The PSRAS written exam: format, questions and how to prepare

Quick answer: what the written exam tests

The written examination is one of the PSRAS Relevant Tests alongside the portfolio and Critical Incidents Test. It tests applied knowledge of PACE, the Codes of Practice (especially Code C and Code D), custody procedure, the caution, vulnerable suspects, identification, and professional conduct. The SRA authorises Cardiff University (Cardiff Centre for Professional Legal Studies) and Datalaw to run PSRAS assessments — confirm the current paper format, timing, and pass standard with your assessment organisation before you book (checked against SRA and provider guidance, October 2026).

Format, timing and pass mark

Question counts, time limits, and pass marks can change. I do not quote a pass percentage or number of questions here because you must verify the live rules with Cardiff, Datalaw, and the SRA when you enrol. Treat any third-party figures as unreliable until you confirm them on an official page dated for your sitting.

Are there past papers?

Official PSRAS written examination papers are not published as past papers for candidates to download. If you see "past paper" packs online, treat them sceptically unless they come from your assessment organisation. PSR Train offers original timed MCQs and mocks for practice — they are not leaked papers and are not affiliated with Cardiff or Datalaw.

For a longer sample set with explanations, see /blog/free-psras-practice-questions.

Five sample questions with worked answers

Work each question before reading the explanation. These are illustrative PSR Train items — verify rules in the current PACE Codes on GOV.UK.

• Q1 (caution): Which is the most accurate plain-language summary of the standard caution? Answer (b): you do not have to say anything; silence may harm your defence if you fail to mention something you later rely on; what you say may be given in evidence. See Code C paragraph 10.5.
• Q2 (detention clock): General maximum detention before charge without extension? Answer (b) 24 hours from the relevant time under PACE s.41 — extensions are separate traps in distractors.
• Q3 (appropriate adult): 16-year-old interviewed — appropriate adult required and interview should not normally proceed without one (limited urgent exceptions). See Code C.
• Q4 (legal advice): Detainee changes mind and wants a solicitor — free advice at any time; interview should not normally continue until they have had a reasonable opportunity to consult. See Code C section 6.
• Q5 (first review): Detention authorised 10:00 — first review by 16:00 (six hours; PACE s.40; Code C section 15).

Topics to revise

Weight revision toward Code C detention and interviews, Code D identification basics, ethics, and adverse inference awareness. Use /code-c-flashcards and /guides/pace-code-c-guide, then pressure-test with /question-of-the-day.

How much does accreditation cost?

Assessment fees are set by Cardiff University and Datalaw and change over time. Check their published fees for your enrolment year — I do not list figures here because they go out of date quickly. PSR Train is free while we are in beta; paid plans are planned and are not on sale yet (/pricing).

Study plan

Alternate timed MCQ sets with one weekly CIT scenario so knowledge does not float free of application. Use /study-planner and /blog/six-week-psras-study-plan as templates. For the overview of the written stage on PoliceStationRepUK, see https://policestationrepuk.org/prepareforwrittenexam.

After the written exam: portfolio and CIT

Passing the written paper is not the end of PSRAS. You still need the portfolio and Critical Incidents Test, then LAA registration steps. See /guides/critical-incidents-test-psras and the full route at https://policestationrepuk.org/howtobecome.