MRCGP Exam Overview
Information on the exam including up to date fees can be viewed on the RCGP website
To qualify as a GP you need to pass the MRCGP, which consists of 3 separate components:
- Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
- Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) or during covid the alternative Recorded Consultation Assessment (RCA)
- Workplace Based Assessments (WPBA)
Eligibility for MRCGP examinations, number of attempts permitted, and consideration of mitigating circumstances: Please always refer to MCGP overview on RCGP website for most up to date guidance.
You can take the AKT during or after the ST2 stage of GP training. A maximum of four attempts is allowed if you entered GP Specialty Training on or after 1 August 2010. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the AKT procedures where necessary to meet the needs of individuals who are disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
RCA is limited to Doctors in ST3, or above, and recordings should only be made once you have started your ST3 year. The assessment has been approved by the GMC as equivalent in standing to the CSA for the purpose of CCT during the current pandemic distancing restrictions and you will be awarded the MRCGP and CCT as your peers who sat CSA. RCA attempts undertaken before 30 September 2020 do not count as one of your four permitted attempts at CSA. RCA attempts after 30 September 2020 will count as one of your four attempts. A maximum of four attempts is allowed. All trainees (which includes TGPT, LTFT, those on maternity leave) who were in ST3 between 18 March 2020 and 1 September 2020 and whose ability to prepare for and take the exam was therefore affected by the suspension of exams and teaching activity will now have the currency of their RCA assessment extended from 7 years to 7 years and 6 months.
We’ve attached the RCGP Exceptional Fifth Attempt Policy and would encourage all trainers and trainees to be familiar with it.
It’s important that whenever our Trainees are unsuccessful in either exam 3 or more times that they are cognisant of this guidance and to make sure that the other exam has been passed alongside WPBA being competent for licensing/excellent or meeting expectations (or better) before resitting for the 4th time.
