This Is a Joint Letter From

This is a joint letter from

Dr Mark Coombe FRCGP MFFP DRCOG PGGE, Wessex Faculty Director of Education and

Dr Richard Weaver MB BCh BAO DRCOG FRCGP Head of School Wessex Deanery

Advice to Specialist trainees in General Practice attempting Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)and Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA)

The Wessex Deanery and Wessex Faculty RCGP are working closely to assist in your exam preparation. The Faculty have a team of experienced nMRCGP examiners who have led the UK in providing outstanding and popular preparation courses.

AKT

The Applied Knowledge test is available from the RCGP 3 times a year (usually January, April and October

Wessex Faculty RCGPaccreditedwith Deanery funded support one day pre-AKT courses are available three times a year.

Evidence supports that attending a course, working in small groups and taking the exam as an ST3 increases pass rates significantly. Courses are not only designed to clarify the practicalities of sitting the exam but advise on preparation techniques and identify anindividual revision schedule. It is therefore important to attend the courses at least a month prior to sitting the exam.

Wessex faculty will allow failing ST2’s and ST3’s to re-attend the course for a further small administration charge.

ST1’s will not be allowed to attend the course without specific permission from their Patch Deanery educational leads.

CSA

The Clinical Skills Assessment is available in 1-3 week blocks throughout the year. GP trainees who have registeredwith the RCGP and are eligible to sit the CSA (i.e. they are in ST3) can apply on-linefor a morning or afternoon assessment on a particular date. Dates will be offered until fully booked, after which further dates will be made available. Fees must be paid at the time of applying.

We strongly advise that the CSA is not attempted until the second 6 months of the ST3/GPStR practice attachment. The Wessex Faculty CSA preparation course, which is partially funded by the Wessex Deanery, should be attended at least 2 months prior to attempting the exam. The course combines education, guidance and mock cases that will significantly help candidates to go back to their practices to develop their skills and pass the exam.

Thank you

Dr Mark Coombe and Dr Richard Weaver