The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a station‑based clinical skills exam used in medicine, nursing and other health professions. This page sets out, in plain language, how a typical OSCE runs, what examiners score, and how to practise in a focused way in the weeks before your exam.
A short, search‑friendly overview of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) in medicine and healthcare
The OSCE exam (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a practical, station‑based clinical skills exam. Instead of writing answers on paper, you move between rooms and demonstrate how you take a history, examine a patient, interpret results, and explain plans.
A typical circuit has 4–8 OSCE stations, each 10–15 minutes long with a short changeover period. At each station you are given a brief stem at the door, then interact with a real or simulated patient while an examiner scores you using a checklist and global rating. See the OSCE Exam Format & Structure section for a detailed breakdown.
OSCE exams are designed to sample a broad range of core skills: focused history‑taking, physical examination, communication and counselling, data interpretation, procedures and emergency management. Rather than testing rare conditions, most stations focus on common, high‑yield presentations.
OSCE exams are used across medical schools, nursing and midwifery programmes and licensing exams in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries. Because OSCEs are standardized and checklist‑driven, they are seen as a fair way to assess whether candidates are safe to progress to the next stage of training.
Detailed breakdown of how a typical OSCE circuit is organised
| Component | Typical Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Number of stations in a circuit | 4–8 stations | Common pattern in OSCE circuits in the UK, US, Canada and Australia; some schools run larger combined circuits. |
| Station duration | 10–15 minutes | History‑taking and mixed skill stations are often 12–15 min; some focused procedure stations are shorter. |
| Changeover time | 1–2 minutes | Used to read the next station stem and move rooms. |
| Total exam time per circuit | 60–120 minutes | Varies with the number of stations and whether you complete one or more circuits on the same day. |
| Standardized patients | Most stations | Trained actors or volunteers portray consistent patient stories and findings. |
| Examiners | 1 per station | Faculty, clinicians or trained assessors use structured mark sheets. |
| Rest stations | 0–2 per circuit | Short breaks built into longer circuits to prevent fatigue. |
The most frequently tested station categories across medical and nursing OSCE examinations
Focused or comprehensive history around a presenting complaint (chest pain, headache, abdominal pain, mental health concerns). Scored on systematic questioning, red-flag identification, and rapport.
Structured examination of body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, neurological, musculoskeletal. Emphasis on technique, sequence, patient comfort, and identifying clinical signs.
Explaining diagnoses, discussing treatment options, obtaining informed consent, breaking bad news, addressing patient concerns. Tests empathy, clarity, and shared decision-making.
Interpreting ECGs, blood tests, imaging (X-rays, CT scans), spirometry, or prescribing charts. Often includes formulating differential diagnoses and management plans.
ABCDE assessment of acutely unwell patients, basic life support, recognition of sepsis, anaphylaxis, or other time-critical conditions. Prioritizes safety and systematic approach.
Performing or explaining procedures: IV cannulation, urinary catheterization, venipuncture, suturing, wound care, inhaler technique. Assessed on technique, asepsis, and patient explanation.
Writing safe prescriptions, reviewing medication charts for errors, counseling patients on new medications, addressing drug interactions and contraindications.
Presenting cases, formulating differential diagnoses, justifying investigation choices, and creating management plans. Tests integration of knowledge and structured thinking.
Quick interactive quiz to check your understanding
Practical ways to use the last few weeks before the OSCE exam so that what you already know actually shows up in the station
Read your school’s OSCE handbook and timetable. Note how many stations, how long each lasts, which station types are guaranteed, and any mandatory domains. This lets you revise with the real exam in mind instead of a generic OSCE.
Focus on high‑yield patterns: chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, headache, confusion, and common communication tasks. For each one, build a repeatable opening, middle and closing structure. The Common OSCE Station Types section lists the main categories.
Run stations at the proper length (10–15 minutes) using a timer. Afterwards, spend a few minutes reviewing what you missed using a checklist or the feedback from tools like Interactive Practice Tools. Aim for many short, focused runs rather than a few long revision sessions.
After every practice case, write down one thing to keep and one thing to change next time (for example, “always check ICE” or “start summary earlier”). This simple habit steadily tightens your performance without needing huge amounts of extra time.
Use these tools to simulate exam conditions and track your preparation progress
A realistic example of a history-taking station with detailed guidance
Instructions to Candidate:
You are a junior doctor in the emergency department. A 58-year-old patient has presented with central chest pain that started 2 hours ago. Take a focused history to assess the nature, severity, and risk factors. You have 8 minutes for this station.
You are not expected to perform a physical examination or propose management in this station.
Introduce yourself, confirm patient details, obtain consent to take history, and ask how they prefer to be addressed.
"Can you tell me about the chest pain that brought you in today?" Allow patient to describe in their own words.
Ask about hemodynamic instability, syncope, tearing/ripping quality (aortic dissection), recent immobility (PE risk).
Previous cardiac history, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of premature heart disease.
Current medications (especially cardiac drugs, anticoagulants) and documented allergies.
Summarize key findings back to patient. Briefly state top differentials: "Based on what you've told me, we need to rule out serious causes like a heart problem, but it could also be..."
"Do you have any questions?" Thank the patient. Explain next steps briefly.
A focused way to rehearse real OSCE stations when you do not have easy access to peers, patients or examiners
OSCE.AI runs you through stations with clear stems, a visible timer, and checklists based on common exam blueprints. This makes solo practice feel much closer to being in the exam circuit.
After each station you see which key questions, red‑flag checks or explanations you missed. Over time you can see patterns in what you routinely forget and correct them before exam day.
The platform tracks your attempts across different station types (history, exam, communication, data). This helps you decide how to use limited revision time instead of guessing.
You can try OSCE.AI without entering payment details. Use a few stations to see whether the style suits the way you like to practise.
Answers to the most common questions students ask when preparing for OSCEs
Download our comprehensive PDF guide and access free practice sessions
Comprehensive 40-page PDF covering all station types, scoring methods, preparation checklists, and 10 complete sample stations with marking schemes. Perfect for offline study and exam-day review.
Interactive AI-powered OSCE practice with unlimited stations, realistic patient interactions, instant checklist feedback, and performance analytics. Try your first session free - no card required.
