MRCGP SCA Guide

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Dr Erwin Kwun, portfolio GP with an expertise in coaching psychology. I help GP registrars pass their MRCGP SCA and CCT.

Drawing from my personal experience, I developed a simple approach to help GPSTs pass SCA.

I trust this guide will help in your journey.

Happy Regards,

Erwin

Download SCA Blueprint

PS. You might like to watch our series of training GP trainees have found useful, just scroll down.

MRCGP SCA

What is Simulated Consultation Assessment?

The SCA is a licensing exit examination GP registrars are required to pass in order to CCT. Many trainees might feel stressed due to uncertainty and pressure of sitting SCA.

Cases are performed by professional role-players who are trained, calibrated and
standardised. The cases may be patients (most commonly), or their carer/parent or other health or social care workers.

  • 12 simulated consultations
  • 3 min reading time & 12 min consult
  • Conducted remotely in local practice
  • Likely 3 telephone and 9 video consultations
  • Taken during ST3 training year

Purpose of the Exam

GP trainees will need to demonstrate they:

  • can keep patients safe
  • are adaptable in treating different types of patients and illnesses
  • can manage risk, medical complexity and uncertainty
  • exhibit the appropriate behaviour, attitude and concern in managing patients

SCA Case Selection

How to prepare for SCA?

I suggest you start by watching this 1-hour training to understand the essentials of the exam. We cover everything you need to start your revision.

Smart way to prepare for SCA

After helping hundreds of GP trainees, I observed a major difference between successful trainees and those who struggle. Poor planning and organisation is a guaranteed path to failure. If you don’t want to make the same mistake and want to pass your exam, I developed SCA Companion to help you organise your revision.

You can access SCA Companion for free.

Practical Tips to prepare

  • Practice COTS, targeting SCA case selection
  • Learn to manage risks and deal with complex problems remotely
  • Use NICE CKS and Pulse Reference (Red flags) to prepare
  • Form study groups and bring your own case scenarios based on real-life for role plays.
  • It may be helpful to practice 6 consecutive simulated role plays (mock SCA) before the exam.
  • Record yourself during practice and listen back to your consultations
  • Everyone has blindspot. Seek constructive feedback so you can identify any shortcomings and refine your consultations
  • Join our Facebook Support Group

Risk, Uncertainty & Ethics

In this video you will learn to manage risk, handle uncertainty and approach challenging ethical scenarios.

Roger Neighbour’s Top Tips

An insightful interview with an experienced MRCGP examiner, Roger Neighbour

Time Management

A common challenge GP trainees face is not able to complete their consultation in 12 minutes. In this video, you will learn how to tackle ineffective use of time.

Case Example