The nMRCGP started on 1 August 2007. There will be a year of transition for those people who have already embarked on summative assessment and MRCGP. Further details about transition are on the NOSA and MRCGP webpages.

2. When will trainers/trainees receive information on the final format of the new exam?

The nMRCGP is explained in full on the College website.

3. If any component of assessment is completed after 1 August 2008, will this result in the nMRCGP award, rather than the MRCGP?

Yes. From 1 August 2008, nMRCGP will be the only assessment available, and will therefore become 'MRCGP'. (The ‘new’ or ‘n’ will be dropped as a prefix from that date.) Summative assessment and the old MRCGP will not exist after 31 July and 31 December 2008 respectively.

All doctors commencing training on or after 1 August 2007 will be required to complete nMRCGP for the issue of a CCT. However, if you have previously completed SA components (but not all) prior to 1 August 2008, you will be required to complete the appropriate nMRCGP component as outlined in the 3rd column of the tables in Info Sheet 3. This will complete your assessment for CCT purposes but will not necessarily lead to the nMRCGP qualification. To gain nMRCGP you will need to complete ALL components of the new assessment.

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4. If I have already done 6 months as a GPR, am currently in an SHO post and have a final 6 month GPR placement starting in Aug 07, should I be taking nMRCGP or summative assessment?

There is a requirement that a minimum of 12 calendar months, full-time or part-time, of WPBA are completed in order to count towards nMRCGP. Therefore you would have to complete summative assessment.

5. Are example papers/questions be available for AKT and CSA?

There are sample multiple choice questions and sample CSA scenarios available on the website.

6. How can UK principals obtain college membership following the introduction of nMRCGP?

The RCGP is currently working on developing MAP for this purpose; further details will be published in due course.

7. How can overseas candidates obtain college membership following the introduction of nMRCGP?

The RCGP is currently working on developing MAP for this purpose, further details will be published in due course.

8. How will I pass the WPBA module, following referral, if my training is finished?

If you fail any component of nMRCGP and your training is coming to an end, your Deanery will consider whether to offer a period of extended training, during which time failed components should be re-taken.

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9. How much will the new assessment cost?

The fees are shown on the website.

Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

1. Will the current MCP part of the MRCGP count for the equivalent part of nMRCGP?

The AKT of the nMRCGP will supersede the current MCP of the MRCGP. The first AKT will be on 30 October 2007. The AKT will also replace the SA MCQ and the last SA MCQ was held in May 2007.

2. How long is the MCP or AKT valid for and how long would I have to complete the whole of nMRCGP?

The assessment must be passed in the three years prior to completion of training.

3. Is the MCQ mentioned in the Information Sheet 3 tables, the summative assessment MCQ?

Yes, Info Sheet 3 is entirely about the transition from SA to nMRCGP. Info Sheet 2 is about the transition from MRCGP to nMRCGP.

4. If I passed the MRCGP MCP before 1 August 2007, does this exempt me from doing the AKT?

Yes, you will then have until the end of the transition period (i.e., 31 July 2008) to complete the MRCGP. If you are not able to complete by this date, then a pass in the MRCGP MCP will exempt you from taking the AKT component of the nMRCGP.

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5. Where and when will the AKT be held?

The AKT will be offered three times per year, in January/February, May and October, timed to meet demand. The test takes place at a Pearson VUE testing centre near you. Further details are on the AKT webpage.

6. Who or what is Pearson VUE?

Pearson VUE is the company that the RCGP has instructed to provide the Applied Knowledge Test on our behalf. Pearson VUE have 150 test centres throughout the UK which means you can sit the AKT at a venue convenient for you.

7. Can I take a pencil and paper into the booth for workings-out?

Pearson VUE will make a wipe-clean board and pen available for each candidate. For reasons of security you will not be allowed to use paper or pens/pencils.

Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA)

1. What type and format of evidence should trainees be compiling for WPBA?

There are 6 assessment tools. All are completed online and stored electronically in the eportfolio of the trainee.

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Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA)

1. Where will the CSA be held?

The CSA will be held at Number 1, Croydon. Our specially designed consulting rooms cover three floors of this prestigious building, next to East Croydon station.

2. What will the CSA consist of?

The CSA will be a multiple station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) format. Each trainee has a consulting room and on thirteen occasions an actor and assessor will arrive for a scenario lasting 10 minutes.

August 2007