Book excerpt: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assesses key practical aspects of anaesthetic competence and forms a key part of the Primary examination of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. In the examination, the candidate moves through a series of stations which test clinical assessment, data interpretation, communication, and technical skills. This book helps the trainee to practise the examination. In the wider context, it will also help the anaesthetist to develop essential practical skills, such as history taking and communication, which are an invaluable part of day to day anaesthetic practice. This new edition of the book has been expanded and updated to reflect recent changes to the OSCE examination.