Full MRCGP exam regulations

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All registered medical practitioners have a duty placed on them by the General Medical Council (GMC) to be honest and trustworthy. Trainees whose GMC registration (or its international equivalent) is restricted in any way by their registering body must provide the RCGP with full details in advance of sitting any component of the MRCGP examination. Trainee performance in the MRCGP examination is reviewed by medical practitioners who themselves have a duty to notify the GMC if they have concerns.

Misconduct before, during or after examinations, or evidence of lack of competence, may be referred to the GMC.

Purpose of these regulations

1.1. These Regulations relate to the examinations undertaken by medical practitioners training in a GP specialty training programme in the UK. The examinations are known collectively as the examination for membership of the RCGP (MRCGP).

Date of publication

1.2. These Regulations first came into effect on 1 August 2007. They change over time. A record of changes since December 2018 will be included at the beginning of the document. Trainees should ensure they are familiar with the Regulations current at the time they are taking the MRCGP. The current version will always be downloadable from the RCGP website. The RCGP will give advance notice of any change which may have a material effect on trainees to ensure that trainees are not disadvantaged as a result.

Data protection

1.3. The RCGP will process and store the personal data and examination data of MRCGP trainees in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016 and Data Protection Act 2018. Information on individual trainee performance and trainee's performance overall will be passed to local office and deanery (both henceforth referred to as deaneries) administrators and the GMC.

1.4. Personal data will also be passed to the GMC for regulatory reporting, quality assurance and research purposes and to facilitate the awarding of Certificates of Completion of Training (CCTs). Trainees wishing to exercise their data subject rights should contact the RCGP’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) at info.dataprotection@rcgp.org.uk.

Examination security and copyright

1.5. Examination material relating to the MRCGP is confidential, protected by copyright and subject to non-disclosure requirements which trainees must observe. It must not be placed on the internet and must not be disclosed to, or discussed with, any unauthorised person under any circumstances except with the express, written permission of the MRCGP Chief Examiner. Trainees who are found to have infringed these requirements will be penalised in accordance with the guidance on misconduct in these Regulations.

2.1. The MRCGP is an integrated examination system. Successful completion of its three components is required of medical practitioners who undertake the UK’s specialty training programme in general practice^1,2 and who wish to obtain a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in general practice. The CCT is the licence to practise as a GP in the National Health Service (NHS).

2.2. The MRCGP has been approved by the GMC.

2.3. A medical practitioner who successfully completes the MRCGP and has a licence to practise is eligible for membership of the RCGP.

• ¹ The specialty training programme is postgraduate training that takes place after completion of a medical degree and the UK’s two-year Foundation Programme or its equivalent.
• ² For medical practitioners training part time, the full-time equivalent period of training applies throughout these Regulations. Part time training should be at least 50% of full time.

3.1. The law requires medical practitioners who wish to work as GPs in the NHS to obtain a licence to practise and then to be entered into the GMC’s General Practitioners Register.

3.2. The CCT in general practice is awarded on successful completion of a GP specialty training programme that conforms to the requirements of the General and Specialist Medical Practice (Education, Training and Qualifications) Order 2010.

3.3. Those passing the AKT or SCA after they have exited training will not be eligible for a CCT and must apply instead for GP registration via the Portfolio (Approved Programme) Pathway. 

3.4. The Order requires the GMC, and those setting standards and monitoring training and assessment on its behalf, to safeguard the health and well-being of patients. The RCGP has an important duty under the law, therefore, to ensure that medical practitioners who are awarded the MRCGP are fit for independent practice as GPs in the UK.

3.5. Training programmes, and the examination systems that form part of them, must be approved by the GMC. Substantial changes to the MRCGP require GMC approval and will be published before being implemented.

3.6. More information on both types of certificate and the GP training programme is available on our website.

4.3. The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is a computer-based examination that assesses the knowledge base underpinning general practice in the UK. It covers three key areas of general practice - clinical knowledge, critical appraisal/evidence-based practice, and organisation/management/administrative issues.

