Modular exam with 4 components

Any of the 4 components can be attempted in any order

Required for membership of the RCGP

Summative assessment is minimum standard of competence for GPs but MRCGP is standard of excellence

Plans are underway to make this exam the main pathway to practice GP in the UK.

Held twice a year: May and October in centres all over UK (London, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, South Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire, Birmingham, Edinburgh)

Information can be found under the exams section of the website rcgp.org.uk

CPR proficiency certificate required before you take up membership

Components are:

. Written Paper

. MCQ Paper

. Orals

. Assessment of consulting skills

Written Paper

Essay type questions.

Assess critical reading usually 3 questions

Strongly evidenced based

Current medical debates of previous year will be tested (The hot topics)

BMJ and BJGP are usually good reference sources

Attending a good MRCGP course is almost imperative

Strong emphasis on lateral thinking

Notes format allowed in answering questions

Discussion group very important

Probably the most difficult part of the exam to prepare for

12 questions in 3 hours. Extra half hour given to read reference material provided. 15mins per question. All questions carry equal marks.

Pastest books on hot topics very useful

MCQ

Most important thing to know is that there is no negative marking

Time is usually short only 3 hours

Anything and everything can be and will be tested

No syllabus

Use PEP CDs and MRCGP MCQ books by Pastest

ORALS

Be aware of topical issues

Strong emphasis on lateral thinking

Remember your ethical principles

Good Medical Practice

Examiners will dictate the pace and will try to ask as many questions as they can

You have 20mins with 2 examiners in 2 places.

CONSULTING SKILLS

Mainly tested by video

Can also be tested by simulated surgery

Now 10 pass criteria

4 Merit criteria

Required to submit 7 videos.

A pass is achieved when you demonstrate each of the 10 pass criteria at least 4 times in the 7 videos

Can use the single route pathway specially for GP registrars

In this case submit your 7 for mrcgp and make it up to 2 hours of videoing.

Practice makes perfect! The more you video the better you become

FINAL TIPS

Try attempting some of your exams during your hospital posts as you get more reimboursement for your exams.

Having 6 months of GP under your belt helps with the orals, video and written

Discussion groups and courses are invaluable

Start preparation early

ALL THE BEST!!!