MRCGP: Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA)

The Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) assesses a GP candidate’s ability to integrate and apply clinical, professional and communication skills.

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Everything you need to know about the SCA

Introducing the SCA

Find out more about the key drivers in the development of the SCA examination. Learn about the format of the online examination, where you'll sit the SCA and an overview of IT requirements.

Applying for the SCA

Get info on your eligibility for sitting the SCA; when the nine diets are held; how to reserve and book your examination; a breakdown of the fee; and how to apply for a reasonable adjustment.

Preparing for the SCA

Valuable resources to help you to prepare, including webinars, and a consultation toolkit that you can use with your trainer to develop your skills.

Sitting the SCA

We explain everything you need to know about IT requirements, surgery set up, what to expect on the day, and the device check and platform walkthrough you’ll need to complete prior to sitting the SCA.

Marking and results for the SCA

A breakdown of each marking domain, explanations on feedback statements, and suggested development areas. Learn about how you will receive your results, complaints and appeals, and re-sits.

Interim report on performance

Here is our report documenting the first-year data from the SCA. It highlights the positive pass rates, and that the examination is a fair and reliable examination.

The SCA at a glance

Please note a small inflationary increase to examinations costs will apply for examinations sat from 1st August 2025:

  • SCA will rise from £1,180 to £1,207 and this will apply from the September SCA (bookings open in July 2025) onwards.

SCA support for GP trainers

The RCGP has designed a complementary series of webinars for trainers following feedback from our trainer community.  Free to member RGCP members, the webinars take place every six month and delivered in two parts covering: what trainers need to know about the exam and consultation techniques, and case examples and exam preparation. Register your place at the next webinar and help prepare, guide and support your candidates for exam success.

Find out more

If you haven't found the SCA information you're looking for in these webpages, please contact us using the member helpdesk.

Visit the RCGP member helpdesk