4.4. AKT passes are valid for seven years in accordance with the GMC's requirements about the currency of national professional examinations (see Regulation 13.8 for further clarification). This currency was extended to 7 years and 6 months only for a particular cohort of trainees impacted in training by the Covid-19 pandemic. Details are covered in Regulation 13.9 of this document

Read information on what the AKT assesses and how it is delivered.

4.5. Trainees' clinical consulting skills are assessed through direct observation by examiners appointed by the RCGP. Until April 2020 this was done through the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA). During the period of Covid-19 disruption, the Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) was introduced as a temporary emergency examination to replace the CSA. The SCA will be delivered from November 2023 as the permanent assessment of clinical skills.

4.6. The SCA measures the capabilities that are transferable from the workplace in assessing competent consulting. The SCA assesses the ability to integrate and apply clinical, professional and communication skills appropriate for general practice. It simulates a range of patient consultations that are relevant, and representative of the consultations seen in general practice. The cases are standardised and objectively marked, with each case marked by a different examiner. The role of the patient is undertaken by a trained role-player. The SCA is conducted remotely, using a bespoke examination platform.

4.7. CSA, RCA and SCA passes are valid for seven years in accordance with the GMC's requirements about the currency of national professional examinations (see Regulation 13.8 for further clarification) This currency was extended to 7 years and 6 months only for a particular cohort of trainees impacted in training by the Covid-19 pandemic. Details are covered in Regulation 13.10 of this document.

Read information on what the SCA assesses and how it is delivered on the RCGP website.

4.8. Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) is a longitudinal programme of assessment that evaluates a trainee's progress and performance over time against thirteen professional capability areas derived from the core GP curriculum statement Being a General Practitioner. It takes place in the workplace throughout training.

4.9. The trainee gathers evidence on progress through training using a number of

assessment tools, reports and ‘naturally occurring’ evidence.

4.10. Structured reviews of a trainee's progress, conducted by the educational supervisor, take place regularly, normally every six months. The trainee rates themselves and gives evidence for each of the capability areas. These self-ratings along with the assessments and learning logs completed since the last review are reviewed and discussed by the supervisor with the trainee.

4.11. Medical practitioners who are less than full time trainees (LTFTTs) are required to take WPBA assessments on a pro rata basis.

Read information on what the WBPA assesses and how it is delivered on the RCGP website.

5.10. Eligibility for the AKT is limited to those in Specialty Training Years 2 and 3 (ST2 and ST3) of the training programme. This regulation applies equally to both full-time trainees and those training flexibly.

5.11. AKT examinations take place at regular intervals throughout the year at centres around the UK. The planned dates of AKT examinations are published on the RCGP website. View the AKT examination dates on the RCGP website.

5.12. When applying to take the examination, applicants must pay a fee to the RCGP and book their examination sitting with the examination provider within the published booking window timeframes.

5.13.    The RCA may be attempted when a trainee is in Specialty Training Year 3 (ST3) of the training programme. This regulation applies equally to full-time trainees and those training flexibly.

5.14.    RCA diets take place at regular intervals throughout the year. Trainees must book an examination sitting and submit consultations by a fixed date. The planned dates of diets and the application procedure are published on the RCGP website. View the RCA examination dates on the RCGP website.

5.15.    Applicants must make their application direct to the RCGP and pay the fee.

5.16. The SCA may be attempted when a trainee is in Specialty Training Year 3 (ST3) of the training programme. This regulation applies equally to full-time trainees and those training flexibly.

5.17. SCA diets take place at regular intervals throughout the year. The planned dates of diets and the application procedure are published on the RCGP website. View the SCA examination dates on the RCGP website.

5.18. Trainees must reserve a place on an examination diet prior to applying for the examination. Reservations must be made via the Trainee Portfolio. Trainees who fail to reserve a place on a diet may not be able to sit the SCA in their preferred diet. Trainees are able to alter their reservation for free at any point before the booking date.

5.19. Trainees must apply for an examination sitting within the booking period as published on the RCGP website. Trainees who have reserved a place in a given diet will be provided with a link to allow them to apply.

