Study guides
The StAMPS guide
A free, practical guide to the StAMPS oral exam from someone who has sat it: how the exam works, the main question types, and an answer structure for each.
Written by Kat, who sat StAMPS in 2025
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The modules
These modules are the basics to read before you start practising. They walk you through how StAMPS works and give you a clear structure for each type of question, written by Kat, who sat the exam in 2025.
Read them in order the first time. Then come back to the one you need before a practice session.
- Start here: StAMPS, the format and how to prepareWhat StAMPS tests, how scenarios and scoring work, why you should know your town, and how to plan four to five months of preparation. 8 min
- The question typesThe seven main types of StAMPS question, and why recognising the type tells you which answer structure to use. 2 min
- Type 1a: GP and low-acuity ED assessmentA reliable seven-part structure for 'How would you assess this patient?', from your opening to investigations in a rural setting. 6 min
- Type 2: ED emergencies and the sandwich techniqueRecognise the emergency, summarise your priorities with the sandwich technique, then work through A–E, AMPLE and retrieval. 5 min
- How to use your preparation timeChoose your approach from the stem, then set out your page so your notes carry you through all three questions. 3 min
- Type 1b: management questionsA memory aid for a rounded, patient-centred management plan: from confirming the diagnosis to safety-netting and follow-up. 4 min
- Type 3: traumaCatastrophic haemorrhage, the primary survey, AMPLE, the secondary survey and preparing for retrieval from a small site. 5 min
- Type 4: population health and infectious diseaseThe three Cs (Consult, Clinic, Community) for questions where one diagnosis affects a whole small town. 3 min
- Type 5: leadership and problem-solvingHow to answer questions about teams, services and systems.Coming soon
- Type 6: medicolegal questions and curve ballsProfessional, ethical and legal responsibilities, and how to handle the unexpected.Coming soon
- Type 7: proceduresA six-step structure for describing a procedure, from indication and consent to confirming success and aftercare. 2 min
Your exam date is fixed. Your confidence doesn't have to be.
Start with one station tonight. Your plan builds itself from there.