Preparing for police station accreditation: a study plan

What each PSRAS stage tests

The written examination tests breadth and speed on PACE, Code C, identification, ethics, and procedure. The Critical Incidents Test tests structured judgment and client advice under pressure. The portfolio tests whether your supervised attendances show competent, documented practice. PSR Train helps with the first two through practice; the portfolio stays firm-led.

For enrolment, supervision, costs, and the step-by-step route, use the full guide on PoliceStationRepUK: https://policestationrepuk.org/howtobecome (full route to accreditation).

Weekly study plan

Block three sessions: (1) Code C reading with one timed MCQ set, (2) one CIT-style scenario out loud, (3) portfolio admin — log attendances and supervisor feedback. Use /study-planner for a calendar view and /blog/six-week-psras-study-plan if you want a six-week template to adapt.

• Monday–Wednesday: topic reading + 20–40 timed MCQs reviewed by Code reference
• Thursday: CIT scenario — Issues, Disclosure, Consultation, Decision spoken aloud
• Friday: weak-topic drill from your error log
• Weekend: one timed mock or half-mock if your firm agrees you are ready

Practice questions

Timed multiple-choice practice on PSR Train is preparation for the official written examination, not a substitute for it. Start with /blog/free-psras-practice-questions, then the full bank and mocks after signup. Review every answer by PACE or Code C paragraph, not by letter alone.

CIT practice

One scenario per week minimum. Record yourself or rehearse with a colleague. Link to /guides/critical-incidents-test-psras and /blog/how-to-pass-critical-incidents-test for method. Assessment day rewards visible reasoning, not slogans.

Portfolio tips

Contemporaneous notes make sign-off easier: disclosure received, welfare, advice given, interview outcome. Align entries with what your supervisor must attest. The portfolio is a Relevant Test in its own right — do not treat it as paperwork you finish after the exams.

For a section-by-section list of what each attendance note should cover, see the checklist on our sister product Custody Note: https://custodynote.com/what-must-be-included-in-attendance-notes.

Full accreditation route (external)

This page is intentionally about preparation, not careers or eligibility. For the full route to accreditation in England and Wales, see https://policestationrepuk.org/howtobecome.