5.20. The SCA will be delivered remotely, and it is the responsibility of the trainee to secure a suitable location for their SCA examination in a GP training surgery. RCGP can assist trainees in locating alternative available GP practices if a trainee's own practice is unavailable.

5.21. It is not permissible for trainees to sit the SCA whilst located outside of the UK.

5.22. Applicants must make their application direct to the RCGP and pay the fee.

5.23. Registration with the RCGP at the start of training triggers the creation of an online Portfolio in which a record of WPBA is made. There is no alternative paper-based record. Access to the information in the Portfolio is limited to those who need it for training, assessment, and administrative purposes.

Resits

5.24. The process for applying to re-sit, or re-take, a component of the examination is identical to the original application process.

5.25. Trainees who fail the AKT, SCA or the RCA may be entitled to make further attempts (see Regulation 5.3 above.).

5.26. If a trainee does not progress to a competent level in WPBA the deanery will decide what action is appropriate. The trainee may, for example, be required to undertake a further period of GP training and to repeat WPBA assessments.

7.1.    The RCGP’s policy on cancellations and refunds is published on the website. Read the Cancellation and Refund Policy.

7.2.    Trainees who wish to withdraw from a sitting of the AKT, SCA or RCA must inform the RCGP in writing, by email at exams@rcgp.org.uk. Hard copy correspondence sent by post will not be accepted. A cancellation fee may be incurred.

7.3.    If a trainee cancels an examination due to a pregnancy-related condition, provided appropriate medical evidence is supplied, the RCGP may refund the examination fee minus a cancellation charge.

7.4.    If a trainee cancels an examination and there are mitigating circumstances, provided supporting evidence is supplied within the timeframe stipulated within the MRCGP Examination Cancellation and Refund Policy, the RCGP has discretion to refund some of the examination fee, minus a cancellation charge.

9.1. Mitigating circumstances are serious, unforeseen, unpreventable events that significantly affect trainee performance.

• For details of mitigating circumstances in the AKT and SCA read the Mitigating Circumstances Policy on the RCGP website.
• For details of mitigating circumstances in the RCA read Section 4 - Mitigating Circumstances of the RCA Policy

9.2. All trainees who present themselves for an MRCGP examination are deemed fit to take the examination and are required to submit a declaration to that effect as part of the registration process on the day.

9.3. All reports of mitigating circumstances must be submitted to the RCGP’s examinations team as soon as the circumstances arise or as soon as possible thereafter and no later than 48 hours after the examination takes place. The only exception is where the trainee can demonstrate that they were unaware of the mitigating circumstances at the time of the examination.

9.4. A RCGP Mitigating Circumstances Form must be completed, supported by compelling and independent, written evidence of the mitigating circumstances, and emailed to exams@rcgp.org.uk. Hard copies sent by post will not be accepted. Mitigating circumstances for reasons of illness must be supported by a medical certificate and any other relevant information.

9.5. No report of mitigating circumstances, submitted after the publication of results, will be considered unless the trainee can provide compelling and independent evidence that they were unable, for whatever reason, to make the RCGP aware of them at an earlier stage.

9.6. If an application for mitigating circumstances is refused the trainee may make a complaint to the RCGP using the complaints procedure contained in Section 16 of these Regulations.

Read Feedback and Complaints, and Appeals for more information.

10.1. There are a number of sittings of the AKT, SCA and RCA examinations. Pregnant trainees should plan to take an examination in sufficient time before or after their due date.

10.2. If a trainee has booked a sitting of the AKT, SCA or RCA and subsequently develops pregnancy-related problems or illness close to the date of the examination, or is in sufficient discomfort on the day of the examination to believe that their condition will have a detrimental effect on performance, the trainee should withdraw from the sitting and, as soon as possible thereafter, submit a medical certificate to the RCGP Examinations Team. In these circumstances the RCGP may refund some of the fee minus a standard cancellation fee.

