The MRCGP exam consists of an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) and Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA). The RCGP website has very detailed and helpful information which is essential for all Doctors in Training (DiTs) to explore. https://www.rcgp.org.uk/mrcgp-exams.
In particular, carefully look at the following early in your training, and please be aware that postgraduate exam planning starts at least six months in advance of the day of assessment:
Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA)
Work Place Based Assessment (WPBA)
The Wessex GP School have a dedicated Associate Dean for exams, they help co-ordinate the upskilling of Wessex GP Educators in terms of better assessment support as well as oversight of the different exam support options detailed on this page available to DiTs needing additional support.
The exam support email is: england.gpexams.wx@nhs.net
Specific learning differences (SpLD) screening
Wessex GP School works closely with a Wessex-based team of experts who have created and published research on their screening questionnaire suitable for adults in medicine. Screening for dyslexia is offered to all GP ST1s before any assessments have been undertaken. This is to look at possible specific learning differences, which can impact on how training and education are best approached. In addition, there might be an indication for Reasonable Adjustments to be recommended for high stakes assessments such as the AKT and SCA.
The screening programme is not intended for anyone who has already been unsuccessful at an AKT or SCA exam, nor for anyone concerned that significant WPBA challenges link to a possible SpLD. In both those situations please contact PSWS (see last paragraph below)
If a screening test is positive, an expert consultation is next required to investigate this possibility in more detail. All screening tests inevitably have false positives and false negatives:
False positive
A high screening score but no evidence either through the initial consultation or through a more detailed assessment of a SpLD such as dyslexia, ADHD or DCD dyspraxia). This may sometimes link to linguistic and cultural differences.
False negative
A low screening score but subsequent evidence either through the initial consultation or through a more detailed assessment is suggestive of a SpLD such as dyslexia, ADHD or DCD (dyspraxia). This may be due to:
Masking due to high educational achievement and capability
Answers based on good coping strategies, yet such strategies are often less effective/cannot be utilised in high stakes multiple-choice, computer based postgraduate licensing exams
Cultural and personal stigma resulting in a low self-assessment score
Borderline scores
Borderline scores do not meet the requirements for further assessment at this stage, but the individual and their educator team should be aware of false negatives and monitor trainee progress over time
Professional actor simulated consultations
Wessex works with a Simpatico Role Play Agency and the exam support team will offer a 1-hour virtual meeting with an experienced medical role player. The 1-hour booked by appointment virtual meeting includes agenda setting, three medical simulated consultations and actor feedback. The session is recorded, and the recording given to the DiT for self-evaluation and ES discussion.
Support on Exams (SOX) Educators
Wessex has several experienced SOX Educators who can arrange a virtual SOX Tutorial with a DiT and their educational supervisor (ES) after reviewing either the recording of a professional simulated role player meeting, or of three video consultation recordings. This can be a powerful way to support the DiT and ES in prioritising developmental areas on which to work before a future exam sitting and works best if both the DiT and ES have reviewed the same recordings in advance of a SOX Tutorial.
Examiner 1-1 Support sessions
Wessex exam support can allocate 1-1 MRCGP Examiner sessions for some DiTs needing more specific, additional support after not yet passing their exams despite two attempts. Before a first meeting, the Examiner can also review either the recording of a professional simulated role player meeting, or of three video consultation recordings. This works best if both the DiT and ES have reviewed the same recordings in advance of a SOX Tutorial.
Applied Linguistics
If there are significant linguistic challenges affecting consultations with patients, then Wessex exam support does have access to a specialist.
Wessex Professional Development Unit (PDU)
In addition to the support available within the GP School, all DiTs have access to the many relevant PDU courses and resources, which include, for example: advanced communication skills for oral exams, exam skills – preparation for success, presenting skills and time management.
https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/learning-and-development/wessex-professional-development-unit/
www.courses.hee.nhs.uk (registration required)
https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/wellbeing-and-support/exam-support/exam-courses/
Wessex Professional Support and Wellbeing Service (PSWS)
In addition to the support available by the GP School, all DiTs have access to the confidential, broader PSWS services. These can include, for example: enhanced exam support, wellbeing support, personal coaching, neurodiversity support and coach coaching.
https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/wellbeing-and-support/psw/
https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/wellbeing-and-support/exam-support/
https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/wellbeing-and-support/psw/make-a-referral/