The overall pass rate for CSA in Yorkshire and Humber Deanery in 2010 was 84.5% according to the RCGP MRCGP Annual Report - click here to read the report in full. In the past no one on the scheme has failed CSA - but they may have had to take it several times to eventually pass it. The Training Programme Directors advise you to take the CSA at a stage in your training when you are able to have two attempts before the end of your scheme. This means that if you are finishing in July you should take it in February so that if you are not successful first time you have a second chance in May.
This will maximise your chances of passing it first time because you will have had more than six months in ST3 in preparation for CSA. I have heard of trainees who are in ST3 and have applied to do it in September or November. I wish you the best of luck but this is an expensive and high risk strategy. Remember you are only allowed four attempts so you could theoretically use all your attempts up in ST3 and have none in reserve.
I have in ST1 and ST2 tried to play down trainees anxieties about CSA but I think I may have been too laid back. Nearly one in eight trainees won't pass it without an extension of training so you need to treat the exam with respect and take it when you can maximise your chances.
Remember your TPD's know best!
No comments:
Post a Comment