This unified page provides guidance for Coventry and Warwickshire GP trainees across ST1, ST2, ST3, extensions to training, tools to assist training and forms/administrative information.
ST1
ST1 is the foundation year of GP training. It usually includes hospital posts and an initial GP placement, focusing on core clinical skills, early workplace-based assessments and establishing reflective learning habits.
ST1 overview
ST1 introduces you to GP training and the RCGP curriculum. You will typically rotate through one or two hospital posts and your first GP placement. The emphasis is on safe clinical practice, understanding systems of care and beginning to link your day-to-day work to curriculum capabilities.
- Attend VTS teaching and induction sessions.
- Begin regular learning logs mapped to curriculum capabilities (see Tools section).
- Complete early workplace-based assessments (Mini-CEX, CBDs, CEPS).
- Establish regular meetings with your Educational Supervisor.
- Understand ARCP requirements and timelines (see Forms and Admin section).
ST1 checklist
- Attend VTS teaching regularly and record attendance.
- Maintain learning logs throughout the year (see Tools section for guidance).
- Complete required WPBA items for ST1 (see Tools → WPBA quick reference).
- Ensure Form R and ARCP documentation are completed in good time (see Forms and Admin).
- Agree and review PDP objectives with your Educational Supervisor.
- Engage with feedback from clinical and educational supervisors.
ST1 timeline
GP training follows a 36‑month programme with a 24/12 split: 24 months in general practice and 12 months in secondary care. ST1 usually covers the first part of this journey.
- Months 1–4: Hospital post (acute or specialty exposure).
- Months 5–8: Second hospital or community post.
- Months 9–12: First GP post, introduction to continuity of care.
Use this timeline to plan WPBA, learning logs and PDP objectives across the year.
Hospital posts
Hospital posts provide essential experience in acute care, multidisciplinary working and specialty-based practice. The RCGP curriculum emphasises using these posts to develop transferable skills relevant to general practice.
- Undertake Mini-CEX assessments in acute and ward settings.
- Complete CEPS (clinical examination and procedural skills) relevant to your post.
- Use CBDs to explore complex cases and decision-making.
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams and understand referral pathways.
- Reflect on how hospital learning translates to GP practice (see Tools → reflective writing).
ST2
ST2 builds on ST1 and usually includes extended GP attachments and further hospital or community experience. It is a key year for AKT preparation, quality improvement and consolidating continuity of care.
ST2 overview
ST2 often includes a longer GP placement, allowing you to experience continuity of care, chronic disease management and practice-level responsibilities. It is also a natural time to begin structured exam preparation and quality improvement work.
- Develop consultation skills across a wider range of presentations.
- Take part in practice meetings and multidisciplinary case discussions.
- Start or contribute to a quality improvement project.
- Plan AKT preparation and identify curriculum gaps.
- Continue regular WPBA and learning logs.
ST2 checklist
- Attend VTS teaching and engage actively in sessions.
- Maintain learning logs mapped to curriculum capabilities.
- Complete required WPBA items for ST2 (see Tools → WPBA quick reference).
- Begin structured AKT preparation if planning to sit the exam.
- Agree and review PDP objectives with your Educational Supervisor.
- Ensure Form R and ARCP documentation are prepared (see Forms and Admin).
ST2 timeline
ST2 may include a mix of hospital, community and GP posts. Use the timeline to plan WPBA, exam preparation and quality improvement activity.
- Early ST2: hospital or community post, consolidating acute and specialty skills.
- Mid to late ST2: extended GP placement with continuity of care.
- Throughout ST2: ongoing WPBA, learning logs and PDP review.
AKT preparation
ST2 is a common time to sit the AKT. Planning and structure are key to success.
- Create a realistic weekly study timetable.
- Use question banks regularly and review explanations carefully.
- Map weaker topics to the RCGP curriculum and address gaps.
- Use VTS teaching and peer groups to cover high-yield areas.
- Link AKT preparation to learning logs and PDP objectives.
SCA awareness
Although most trainees sit the SCA in ST3, ST2 is a good time to become familiar with the exam format and expectations.
- Understand the structure and marking domains of the SCA.
- Begin to use a consistent consultation framework.
- Seek feedback on consultations from supervisors and peers.
- Record reflective consultation logs (see Tools → learning logs).
Urgent and unscheduled care / OOH
Exposure to urgent and unscheduled care (including out-of-hours work) is an important part of GP training. It develops skills in triage, risk management and acute decision-making.
- Participate in OOH sessions as agreed with your practice.
- Observe and undertake telephone triage under supervision.
- Reflect on acute presentations and safety-netting strategies.
- Document learning in logs and link to curriculum capabilities.
ST3
ST3 is the final year of GP training, focusing on independent practice, leadership, completion of WPBA, SCA preparation and readiness for CCT and post-training roles.
