Giddy up with your MRCGP SCA Preparation!

I aim to explain the basics in this write-up as this is essential to your plan and preparation. The SCA (Simulated Consultation Assessment) is a relatively new examination format that was launched in November 2023.

GP Registrars are eligible to sit the SCA examination only in their ST3 year of training. The good news is that you can reserve a seat for the SCA as early as in ST2. The reservation option will be visible in your Fourteen Fish trainee portfolio, and you can complete this process in the same portal.

Please note that applying for the SCA examination is a 2-step process, and involves reserving a diet and then booking a seat via Fourteen Fish Portfolio. These exam diets get booked pretty quickly and this means if you miss an opportunity to reserve and book in time, it will result in unnecessary stressful delays in your training map and career. On a similar note, candidates often cancel reservations for various reasons, so you might be able to secure an earlier exam diet if you check the reservation page regularly. Additionally, I would strongly recommend keeping a close eye on the RCGP website for any examination updates.

Below is an overview of my timelines around the SCA journey in 2023-2024:

• I was in the early months of my ST3 year when I started looking into the new SCA examination. By this stage, I had completed all my hospital postings and a six-month GP rotation. However, it was not until I gained more GP experience in ST3 did I feel confident to sit SCA.

• After sitting the AKT examination in October 2023, I analysed my circumstances and decided to reserve a seat for the SCA February 2024 diet.

• I made a booking as soon as this was possible on 11th December 2023. I literally kept alarms and reminders to action this whilst juggling various other commitments.

• I had two months for preparation and practising with peers and GPs. Please check out my other blogs where I discuss details for a successful plan.

• RCGP sent a confirmation email exactly one month prior to the exam date outlining my allocated time and date of my SCA examination. I also received communications with information on login details, support etc closer to the exam date.

• My exam was in the morning session at 8:45 on 7th February 2024. I had a seamless experience and found the Osler exam platform user-friendly.

• I got my results on 22nd February 2024 and I passed!

Now that you have some insight into the various stages involved, let’s dive into this new examination format.

The SCA examination is conducted via Osler’s online IT platform and within the comforts of your own ST3 GP surgery. You will have twelve examination stations of fifteen minutes each i.e. three minute reading time followed by a twelve minute consultation. The candidate will be consulting with professional role-players either through a video or audio mode.

You might now be wondering if there is any breather during the entire examination session. The answer is yes and there are plenty. There are fifteen second gaps in between stations and a ten minute proper break after completion of the first six stations. This gave me plenty of time to reset and do some stretches prior to each consultation.

My final message to exam candidates is to simply enjoy this journey and the exam day, and I would like to end by sharing the wise words from a TPD - ‘Treat the patient in front of you just like your best friend’.