Your guide to GP training
Congratulations on beginning your journey into general practice. This is an exciting and transformative time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
This induction hub brings together everything you need to get started: what to expect in your early weeks, training structure, essential resources, and practical tips from current registrars.
From clinical skills and portfolio guidance to wellbeing advice and support networks, you’ll find all the tools to help you thrive in your exciting new role.
Who are we and how we differ from other organisations
Now you have accepted your GP training place, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the various organisations you will be in contact with during your training programme. It can be a bit confusing figuring out who does what, which is why we have created this guide, to help you understand their different roles and who to contact for information and support.
We, the RCGP, are the professional membership body for over 54,000 GPs across the UK. We set the GP curriculum, including what must be recorded in your Training Portfolio and the exams (AKT and SCA) and Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) which lead to the MRCGP qualification.
Your deanery is responsible for the delivery and assessment of your training. Their focus is at a local level on logistics e.g. placements, supervision and registrar progress.
Learn more about the differences between organisations that provide support for GPs in the UK
At the start of your GP training, you’ll attend a local induction organised by your deanery which is often run by your Training Programme Director (TPD). These sessions are an essential part of your transition into GP training and will help orient you to your role, the expectations, and the support systems available in your region. In your first hospital placement you may be given a local induction from the hospital department you are working in e.g. Paediatrics.
As a GP registrar, you're never alone on your career journey. From the outset, you will be supported both locally and nationally. When you register with us, you will be assigned to your local RCGP faculty/devolved nation (DN) based on where you are training. Some faculties or DN's hold welcome days for new GP registrars either online or in person. It's a great way to connect with your peers and find out what RCGP linked events and meetings are coming up. At these events, you will also come across the local faculty GP registrar reps who will support you and answer any queries you have.
Watch the GP Reg ST1 Induction webinar below to learn about your RCGP membership benefits and hear from college leaders, or view the ST1 Induction Q&A Summary (PDF, 482KB) for answers to key questions.
Connect with your peers and networks
Building connections in those early days of training can make a big difference to your overall experience. Staying connected helps you to ask for advice, share your experiences and feel part of a supportive community. Here are some great places to get started.
Annual conference
Deanery Teaching Groups/Half-Day Release
Faculty and Devolved Nation networks
Once you have been linked to a local RCGP faculty, you should take advantage of what they offer including welcome events, registrar workshops, exam prep sessions, and networking socials.
GP registrar community group
This is a dedicated space for GP registrars to connect. Within this group the GP registrar representatives help shape the RCGP membership experience.
WhatsApp and Facebook Groups
Crack the GP code: Your A-Z acronym guide
Welcome to the world of GP training, where it sometimes feels like everyone is speaking in code. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a quick guide to the acronyms that will soon roll off your tongue like second nature:
AiT – Associate in Training
This is a previous College term for a GP registrar. The change of name was implemented in 2024.
AKT – Applied Knowledge Test
An RCGP exam covering everything from clinical medicine to ethics and admin which registrars are required to pass to gain GP registration. This exam can be taken from ST2 onwards.
ARCP - Annual Review of Competence Progression
A formal yearly review that assesses your progress through your GP training programme based on the required competencies and capabilities.
CbD – Case based Discussion
A type of Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA). It is a chat with your supervisor about a clinical case you've handled — what went well, what could be better.
CCT - Certificate of Completion of Training
The formal certification you receive from the GMC at the end of your GP specialty training, confirming that you have met all the curriculum and capability requirements to practise independently as a GP.
CEPs – Clinical Examination and Procedural Skills
A type of Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA). This assesses your ability to safely and effectively perform clinical examinations and procedures in real clinical settings.
COT – Consultation Observation Tool
A type of Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA). Your supervisor watches and gives feedback on your real-life (or recorded) consultations.
CS – Clinical Supervisor
The doctor who supervises your day-to-day clinical work, especially in hospital placements.
ESR - Educational Supervisor's Report
This is a report that you and your Educational Supervisor prepare together at the end of the training year.
PDP – Personal Development Plan
Set learning goals and keep yourself on track.
MRCGP - Membership of the Royal College of GPs
This is both the qualification gained when training is completed successfully and denotes being a member of the RCGP.
SCA – Simulated Consultation Assessment
An RCGP exam which tests your consultation and communication skills using simulated patient cases. This exam can be taken from ST3.
WPBA – Workplace Based Assessment
Includes a range of mini-assessments you complete with supervisors (like COTs, CBDs, and CEPs as mentioned above).
Don't stress if it feels like acronym overload at first, before long, you will be dropping these into conversations like a pro.
Make a note of your key contacts early. Knowing who to turn to for support or questions can save you time and make your transition into training much smoother.
In your early weeks of training, there are several key contacts and support people you should be aware of.
- Training Programme Director (TPD)
A TPD is a GP educator within your local training scheme. They organise your half day release teaching, support ARCP preparation and help you if you are struggling or need support. - GP Trainer/Educational supervisor (ES)
Your Educational Supervisor is a GP who will support and guide you throughout your training (often for all of your GP placements). They are responsible for your educational progress and signing off assessments in your Training Portfolio (in FourteenFish). - GP Practice Manager/Practice staff
Their role is to orient you to the GP practice. They deal with rotas/access to the clinical system (e.g. EMIS web, SystmOne) and other practical onboarding matters. - RCGP GP Registrar reps can also be key contacts for help and support – Peer to Peer
- Hospital rota coordinator
This is the person responsible for organising and managing the rota for residents, including GP registrars during their hospital placements. - Clinical Supervisor in hospital posts
This a senior doctor working with you in your hospital placement, who oversees your clinical work and ensures you are progressing safely and effectively. - GP School/Deanery
Your local deanery oversees broader strategic aspects of GP training in your region. Their teams carry out your ARCPs and will be involved if you need extensions, remediation, or special support during training.
