ARCP: Getting ready for ARCP
This page outlines the expected evidence across each stage of GP training, helping you understand what should be in place by the end of each training year.
It is designed as a guide to support your progress across training—not as a final check before ARCP.
The RCGP and your local deanery determine the standards required for ARCP and their guidance is consider definitive:
your local deanery guidance,
The requirements outlined are minimum expectations for each training year.
Evidence does not carry forward between training years—meeting or exceeding requirements in one year does not reduce expectations in the next.
Consistent engagement is expected with evidence spread across the training year—large volumes completed early, with little or no activity later, may raise concerns.
The Outcome 5 Avoider can be used as a practical prompt to identify common issues, but should not be used in isolation.
Content is based on current guidance (March 2026) and should be reviewed alongside up-to-date national and local requirements.
If you are training less than full time (LTFT) or out of sync, see the dedicated sections below
ST1 - End of Training Year Requirements
If you’ve completed an ST1 training year since your last ARCP, or will be completing within 2months of ARCP, panels will expect evidence of the following
A full ESR (not an interim ESR) is required prior to ARCP and must be completed and signed off by ES and trainee.
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MiniCEX/COT: minimum 4
CBD: minimum 4
MSF: 1 completed
CSR: one per post
QIP: if in primary care post x 1*
CEPS: appropriate to post**
*If QIP not completed in ST1, ensure that QIA occurs and is recorded as a LLE
**no minimum, ideally 2-3 a year showing development of competency across a range clinical examinations.
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Clinical Case Reviews (CCR) x 36
incl. 1 x Child Safeguarding entry (reflecting on clinical case)
incl. 1 x Adult Safeguarding entry (reflecting on clinical case)
Other Learning log entries (LLE) x 12
LEA x 1
QIA/QIP*
PPM - one per post
*Involvement in Quality Improvement must be present each training year, one QIP is required during GP training whilst in a primary care post in ST1/ST2 training years. For the other years a QIA reflective LLE is appropriate.
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PDP x 2 (at least one of which must have progress demonstrated in ePortfolio
ESR x 2 (based on 6monthly ESR. An iESR is appropriate for mid year review if no issues raised. Prior to panel a full ESR is required.
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A fully completed ESR signed off by ES and trainee
Valid Level 3 Child Safeguarding (certificate uploaded to compliance passport)
Valid Level 3 Adult Safeguarding (certificate uploaded to compliance passport)
Annual Child Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Annual Adult Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Adult and Child BLS with AED - face to face training with certificate uploaded to compliance passport
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Form R or SOAR if in Scotland
Completed and accurate
Full scope of practice declared
TOOT recorded and matches ePortfolio
You are on track if:
Evidence is complete, signed off and clearly mapped
Activity is spread across the training year (not clustered at the end)
Your ePortfolio demonstrates engagement and progression of capabilities
ST2 - End of Training Year Requirements
If you’ve completed an ST2 training year since your last ARCP, or will be completing within 2months of ARCP, panels will expect evidence of the following
A full ESR (not an interim ESR) is required prior to ARCP and must be completed and signed off by ES and trainee.
-
MiniCEX/COT: minimum 4
CBD: minimum 4
MSF: 1 completed
CSR: one per post
QIP: x 1 must be completed by end of ST2 training year. If completed in ST1 then QIA is sufficient in ST2*
CEPS: appropriate to post**
*If QIP completed in ST1, it is NOT then required in ST2 and QIA recorded as LLE is all that is required.
*If QIP was not completed in ST1 it must be completed in the ST2 training year
**no minimum, ideally 2-3 a year showing development of competency across a range clinical examinations.
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Clinical Case Reviews (CCR) x 36
incl. 1 x Child Safeguarding entry (reflecting on clinical case)
incl. 1 x Adult Safeguarding entry (reflecting on clinical case)
Other Learning log entries (LLE) x 12
LEA x 1
QIA/QIP*
PPM - one per post
Reflection on Feedback (if AKT was attempted it is good practice to reflect on the result and process
*Involvement in Quality Improvement must be present each training year, one QIP is required during GP training whilst in a primary care post in ST1/ST2 training years. For the other years a QIA reflective LLE is appropriate.
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PDP x 2 (at least one of which must have progress demonstrated in ePortfolio
ESR x 2 (based on 6monthly ESR. An iESR is appropriate for mid year review if no issues raised. Prior to panel a full ESR is required.
