MSRA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MSRA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of a significant event analysis (SEA) in general practice? → To learn from incidents and improve patient safety systems
2. How are the two MSRA papers (Professional Dilemmas and Clinical Problem Solving) weighted in the overall score? → They are weighted equally
3. A junior doctor asks you to sign off a prescription they have already written and for which they have not reviewed the patient. What should you do? → Refuse to sign and explain that prescribers must review the patient themselves
4. You are asked to countersign a prescription written by a medical student. You have not seen the patient. What should you do? → Review the patient yourself before countersigning the prescription
5. What happens to a candidate's MSRA score if they sit the exam in multiple recruitment cycles? → Each score applies only to that cycle's application
6. What type of questions are included in the written section of the test? → Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
7. How should fundamental concepts be prioritized in learning? → Master basics before advancing to complex topics
8. What role does data collection play in quality improvement? → It provides objective evidence for identifying trends and measuring progress
9. What role does reflection play in professional practice? → It enables learning from experience and continuous improvement
10. How long must professional records typically be maintained? → According to state and federal regulations, often 7-10 years or longer
11. What is the minimum age requirement to appear for the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment Test? → 18 years
12. Which of the following best describes how specialty-specific the CPS content is? → Core medical knowledge with some specialty-weighted questions depending on the pathway
13. Which qualification is typically required for candidates applying for clinical roles in this test? → Bachelor's Degree in Medicine or Nursing
14. What is the typical timeline between sitting the MSRA and receiving results? → Results are only released after all candidates have sat the exam
15. How does the MSRA handle questions that are identified as flawed or ambiguous after the exam? → The question is removed and scores are recalculated without it
16. A GP writes a referral letter and accidentally includes another patient's confidential information. What should happen next? → Notify the patient whose information was included and report as a data breach
17. Which of the following best characterizes the difficulty level of MSRA CPS questions relative to the MRCP Part 1 exam? → MSRA CPS tests a similar breadth but at a lower depth than MRCP Part 1
18. What is the appropriate way to record a telephone consultation in a patient's medical record? → Document the date, time, who was contacted, discussion content, and agreed actions
19. A 70-year-old man on warfarin presents with melaena and an INR of 8.0 but no major bleeding. What is the most appropriate action? → Stop warfarin and give oral vitamin K
20. During a night shift you are extremely fatigued and feel you cannot safely see further patients. What is the most appropriate action? → Inform your senior or on-call supervisor, hand over safely, and step away if required
21. A patient with capacity refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds. They are bleeding heavily post-surgery. What is the most appropriate action? → Respect the refusal and manage without transfusion
22. Which is a crucial factor for successful test preparation? → Creating a study schedule
23. A 17-year-old presents alone requesting contraception and explicitly asks you not to inform their parents. What is the most appropriate approach? → Assess Gillick competence; if competent, prescribe and maintain confidentiality
24. How many testing windows does the MSRA typically offer per recruitment cycle? → One 2–3 week window
25. What happens if a candidate experiences a technical failure during a remote-proctored MSRA sitting? → They must contact Pearson VUE immediately to document the incident
26. What should a professional do upon discovering a colleague is practicing while impaired? → Report through appropriate channels as required by professional duty
27. What is mandatory reporting? → A legal obligation to report certain situations such as abuse or neglect
28. The MSRA score report typically includes which of the following breakdowns? → Separate scores for CPS and PD papers
29. What is a key performance indicator (KPI)? → A measurable value that demonstrates effectiveness in achieving objectives
30. Which of the following best describes the Gillick competence principle in paediatric medicine? → A child under 16 may consent if they demonstrate sufficient maturity and understanding