The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is a computer-based assessment designed to test the knowledge and skills of candidates applying for specialty training in the UK. Used by multiple medical specialties as part of their selection process, the MSRA is a crucial step toward securing your desired training post.
The MSRA consists of two main components: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS). Success in this exam can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining competitive specialty training positions across various medical disciplines.
The MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment) is a standardized computer-based exam used to assess candidates applying for specialty training positions in the UK. It evaluates both clinical knowledge and professional judgment through two distinct paper types: Clinical Problem Solving and Professional Dilemmas.
The MSRA exam duration is 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes) in total, split between two papers. The Professional Dilemmas paper lasts 95 minutes, while the Clinical Problem Solving paper takes 75 minutes to complete, with an optional 5-minute break between papers.
The MSRA contains 136 questions in total: 86 Clinical Problem Solving questions and 50 Professional Dilemmas questions. All questions are in multiple-choice format with various question types including single best answers and extended matching questions.
The MSRA is used by numerous medical specialties including Emergency Medicine, General Practice, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anaesthetics, Pathology, and many others. Each specialty may have different score requirements and additional selection criteria.
The MSRA typically runs annually between January and February, with specific dates announced by the UK Foundation Programme Office. Candidates must book their exam slots in advance during the application window.
The MSRA is completely free to take. There is no exam fee charged by NHS England. However, you may incur travel and accommodation costs to attend your test centre, which are not reimbursed.
MSRA scores are presented as percentiles rather than raw marks. A competitive score typically falls above the 70th percentile, though requirements vary significantly between specialties. Some highly competitive specialties may require scores above the 90th percentile.
The MSRA uses norm-referenced scoring, meaning your performance is compared to other candidates rather than a fixed pass mark. Scores are reported as percentiles, showing how you performed relative to the cohort taking the exam.
Ready to begin your MSRA preparation? Access our comprehensive question bank with over 1,000 practice questions, detailed explanations, and performance tracking.