Book excerpt: 'The Unofficial Guide to Practical Skills' follows on from 'The Unofficial Guide to Passing OSCEs', which has sold 8000 copies in 2 years. It covers over 50 practical skills for medical students, nurses, junior doctors, and other healthcare professionals, including all of the core competencies- more than any other practical skills book on the market. Uniquely it is fully illustrated with over 200 color photos/illustrations, and has accompanying mark schemes to simulate real-life assessment, with model answers so students can check how well they are performing. This book has relevance beyond examinations, for post graduate further education and as a day-to-day reference for professionals