Postgraduate exam guide
25 tips for exam preparation
Preparation for independent study
Study skills questionnaire
I didn't get the outcome I expected- what now?
There is no such thing as failure- only feedback
General
- What is your approach to adult learning?
- Do you have all the necessary study skills?
- Are you managing your time sensibly? How much time are you spending on personal study outside the scheduled training – is it sufficient and effective? Do you plan your study time realistically particularly just before the examination?
- Are there personal and social issues which are affecting your ability to learn?
Knowledge base
There is no way in which you can ‘cram’ for any part of the Medical Postgraduate examination. It is a test of sustained learning.
- Revisiting the curriculum and syllabus published by the Colleges and making sure that the breadth and depth are equally tackled
- Checking that you have fully explored all the self study material and learning resources from courses, tutorials & e-learning available to you
- Revisiting basic and clinical science materials to ensure a thorough understanding of core scientific principles and concepts underlying medical practice
- Reflect on the feedback from your peers and senior colleagues over the preparation period and identifying areas of weakness for further study. This includes refinement of examination technique.
- Reviewing your logbook and identifying areas which you have not covered sufficiently and address this with the help of your college tutor.
- Practicing communication skills – video yourself with a colleague in a practice session with clear objective and debriefing procedure
Personal Circumstances
Sometimes your performance will have been affected due to personal circumstances which are largely out of your control - such as illness, finance or family issues. These circumstances may well affect your performance in the examination.
Contact PSW for exam support
GP exam support: South West Support for Exams (SPEX)
Interpersonal Skills course for doctors: Doctors Interpersonal Skills 360
Video from NHS England North East: The Exam game Plan