The red flags
| Red flag | Why it worries people | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Logs bunched in the last month | Suggests evidence written for the review, not learning | A weekly logging routine |
| Descriptive logs with no reflection | No evidence of insight or change | The 20/80 rule and five headings |
| Same 2 or 3 capabilities every time | Gaps the ES cannot rate | Monthly coverage check; targeted logs |
| Capability links with no justification | Looks like box-ticking | One sentence per link |
| All assessments by one assessor | More than one is expected | Ask other approved GPs |
| No Audio-COT by late ST3 | Mandatory over training | Book it early in ST3 |
| Intimate CEPS left to the end | Opportunities are unpredictable | Start in ST1 |
| Expired CPR or safeguarding update | Mandatory; not pro rata | Calendar reminders |
| Self-ratings blank, or "Competent" in ST1 without evidence | Lack of insight | Evidence-based self-rating |
| PDP objectives never closed | No learning cycle | Close with evidence at each ESR |
| Identifiable patient details | Confidentiality breach | Anonymise every entry |
| Assessor feedback ignored | No response to feedback | Reflect and plan after each one |
| SEA in the portfolio but not on Form R | Probity concern | Declare everything asked |
| Nothing about wellbeing, workload or difficulty in three years | Can look like a lack of insight | Honest Fitness to practise reflections |
The numbers by year
| Requirement | ST1 | ST2 | ST3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every capability evidenced in each review period | 13 of 13 per review | 13 of 13 per review | 13 of 13 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 |
| Clinical Examination and Procedural Skills (CEPS) | ongoing, no fixed number | ongoing, no fixed number | all 5 intimate examinations completed by end of ST3 plus a range |
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
- Every capability evidenced in each review period, LTFT: Same rule per 6-month review period (not pro rata).
- 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.
- Clinical Examination and Procedural Skills (CEPS), LTFT: Same final requirement.
How to check yourself
Run the ARCP Readiness Checker and look at your Coverage Map a month before every ESR. Every free-text box in our tools also warns you if something looks like a name, NHS number, date of birth or postcode.