Physician Associate OSCE Practice 2025 – 16-Station Strategy & High-Score Checklist
The Physician Associate Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is the second half of the 2025 Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA). It now consists of 16 stations – 14 live + 2 rest – each eight minutes long, with two minutes outside to read the brief. [oai_citation:0‡Royal College of Physicians](https://www.rcp.ac.uk/media/hmiir55w/para-osce-blueprint-june-2025.pdf?) Below you’ll find a proven prep plan, station breakdowns and free resources to maximise your marks first time.
OSCE 2025 Format & Marking Criteria
- 14 live stations covering history, examination, practical skills and communication.
- 2 rest stations – catch your breath & reset.
- Each live station scored out of 24 marks: 18 checklist + 6 global rating.
- Overall pass = passing score in at least 10 live stations and a minimum global percentage of 72 %.
- Held at the RCP’s Liverpool hub The Spine. [oai_citation:1‡Royal College of Physicians](https://www.rcp.ac.uk/events-and-education/education-and-learning/exams-and-assessment/physician-associate-registration-assessment-para/pane-information-for-candidates/?)
16 Common Station Types (2025 Blueprint)
| Theme | Typical Task | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology | Chest-pain history + ECG interpretation | SOCRATES, red-flags, STEMI vs NSTEMI |
| Respiratory | Asthma exacerbation management | Peak-flow, O₂ escalation, BTS guidelines |
| GI | Abdo exam – suspected appendicitis | Inspection ➜ percussion ➜ Rovsing’s |
| Neuro | Cranial-nerve exam | CN II–XII in < 6 min |
| Endocrine | Explain new type 2 diabetes diagnosis | Teach-back, lifestyle counselling |
| MSK | Acute knee injury | Ottawa rules, Lachman |
| Pharm | Prescribe anticoagulant for AF | BNF dosing, CHA₂DS₂-VASc |
| Obs / Gynae | Post-partum haemorrhage scenario | SBAR handover, uterotonics |
| Paeds | Fever in a 3-year-old | Paediatric sepsis six |
| Mental Health | Risk-assess suicidal ideation | SANE, safety-netting |
| Procedural | IV cannulation | ANTT, consent, flush check |
| Basic Life Support | Adult collapse (simulation) | DR ABC, 30:2 ratio, defib safety |
| Derm | Rash assessment & DDx | SITE, morphology terms |
| ENT | Otitis media exam | Otoscopy landmarks |
| Rest | — | — |
| Rest | — | — |
6-Week OSCE Preparation Plan
- Weeks 1–2 – Foundation
• Review station list & mark weakest three systems.
• Film yourself performing one full exam daily. - Weeks 3–4 – Simulation
• Pair up for timed two-station circuits.
• Use our free OSCE checklist PDF to score each other. - Week 5 – Mock Circuit
• Complete a 14-station mock at your university skills lab.
• Debrief → action list of recurrent errors. - Week 6 – Polish
• Daily 10-min micro-station (e.g., fundoscopy).
• Day-before: rest, light flashcards only.
Communication Hacks That Add Easy Marks
- “Golden minute” – let the patient speak uninterrupted first.
- SIGNPOST your station flow (e.g., “First I’d like to examine your heart, then discuss the findings”).
- End every station with ICE (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations) & a safety-net phrase.
Free OSCE Resources
✅ 6,000+ OSCE-style flashcards | ✅ Full 14-station mock exam | ✅ AI planner auto-slots OSCE practice into your week
Frequently asked questions ⭐️
How many OSCE stations are there in 2025?
There are 16 stations in total: 14 live stations plus two timed rest stations. [oai_citation:2‡Royal College of Physicians](https://www.rcp.ac.uk/media/hmiir55w/para-osce-blueprint-june-2025.pdf?)
What is the OSCE pass mark?
You must achieve a passing score in at least 10 of the 14 live stations and reach the overall percentage set by the exam board (usually ~72 %).
Can I resit individual stations?
No – the OSCE component is marked as a whole. If you fail overall, you must retake all stations at the next sitting.