ST3 overview
ST3 consolidates your identity as an independent GP. You will manage complex cases, take on leadership roles within the practice and complete all remaining WPBA and exam requirements.
- Lead on aspects of practice work such as teaching or audits.
- Refine consultation skills across the full range of presentations.
- Complete remaining WPBA items and ensure curriculum coverage.
- Prepare for and sit the SCA.
- Plan transition to post-CCT roles and appraisal systems.
ST3 checklist
- Complete all required WPBA items for ST3 and overall training.
- Finalise SCA preparation and book the exam.
- Complete any remaining AKT requirements if not already passed.
- Ensure Form R and ARCP evidence are complete (see Forms and Admin).
- Complete leadership activities and MSF.
- Prepare PDPs that extend beyond CCT into early independent practice.
- Begin job search and discuss career plans with supervisors.
AKT final revision
If you are sitting AKT in ST3, this is the time for focused, high-yield revision.
- Schedule regular timed practice papers.
- Review explanations thoroughly and identify recurring themes.
- Use teaching sessions and peer groups to clarify difficult topics.
- Balance clinical duties with protected study time where possible.
SCA preparation
The SCA assesses real-world consultation skills. Preparation should be structured and reflective.
- Use the RCGP SCA toolkit and official guidance.
- Practise simulated consultations with supervisors and peers.
- Focus on data gathering, clinical management and interpersonal skills.
- Attend mock OSCE or SCA-style sessions where available.
- Reflect on consultations and link learning to curriculum capabilities.
Study resources and courses
A range of resources can support AKT and SCA preparation, as well as broader curriculum learning.
- AKT question banks and evidence-based medicine resources.
- Local and national SCA preparation courses.
- RCGP online resources and curriculum guidance.
- Peer study groups and case-based discussions.
Leadership and responsibilities
Leadership is an important capability for GPs. ST3 offers opportunities to take on responsibility within the practice and wider system.
- Lead teaching sessions or case discussions for colleagues.
- Supervise junior trainees or students under guidance.
- Complete a quality improvement project and present findings.
- Document leadership activities in learning logs and WPBA.
Urgent and unscheduled care / OOH
ST3 urgent and unscheduled care work consolidates your ability to manage risk and uncertainty in acute presentations.
- Undertake OOH sessions and document learning.
- Reflect on triage decisions and safety-netting.
- Link experiences to curriculum capabilities and WPBA.
Applying for CCT
As you approach the end of ST3, you will prepare for CCT and transition to independent practice.
- Ensure all curriculum capabilities are signed off.
- Confirm ARCP outcome and any conditions (see Forms and Admin).
- Complete Form R and any final deanery requirements.
- Expect GMC communication regarding CCT date and registration.
- Update indemnity and Performers List status.
- Register with an appraisal system and plan first post-CCT appraisal.
Extensions to training
Some trainees require additional time beyond ST3 to complete WPBA, exams or curriculum capabilities. Extensions are governed by the Gold Guide and RCGP WPBA policy.
Overview
Extensions are granted when additional time is needed to meet training requirements. They are usually time-limited and focused on specific objectives agreed with your Educational Supervisor and ARCP panel.
Allocation of practice
Extensions are usually completed in your current training practice, unless circumstances require relocation. The deanery may allocate a different practice if supervision needs or capacity require it.
- You will receive written confirmation of placement and duration.
- Objectives will be clearly defined and linked to curriculum capabilities.
What to expect
During an extension, you will work towards specific goals, often focusing on WPBA completion, exam preparation or particular curriculum areas.
- Clear objectives agreed with your Educational Supervisor.
- Focused WPBA completion (CEPS, CBDs, Mini-CEX, logs).
- Targeted SCA or AKT preparation if outstanding.
- Regular ES meetings and progress reviews.
ARCP during extension
ARCP panels review progress against extension objectives. Outcomes may include continuation, completion or further recommendations. Detailed guidance is available on the ARCP page.
- ARCP panel will review progress against agreed objectives.
- Outcome 3 or 10.2 may be issued depending on circumstances.
- Final ESR must demonstrate readiness for CCT.
For full ARCP guidance, see the dedicated ARCP page.
Completion and transition
Once extension objectives are met, your CCT date is confirmed and you transition to independent practice.
- GMC will issue final instructions regarding CCT and registration.
- Performers List status updated via PCSE.
- Plan appraisal and early career support.
What this means for you
Extensions can feel daunting, but they are designed to give you the time and support needed to meet training requirements safely. Many trainees complete extensions successfully and go on to have fulfilling careers.
- Use the extension as protected time to focus on specific goals.
- Maintain open communication with supervisors and training programme directors.
- Access wellbeing and support resources if needed.