MSRA MSRA Exam Strategy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is the MSRA structured and what does it assess?
- Two papers: Clinical Problem Solving (1hr 15min) and Professional Dilemmas (1hr 30min), both computer-based (Correct answer)
- A single 3-hour written exam
- An oral examination with clinical stations
- A practical skills assessment
Correct answer: Two papers: Clinical Problem Solving (1hr 15min) and Professional Dilemmas (1hr 30min), both computer-based
The MSRA consists of two papers: Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) with extended matching and single best answer questions, and Professional Dilemmas (PD) with situational judgment test questions ranking responses.
Question 2: What is the scoring method for Professional Dilemmas questions?
- Partial marks awarded based on how closely your ranking matches the ideal ranking of responses (Correct answer)
- All or nothing — full marks or zero
- Only the top-ranked answer counts
- Negative marking for wrong answers
Correct answer: Partial marks awarded based on how closely your ranking matches the ideal ranking of responses
Professional Dilemmas uses partial scoring — marks are awarded based on the concordance between your ranking and the expert panel's ideal ranking. Closer matches score higher, even if not perfect.
Question 3: What clinical knowledge areas are most frequently tested in MSRA?
- Cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and emergency medicine scenarios (Correct answer)
- Only rare genetic conditions
- Exclusively surgical procedures
- Only pediatric medicine
Correct answer: Cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and emergency medicine scenarios
The MSRA CPS paper frequently covers common medical presentations including acute coronary syndrome, COPD/asthma, diabetes management, acute abdomen, stroke, and common emergency presentations across medical specialties.
Question 4: What approach is recommended for ranking Professional Dilemma responses?
- Consider patient safety first, then professional obligations, then personal preferences when ranking actions (Correct answer)
- Rank based on what seems easiest to do
- Always rank the most extreme action first
- Consider only the legal implications
Correct answer: Consider patient safety first, then professional obligations, then personal preferences when ranking actions
The recommended hierarchy for ranking is: patient safety (most important), professional obligations and GMC guidance, maintaining trust in the profession, and then practical/personal considerations.
Question 5: How should extended matching questions (EMQs) in the CPS paper be approached?
- Read the clinical scenario carefully, form a provisional answer before looking at options, then match to the best option (Correct answer)
- Always choose the first answer that seems plausible
- Skip the scenario and go straight to the options
- Choose the longest answer option
Correct answer: Read the clinical scenario carefully, form a provisional answer before looking at options, then match to the best option
For EMQs, read the clinical vignette thoroughly, identify key features (age, symptoms, investigations), form a provisional diagnosis or management plan, then match to the most appropriate option from the list.
Question 6: What time management strategy is recommended for the MSRA?
- Allocate approximately 2 minutes per CPS question and 3 minutes per PD question, flagging difficult ones for review (Correct answer)
- Spend equal time on every question regardless of difficulty
- Complete the test as fast as possible
- Only focus on questions you're confident about
Correct answer: Allocate approximately 2 minutes per CPS question and 3 minutes per PD question, flagging difficult ones for review
With timed papers, allocating roughly 2 minutes per CPS question and 3 minutes per PD question ensures adequate time for all questions. Flag uncertain questions for review rather than spending excessive time.
MSRA MSRA Exam Strategy 1
How is the MSRA structured and what does it assess?