10.3. Pregnant trainees may request reasonable adjustments for the AKT and SCA. The application process is identical to all other reasonable adjustment applications and supporting evidence will be required. Additional time is not granted as standard and is based on individual trainee needs.

Before the AKT

11.7. AKT trainees must arrive at the examination centre at the time specified by the RCGP. Trainees who arrive late will not be permitted to take the examination and will not normally be able to claim a refund of fees.

11.8. Where morning and afternoon sittings of the AKT take place on the same day at the same examination centre, morning trainees will be required to remain at the examination centre until released by the invigilators/duty marshals.

11.9. Trainees will be asked to provide officials at examination centres with proof of identity. The specific requirements for identification documents are set out in the AKT section of the RCGP website and in the email confirming an application to sit an examination. Original, documentary evidence of name changes must be provided - a marriage certificate, for example. If proof cannot be provided that meets the specific requirements, the trainee will not be permitted to take the examination and may forfeit their application fee. View the AKT identity requirements.

During the AKT

11.10. During examinations and when entering and leaving examination centres, trainees must not communicate with anyone except officials directly involved in administering/delivering the examination.

11.11. Ahead of the examination trainees will receive detailed instructions on what may be brought into the room where the examination will take place, and on how to conduct themselves during the examination. The examination centres are all covered by CCTV.

After the AKT

11.12. Examination material relating to the MRCGP is confidential and copyright and subject to non-disclosure requirements. It must not be placed on the internet or passed to or discussed with any unauthorised individual under any circumstances except with the express, written permission of the RCGP. Trainees who are found to have infringed these requirements will be penalised in accordance with the guidance on misconduct set out in the guide.

Before the SCA

11.13. SCA trainees must log on to the examination platform by the time specified by the RCGP. Trainees who arrive late will not be permitted to take the examination and will not normally be able to claim a refund of fees.

11.14. Where morning and afternoon sittings of the SCA take place on the same day, morning trainees will be required to remain logged into the examination platform until released by the invigilators.

11.15. Trainees will be asked to provide invigilators with photographic proof of identity. The specific requirements for identification documents are set out in the SCA section of the RCGP website and in the email confirming an application to sit an examination. Original, documentary evidence of name changes must be provided - a marriage certificate, for example. If proof cannot be provided that meets the specific requirements, the trainee will not be permitted to take the examination and may forfeit their application fee.

During the SCA

11.16. During examinations and when entering and leaving the examination environment, trainees must not communicate with anyone except officials directly involved in administering/delivering the examination.

11.17. Ahead of the examination trainees will receive detailed instructions on what may be brought into the room where the examination will take place, and on how to conduct themselves during the examination.

11.18. Trainees should note that the examination is being recorded throughout for quality control, security and marking purposes. The examination or contents must not be recorded or saved in any other way by the candidate. Violations of examination security may also be recorded and used as evidence in any subsequent action.

After the SCA

11.19. Examination material relating to the MRCGP is confidential and copyright and subject to non-disclosure requirements. It must not be placed on the internet or passed to or discussed with any unauthorised individual under any circumstances except with the express, written permission of the RCGP. Trainees who are found to have infringed these requirements will be penalised in accordance with the guidance on misconduct set out below.

11.25. The use of dictation software to write entries within the Candidate Portfolio is permissible, however the content must be the candidate’s original work.

11.26. Fraudulent misuse of the Candidate Portfolio is an extremely serious offence. This would include any form of impersonation and making entries that are deliberately misleading or malicious, particularly those that relate to assessments.

11.27. All allegations of misconduct and fraudulent misuse will be dealt with in accordance with the Deanery’s Misconduct Procedures.

11.28. When misconduct is alleged during an examination the trainee will normally be allowed to complete that examination. A record of the allegation will be made by the invigilator, and a copy subsequently given to the trainee.

11.29. Results will be withheld whilst allegations of misconduct are investigated.

11.30. The Head of Examinations will collect evidence relating to the allegation. Allegations will not continue to be investigated where they lack substance or appear, upon investigation, to be malicious.

