Assessment Introduction

On the following pages, you will find information, guidance and documentation on the various forms of assessment mandated for use by trainees, including workplace-based assessment and knowledge-based assessment.

Background

Assessment of the successful acquisition of the competencies stipulated in curricula for core medical training (CMT) and specialty training (ST3+) and is based upon assessment systems carefully mapped onto each curriculum. 

These systems measure the progress of trainees using a framework (or blueprint) of workplace-based assessments (WPBA) and knowledge based assessments (KBA) including the MRCP(UK) examination. 

Trainee progress, measured by assessment and other evidence, will be recorded using the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) system described in the Gold Guide (fourth edition 2010).  

ARCP Decision Aids have been written for CMT and each specialty to define the requirements for successful progression at ARCP.  Each assessment system has been designed around the principles established by the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (now merged with the General Medical Council), and mapped to the domains of Good Medical Practice. 

The general schema for assessment, not allowing for variations in versions of curricula and individual specialty requirements, which may be found in the specialties pages, can be illustrated thus: