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MRCGP regulations: Making an application to take the MRCGP

Publication date: 31 August 2023

Eligibility

5.1. Medical practitioners who are undertaking the UK’s GP specialty training programme, and who have registered with the RCGP, are eligible to take the MRCGP.

5.2. Medical practitioners who are out of programme but are still in training and have a National Training Number (NTN) are eligible to take the MRCGP. Examples of such scenarios include but are not limited to trainees on maternity leave, and trainees who are on sabbatical.

5.3. The AKT, and SCA or RCA components of the MRCGP should typically be taken and passed during the GP training programme. Further attempts may be allowed during periods of extended training authorised by a deanery.

5.4. Subject to the rules on maximum permitted numbers of attempts, GP registrars may make one attempt at either the AKT or the SCA in the twelve-month period immediately following exit from training without receiving a CCT. 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. 

5.5. Trainees who are already in training on 1 August 2023

An exceptional fifth attempt at the AKT, SCA or RCA may be permitted where trainees can demonstrate additional educational attainment, a satisfactory Educational Supervisor Report workplace-based assessment capability rating and compliance with the eligibility requirements given in the Exceptional fifth attempt policy document. The time limits for a further attempt at the AKT and SCA out of training, as outlined in 5.4 above, also apply to a fifth attempt.

Read the Exceptional Fifth Attempt Policy on the RCGP website.

5.6. Trainees who enter GP Speciality training for the first time on or after 2 August 2023

All trainees are permitted to make a maximum of six attempts at both the AKT and SCA.

5.7.    A medical practitioner who has been offered a place on a training programme must register with the RCGP by the beginning of the programme. This will give access to the Training Portfolio which contains full details of all MRCGP examinations and is used throughout training.

5.8.    Applicants will be asked to confirm that they have read and understood these Regulations at the point of applying for the AKT, SCA or RCA.

5.9.    It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply separately and in good time for both the AKT, and SCA or RCA components and to negotiate with their clinical and educational supervisors the timings of workplace based assessments.

AKT

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.

RCA

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.

SCA

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.

WPBA

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.

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