11.31. Where a case of misconduct is established which appears to be isolated or minor, the matter may be dealt with by the Head of Examinations. In all other cases, a misconduct panel will be convened. When a panel is convened all relevant parties, including the trainee, will be invited to comment on the evidence collected by the Head of Examinations.

11.32. Panels will have at least three members, none of whom will have been involved in the original examination process. They will conduct their business in accordance with the MRCGP Misconduct Policy and Procedure for AKT and SCA

11.33. Allegations of misconduct will normally be considered based on paper evidence only and oral hearings will not be held.

11.34. The panel will make its decision on the balance of probabilities. The decision will be communicated to the trainee in writing, with reasons, as soon as is reasonably possible and normally no more than six weeks after receipt of the allegation.

11.35. The panel may impose one or more of the following sanctions or any other sanction as it sees fit:

• formal written warning if a further offence is committed a more serious penalty may be applied
• withholding or annulling results for a particular examination
• withholding or annulling results for all examinations attempted
• being barred from taking an examination or examinations for a specified or indefinite period
• referral to the General Medical Council.

11.36. Depending on the circumstances the RCGP reserves the right to inform the deanery of any case of alleged misconduct proven or otherwise.

11.37. In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to inform the police.

Most, but not all, of the regulations in this section relate only to the AKT and SCA components of the MRCGP.

AKT

12.4. The AKT is a computer-based examination. Marks are generated electronically. Trainees are awarded one mark for each question answered correctly. There is no negative marking.

SCA

12.5. The SCA is an examiner-marked examination, and a trained RCGP examiner marks each case/consultation following the examination day. A different examiner is assigned to each case, resulting in 12 examiners contributing to the overall mark. Examiners do not participate in the consultations.

RCA

12.6. The RCA is an examiner-marked examination, and a trained RCGP examiner marks each case/consultation. A different examiner is assigned to each case. Examiners do not participate in the consultations.

WPBA

12.7. Trainees are responsible for completing assessments throughout training. All assessors need to be compliant with the GMC regulations for assessors. Guidance on who can complete assessments can be found on the RCGP website. Read 'Who can complete workplace-based assessments'.

12.8. The educational supervisor conducts regular, structured reviews of candidate progress, normally every six months. Deaneries undertake annual reviews of competency progression on all candidates, full time and flexible, in accordance with the requirements of the Gold Guide.

12.9. The educational supervisor makes a recommendation to the deanery on whether the trainee has reached the necessary standard within the planned period of training. A deanery panel review also takes place at the end of training and recommends whether the trainee can proceed to their Certificate of Completion of Training CCT, in accordance with the requirements of the Gold Guide. Trainees who cannot proceed will discuss the implications of further training with their deanery.

Notification of results

13.1. Results for the AKT, SCA and RCA will be published by the RCGP, in accordance with published timescales, via each candidate’s Portfolio. Results are also issued to the trainee's host deanery.

13.2. Examinations Team staff are not permitted to discuss results with individual trainees.

13.3. All trainees are given feedback on each component of the examination, in a form consistent with the purpose of the examination component.

13.4. Deaneries are provided with feedback on the performance of individual trainees training in their deanery. Anonymised and statistical information on trainees' performance may be made available to other organisations and published.

AKT

13.5. Individual feedback, with comparative data, is given on performance in each of the three key subject areas. General descriptions about the areas causing difficulty for trainees overall are also published on the AKT examinations website and shared with deaneries.

SCA/RCA

13.6. Quantitative and qualitative feedback is given to all trainees. For trainees for whom fitness to practise concerns are raised, more specific feedback from individual examiners may be made available.

WPBA

13.7. WPBA is a process of continuous assessment and feedback. A trainee's educational supervisor is ultimately responsible for the provision of feedback in this component.

Currency of passes

13.8. In accordance with the GMC's expectations about the currency of national professional examinations, AKT, SCA, RCA and CSA passes are valid for seven calendar years from the date when the assessment was undertaken. The seven-year currency rule applies to all trainees, whether the trainee has been in training on a continuous basis or has left and then re-joined the training programme. The College may, however, apply the rule flexibly to a particular cohort in some circumstances.

