MSRA · Scores and recruitment
An MSRA score is not a simple percentage correct. This guide distinguishes national normalisation, historical GP bands, specialty-specific selection rules and the recruitment cycle in which results apply.
NHS England explicitly warns that normalisation makes a fixed maximum-achievable score an inappropriate denominator.
NHS England publishes GP-specific tables and describes each GP paper as normalised around mean 250, standard deviation 40.
Different specialties can use MSRA for shortlisting, ranking or in combination with later assessment.
In depth
Section 01
A practice bank percentage is a local proportion of attempted questions correct. The official MSRA outcomes guidance explains that scores are normalised and cannot meaningfully be compared with a universal maximum.
The GP recruitment page says its paper scores are normalised around mean 250 with standard deviation 40. These parameters help interpret that programme's tables but are not a recipe for converting a mock result to an official score.
An overall result can be interpreted differently from a programme-specific rank, which depends on the candidate cohort and recruitment rules. Never infer a percentile from a provider's accuracy graphic.
Section 02
A band indicates performance in a published scheme; an appointability requirement is a minimum eligibility standard; a rank positions a candidate relative to other applicants. These terms should not be interchanged.
For example, NHS England's 2026 GP page describes four bands and the consequences of band one for GP candidates. Those published rules do not automatically establish radiology or psychiatry thresholds in 2027.
Core Psychiatry separately publishes its own appointability and ranking information. When comparing two applications, note the programme-specific rules in two separate rows, with their source dates.
Section 03
NHS England states that the January 2027 sitting is open to all specialties, while February is reserved for applicants to General Practice and/or Core Psychiatry. Some eligible applicants may still be assigned January due to capacity.
Allocated testing windows cannot be changed by withdrawing applications to try to become eligible for the other window. Use the actual invitation for personal logistics.
Specialty recruitment weightings, assessment stages and timelines are governed by that programme's current published guidance, which should be checked again when the cycle opens.
Section 04
When Oriel releases results, first label each number as PD, CPS, overall result, band or specialty rank. NHS England says results are communicated following the testing window according to the recruitment timeline.
Compare only like measures from the same relevant cycle. Be cautious with forum claims that a particular number 'guarantees' an offer: applicant volumes, ranking rules and available posts can change.
Original teaching exercise
A candidate scores 68% CPS and 74% PD on an independent mock. An online comment claims this proves they will achieve an official score above 550 and secure a radiology post.
A result needs a defined scale, population and recruitment policy.
Hypothetical example. No cut-off, percentile or offer probability is predicted.
Preparation
Common mistakes
Free Mini MSRA Bank
240 CPS questions and 50 PD scenarios with explanations. A free account is required.
Full MSRA Bank — £29 once for four calendar months from purchase; no automatic renewal.
Official source
Last checked 12 October 2026. Official NHS England guidance remains the source of truth.
Check primary sources for changes to exam arrangements, recruitment and professional standards.
Explore the MSRA guides
MSRA Booking, Test Day and ID Guide
Your invitation and current NHS England instructions—not an unofficial timetable—determine where and when you sit. Check Pearson registration, booking confirmation, photo ID and the different 2027 testing windows.
Read The MSRA Bank guide →
MSRA Revision Plan: 4, 8 and 12 Weeks
Build a timetable around your current knowledge, rota and reliable study hours. These routes develop both papers with spaced review and time-limited practice, rather than prescribing an unrealistic number of questions.
Read The MSRA Bank guide →
MSRA Mock Exam Strategy and Timing
A mock is valuable when it changes what you do next. Simulate the separately timed papers, distinguish incorrect from unattempted items, and verify that revisions transfer to fresh questions.
Read The MSRA Bank guide →