Changing from MRCGP to nMRCGP

The current MRCGP examination will be phased out by 1 August 2008 and will be replaced by the nMRCGP (new MRCGP).

From 1 August 2008, the end point assessment for GP training will be the nMRCGP, which will cover membership to the College and Summative Assessment to provide a single entry point for general practice. Summative Assessment components will not be offered independently from the Royal College.

The final date for acceptance of applications for the current MRCGP will be 2 February 2007.

Examinations for the current MRCGP will be available, to those candidates who apply by February 2007, until May 2008, to give candidates the opportunity, if necessary, to re-sit the MRCGP and pass.

The nMRCGP will be available to sit from October 2007. After May 2008, the nMRCGP will be the only option available. Any registrar due to start their GP year of training in August 2007 will apply for the nMRCGP.

Components of nMRCGP

GP Registrars will be required to successfully complete three components:

• Applied knowledge test (AKT)
• Clinical skills assessment (CSA)
• Work based practice assessment (WBPA)

Applied knowledge test will replace the current Multiple Choice Paper (MCP). It will be used for those sitting the November 2007 and May 2008 examinations. The dates for the AKT are Wednesday 31st October 2007, Wednesday 30th January 2008, Wednesday 7th May 2008 and Wednesday 15th October 2008.

Clinical skills assessment will replace the MRCGP simulated surgery. It will be organised nationally in an assessment centre and will include simulated patient consultation and objective structured clinical examination-type stations.

Work-based practice assessment: the Enhanced Trainer’s Report (ETR) which will include some external assessments, such as multi-source feedback (MSF). Click here for the draft ETR.