Becoming an examiner on the MRCGP panel

Please note that the information below is provided for reference only. We are not currently accepting applications for this role and future recruitment will depend on need. Any updates regarding recruitment will be posted on this webpage and shared through GP networks.

The Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) is a remote simulated surgery assessment forming part of the licensing tripos leading to Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP). The SCA is delivered through an online platform, and consists of 12 simulated GP consultations, conducted by professional role players, and delivered to a consistent standard.

The role of an RCGP SCA examiner is to assess a candidate’s ability to consult effectively at the level of a newly qualified GP. To achieve this, SCA examiners must form fair and safe judgements about candidates’ clinical, professional, and communication skills.

Becoming an MRCGP examiner

Hear what some of our current panel members have to say about being an examiner in our short video.

Being an examiner gives a GP the chance to contribute to the standard of UK General Practice and provides expertise we can share with the whole GP training community. The role is valuable and rewarding, and most of the work is done from home with flexible hours.

Essential criteria/requirements

  • Be a Member or Fellow of the College, and in good standing with the RCGP.
  • Be fully registered with the GMC, without Conditions of Practice, and in good standing.
  • Be revalidated with a current licence to practise.
  • Have no undeclared conflicts of interest.
  • Have no probity issues that might adversely impact on MRCGP-related activities.

Time commitment

SCA Examiners must be available to mark a minimum number of examination consultations as determined by the College to ensure quality processes.

Examiners are expected to notify the College of their availability for all 9 examination diets (even if they are unavailable) to assist in planning and risk management.

Marking windows are across 10 days with 1 day including a compulsory 2-hour standardisation meeting. Marking can be completed at any point across this 10-day period.

Training

The MRCGP is a high-stakes licensing examination and therefore ongoing attendance and engagement with all training and/or CPD activities is required to meet the criteria of the role.

SCA Examiners are expected to attend:

  1. Induction training
  2. Ongoing training and QA
  3. Yearly Training Event
  4. Additional training sessions deemed necessary by Chief Examiner or Senior Lead Examiner.

IT requirements

Examiners need to have use of a laptop or PC with a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768, running Windows 10 or newer, (or Sierra 10.12 or newer), with a reliable speaker, microphone and webcam. The minimum recommended bandwidth is 10mbps download and 4mbps upload.