Preparing for the MRCGP SCA exam can be daunting. The pressure, the fear of failure, and the endless revision can make even the most confident GP trainees question themselves. But what if failure wasn’t the end of the story but the start of a journey towards mastery?
That’s exactly what happened to Dr Irbaz, a GP trainee in the North East. He had studied hard for his first sitting, practised cases and put in the hours. But when the results came in—70.5—he was crushed. Failing the SCA shook his confidence and it wasn’t just the failure that stung—it was the feeling that maybe he wasn’t good enough.
But here’s the lesson Dr Irbaz learned: Failure is not final. It’s feedback. Instead of letting that result define him, he made a choice. He chose to come back stronger. Let’s take a look at how he went from devastation to scoring an incredible 100.5 in his second attempt—and what you can learn from his journey if you’re preparing for the SCA exam.
The Turning Point: Rebuilding Confidence and Structure
After failing the SCA, Dr Irbaz faced a tough few months. Seeing patients became harder, and his anxiety levels were sky-high. But he knew that the key to turning things around wasn’t just working harder—it was working smarter. He needed a better plan.
The first step was recognising that his initial preparation lacked structure.
“While some of the resources were great it was just I wasn’t able to mentally structure my revision and I think the blueprint really helped with that structure,” he says. That’s when he discovered the SCA Blueprint—a system designed to help GP trainees structure their revision and transform their consultation skills. The Blueprint provided not just content but a step-by-step guide for tracking progress, reflecting on consultations, and building confidence.
Reflection: The Power of Feedback
One of the key tools in the SCA Blueprint was SCA Companion for reflecting on consultations. Whether it was a practice case with colleagues or a real patient encounter, Dr Irbaz would log what went well, what didn’t and how he could improve. Instead of just going through the motions, he could see where he was improving and where he needed more work.
For GP trainees preparing for the SCA, reflection is vital. The SCA exam is as much about your communication and interpersonal skills as it is about your clinical knowledge. By consistently reviewing his performance, Dr Irbaz could spot his weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
The Key to Success: Delegation and Time Management
Another breakthrough came when Dr Irbaz learned how to delegate tasks effectively during consultations. Early on, he would try to tackle everything in the remaining six minutes of the consultation—something we’ve all been guilty of. But through coaching and feedback, he learned the value of using team members. Instead of spending too much time on lifestyle advice, he would briefly mention it and delegate the detailed conversation to the practice nurse or social prescriber.
This saved him precious time during the exam and allowed him to score top marks in Relating to Others. For those sitting the SCA, delegation and knowing how to manage your time is crucial. The ability to stay calm, focused and prioritise the right issues during a consultation can make the difference between passing and failing.
Managing Anxiety: The Mindset Shift
Like many GP trainees, Dr Irbaz struggled with exam anxiety. He had sleepless nights, constantly doubting himself. But one of the most important changes he made during his second attempt was a mindset shift. Instead of focusing solely on passing the exam, he reframed his thinking: “It’s not just about passing the SCA. It’s about becoming a better GP for my patients.”
This mental shift was liberating. It allowed him to focus on becoming a more competent doctor in his day-to-day practice, rather than simply ticking boxes for the exam. He sat his second SCA exam with newfound confidence, which clearly showed in his final score.
From 70.5 to 100.5: The Journey to Success
When Dr Irbaz sat the exam again, he was a different person. He had a clear strategy, the tools to manage his time and the confidence to handle any case that came his way. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the score—100.5. I had to refresh the screen to make sure it was real,” he recalls.
The difference wasn’t just the extra study time. It was the structured approach, the reflection on feedback, and the mindset shift that allowed him to overcome anxiety and approach each consultation with clarity.
Lessons for GP Trainees Preparing for the SCA
So, what can you learn from Dr Irbaz’s journey?
- Structure is key: Use tools like the SCA Companion to organise your revision and track your progress.
- Reflect on your performance: Don’t just practise cases—reflect on them. Look for specific areas where you can improve, and make that part of your daily routine.
- Master delegation and time management: You don’t need to do everything yourself. Learn to delegate tasks and focus on the key issues in each consultation.
- Shift your mindset: Don’t make the SCA the be-all and end-all. Focus on becoming the best GP you can be for your patients. The exam will follow.
- Seek support: Whether it’s from mentors, colleagues, or coaching programmes, don’t go through this journey alone. Surround yourself with the right people who can guide and motivate you.
Ready to Ace the SCA Exam?
Dr Irbaz’s journey shows that setbacks are just setups for success. If you’re feeling unsure about your SCA preparation, expert guidance can make all the difference. Confidence comes from the right strategy, structure, and support.
Don’t leave your success to chance. Book a Free 15-Minute Call to discover how personalised 1:1 coaching can help you pass the MRCGP SCA exam with confidence. Applications are considered on an individual basis, so take the first step towards mastering the exam today!
