Preparing for the MSRA

To prepare for the MSRA, you will need to register for an account with Pearson VUE. If you are long-listed, you will be sent an invitation.

Registering an account for the MSRA

Once the application timeframe has ended, you will receive a message asking you to register with Pearson VUE using the credentials associated with your Oriel account.

If you have applied to other specialties you may receive multiple messages containing the same credentials from each. In this instance, you only need to register once.

If this is your first attempt at the MSRA or, if you created a Pearson VUE account for the MSRA before Round 1, 2021, you will be required to create a Pearson VUE account with the credentials contained in the message. Failure to register will result in you being unable to sit the MSRA and your application will be withdrawn.

Accounts created for the MSRA prior to 2021 will not be valid.

Once you create your Pearson VUE account you will receive an automated email confirming the username for the account. Ensure you retain this correspondence for your records and for future access to your account.

Signing into a registered Pearson VUE account

After registering your Pearson VUE account, you will be able to sign-in by visiting Pearson VUE.

If you experience difficulties signing-in

If you are unable to login to your account, you can retrieve or reset your login credentials by using the Forgot my username or Forgot my password links on the sign-in page.

If you continue to experience difficulties accessing your account, please direct your queries to the Pearson VUE Customer Services team: [email protected].

When contacting Customer Services, ensure the following information is provided:

• your Pearson VUE Application Number
• your full name, as registered on the Pearson VUE account
• your email address, as registered on the Pearson VUE account
• your postal address, as registered on the Pearson VUE account

Invitation to the MSRA

All applicants who have been assessed as demonstrating evidence of eligibility will be invited to sit the MSRA. If you are invited, you must book an appointment and undertake the MSRA. If you do not book an appointment in time, your application will not progress and you will need to re-apply for a subsequent round.

All MSRA assessments are expected to be held in Pearson VUE assessment centres.

It is recommended that you check the assessment centre area meets any requirements you may have before booking your assessment.

Details for each Pearson VUE centre can be found on the Pearson VUE website.

Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010

All NHS England Local Offices and Deaneries are aware of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate requests provided these are made known in advance. If you require any adjustments (e.g. wheelchair access, additional time, nursing mothers) you must request the adjustments on the application form, at the time of application and ensure the request is evidenced by supporting documentation.

If you require a Reasonable Adjustment for your MSRA, in the Personal Details section of the application form you will need to select Yes to the question:

 “Do you have a disability which requires any specific arrangements / adjustments to enable you to attend a computer-based test, interview or assessment, or other selection process?" and select the adjustment(s) you require from the list of options.

Requests for reasonable adjustments that are submitted after the application deadline will not be considered.

In some instances, to satisfy requests for adjustments, it may be necessary to schedule your assessment at a specific time or in a specific location.

If you are a nursing mother

The MSRA team will consider requests from nursing mothers to provide suitable facilities in the MSRA assessment centres. If this applies to you then you must submit this request with your application form. The MSRA team will then liaise with Pearson VUE to honour your request and to allow you to pause your assessment and leave the assessment centre for a short, timed period.

Children are not permitted at any of the assessment centres.

If you require a comfort aid or a medical or mobility device

Pearson VUE accepts several medicines, and medical and mobility devices as comfort aids which do not require pre-approval. Accepted comfort aid items are listed on the Pearson VUE website.

Any comfort aid item must go through visual inspection by Assessment Centre staff before being admitted to the centre. Visual inspection will involve examining the item without direct contact and without removing the item, unless otherwise stated in Pearson VUE’s comfort aid list.