Please take some time to read through these Frequently Asked Questions.

What if I am on annual leave?

You should be aware well in advance of your ARCP date and should take steps to ensure that you have met with your Educational Supervisor and have completed the relevant competencies on e-portfolio prior to your leave.

Where do I need to go for my ARCP?

When the ARCP panel is held you are not required to attend. Only trainees who have an outcome 2,3 or 4 will be invited to meet the panel and will be notified following the initial ARCP.

What if I am a trainee on "Less than Full Time Training"?

The annual review process for trainees in flexible training will take place at the same frequency as full-time trainees i.e. once per calendar year.

If I am due to complete my training, what happens? 

You should ensure that you are registered with your Area Director to be reviewed at the most appropriate ARCP in line with your completion date.  Please note that the RCGP will not normally allow the Deanery to “sign off” trainees in excess of 8 weeks prior to their CCT. Please ensure that all of the required competencies are met prior to the ARCP e.g. Out of Hours etc.

Can another senior trainee sign-off my workplace based assesments (e.g. COTs, DOPs, etc.)?

The person who signs off mandatory assessments must be suitably qualified and sufficiently senior to judge whether the trainee has demonstrated competence. For hospital posts, these assessments are sometimes done by doctors in training. If so, they should have  relevant and demonstrable experience and expertise. It would be helpful if assessors who are not on a specialist register put their qualification or level of experience on the form. This can be added to the Assessor's name or Assessor's position section of the forms.  In a court of law, the onus is on the trainee to prove that the person who assessed them was capable of making the judgement. 

What if I have not met the requirements to progress to certification?

You will still be reviewed by the ARCP and invited to meet your local AD. The Director of Postgraduate GP Training will ultimately make any decision regarding extensions to training.

When should I have my ESR in line with my ARCP?

A generic e-mail will be sent to all trainees via e-portfolio with details of when the next ARCP is to be held and by which date they should have had their ESR. (Please ensure that both you and the Educational Supervisor have signed and submitted the ESR, otherwise it will not progress to the ARCP process.)

What if my Educational Supervisor is on holiday/sick?

You should arrange the date of your educational supervision with your supervisor 6-8 weeks before your supervision is due, so that holidays etc can be accommodated. If in the unfortunate circumstances that your educational supervisor is on long term sick, you should speak to your local Vocational Training Scheme Course Organiser or Area Director as soon as you are aware there is problem. Alternative arrangements can then be made.

What happens after the ARCP panel has met?

If the ARCP decision is satisfactory the ARCP3 form will be completed and signed off by the panel chair (usually the Area Director). The trainee will then receive notification via e-portfolio to sign/accept electronically.

What if I have an outcome 2,3 or 4?

You will usually be invited to meet with your local Area Director to discuss the issues raised and agree a training plan.

What if I disagree with the ARCP decision?

A trainee has the right to request a review and in some circumstances, an appeal if one of the above outcomes is recommended by the ARCP.

Can I take the AKT and/or the CSA if released from training?

The AKT and CSA components of the MRCGP should be taken and passed during the three year training programme. Further attempts will be allowed during periods of extended training authorised by a deanery. At the discretion of the RCGP and deanery, and in exceptional circumstances only, one attempt at the AKT and CSA will normally be permitted in the six month period immediately following exit from training without receiving a CCT.  Those obtaining passes after they have exited training will not be eligible for a CCT and must apply instead for a Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR) under Article 11 of the Order.

end faq