PSRAS Critical Incidents Test (CIT) — Complete Guide

What is the CIT?

The Critical Incidents Test is the final practical assessment in PSRAS accreditation — a role-play under exam conditions testing whether you can effectively advise and assist clients at the police station (Datalaw; SRA scheme overview). Assessors mark against the SRA Standards of competence. There is no exemption from the CIT (PSRA 2025).

Prerequisites

• Pass the written examination (or hold an LAA exemption)
• Pass Part A of the portfolio and receive a probationary LAA PIN via ADMIN 2 (PSRA 2025)
• Hold a valid probationary PIN when sitting PSRAS CIT (Datalaw — unlike some PSQ candidates)
• Part B portfolio and CIT may be undertaken in either order once probationary (Datalaw)

Assessment format

Datalaw's published format uses audio scenarios — not necessarily live actors in a consultation room. You listen and respond aloud; responses are recorded. Cardiff may use a different delivery — confirm in your handbook before assuming live role-play.

Marking scheme

Datalaw regulations: pass requires at least 50% on each of Content, Confidence, and Control in each scenario.

Scenario flow (chronological)

Scenarios follow a normal police station attendance from start to finish (Datalaw):

1. Initial telephone contact: DSCC call, client, or third party — take instructions; confirm station and status
2. Attendance at station: Custody sergeant; custody record; volunteer vs detained; initial welfare checks
3. Disclosure: Obtain sufficient disclosure from officer in the case; chase missing material
4. Consultation: Private advice on caution, options, s.34, samples, identification, interview strategy
5. PACE interview: Interventions on improper questions; breaks; prepared statement or no comment
6. Post-interview: Bail, RUI, charge, representations; further client queries

Study syllabus (SRA-aligned modules)

How to answer CIT prompts

Use a consistent structure — speak as the representative, not as a student:

1. Identify the issue in one sentence (e.g. "My client is 15 — I need an appropriate adult before interview.")
2. State the legal basis (e.g. "Under PACE Code C paragraph 11.15…")
3. Say what you would do (e.g. "I would ask the custody sergeant to arrange an AA and refuse interview until one is present.")
4. Explain to the client in plain language the options and consequences (including s.34 if advising silence)
5. Stay in role — do not break character or address the assessor directly

Do not reproduce copyrighted scenario scripts from training providers. Practice with your own hypothetical facts and the site's PACE and disclosure guides.

4–6 week prep plan

Exam day

• Arrive early with ID; confirm whether assessment is in-person or controlled remote (check provider timetable).
• You need a probationary LAA PIN before attempting PSRAS CIT (Datalaw) — not the same as PSQ CIT for solicitors.
• Listen to each audio scenario fully before responding; secondary issues (vulnerability, ID) often carry marks.
• Speak clearly into the recorder; mumble loses Content marks.
• Stay in role-play throughout — breaking character scores zero on that question (Datalaw).
• Manage time across scenarios; incomplete responses fail even if earlier answers were strong.

Exam tips

• Read each scenario twice before advising — vulnerability and identification issues are often embedded mid-flow.
• Structure consultation advice: disclosure → law → options → instructions.
• Cite PACE Code paragraphs where relevant; assessors expect practical decisions, not essays.
• In interview segments, intervene clearly on oppressive or misleading questions.
• Marks weight information gathering from police and client plus advice given (Datalaw).
• Complete a varied portfolio before the CIT — weak case experience shows in scenario performance.

Common pitfalls

• Missing a vulnerability or appropriate-adult issue hidden in the scenario facts
• Advising answer questions when disclosure is inadequate without explaining CJPOA s.34 risk
• Ignoring identification fairness under Code D
• Breaking role-play or failing to engage with the audio scenario (zero marks — Datalaw)
• Theoretical answers without stating what you would actually do at the station
• Confusing PSRAS CIT with PSQ CIT (solicitor/barrister/CILEX route — different booking rules)

After the CIT

• Assessment organisation notifies pass/fail; resit rules are in provider regulations — check current resit fees on the timetable.
• Once CIT and Part B portfolio are both passed, you are fully accredited under PSRAS.
• Supervising solicitor notifies DSCC; upgrade from probationary to accredited representative on the Register.
• Permanent PSRAS PIN used for DSCC identification; firm claims fees via SaBC (INVC).

FAQs

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