Important Points Regarding TOACS Preparation
Don’t underestimate it. TOACS is more difficult than theory for several reasons, mainly due to the lack of reflexes, which take time to develop.
2 Time Restriction Strict Rule
Always practice with a 5-minute limit. We repeat: 5 minutes. If you don’t train with this time restriction, you will not be able to complete your station on the exam day.
Don’t expect straightforward questions. You will usually be given a scenario and asked to perform a station based on it. Read carefully and follow the instructions.
Avoid black-and-white thinking. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that you either know everything or nothing. In every station, you can earn some marks even if you don’t know everything—try to secure as many as possible.
5 Station Performance vs Memorization
Don’t try to memorize every step. Don’t burden yourself by attempting to perform a station in a rigid, fully memorized way. Examiners mainly look for the key points. For example, if asked to perform a physical examination of an alcohol-dependent patient, focus on cirrhosis and cerebellar signs. Even if you forget some parts, checking two systems properly can still make you ace the station.
Avoid crammed, bookish Urdu. Use your own language. Examiners can easily recognize when someone has memorized from a book. Speak in simple, natural Urdu words.
Keep introductions short. They carry only 1 mark. Move quickly to the main task. For example, in a high-risk patient assessment, after greeting, go directly to questions about suicide, homicide, previous attempts, weapons, etc.
8 Mark Preservation Critical Warning
Every single mark matters. Students often fail by just one mark. Don’t let any slip away.
Be prepared for new tasks. CPSP has introduced stations testing administrative and leadership skills, such as how to conduct a workshop or request an anger management clinic set-up from the MS. Pay attention to these areas.
Follow Decending order from our course. Attempt the latest stations first, as they are more likely to appear in the exam.
11 Unseen Station Management
Expect 2–3 new stations. Sometimes they even appear first for certain candidates, which can be confusing. Stay calm and prepared. Remember, there will also be repeated and easier stations.