Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) 2025 Revision Guide – Pass First Time
The Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) – which fully replaces the PANE from September 2025 – is now the single gateway to GMC registration for UK PAs. oai_citation:0‡RCP Whether you’re tackling the Knowledge-Based Assessment (KBA) or the OSCE, this guide distils the high-yield topics, proven study tactics and free resources you need to pass first time.
What exactly is PARA?
> Quick facts
• Two components: 200-item MCQ > KBA> (single sitting) + 12-station > OSCE
• Aligned to the 2023 PA curriculum; blueprint updated June 2025 > oai_citation:1‡RCP
• First cohort: September–October 2025
For the official regulations see the Royal College of Physicians PARA candidate page (https://www.rcp.ac.uk/events-and-education/education-and-learning/exams-and-assessment/physician-associate-registration-assessment-para/pane-information-for-candidates/).
Key 2025 dates & deadlines
| Stage | Date (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application window | 23 Jun – 7 Jul (11 am UK) | Late entries are not accepted |
| KBA exam day | Thu 4 Sep | Single 3-hour session |
| OSCE exam period | 16 Sep – 3 Oct | You’ll receive one assigned day |
| Results released | Thu 30 Oct | Email + RCP portal |
PARA KBA blueprint – high-yield systems
| System | % of questions | Must-know topics |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology | 12–14 % | VTE prophylaxis, murmurs audio, ACS algorithms |
| Respiratory | 10–12 % | Asthma vs COPD management, PE work-up |
| GI/Hepatology | 9–11 % | LFT patterns, IBD therapeutics |
| Endocrine | 8–10 % | DKA vs HHS, thyroid eye disease |
| Pharmacology & therapeutics | 8–10 % | British National Formulary staples |
(Breakdown extrapolated from the June 2025 blueprint) oai_citation:2‡RCP
Proven 6-week study plan
Week 1–2: Diagnostics & core notes
- Skim the PARA KBA blueprint and tick off existing strengths.
- Complete 400 SBAs from the Matrix PA Question Bank with “tutor mode” on; record error patterns.
Week 3–4: Mixed-mode practice
- Alternate 100 timed SBAs with OSCE flashcard drills.
- Pair up to practise focused histories using our free OSCE checklist PDF (download inside).
Week 5: Mock week
- Attempt a full 200-item mock under exam conditions – the premium Mock Exam mirrors the PARA interface.
- Schedule one simulated OSCE circuit (12 stations, 2 min read/8 min station).
Week 6: Polish & rest
- Activate the AI Study Planner – it builds a personalised final-week schedule based on your weak domains.
- Two days before KBA: light flashcards only; sleep optimisation.
Free tools & resources
- Flashcards – 10 k+ spaced-repetition cards covering entire curriculum.
- National exam date calendar – add the 2025 PARA iCal link to Google Calendar.
- Weekly live webinars – rotated through cardiology, neuro and OSCE communication.
Frequently asked questions ⭐️
How many times can I sit the PARA?
You may attempt each component up to four times. Both parts must be passed within five years of your first attempt. oai_citation:3‡RCP
Is the PARA harder than the old PANE?
The format is identical but the blueprint has been refreshed; pass rates are expected to remain similar (~70 % first-time). oai_citation:4‡GMC UK
Which calculators are allowed in the KBA?
Only the on-screen calculator provided by the test platform is permitted.
Next steps
- Create your free Matrix account and unlock 50 SBAs instantly.
- Download the AI planner and auto-generate a tailored timetable in under 60 seconds.
- Join our Results Day webinar on 30 Oct for post-exam career advice.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I sit the PARA?
You may attempt each component up to four times. Both parts must be passed within five years of your first attempt.
Is the PARA harder than the old PANE?
The format is identical, but the blueprint was refreshed in 2025; pass-rates are expected to remain similar (≈ 70 % first-time).
Which calculators are allowed in the KBA?
Only the on-screen calculator provided by the test platform is permitted.