The rhythm
Weekly
- One CCR (three in a month reaches 36).
- Note cases for logs and CATs after each surgery.
- Ask to be observed for any CEPS.
Monthly
- At least one assessment (COT, CAT or CEPS).
- Check capability and group coverage.
- Update the PDP.
Every 3 months
- Review the PDP with your trainer.
- Book MSF, PSQ and CSR timings.
Six weeks before an ESR
- Self-review against the minimums; close gaps; certificates in date; self-rating drafted.
The numbers by year
| Requirement | ST1 | ST2 | ST3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical case reviews (CCRs) | 36 per year 18 per review | 36 per year 18 per review | 36 per year 18 per review |
| Consultation Observation Tool (COT), including Audio-COT check current RCGP guidance | 4 per year 2 per review COT in GP posts, mini-CEX in hospital posts; combined total 4 | 4 per year 2 per review combined COT/mini-CEX total 4 | 7 per year all COT; e.g. 6 face-to-face + 1 Audio-COT |
| Care Assessment Tool (CAT), including Case-based Discussion (CbD) check current RCGP guidance | 4 per year 2 per review | 4 per year 2 per review | 5 per year |
Full time, per training year unless stated. Less than full time: per-year totals stay the same and each 6-month review needs a pro rata share; 6-monthly ESRs and 12-monthly certificates are not pro rata. Check with your deanery and educational supervisor.
Notes on these numbers
- Clinical case reviews (CCRs), LTFT: Pro rata: e.g. 60% = 36 per training year spread over 20 months, about 11 per 6-month review.
- Consultation Observation Tool (COT), including Audio-COT, LTFT: Pro rata per review period; the per-training-year total is the same.
- Consultation Observation Tool (COT), including Audio-COT, confidence: high (totals and audio rule); medium (per-review split of 2, which is a suggested spread). Our sources were partly secondary for this item: check current RCGP guidance.
- Care Assessment Tool (CAT), including Case-based Discussion (CbD), LTFT: Pro rata per review period.
- Care Assessment Tool (CAT), including Case-based Discussion (CbD), confidence: high (totals); medium (2 per review in ST1/ST2). Our sources were partly secondary for this item: check current RCGP guidance.
ST1 or ST2: two 6-month posts (full time)
| Month | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 1 | Initial meeting with CS/ES recorded; PDP for the post; CPR and safeguarding dates checked; CCRs start; QIP planned if this is the GP post |
| 2 to 3 | COT/mini-CEX 1; CAT/CbD 1; CEPS as they arise; safeguarding update if due |
| 4 to 5 | COT/mini-CEX 2; CAT/CbD 2; MSF if timed for this post; request CSR in month 5; draft self-rating |
| 6 | CSR; ESR; PDP updated |
| 7 | New post PDP; plan LEA and QIA or QIP |
| 8 to 9 | COT/mini-CEX 3; CAT 3; adult and child safeguarding reflections |
| 10 to 11 | COT/mini-CEX 4; CAT 4; QIA/QIP and LEA finished; CPR renewal if due; request CSR |
| 12 | CSR; ESR within 2 months of ARCP; Form R; ARCP |
ST3 (full time)
| Month | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 1 | ST3 PDP (exams, prescribing, leadership); agree leadership idea with ES; book first COT and Audio-COT; list missing intimate CEPS |
| 2 to 3 | COT 1 to 2 (one audio); CAT 1; launch MSF; trainer sets prescribing date and you review 50 items |
| 4 to 5 | COT 3; CAT 2; MSF discussed; prescribing assessment graded; safeguarding update; start leadership activity |
| 6 | ESR (or interim ESR if allowed); refresh PDP |
| 7 to 8 | COT 4 to 5; CAT 3; PSQ; leadership activity completed; QIA; LEA |
| 9 to 10 | COT 6; CAT 4; leadership MSF; all 5 intimate CEPS done; QIA finished; CPR valid beyond CCT |
| 11 | COT 7; CAT 5; final gap check (all 13 at licensing level); England: National Performers List application in the 6 to 3 months before CCT |
| 12 | Final ESR within 2 months of ARCP; Form R; final ARCP; GMC CCT application |
These are suggested spreads, not RCGP rules check current RCGP guidance. Agree your own timings with your ES.
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Common ARCP pitfalls
- Planning nothing until the first ESR.
- Assessments booked into weeks of leave.
- ST3 timed items (MSF first half, prescribing first half, PSQ after the midpoint, leadership MSF after the activity) done in the wrong order.