The Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) is one of two exams required for MRCGP (the other being the AKT). It permanently replaced the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) and the temporary Remote Consultation Assessment (RCA) from November 2023.
The SCA assesses your ability to integrate and apply clinical, professional, and communication skills through simulated patient consultations. Physical examination is not assessed — that is covered within WPBA.
Why the SCA was introduced:
- To provide a standardised exam that doesn’t require candidates to collect their own cases
- To reflect the prevalence of conditions seen in UK general practice
- To include both video and audio-only (telephone) consultations, reflecting modern GP practice
- To offer more sittings per year (9 diets) and reduce candidate burden
- To champion accessibility, convenience, and sustainability
Eligibility and Booking:
You are eligible to sit the SCA from ST3 onwards. There are 9 sittings per year spread throughout the year. The examination fee is £1,207.
From December 2025, the booking system changed. You no longer need to make a reservation via FourteenFish. All bookings are now made directly through the MyRCGP portal — simply log in and select the My Exams tab.
From April 2026, staged payments become compulsory: you pay 25% of the fee six months before the exam (or at the point of booking if within six months), a further 25% at twelve weeks before, and the remainder at final booking. Both early payments are refundable if you cancel before the final booking deadline.
You cannot select your exam day or time — you will be allocated and notified at least four weeks before your exam date. If there are truly exceptional circumstances preventing attendance on a particular day, you must contact the RCGP before the allocation date (four weeks before the exam).
It is vitally important to take the examination only when ready. Always discuss your planned sitting with your GP Trainer and Educational Supervisor before booking.