13.9. AKT trainees impacted by Covid-19: Any trainee (which includes TGPT, LTFT and those on maternity leave) who were in ST2 or ST3 between 18 March 2020 and 3 August 2021, and whose training may therefore have been affected by the pandemic will have had the currency of their AKT examination extended from 7 years to 7 years and 6 months.

13.10. CSA or RCA trainees impacted by Covid-19: Any trainee (which includes TGPT, LTFT and those on maternity leave) who were in ST3 between 18 March 2020 and 3 August 2021, and whose training may therefore have been affected by the pandemic will have had the currency of their CSA, RCA or SCA examination extended from 7 years to 7 years and 6 months.

15.2. RCGP examiners are formally recruited and trained and regularly re-trained in examination techniques and equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their performance is continually monitored and reviewed.

15.3. Any role-players used are trained both generically and in preparation for each SCA case so that they deliver a standardised examination. They also receive training in equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their performance is monitored and reviewed by experienced examiners and role-player quality assurers.

15.4. Examination outcome statistics are used to quality assure cases, examiners, and role-players.

15.5. The RCGP reviews trainee performance data, misconduct cases, complaints, appeals, and equal opportunities monitoring data and publishes an annual report.

AKT

15.6. A standard setting process takes place after each examination sitting and regular modified Angoff meetings ensure the standard is maintained over time. Trainees may be asked to complete questionnaires assessing the impact of the AKT examination on training.

SCA

15.7. A standard setting process takes place after each examination sitting. Trainees may be asked to complete questionnaires assessing the impact of the SCA on training.

15.8. All examiners attend mandatory training events and receive case specific training and standardisation prior to examining in each diet.

15.9. All examinations are recorded, and examiners are subject to a stringent quality assurance process including training, standardisation, and continual quantitative and qualitative feedback on performance. This is led by a panel of Lead Examiners and a Senior Lead Examiner.

RCA

15.10. A standard setting process takes place after each examination sitting. Trainees may be asked to complete questionnaires assessing the impact of the RCA on training.

15.11. Examiners are subject to a stringent quality assurance process, which includes training, standardisation, and continual quantitative and qualitative feedback on performance.

WPBA

15.12. The RCGP reviews deanery panels annually to ensure the requirements as set out in the Gold Guide are followed. In addition, the RCGP quality assurance external assessors review a sample of Portfolios and feedback to the relevant deaneries.

16.9. An appeal is a request for a review of a decision of the RCGP to fail or disqualify a trainee in a component of the MRCGP. No appeal will be considered solely on the grounds that the trainee wishes to challenge the academic judgment of the examiners or where the candidate did not understand or was unaware of the Examination Regulations.

16.10. The RCGP’s Appeals Policy is published on the website. Read the MRCGP Appeals Policy on the RCGP website.

16.11. Appeals relating to the AKT, SCA or RCA components of the MRCGP must be made to the RCGP, and must be lodged by the trainee, not a third party. Appeals relating to WPBA must be made to the deanery. All deaneries operate an appeals system in accordance with the Gold Guide.

16.12. There are three stages of appeal dependent on the nature of the assessment and the relevant decision:

• Stage 1 – Review of examination result (AKT and SCA only) 
• Stage 2 – Appeal (AKT, RCA and SCA)
• Stage 3 – Independent Appeal Review.

16.13. Separate appeals must be made if a trainee wishes to appeal against failure in more than one component of the MRCGP. There are administrative fees for the different stages of appeal, and trainees are referred to Appendix 2 of the Appeal policy for more details. Read the Appeals Policy on the RCGP website.

16.14. Requests for appeals must be submitted using the correct form and with supporting evidence. The form and supporting evidence must be emailed to exams@rcgp.org.uk. Hard copies sent by post will not be accepted. The request for appeal forms are available on the RCGP website. Access the appeal forms on the RCGP website.

16.15. A Stage 1 Review of an examination result is applicable for both the AKT and SCA examination and is a clerical check for errors in the examination process, including in the calculation or collation of marks and grades and correcting any errors that are identified.

