selection score.

Candidate Tips

To excel in the MSRA, candidates are encouraged to delve deeply into exam formats and controls through available tutorials and glossaries. Meticulous attention to instructions and questions is paramount, given the absence of negative marking. Additionally, candidates should invest time in revisiting and reinforcing areas of knowledge or practice to bolster their capability demonstration during the assessment.

In summary, the MSRA emerges as a pivotal determinant in the selection journey for Core Surgical Training, serving as a discerning tool to identify candidates possessing the requisite competencies and aptitudes essential for successful surgical practice. Aspiring candidates are urged to approach the assessment with diligence and strategic preparation, ensuring they present their best selves during the evaluation process.

Link to MSRA assessment guide

Professional Dilemmas Paper (95 minutes)

The Professional Dilemmas (PD) component introduces candidates to a nuanced Situational Judgement Test (SJT), probing their approach to the multifaceted role of a medical practitioner within the NHS. It evaluates candidates' adeptness in navigating diverse scenarios encountered during Foundation Placements, prioritising responses grounded in a nuanced understanding of situational significance. 

Spanning 50 items, candidates are allocated 95 minutes to tackle the PD paper. Situated within the dynamic context of the Foundation Programme, candidates are immersed in the role of an F2 doctor, ensuring scenarios remain universally relevant and devoid of regional bias. The assessment aims for a panoramic representation of contexts and rotations commonly experienced by Foundation Doctors, encompassing diverse hospital settings, primary care environments, and unconventional scenarios.

While scenarios may offer specific settings, the assessment underscores the universal applicability of judgment required, transcending particular locales. The PD examination meticulously evaluates three pivotal competencies, each underscored by a spectrum of behavioural indicators, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidates' suitability for specialty training.

Clinical Problem Solving Paper (75 minutes)

In the segment focusing on Clinical Problem Solving (CPS), candidates are presented with a diverse array of complex clinical scenarios, challenging them to employ judgment and problem-solving skills in navigating the intricacies of patient diagnosis and management. This evaluation extends beyond just regurgitation of knowledge, emphasising the practical application of learned concepts in real-world medical contexts.

The CPS assessment, encompassing 97 questions, imposes a strict time limit of 75 minutes for candidates to navigate through the complexity of scenarios presented. At its core, the CPS evaluation serves as a critical benchmark for assessing candidates' proficiency in applying clinical knowledge to practical scenarios, underscoring the importance of synthesising and effectively utilising medical expertise. Designed to cover a broad spectrum of clinical topic areas relevant to general medicine, the assessment ensures comprehensive coverage across diverse facets of medical practice.

Integral to the CPS assessment are five key domains or competencies, meticulously delineated to assess candidates' proficiency in various aspects of clinical decision-making and patient management.

These domains include:

1. Diagnostic procedures

2. Identification of medical conditions

3. Urgency in responding to potential serious illnesses

4. Oversight of medication usage

5. Management of treatment modalities beyond pharmaceutical interventions.