We use the borderline regression method of calculating results. Each station has between three and six objectives which candidates are marked against. The examiner will give each candidate a mark between 0 and 4 for each objective. In addition to this the examiner will give a mark between 0 and 5 for the candidate’s overall performance.

The total possible mark for a station is 400. Objectives do not contribute equally to this score: some are more important than others. Each objective is given a percentage weighting depending on how important it is to the task the candidate is trying to complete. For example, a communication station might have four objectives: making a diagnosis, explaining the diagnosis to the patient, choosing an appropriate management plan for that patient and communicating the plan in a professional manner. Because the station focuses on communication the explaining and communicating objectives both contribute 40% of the mark, while the diagnosis and management objectives only contribute 10% each.

The examiner does not know the weightings for the objectives. This compensates for any conscious or unconscious bias the examiner may have.

When the results are processed we multiply the score the examiner gave by the weighting for that objective. So in the example above, if the candidate scored 3 on every objective, the weighted score would be 120 for each of the communication objectives and 30 for the other objectives. This gives a total score of 300 out of 400.

To calculate the pass mark for the station we look at the scores for every candidate who has ever taken that station. We compare the mean station score with the midpoint of the overall grade (0-5) given by the examiners. Plotted on a graph it would look like this:

The point where the two lines meet is the pass mark for the station. This means that the pass mark is set using the average ability of entry-level optometrists as well as examiner judgment.

Borderline regression is a method of standard setting that is used by medical professionals all over the world. It is considered to be the most objective way of setting the standard for practical exams such as OSCEs and is recognised internationally. 

A detailed breakdown of your marks for each station is available in your My College area. If you cannot see this, please email exams@college-optometrists.org.

Candidates may request copies of their mark sheets. There is a £10 administration fee for this service. Please look at the sample mark sheet on our website before requesting copies of your mark sheets. The mark sheets do not contain any feedback or details of the objectives for the station. If you would like to request your marksheets, contact the Exams team at exams@college-optometrists.org or on 020 7766 4361. 

The objectives are the steps you should take to perform the task. If we release the objectives we will be telling you the answers. We re-use OSCE stations several times during the year. It is possible that candidates may be examined on the same station in their re-sit exam. If we released details of the station objectives this would give re-sit candidates an unfair advantage over first time candidates. 

Examiners are not asked to provide written feedback on individual candidates. They have 60 seconds between candidates to complete the mark sheets and this time is only used to give a considered mark. For this reason we cannot give detailed feedback on exam performance.

The only record we have of a candidate's performance in an OSCE is the mark sheet completed by the examiner. For this reason we cannot re-mark the exam. Each sheet is scanned by a computer and carefully checked by eye to make sure our records are correct.

Although disappointing for candidates, we do not change exam marks. 

No. You must complete the OSCE application form in the My College area. You must also pay for your resit, please see our Fees section for current costs. You must pay for the resit when you apply. We will not release your timetable until the fee has been paid.  

Future examination dates can be found here.

All trainees have a maximum of four attempts at the OSCE within their allotted time on the Scheme for Registration.