16.16. A Stage 1 Review must be requested within 10 working days of the publication of the result of the examination to which the request relates.

16.17. The outcome of the Stage 1 Review will be reported to the trainee within 28 days of the receipt of the request and payment of fees.

16.18. A Stage 2 Appeal is applicable for trainees who wish to appeal either in relation to the AKT, SCA or RCA examination. The stage 2 Appeal can be made against:

• the outcome of a Stage 1 Review of Examination Result (AKT and SCA)
• the decision of the RCGP to fail a trainee in an examination of the MRCGP (AKT, SCA and RCA)
• the decision of RCGP to disqualify a trainee and annul their examination outcome because of an examination misconduct investigation.

16.19. A Stage 2 Appeal must be requested within 10 working days of the publication of the result of the examination to which the request relates, or 28 days from the outcome of a Stage 1 Review of Examination Result (AKT and SCA).

16.20. The outcome of the Stage 2 Review will be reported to the trainee within 45 days of the receipt of the request and payment of fees.

16.21. A Stage 3 Independent Appeal Review is the final avenue of the appeal and only available following the outcome of the Stage 2 Appeal.

16.22. A request for a Stage 3 Independent Appeal Review can only be made on the basis that the RCGP has not followed its own appeals policy in handling the initial appeal.

16.23. A Stage 3 Independent Appeal Review must be requested within 15 working days of the outcome of a Stage 2 Appeal.

16.24. The outcome of the Stage 3 Independent Appeal Review will be reported to the trainee within 15 working days of the Independent Appeal Panel being convened.

16.25. Once the outcome has been communicated to the trainee the RCGP will not enter any further correspondence regarding the appeal.

17.1. The RCGP is committed to promoting and developing equality, diversity, and inclusion in all its work. It aims to have policies and ways of working that are fair to all individuals and groups. The RCGP conducts Equality Impact assessments (EIAs) for all new and updated policies, and processes.

17.2. The RCGP collects data on MRCGP applicants and analyses MRCGP results in relation to equal opportunities monitoring variables.

17.3. MRCGP examiners and Examinations Team staff are trained in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

17.4. The RCGP will consider reasonable adjustments for trainees with disabilities taking the AKT, SCA and RCA. Information about reasonable adjustments can be found in Section 8 of these regulations. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments section in this guide for more information.

18.2. The RCGP has developed the MRCGP in accordance with the GMC’s standards for postgraduate curricula. Read Excellence by design: standards for postgraduate curricula on the GMC's website.

18.3. Medical practitioners training in general practice must register with the RCGP at the start of their training programme. The RCGP will give them information about the MRCGP and how to apply to take the three components.

18.4. The RCGP has overall responsibility for the administration and quality management of the MRCGP. Workplace based assessment (WPBA) is administered locally by postgraduate deaneries and quality managed jointly by the RCGP and deaneries.

18.5. The RCGP is responsible for recommending to the GMC that a medical practitioner who has undertaken specialty training and completed the MRCGP has reached the standard required for independent practice as a GP in the UK and should be issued with a CCT or CEGPR.

18.6. Alongside the RCGP, the deaneries have several important roles in the MRCGP process.

18.7. They fund and manage training locally.

18.8. They recruit trainees for specialty training programmes. They are responsible for providing trainees with full details of all three components of the MRCGP and must inform applicants offered a place on a training programme of the need to register with the RCGP and apply to take the MRCGP.

18.9. They are responsible for the delivery of the WPBA component of the MRCGP. The RCGP and deaneries, together, quality manage this component. Deaneries notify the RCGP when a trainee has successfully completed WPBA and is ready to apply for a CCT. 

18.10. They select and train GP trainers on behalf of the GMC and in accordance with GMC and RCGP standards.

18.11. They set up and manage end-of-year and end-of-programme panels to consider trainee progress through training and whether training programmes need to be revised and/or extended.

18.12. More information on deaneries is available on the websites of COPMeD and COGPED. Access the COPMeD website. Access the COGPED website.

