Free Practice Questions for MFPH Part B (OSPHE)

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More MFPH Public Health Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

MFPH Part A / Diplomate Examination (DFPH)

Practice Questions100 questions

Sample MFPH Part B (OSPHE) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MFPH Part B (OSPHE) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An OSPHE candidate is told their station scenario takes place in a radio studio with a journalist. Which OSPHE competency area is MOST directly tested by the candidate's ability to convey a clear, jargon-free public-health message to the journalist?

A.Presenting communication skills (verbal and non-verbal)

B.Handling uncertainty, the unexpected, challenge or conflict

C.Assimilating relevant information from a variety of sources

D.Demonstrating reasoning, analytical and judgement skills

Explanation: The first OSPHE competency is the ability to demonstrate presenting communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) appropriately in typical public-health settings. Conveying a clear, jargon-free message to a journalist is a direct test of presenting skills.

2In the OSPHE, how many scenarios (stations) does each candidate complete, and how long is each preparation and each examination station?

A.Five scenarios, 10 minutes preparation and 10 minutes examination each

B.Eight scenarios, 6 minutes preparation and 6 minutes examination each

C.Six scenarios, 8 minutes preparation and 8 minutes examination each

D.Four scenarios, 12 minutes preparation and 12 minutes examination each

Explanation: The OSPHE comprises six scenarios. Each scenario has a preparation station and an examination station, and each lasts eight minutes, giving 16 minutes per scenario.

3In the OSPHE marking scheme, examiners grade each competency A to E. Which grade represents the 'adequate' standard that defines a competent (passing) performance for that competency at a station?

A.Grade A

B.Grade B

C.Grade D

D.Grade C

Explanation: Examiners grade each competency A-E, where A is excellent, B good, C adequate, D just below adequate and E poor. Grade C represents the adequate, competent standard.

4A candidate has averaged grade C across the five competencies overall, but one competency was graded below C at four of the six stations. Based on the OSPHE pass rule, what is the likely outcome?

A.A clear pass, because the overall average is C

B.A fail, because each competency must be at C or above at half or more of the stations

C.A pass, because only one competency was below standard

D.Deferred, because borderline averages cannot be classified

Explanation: To pass the OSPHE a candidate must achieve an average of C or above across all competencies AND each competency must be graded C or above at half or more (at least three of six) of the stations. Being below C at four stations fails the per-competency rule.

5During preparation for a station you are given a one-page brief, a short data table and a covering note describing your role. Which OSPHE competency is principally exercised when you extract the key public-health issues from these materials in the 8-minute prep?

A.Assimilating relevant information from a variety of sources

B.Listening and comprehending

C.Presenting communication skills

D.Handling uncertainty and conflict

Explanation: Assimilating relevant information from a variety of sources and settings, and using it appropriately, is the competency exercised when synthesising a brief, data table and role note during preparation.

6A local newspaper reports that the number of measles cases in a town 'doubled this year, from 2 to 4 cases'. As a public-health registrar interviewed about this, what is the most appropriate framing to convey to the public?

A.Confirm a serious outbreak is underway because cases doubled

B.Refuse to comment until laboratory genotyping is complete

C.Explain that with very small numbers a doubling reflects only two extra cases and may be chance variation, while reaffirming MMR uptake matters

D.State that measles is no longer a notifiable disease so the rise is unimportant

Explanation: With very small absolute numbers, a relative change such as 'doubling' is statistically unstable and can reflect random variation; a balanced communicator explains this while still reinforcing the protective message about MMR vaccination uptake. This demonstrates reasoning and clear presenting skills.

7You are briefing a non-public-health audience (local councillors) on a screening programme. A councillor uses the term 'false positive'. What is the clearest accurate definition to give?

A.A person who has the disease but whose test is negative

B.A test that is repeated because the laboratory lost the sample

C.The proportion of all positive tests that are correct

D.A person who does not have the disease but whose test is positive

Explanation: A false positive is an individual without the target condition who nonetheless tests positive. Explaining this plainly to lay decision-makers is core to presenting and assimilating-information competencies in the OSPHE.

8In a station you must advise on a new community programme. The role-player (a stakeholder) becomes hostile and accuses you of wasting public money. Which competency is the examiner primarily assessing through your response?

A.Assimilating relevant information

B.Handling uncertainty, the unexpected, challenge or conflict

C.Presenting communication skills only

D.Listening and comprehending only

Explanation: Managing a hostile or unexpected challenge is the explicit fifth competency: the ability to handle uncertainty, the unexpected, challenge or conflict. Staying calm and constructive demonstrates this skill.

9A station presents you with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 0.8 to 7.9) for an exposure-disease association. When explaining this to a lay audience, what is the most accurate statement?

