First, decide when you are applying to start your specialty training (February or August/ October). Based on this decision, you will sit for the MSRA either in January, the more popular sitting (for specialty training commencing in the autumn), or in August (for specialty training starting in February).

Next, as with any revision plan, begin by blocking out important commitments during which you will not be able to study. Additionally, review your work schedule and identify any long days or night shifts that coincide with the potential dates of the MSRA sitting window. Booking for the MSRA exam opens only after you have applied on Oriel, approximately a month before the exam itself, so it is essential to plan ahead. Consider the dates within the MSRA sitting window when you could potentially take the exam and determine if you can request study leave and/or need to arrange to swap shifts.

Based on your previous experience, identify your preferred revision style and incorporate it into your schedule. Do you favour short bursts of spaced repetition, or do you prefer to study a topic in-depth for a prolonged period? Unlike being a student, your revision technique may need to adapt and fit around your daily work schedule.