The CSA normally lasts approximately 3 hours. A morning exam is scheduled to start at 10.00am and an afternoon session at 2.00pm. The RCGP aims to follow these times as closely as possible, however delays, whilst regrettable, are sometimes unavoidable and you should take this into account, particularly when making travel arrangements for return journeys.
Travel to the venue may be slow especially in the morning rush hour and taxi or bus services can be very busy. It is your responsibility to ensure that you arrive in time for the candidate briefing.
Morning Session:-
Entrance to the exam centre will not be permitted before 8.30am. You should not arrive later than 9.00am in order to allow time for checking in.
Afternoon Session:-
Entrance to the exam centre will not be permitted before 12.00pm. You should not arrive later than 12.30pm in order to allow time for checking in. For the security of the examinations, you will not be admitted to the session if you arrive later than 12.45pm, when the morning session ends.
Please refer to your confirmation letter or e-mail to be sure which of these sessions you have been allocated to attend.
N.B. Once you have checked in, you will not be permitted to leave the candidate reception and briefing area and mobile phone use is strictly no longer permitted.
Missing the briefing before your exam may leave you at a disadvantage, so we strongly recommend that you allow enough time to arrive by the times stated above. Candidates who arrive after the start of the briefing will only be admitted to the examination under exceptional circumstances.
The CSA will commence when everyone present has been shown to their consulting room and settled in, but not before the stated start times. In the event of an emergency on the day and if you think you may be late, please contact a member of the RCGP Examinations Department by phoning 0203 188 7660.