Coventry and Warwickshire VTS

ST3 Overview

ST3 is the final year of GP training and focuses on consolidating independent clinical practice, completing WPBA evidence, preparing for the SCA and transitioning into a qualified GP role. This year emphasises leadership, complex case management, continuity of care and readiness for appraisal and revalidation.

ST3 Checklist

• Complete required WPBA items and map them to curriculum capabilities
• Finalise SCA preparation plan and complete mock consultations
• Complete final AKT revision if sitting the exam in ST3
• Ensure Form R and ARCP evidence are complete
• Complete required UUC/OOH sessions and document them
• Complete Leadership Activity and Associated MSF (leadership)
• Finalise PDP and prepare evidence for appraisal - ensure for final ARCP you have PDPs which go past your CCT date
• Begin job search and CV preparation (see Newly Qualified tab)

AKT Final Revision

Final AKT preparation should consolidate clinical knowledge, evidence‑based medicine and applied statistics. Use question banks, timed practice papers and targeted topic review.

• Schedule regular timed practice papers
• Review explanations thoroughly and map weaknesses to PDP objectives
• Use VTS teaching sessions to cover high‑yield topics
• Balance clinical duties with protected study time

For curated AKT resources, see the Teaching and Exams tabs.

SCA Preparation (Simulated Consultation Assessment)

The SCA assesses consultation skills, clinical reasoning and communication. ST3 is the time to consolidate structured consultations, explanation skills and shared decision making.

• Use the RCGP SCA toolkit and exemplar materials
• Practise simulated consultations with peers and supervisors
• Focus on consultation structure, data gathering and management
• Seek targeted feedback from supervisors
• Attend local SCA preparation sessions and mock OSCEs

Official SCA guidance is available via the Exams tab.

Study Resources and Courses

Attend approved SCA and AKT preparation courses where available. Use local VTS mock SCA sessions and national RCGP resources for exam formats and marking criteria.

• AKT question banks and EBM resources (see Teaching tab)
• Local SCA courses and mock OSCEs (see Diary)
• RCGP SCA toolkit and exemplar materials (see Exams tab)

Leadership & Practice Responsibilities

ST3 is the ideal time to take on leadership roles within your practice and the VTS. Leadership activities demonstrate capability progression and support readiness for independent practice. Please note that the Leadership Activity needed for the WPBA needs to be delivered to wider practice team and not just to other trainees.

• Lead a teaching session or case discussion
• Supervise an ST1 or FY2 trainee under supervision
• Design or complete a small QIP
• Document leadership activities in your ePortfolio

Urgent & Unscheduled Care (UUC / OOH)

ST3 trainees must complete required UUC/OOH sessions and ensure these are documented in WPBA. OOH experience should demonstrate triage, acute management and safe decision making.

Document OOH learning and link to curriculum capabilities as part of ARCP evidence.

Learning Logs & PDP

Maintain high‑quality reflective logs that show progression, insight and impact on practice. Finalise PDP objectives that support exam completion and transition to practice.

• Ensure logs are analytical and linked to capability development
• Use PDP to schedule study, appraisal preparation and job search tasks

Applying for Your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)

ST3 is the year where you complete the requirements for CCT. The process is straightforward if your WPBA, ESRs and ARCP evidence are complete.

Key steps

• Ensure all curriculum capabilities are signed off in your final ESR
• Confirm ARCP outcome and resolve any outstanding evidence
• Complete Form R and declarations as instructed by the deanery
• Expect GMC communication 2–3 months before CCT
• Follow GMC “My Registration” steps to finalise your CCT application
• Update indemnity from trainee to qualified GP status
• Update your Performers List status via PCSE (DBS Update Service required)
• Choose and register with an appraisal system for post‑CCT appraisal

Forms and Administrative Tasks

Form R and ARCP

Ensure Form R is complete and all ARCP evidence is uploaded. Resolve outstanding ESR/CSR items with supervisors.

Study Leave

Apply via the deanery Study Leave process. Prioritise leave for SCA and AKT preparation.

Performers List / DBS

Confirm performers list status and DBS Update Service enrolment. Follow PCSE guidance when updating status post‑training.

Indemnity and Appraisal

Update indemnity with your defence organisation and choose an appraisal system for post‑CCT appraisal.