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.