A.The association is not statistically significant because the confidence interval includes 1

B.The exposure clearly causes the disease because the odds ratio exceeds 2

C.The result proves no association exists

D.A wide confidence interval means the study had too many participants

Explanation: Because the 95% confidence interval (0.8 to 7.9) crosses the null value of 1, the association is not statistically significant at conventional levels. A registrar should explain this caveat rather than overstate the point estimate.

10You are presenting to a busy committee with only a few minutes. To present effectively in an OSPHE communication station, what is the best opening approach?

A.Begin with a detailed methods section before any conclusions

B.List every caveat first to appear cautious

C.State the key message and recommendation up front, then support it concisely

D.Read your prepared notes verbatim without eye contact

Explanation: Effective public-health communication to time-pressured audiences leads with the headline message and recommendation, then supports it. This 'bottom line up front' structure scores well on presenting communication skills.

About the MFPH Part B (OSPHE) Exam

The MFPH Part B, or OSPHE (Objective Structured Public Health Examination), is the practical 'show how' component of the Faculty of Public Health's final membership assessment. Candidates work through six 8-minute scenario stations (each with 8 minutes of preparation) that test applied public-health skills: presenting evidence, handling and interpreting data, communication, reasoning and handling challenge or conflict. Candidates must have passed the Diplomate (DFPH) exam before sitting it.

Exam sponsor: Faculty of Public Health (FPH). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Six scenario stations; each scenario has an 8-minute preparation station followed by an 8-minute examination station with an examiner and a trained role-player. The five competencies are assessed at every station.

Time Limit

16 minutes per scenario (8 minutes preparation + 8 minutes examination) across 6 scenarios

Passing Score

Pass/Fail. Each competency is graded A-E (A excellent, B good, C adequate, D just below adequate, E poor). To pass, candidates need an average of C or above across all five competencies and each competency must be graded C or above at half or more of the stations.

Exam / Certification Fees

GBP 875 (FPH OSPHE / Final Membership exam fee; payment by instalments available from July 2025). Verify the current fee on the FPH website.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Presenting communication skills

Conveying clear, jargon-free public-health messages with effective verbal and non-verbal delivery to media, lay and professional audiences.

20%

Listening and comprehending

Actively listening, picking up verbal and non-verbal cues, and responding appropriately and empathetically to a person or audience.

20%

Assimilating information

Extracting and integrating the key relevant facts and data from a brief and using them appropriately during preparation and at the station.

20%

Reasoning and judgement

Interpreting data, weighing evidence and giving a balanced, defensible public-health view including prioritisation and critical appraisal.

20%

Handling uncertainty and conflict

Managing the unexpected, challenge, hostility or conflict professionally while maintaining integrity and evidence-based judgement.

Preparing for the MFPH Part B (OSPHE) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Pass/Fail. Each competency is graded A-E (A excellent, B good, C adequate, D just below adequate, E poor). To pass, candidates need an average of C or above across all five competencies and each competency must be graded C or above at half or more of the stations.
Assessment: Six scenario stations; each scenario has an 8-minute preparation station followed by an 8-minute examination station with an examiner and a trained role-player. The five competencies are assessed at every station.
Time limit: 16 minutes per scenario (8 minutes preparation + 8 minutes examination) across 6 scenarios
Exam / certification fees: GBP 875 (FPH OSPHE / Final Membership exam fee; payment by instalments available from July 2025). Verify the current fee on the FPH website. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MFPH Part B (OSPHE): Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise timed mock stations with feedback, since the OSPHE is a 'show how' performance exam - rehearse presenting, data communication and handling difficult questions, not just recall.

2Use the 8-minute preparation time to identify the audience, the key public-health issue, two or three main messages and the likely challenging questions you may face.

3Drill quick data interpretation (attack rates, sensitivity/specificity, relative vs absolute risk, confidence intervals) so you can explain figures to a lay audience clearly and accurately under time pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the MFPH Part B (OSPHE) structured?

It consists of six scenarios. Each scenario has a preparation station and an examination station, and each station lasts eight minutes, so candidates spend 16 minutes per scenario interacting with an examiner and a trained role-player.

What is the pass mark for the OSPHE?

The result is Pass or Fail. Examiners grade each of the five competencies A-E (C = adequate). To pass, a candidate needs an average of C or above across all competencies and each competency must be graded C or above at half or more of the six stations.

What competencies does the OSPHE assess?

Five competencies are assessed at every station: presenting communication skills; listening and comprehending; assimilating relevant information; reasoning, analytical and judgement skills; and handling uncertainty, the unexpected, challenge or conflict.

Do I need to pass the Diplomate (DFPH) exam first?

Yes. Candidates must have passed the Diplomate (DFPH) examination before they are eligible to sit the MFPH Part B (OSPHE). Candidates are not normally permitted more than six attempts without evidence of additional educational experience.