Find your local deanery
To find your local deanery visit the following websites based on your locality:
- England: NHS England
- Scotland: NES
- Wales: HEIW
- Northern Ireland: NIMDTA
Your GP training timeline
These placements give you broader clinical exposure and help you develop transferable skills that will strengthen your future GP work. Depending on where you train you may spend some time in GP placements in ST1. It’s a time of adjustment - getting used to the systems, meeting your Clinical and Educational Supervisors, and beginning your Training Portfolio entries and assessments.
Expect to attend regular teaching sessions, complete initial Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) and start reflecting on your learning and experiences. It’s a busy but exciting year of discovery.
In your second year, you would have begun to settle into clinical practice and will shift focus to expanding your skills either in a GP surgery or hospital or community-based post (or both, depending on your rotation).
You’ll continue to build your Training Portfolio and may sit your first exam—the AKT—during this year. You’ll also continue attending deanery teaching sessions and having regular reviews with your Educational Supervisor to track your progress.
The majority of GP registrars recommend attempting your AKT in ST2 rather than delaying it to ST3 which can sometimes be overwhelming.
Your final year is typically spent entirely in a GP practice, where you’ll take on more responsibility and run your own clinics under the supervision of a GP trainer.
This year focuses on honing your consultation skills, clinical decision-making, and time management. You’ll complete your remaining assessments and take the SCA exam.
By the end of ST3, you’ll be preparing for your final ARCP, and—if all goes well—you’ll be awarded your CCT, allowing you to join the GP Register and practise as a fully qualified GP.
You may choose to expand your skills after the award of your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Many newly qualified GPs choose to continue their development through Fellowships. These roles typically combine part-time clinical work with non-clinical experience in areas like leadership, medical education, digital health, research, or tackling health inequalities.
Fellowships are an excellent way to build a portfolio career, explore special interests, and ease the transition into independent practice. Most are supported by NHS England, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), or local training hubs and are often open to GPs within the first five years post-CCT.
For more information about the GP training programme and what's required, please refer to the GP Specialty Training webpage.
Staying well during training
Embarking on your GP journey is exciting but can also feel overwhelming at times. It's important to remember that your wellbeing matters - not just for your own health but also for your learning, performance and the care that you provide to your patients.
You’re not expected to get through training or tricky situations alone. Reach out, stay connected, and take care of yourself as you take care of others. Prioritising your wellbeing is a strength, not a weakness.
- Set clear boundaries early on - try to maintain a good work-life balance by protecting time for yourself for hobbies, rest and socialising with family and friends.
- Talk about how you feel - it's normal to feel unsure or anxious, especially in your early weeks of training. Don’t bottle it up, rather speak to peers, your GP trainer or Educational Supervisor.
- Take regular breaks - clinical work can be intense, so ensure you are taking regular breaks to reset and stay focused.
- Don’t aim for perfection - learning from your mistakes is all part of the process. Be kind to yourself and use these challenges as an opportunity to learn and grow from them.
- Be open to feedback – this allows you to grow and makes you aware of where you can improve.
Your GP Trainer or Educational Supervisor
They are your first point of contact if you are struggling with your training. They are there to support you if you need to talk things through or are seeking advice.
Deanery wellbeing resources
Most deaneries offer pastoral support services and/or wellbeing initiatives. Ask about this during your induction or check their website. Your Training Programme Director will be able to help signpost to these resources if necessary.
RCGP wellbeing hub
This includes guidance on mental health, burnout, resilience, and support tools specifically for GPs and registrars. Here you can find in addition to a number of resources to support you and your wellbeing, many local wellbeing events you could attend often free of cost.
BMA wellbeing support services
They have a free 24/7 helpline and counselling service for all doctors, not just BMA members.
G – Get organised early
Use a calendar, set reminders for assessments, and stay on top of your Training Portfolio from day one.
P – Prioritise wellbeing
Your mental and physical health matter. Take regular breaks, seek support when needed, and maintain a work-life balance.
R – Reflect often
Reflection helps you learn from both successes and mistakes. Use your Training Portfolio to track growth.
E – Engage with your trainer
Build a strong relationship with your GP Trainer - ask questions, seek feedback, and be open about challenges.
G – Go to teaching sessions
Deanery teaching, tutorials, and CPD events are invaluable for learning and connecting with peers.
I – Initiate learning
Be proactive—read guidelines, attend extra clinics, and follow up on interesting cases.
S – Stay connected
Join RCGP faculties, registrar groups, and WhatsApp networks. Peer support can make a big difference.
T – Take feedback positively
Constructive feedback helps you grow. Ask for it regularly and act on it.
R – Revise for your exams
Ensure you set aside plenty of time and plan your approach to exams by preparing adequately for them.
A – Ask for help early
If you’re unsure or overwhelmed, speak to your supervisor, deanery, or peer support networks.
R – Remember the big picture
It’s a challenging journey—but you’re training to become a trusted, community-focused clinician. Celebrate your progress.
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