MRCGP exams

Assessment updates - December 2022

See updates on examination dates, reasonable adjustments and WPBA.

Applied Knowledge Test

Find out 2023-24 AKT exam and application dates

Find answers to frequently asked questions on the AKT (PDF file, 124 KB), updated 15 January 2021.

Workplace Based Assessment and Annual Review of Competence Progression guidance

The RCGP and the COGPED have developed guidance to outline requirements to allow successful completion of a GP Training Programme in the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis.

MRCGP is an integrated assessment system, success in which confirms that a doctor has satisfactorily completed specialty training for general practice, and is competent to enter independent practice in the United Kingdom without further supervision. Satisfactory completion of the MRCGP is a pre-requisite for the issue of a certificate of completion of training (CCT) and full Membership of the RCGP.

MRCGP comprises three separate components: an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), a Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) and Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA), each of which tests different competences using validated assessment methods and which together cover the spectrum of knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes defined by the GP Specialty Training curriculum.

MRCGP complies with General Medical Council (GMC) standards on validity, reliability, feasibility, cost effectiveness, opportunities for feedback and impact on learning. It also follows best practice in assessment, quality assurance and standard setting.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the General Medical Council have set expectations about the currency of national professional examinations and the number of attempts permissible.

For older updates, please visit the MRCGP webpage on the web archives.

Applying for the AKT, SCA or RCA, and deadlines for applications.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting diversity in assessments for MRCGP.

The AKT is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins independent general practice in the UK within the context of the NHS.

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

Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) provides a framework for evaluating a doctor’s progress in those areas of professional practice best tested in the workplace.

The Trainee Portfolio records details of learning, as well as achievement in the MRCGP.

The RCGP curriculum sets out what’s required to practise as an independent General Practitioner in the UK NHS.

This area includes important information and support on MRCGP.

We produce a range of resources for use by deaneries, supervisors and trainers involved in delivering GP training.

Our reports present key data summarising the candidature, quality indicators and outcomes of all the diets of the MRCGP examinations during the reporting period.

The Fraser Rose Medal is awarded annually to a candidate who, having completed the MRCGP examinations, has demonstrated outstanding performance to the panel of examiners.

Contact us

Please ensure that you read the following to determine the correct contact for your enquiry. You can also check our exam specific FAQs where you may be able to find an answer to your query.

Exams team

Contact the exams team for:

  • MRCGP key dates
  • AKT or SCA
  • Important MRCGP info and admin
  • MRCGP annual reports and research
  • Fraser Rose
  • Becoming a member of the MRCGP Panel

The examinations team are available for calls between 10am and 4pm, and continually monitor emails within business working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

Email: exams@rcgp.org.uk

Tel: 020 3188 7660

Postgraduate training queries

If your question relates to your specific training programme or circumstances/requirements, your local deanery will be best placed to advise. However, if you have a query concerning the GP curriculum or Workplace Based Assessment that your deanery cannot help with, you can contact the Postgraduate Training Team at the following email address:

Email: postgraduatetraining@rcgp.org.uk

The postgraduate training team continually monitor emails within business working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

Trainee portfolio queries

FourteenFish maintain an extensive support page.

MRCGP courses

We run a number of courses to assist GP trainees in preparing for MRCGP assessments.

To contact us about a course or event run by your local faculty please contact the Faculty running the course. For general course enquires or for those hosted at 30 Euston Square, contact:

Email: courses@rcgp.org.uk

Tel: 020 3188 7658

Becoming a member of the MRCGP panel

We are committed to a fair, robust and transparent process for the selection of MRCGP examiners in line with Academy of Medical Royal College and General Medical Council (GMC) Requirements. Find out more about becoming a member of the panel.

Webpage accessibility

If you have any problems accessing the information on these webpages, please email accessibility@rcgp.org.uk.