Examination of knowledge
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 below 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 on the RCGP website.
Examination of clinical skills
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 below 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.
Assessment in the workplace
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.