OSCEs Made Simple: What You Really Need to Know

Assalamu Alaikum!

We have all been sitting written exams for most of our lives and have consequently learned how to do well in them. 

OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), however, are a different type of assessment. The intense, time-pressured format can feel intimidating — especially for those sitting them for the first time.

With exam season in full swing, here are some essential tips (from a final-year medic) to help you succeed in your OSCEs, in sha Allah:

1. Know your learning objectives inside out

You should have handbooks or learning outcomes for your OSCE exam, outlining the exam format, timings, and broadly what you can be tested on (e.g. physical examination, history, clinical skill). Make a list of every physical examination/symptom/clinical skill that can come up, and use this to structure your revision.

2. Make use of online resources and older years’ resources

Although OSCEs may seem unpredictable, the are common themes, and there will be online resources and older year guidance available. Try to memorise the key structures and phrases for each type of OSCE station — e.g. WIPE and IPPA for physical examinations.

Some great online resources for OSCEs are:

• Geeky Medics OSCE bundle and YouTube videos
• OSCEstop revision guide and practice stations
• OSCEsense practice stations

3. Practise, practise, practise!!

The single most important thing you need to do for your OSCEs is to replicate your exam setting and do as much timed practice as possible — in person and with other people. Speaking out loud to yourself or practising over Zoom is not a substitute for practising in person.

The most difficult aspect of OSCEs is controlling your nerves on the day, and practising in a pressured environment will ensure you walk into your exam with confidence.

(By the way, IMed holds annual mock OSCEs for each year group!)

4. Stay positive

If a station doesn’t go well, let it go and move on. Every station is a new opportunity. It’s important not to let one or two (or more!) bad stations affect your performance for the rest of the exam — so please make sure you stay focused on your current task.

Final reminder:
Make plenty of du'a, trust in your preparation, and remember that success comes from Allah (SWT). You’ve worked hard — may Allah make it easy and grant you success! Ameen.

~Sanna