SCA Exam
SCA revision and preparation courses — academy-level study notes and study material, case banks, guided learning covering SCA Exam format, marking criteria, and exam dates, plus AI-powered mock exams, all in one place
Practice Zone
Guided Learning Resources
Why SimsBuddy is the Best Preparation Resource for SCA Exam?
Case Bank
RCGP SCA Case Bank
- ✓150+ high-yield RCGP SCA cases written by experienced GPs
- ✓Up-to-date NICE-aligned guidelines with ideal management plans for every case
- ✓Realistic role-player scripts and examiner-style marking criteria to mirror the real exam
- ✓Optional AI voice-to-voice simulations integrated with each station
- ✓Personalised feedback for every station practised, mapped to the official SCA marking criteria
Mock Exam
Full Mock Exams
- ✓Expert-selected cases balanced to represent the full exam blueprint
- ✓Timed practice in true exam conditions
- ✓AI virtual patients trained to mimic real exam behaviour
- ✓Instant station-by-station feedback with overall performance assessment
- ✓Generate your own personalised mock exam on demand
Guided Learning
SCA Exam Foundation: From Basics to First-Time Pass
- ✓Comprehensive step-by-step RCGP SCA revision designed for all levels, including complete beginners
- ✓Clear frameworks and structured teaching to simplify the SCA approach and consultation flow
- ✓In-depth coverage of high-yield clinical topics, communication skills, and exam strategy
- ✓Focused SCA preparation to help you approach every station with confidence and structure
- ✓Practical techniques and exam-focused learning designed to maximise your chances of a first-time pass
SCA Exam Overview: Format, Marking Criteria, Dates, Eligibility & Costs
Marking criteria, 2026 Dates, Eligibility, Results & Costs, and Format
Exam Format
The SCA is a remote, online examination consisting of 12 simulated consultations, each conducted live with a trained professional role player.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of cases | 12 simulated consultations |
| Reading time per case | 3 minutes |
| Consultation time per case | 12 minutes |
| Consultation format | Video (majority) or telephone (audio only) |
| Role players | Patients, carers, parents, or other health and social care professionals |
| Physical examination | Not assessed — covered within WPBA |
| Platform | Osler Online |
| Location | A local GP surgery (in most cases your own) |
| How marking works | The entire exam is recorded and marked remotely at a later date. Each case is marked by a different examiner |
| End of session | A 45-minute rerun window is reserved — you cannot leave or log out during this period |
Exam Marking Criteria
Every case is marked across the same three domains. These domains reflect the core capabilities expected of a newly qualified, independent GP.
| Domain | Abbreviated | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Data Gathering and Diagnosis | DG&D | How effectively you explore the patient's problem, gather relevant history, and form an appropriate differential diagnosis |
| Clinical Management and Medical Complexity | CM&MC | The safety and appropriateness of your management plan, including investigations, treatment, safety-netting, and handling of complexity |
| Relating to Others | RTO | Your communication, empathy, rapport, and ability to consult in a patient-centred way throughout the case |
Grades
Each domain is awarded one of four grades:
- Clear Pass (CP) — demonstrated above the standard of a newly qualified GP
- Pass (P) — sufficiently demonstrated at the standard of a newly qualified GP
- Fail (F) — insufficiently demonstrated at the standard expected
- Clear Fail (CF) — clearly below the standard expected
How the Pass Mark is Set
There is no fixed pass mark. The pass mark for each diet is calculated using the Borderline Regression Method — examiners identify borderline candidates, and the average score of those candidates becomes the pass mark for that sitting. This ensures the standard remains consistent across diets, even if the raw pass mark varies slightly. The maximum possible score is 126 (12 cases × 10.5 points each).
Domain weighting: The RCGP has confirmed that the CM&MC domain carries slightly more overall weight than the other two, as it maps to a greater number of assessed curriculum capabilities. However, weighting is determined separately for each exam — you cannot predict or game it. Demonstrate all three domains in every case.
Do not consult like you are working through a checklist. The marking is a holistic judgement — not a tick-box exercise. Mechanical consultations consistently score poorly in the Relating to Others domain, even when clinical content is correct.