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A fully completed ESR signed off by ES and trainee
Valid Level 3 Child Safeguarding (certificate uploaded to compliance passport)
Valid Level 3 Adult Safeguarding (certificate uploaded to compliance passport)
Annual Child Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Annual Adult Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Adult and Child BLS with AED - face to face training with certificate uploaded to compliance passport
-
Form R or SOAR if in Scotland
Completed and accurate
Full scope of practice declared
TOOT recorded and matches ePortfolio
You are on track if:
Evidence is complete, signed off and clearly mapped
Activity is spread across the training year (not clustered at the end)
Your ePortfolio demonstrates engagement and progression of capabilities
ST3 - End of Training /CCT Requirements
If you are approaching the end of ST3, panels will expect to see evidence of the following prior to CCT:
A full ESR (not an interim ESR) completed and signed off by ES and trainee as well as:
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COT: minimum 7
CAT: minimum 5
MSF:
1 x clinical MSF
1 x leadership MSF
CSR: one per post*
CEPS - these 5 intimate examinations should all have been observed and confirmation of competency is required:
Breast
Female genital (speculum)
Female genital (bimanual)
Male genital
Rectal
Prostate
CEPs - a range of other CEPS throughout training and assessment in COTs etc should also be present
*not always required when ES and CS are the same person. Check local requirements and any previous ARCP prescriptions
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Clinical Case Reviews (CCR) x 36
incl. 1 x Child Safeguarding entry (reflecting on clinical case)
incl. 1 x Adult Safeguarding entry (reflecting on clinical case)
Other Learning log entries (LLE) x 12
LEA x 1
QIA x 1
Leadership Activity x 1
PPM - one per post
Reflection on Feedback (if AKT/SCA were attempted it is good practice to reflect on the result and process)
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PDP x 2
at least one of which must have progress demonstrated in ePortfolio
one PDP created at time of most recent ESR, looking ahead to professional development post CCT
ESR x 2 (based on 6monthly ESR. An iESR is appropriate for mid year review if no issues raised. Prior to panel a full ESR is required.
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Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) x 1
Prescribing Assessment
Trainee component
Supervisor component
Leadership Activity
Leadership MSF usually done as natural conclusion to this too
Attaining a pass mark in AKT
Attaining a pass mark in SCA
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A fully completed ESR signed off by ES and trainee
Valid Level 3 Child Safeguarding
Certificate uploaded to compliance passport
Must be valid for CCT date
Valid Level 3 Adult Safeguarding
certificate uploaded to compliance passport
Must be valid for CCT date
Annual Child Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Annual Adult Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Adult and Child BLS with AED
Face to face training
Certificate uploaded to compliance passport
Must be valid for CCT date
-
Form R or SOAR if in Scotland
Completed and accurate
Full scope of practice declared
TOOT recorded and matches ePortfolio
You are on track if:
All required evidence is complete, valid and signed off
CEPS are clearly evidenced as competent
Additional ST3 requirements (PSQ, leadership, prescribing) are complete
Your ePortfolio demonstrates readiness for independent GP practice
LTFT / Out of Sync Training - How ARCP Panels Manage This
If you are training less than full time (LTFT) or are out of sync with your cohort, ARCP panels will adjust expectations based on time in training - but not all requirements are pro rata.
A full ESR (not an interim ESR) is required prior to ARCP and must be completed and signed off by ES and trainee.
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These are expected to reflect your percentage of time worked in the training year:
WPBA
Clinical Case Reviews
Other Learning Log Entries
Example: 60% LTFT at first ARCP.
Assume being in training for 1 year with no out of programme time and 60% for duration of training so far
Stage in training (WTE) approx 7 month ST1.
Typical Requirements:
COTs/MiniCEX x2
CBD x 2
CCR x 22
Other LLE x 7
CSR (one for each post)
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These are expected regardless of LTFT status:
ESR (every 6months)
BLS/AED (annually)
Safeguarding updates (annually)
Level 3 Safeguarding (every 3 years)
Example: 60% LTFT at first ARCP.
Assume being in training for 1 year with no out of programme time and 60% for duration of training so far
Stage in training (WTE) approx 7 month ST1.
Typical Requirements:
ESR x 2
BLS/AED adult and child
Level 3 Adult and Child Safeguarding (These should be completed as early in training as possible)
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If you are LTFT or out of sync and have completed, or are close to completing, a training year since your last ARCP, panels will expect all training year requirements for that year to be complete.
Check each of the sections above, the RCGP website and Fourteen Fish.
