MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment)

The MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment) is a standardized exam used in the recruitment process for several UK postgraduate medical specialties, including General Practice (GP). Here is a detailed overview of the MSRA exam specifically for GP recruitment:

🔹 What is the MSRA?

The MSRA is a computer-based assessment used as part of the GP Specialty Training (GPST) selection process. It assesses essential skills and professional attributes necessary for entry into UK GP training.

🔹 Who Takes the MSRA?

• All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for GPST are invited to sit the MSRA.

• The score is used to rank candidates for interview shortlisting and sometimes as a standalone tool (e.g. if oversubscribed, some high scorers may get offers without interview).

🔹 MSRA Format

The MSRA consists of two sections:

1. Professional Dilemmas (PD)

• 50 Situational Judgement Test (SJT)-style questions

• Time: 95 minutes

• Assesses professionalism, patient safety, teamwork, communication, and integrity

• Format:

  • Ranking items (you must rank 4 or 5 responses)

  • Multiple best answer items (choose 3 most appropriate responses)

2. Clinical Problem Solving (CPS)

• 97 clinical questions

• Time: 75 minutes

• Based on UK Foundation Programme level clinical knowledge

• Includes topics such as:

  • Cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, neuro, mental health, musculoskeletal, etc.

• Format:

  • Mostly single best answer (SBA) or extended matching questions (EMQs)

🔹 Key Dates (Typically)

• Applications Open: November

• MSRA Window: January

• Round 1 GP Interviews: February/March

• Offers Released: March

Check current recruitment cycle via Oriel or the GP National Recruitment Office (GPNRO).

🔹 How is the MSRA Scored?

• PD: Max 50 points

• CPS: Max 50 points

• Total: Max 100 points

Scores are normalized based on performance of all candidates. There's no negative marking.

🔹 MSRA for GP Recruitment Tiers

In some rounds, if your MSRA score is exceptionally high, you may:

• Get direct offers without interviews (called “direct allocation”)

• Be shortlisted for selection centre (interview)

🔹 Preparation Tips

📘 Resources:

• Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine

• NICE CKS and BNF

• Pick one of the question banks from below:

📌 Tips:

• Practice timed SJT questions – focus on prioritisation and professionalism.

• Revise UK clinical guidelines and common primary care presentations.

• Use mock exams to simulate pressure.

🔹 MSRA is also used for:

Apart from GP, MSRA is used in recruitment for:

• Psychiatry

• Radiology

• Ophthalmology

• Obstetrics & Gynaecology

• Neurosurgery

• ACCS Emergency Medicine

• Community Sexual & Reproductive Health
  ...and others.