The SCA is not testing whether you know medicine. It is testing whether you can practise it — safely, flexibly, and in partnership with the patient.
Exam 2026 Dates
The RCGP runs 9 SCA diets per year, spread roughly monthly throughout the year. Each diet runs over 3 to 4 examination days, and you are allocated to either a morning or afternoon session. You cannot select your specific day or time within the diet.
Confirmed 2026 diet dates are published directly on the RCGP website. Always check rcgp.org.uk for the current schedule — dates are subject to change and later diets may not yet be published.
How to Book
All bookings are made through MyRCGP, the RCGP's membership portal — select the My Exams tab. You can reserve a place up to 12 months in advance. An availability indicator shows whether each diet has good availability, limited places, or is full.
Seven weeks before your exam, the RCGP sends a unique booking link by email. At that point you confirm your booking and complete payment.
From April 2026, staged payments are compulsory for all SCA bookings. Payment 1 (25% of the fee) is due at the point of reservation, or six months before the exam if reserving earlier. The remaining balance is due at the booking stage, seven weeks before the exam.
Exam Eligibility
To sit the SCA, candidates must meet the following requirements at the time of booking:
- Be in ST3 of GP training (the SCA is not open to ST2 candidates)
- Hold active MRCGP membership — resigned, lapsed, or suspended membership will prevent booking
- Have training records up to date on MyRCGP — gaps in training posts or training year information will prevent booking
It is strongly recommended to discuss the timing of your SCA with your GP Trainer and Educational Supervisor before reserving a place. Sitting before you are ready risks an attempt — and the full fee applies to every sitting.
Number of Permitted Attempts
| Entered GP training | Maximum attempts |
|---|---|
| Before 2 August 2023 | 4 attempts |
| On or after 2 August 2023 | 6 attempts |
Reasonable Adjustments
Candidates with a declared disability can apply for reasonable adjustments, including additional reading time, extra consultation time, or rest breaks. Applications require supporting evidence and must be submitted in advance through the RCGP's reasonable adjustments process. Adjustments cannot be requested after the deadline or on the day.
Exam Results
Results are released approximately 5 weeks after the exam diet, via the RCGP online portal.
What You Receive
- A pass or fail outcome
- A breakdown across all three marking domains — DG&D, CM&MC, and RTO
- Case-level performance feedback
Even if you pass, review your domain feedback. Patterns of relative weakness — particularly in CM&MC or RTO — are worth addressing before you progress further in training.
If You Do Not Pass
You will receive structured feedback to guide your preparation for a resit. A formal appeals process exists for administrative or procedural errors only — examiner judgement cannot be appealed.
Exam Cost
The current SCA examination fee is £1,207 per attempt. This applies equally to first attempts and resits — there is no reduced rate for repeat candidates.
The SCA fee is not claimable from your NHS study budget. However, tax paid on examination fees can be reclaimed via your annual HMRC self-assessment tax return.
Additional Costs to Factor In
- MRCGP membership fees — active membership is required to sit
- Preparation resources — SCA simulation platforms, courses, and case banks
- Resit fees — the full £1,207 applies to every attempt
The SCA consists of 12 simulated consultations of 12 minutes each, preceded by 3 minutes of reading time per case. It is sat at a GP surgery via Osler Online and marked remotely across three domains: DG&D, CM&MC, and RTO. There are 9 diets per year, bookable via MyRCGP. The fee is £1,207 per attempt — not claimable on your study budget. Results are released approximately 5 weeks after the diet. Eligibility is from ST3 onwards with active MRCGP membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
SCA Exam Articles
See all articles →The SCA Exam Explained: Format, Marking, Dates, and Everything You Need to Know
The SCA is the final clinical hurdle before becoming a fully qualified GP in the UK. Here's everything you need to know…
SCA Revision Tips
The SCA isn't an exam you can cram for — it's a performance test. This guide covers everything that actually moves the n…
Why Simsbuddy Takes a Different Approach to SCA Exam Preparation
Most SCA revision platforms make you choose: detailed study notes with no AI, or AI practice with no real learning mater…