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ARCP requirement

(Updated to 2026)

This page summarises the **current mandatory evidence** required for ARCP, based on the latest RCGP WPBA Mandatory Evidence Summary Sheet.

Evidence ST1 ST2 ST3
COTs / Mini‑CEX (all types)
Face‑to‑face, remote, audio
4 4 7
CBDs/CATs 4 CBDs 4 CBDs 5 CATs
MSF 1 (min. 5 clinical + 5 non‑clinical) 1 (min. 5 clinical + 5 non‑clinical) 2 (1 standard MSF + 1 Leadership MSF)
CSR
Clinical Supervisor Report
1 per post 1 per post 1 per post
PSQ Not required Not required 1
CEPS
Clinical Examination & Procedural Skills
Ongoing (appropriate to post) Ongoing (appropriate to post) Across training: 5 intimate + range of non‑intimate
Learning Logs
Reflective, covering all capabilities
36 case reviews (plus other log types) 36 case reviews (plus other log types) 36 case reviews (plus other log types)
Placement Planning Meeting 1 per post 1 per post 1 per post
QIP (Quality Improvement Project) 1 (in GP) 1 (if not completed in ST1) Not required
QIA (Quality Improvement Activity)
Mandatory every year
Required, unless QIP done instead Required, unless QIP done instead Required, unless QIP done instead
SEA
Only if GMC threshold met
As required As required As required
LEA
Learning Event Analysis
1 1 1
Prescribing Assessment Not required Not required 1
Leadership Activity Not required Not required 1
Interim ESR 1 (if progressing satisfactorily) 1 (if progressing satisfactorily) 1 (if progressing satisfactorily)
ESR
Educational Supervisor Report
1 1 1
Safeguarding Adults L3 Certificate + reflective log Certificate + annual update + reflective log Certificate + annual update + reflective log
Safeguarding Children L3 Certificate + reflective log Certificate + annual update + reflective log Certificate + annual update + reflective log
BLS/AED (child and adult) Annual evidence Annual evidence Annual evidence
Form R Upload to Compliance Passport Upload to Compliance Passport Upload to Compliance Passport
Covid Declaration Upload to Compliance Passport Upload to Compliance Passport Upload to Compliance Passport
PDP
SMART objectives
3 proposed, 1 achieved 3 proposed, 1 achieved 3 proposed (including final), 1 achieved
Outstanding ARCP Requirements Must be met Must be met Must be met

Additional Notes

  • Assessments must be spread throughout the year — roughly half before each ESR.
  • LTFT trainees complete the same total evidence, pro‑rata per review period.
  • Intimate CEPS must include: rectal, breast, female genital (including bimanual), male genital, prostate. Complete these on individual CEPs forms - combined forms can be accepted, but MUST have narriative by the assessor to say that both/all were observed.
  • Safeguarding: Level 3 certificates last 3 years, but annual knowledge updates are mandatory. Reflection on a clinical case, for adult and children, is also needed each year.
  • BLS/AED: Hands‑on evidence required every calendar year. Ensure the certifcate states BLS, AED and that it covered adults and children.
  • QIA is required every year — LEA, feedback reflection, or leadership project alone does NOT count.

Full RCGP WPBA Mandatory Evidence Summary Sheet:
https://www.rcgp.org.uk/mrcgp-exams/wpba

ARCP Location: ARCP panels are currently held online via Microsoft Teams. If you are required to attend, the assessment team will contact you.

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ARCP Dates

ARCP Administration

ARCP dates are emailed to trainees by the administrative team. You can also find your confirmed ARCP date directly within your RCGP Portfolio.

If you are unsure about your ARCP date, or have questions about ARCP administration, please contact the admin team via:

Midlands ARCP Support – Freshdesk Portal

The admin team can help with queries about scheduling, documentation deadlines, and technical issues relating to your portfolio or ESR submission.

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