May exam cancellations due to COVID-19

As the number of COVID-19 cases grows daily we have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled PA National OSCE Examinations which were due to take place in May in Liverpool. We know that at this current time the uncertainties about what will happen around exams are causing considerable anxiety. The welfare of aspiring physician associates is very important to us so we wanted to provide as much notice as possible of the decision.

These examinations were due to take place on the following dates:

• Thursday 7 May 2020 (written)
• Wednesday 20 May 2020
• Thursday 21 May 2020
• Friday 22 May 2020

At the moment we are still considering whether we are able to run the planned May written examination. We will provide a further update on this by the end of the week.  We have also made the decision to extend the recertification period by two exam diets for those who were intending to sit the exam in May. As the NHS will be under considerable pressure candidates who were planning on recertifying in May will not be able to register for this examination and will instead have their recertification period extended.  

We are currently in discussions with stakeholders to agree a way forward for those candidates who would have sat the May exams, and hope to provide an update shortly.

The next scheduled round of National Examinations will be held in September. For further information about the National Examinations please go to the FPA website:  https://www.fparcp.co.uk/examinations/national-examinations