Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP)

Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) builds up a qualitative picture of your performance in training. The evidence you collect in your Portfolio is reviewed at least every 12 months in the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP).

How the ARCP works

An ARCP is held at least once every 12 calendar months. In full-time training these two events often coincide, though it is not unusual for trainees to have more than one ARCP within a 12-month period.

Reviews can also be conducted more frequently if there is a need to deal with progression issues outside the annual review.

The ARCP Panel:

  • makes judgements about your progress against the competences, and whether they are ready to move onto the next stage of training
  • provides a final statement of your attainment of the competences for general practice - the basis for making a recommendation of satisfactory completion of training.

ARCP outcomes are recorded in the Trainee Portfolio (accessible through the "training map").

ARCP quality management

A sample of ARCP outcomes is taken twice a year and scrutinised by a team of RCGP External Advisors, to help ensure consistency in decision-making across deaneries.

Quality management in GP training

Find out more about the ARCP

The ‘Gold guide’ has more information about ARCP requirements for trainees, outcomes, composition of ARCP panels, additional training and appeals.

Gold guide: more about ARCP and other aspects of specialty training

Useful MRCGP and WPBA links