Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA)

Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) is one of the three components of the MRCGP exam.

Assessments

The WPBA assessments reflect and respond to changes in general practice, the RCGP curriculum, and the mandatory requirements of the GMC.

Learning logs

The Learning Log is used to collect evidence about your progress and share it with your supervisors and ARCP panel, as part of the Workplace Based Assessment component of the MRCGP exam.

CSR, iESR, ESR and PDP

Find out what you need to know about the Clinical Supervisors Report (CSR), Interim Educational Supervisor Report (iESR), Educational Supervisor Report (ESR), and Personal Development Plan (PDP).

WPBA capabilities with IPUs

The WPBA is designed to test GP trainees’ capability in 13 key areas derived from the core RCGP curriculum statement ‘Being a GP’.

CPR, AED and safeguarding

Satisfactory completion of the WBPA part of the MRCGP examination includes requirements to demonstrate competence in CPR, AED and safeguarding.

Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP)

The evidence you collect in your Trainee Portfolio is reviewed at least every 12 months in the ARCP.

Code of conduct

This applies to all users of the Trainee ePortfolio, Trainees, Trainers, Clinical Supervisors, Educational Supervisors, Deanery Administrators and Assessment Leads, and ARCP Panel Members and Chairs.

Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) purpose statement

WPBA evaluates the trainee's progress in areas of professional practice best tested in the workplace and: 

  • looks at the trainee's performance in their day-to-day practice to provide evidence for learning and reflection based on real experiences
  • supports and drives learning in important areas of capability with an underlying theme of patient safety
  • provides constructive feedback on areas of strength and developmental needs, identifying trainees who may be in difficulty and need more help
  • evaluates aspects of professional behaviour that are difficult to assess in the Applied Knowledge Test and Clinical Skills Assessment
  • determines fitness to progress towards completion of training.

Evidence of WPBA, as approved by the GMC, includes the completion of specific assessments and reports, the documentation of naturally occurring evidence as well as certain mandatory requirements such as Child safeguarding and Basic Life Support. More information on the requirements for WPBA can be found below.

WPBA format

WPBA is designed to support your development, providing feedback on your progress and helping to identify any areas of difficulty.

Throughout your GP specialty training, you collect evidence related to 13 areas of professional capability and record it in your Trainee Portfolio. This evidence is used to inform six-monthly reviews and - at the end of training - to make a judgement about your readiness for independent practice.

The current assessments have been updated along with the introduction of new assessments. This was needed to reflect and respond to the changes in General Practice, the new RCGP curriculum, and the mandatory requirements of the GMC. Some assessments have changed completely, others have undergone minor modifications.

For those of you who are familiar with WPBA, the Competency descriptors have not changed, and the basis on which you are judged and the level you are required to attain by the end of your training is also unchanged. Competences have been renamed and are now called Capabilities to fit with the new curriculum.;

More useful information

Fraser Rose Medal

Page last updated: 21 June 2021 (shielding guidance updated)