18.13. The GMC regulates specialty training UK-wide, setting standards for entry to training and for training, trainers, curricula, and assessment.

18.14. It formally approves the structure and content of specialty training programmes and assessment systems, such as the MRCGP.

18.15. On the recommendation of the RCGP the GMC issues CCTs and CEGPRs in general practice.

18.16. The Department publishes a guide to specialty training known as A Guide to Postgraduate Specialty Training: “The Gold Guide” which provides guidance for all specialties on the monitoring of progress through training and the processes that should be in place for failing trainees. Read The Gold Guide on the COPMeD website.

Version 1.0 - August 2007

• Written by examinations team
• New regulations

Version 2.0 - December 2018

• Written by examinations team
• Updates to regulations

Version 3.0 - August 2023

• Written by examination team
• Introduction of revision history
• Full review of language and item ordering to increase accessibility for all users.
• Sections 4, 5, 11, 12, 13 and 15 have been updated to include details of the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA).
• 3.4 - New clause to clarify the need to apply for CEGPR when the AKT or SCA is passed outside of training.
• Section 4 - confirms the established position, from the introduction of the RCA, that examination of clinical skills is assessed solely within WPBA.
• Section 5 - Eligibility:

  5.2 - New clause to clarify position on trainees taking the SCA or AKT whilst out of training, specifically those who plan to return e.g. trainees on sabbatical, maternity, or sick leave.

  5.5 and 5.6 - updated clauses that allow trainees entering GP Specialty training on or after 2 August 2023, a maximum of six attempts at both the AKT and SCA. There is no change for eligibility for any trainee who is currently in training.

  5.18 and 5.19 - updated clauses to detail the new reservation process, which is introduced in addition to the current booking process.

  5.20 - new clause to specify the location of the SCA, and the responsibility of the trainee to secure a suitable location for their SCA examination.

• Section 7 - Cancellations and refunds - updated to reflect policy changes since 2018.

• Section 8 - Reasonable adjustments - updated to reflect policy changes. Trainees can now apply once for reasonable adjustments and have these applied to all subsequent sittings of the same component. 

  Timeframes for submission and approval of reasonable adjustments have been updated.

• 10.3 - New clause to restate pregnant trainees may request reasonable adjustments.

• Section 16 - Feedback/complaints/appeals - updated to reflect policy changes since 2018.
• Removal of expired CSA information where appropriate.
• Transition section removed.

Version 4.0 - November 2024

• MRCGP exam application regulations, mitigating circumstances policy and exceptional fifth attempt policy: Time period in which to take an examination attempt out of training increased from six months to twelve months.
• MRCGP training regulations for a CCT introduction: section under 'regulatory framework' on different pathways removed as full information on working as a GP in the UK to be accessed via the GMC website.
• Cancellation and refund policy and procedure: clarification of the SCA cancellation deadlines with regard to level of forfeit.
• Mitigating Circumstances Policy: addition of a mitigating circumstance example.

Review date: August 2025 and then annually thereafter.

The following policies, procedures and guidance should be used or referred to, when necessary, alongside this policy. All policies and templates are available on the RCGP website.

• MRCGP examination fifth Attempts at the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) and Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA) policy, procedure and FAQs
• MRCGP AKT/SCA/RCA - Application for an exceptional fifth attempt
• MRCGP examination cancellation and refund policy and procedure
• MRCGP examination reasonable adjustments policy, procedure and guidance
• MRCGP examination mitigating circumstances policy and procedure
• MRCGP mitigating circumstances form
• MRCGP examination misconduct policy and procedure
• MRCGP reporting an allegation of misconduct form
• MRCGP examination feedback and complaints policy and procedure
• MRCGP examination feedback and complaints form
• MRCGP examination appeals policy and procedure
• MRCGP request for review of examination result - Stage 1 (form AP1)
• MRCGP request for an appeal against a result - Stage 2 (form AP2)
• MRCGP request for an independent appeals panel - Stage 3 (form AP3)