A brief, but no exhaustive checklist of elements that are commonly missed:
CCR x 36 per training year
LEA/SEA x1 per training year
MSF x 1 per training year
Adult Safeguarding Case Reflection x 1 per training year
Child Safeguarding Reflection x 1 per training year
QIA/QIP x 1 per training year
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A fully completed ESR signed off by ES and trainee
Valid Level 3 Child Safeguarding
Certificate uploaded to compliance passport
Valid Level 3 Adult Safeguarding
certificate uploaded to compliance passport
Annual Child Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Annual Adult Safeguarding update if not completed L3 in last 12months (evidence uploaded to compliance passport)
Adult and Child BLS with AED
Face to face training
Certificate uploaded to compliance passport
-
Form R or SOAR if in Scotland
Completed and accurate
Full scope of practice declared
TOOT recorded and matches ePortfolio
Common areas of confusion
Assuming all requirements are reduced when LTFT
Missing annual requirements (BLS/Safeguarding Updates etc.)
Missing safeguarding reflections due to confusion between annual vs training year
Incomplete ESR’s (still required every 6/12) & missing CSR (still required at end of each post)
You are on track if:
Evidence reflects time in training appropriately
Fixed requirements (ESR, BLS, Safeguarding) are upto date
Training year requirements are complete where applicable
ePortfolio shows consistent engagement throughout training
Out of Programme ARCP Requirements
If you are planning to go out of programme (OOP), or are currently OOP, ARCP expectations may differ from standard training years. ARCPs occur annually, regardless of stage of training, OOP or sickness.
Planning ARCP timing before going OOP can avoid needing an ARCP shortly after return with limited evidence.
This section is designed to support you with expectations and with planning.
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Ensure all WPBA, LLE and training year requirements are upto date. If you are only part way through a training you you’ll need to ensure appropriate pro rata and fixed requirement are met. See LTFT/Out of Sync section.
Complete:
CSR for final post
Full ESR (not iESR)
Ensure ePortfolio ready for ARCP with current Form R/SOAR uploaded and all mandatory & pro rata requirements met.
Notify TPD & Deanery
Request ARCP prior to going OOP (typically approx. 1month prior to departure)
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If OOP for 12 or more months, your next ARCP will occur whilst you are OOP.
At an ARCP during OOP you are required to:
Complete and upload an accurate Form R/SOAR to your ePortfolio
Ensure the TOOT on the Form R/SOAR matches that on the ePortfolio
Ensure that TOOT on the Form R/SOAR is accurate to date of signing
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You will usually have a meeting with your ES, CS and/or TPD:
Prior to starting OOP
Shortly before return
and on return to work
Following time OOP (or prolonged sick leave), a phased return to work is common.
This is typically 1–4 weeks, depending on the duration of time away.ARCP after return:
If an ARCP is due after your return from OOP, it should be completed in the usual way:
With a full ESR, and
With appropriate supporting evidence
(see previous sections for requirements)
Where possible, ARCP timing should be considered before going OOP, as this can help avoid the need for an ARCP shortly after return.
-
Form R or SOAR if in Scotland
Completed and accurate
Full scope of practice declared
TOOT recorded and matches ePortfolio
You are on track if:
Requirements are up to date and appropriate for stage of training before starting time OOP
Form R/SOAR is accurately completed and uploaded for ARCP when OOP
On return to work you address all mandatory training requirements that have lapsed at the earliest opportunity
On return to work you continue to engage with the ePortfolio and training requirements
For Educational Supervisors/Trainers
How ARCP panels read your ESR
ARCP panels do not read ESR’s in isolation. They are assessing whether the evidence presented supports the judgment made, and whether the supervisor has demonstrated appropriate oversight of the trainee’s progress
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A clear, defensible judgement on progression
Evidence that is consistent across the portfolio
Signs of development over time, not just completion of minimum requirements
Supervisor engagement, including meaningful commentary on performance
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Panels assess not only the trainee’s evidence, but the quality of the ESR and supervisor input.
Lack of commentary on LLE (and WPBA in ST3) is a concern
This is particularly important where:
the trainee is struggling
reflections are limited or superficial
Absence of commentary may be interpreted as lack of oversight.
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The ESR requires confirmation that key requirements are present and valid.
The ESR requires confirmation that key mandatory elements are present and valid, including:
Safeguarding
Level 3 in date
Annual updates completed if Level 3 not within 12 months
Required reflections present at end of training year
BLS/AED
Adult + paediatric
In date and face-to-face
Form R / SOAR
Uploaded and complete
If evidence is difficult to locate:
request the trainee adds a supporting evidence entry (with date/title), or
document clearly in educator notes
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Panels only see what is recorded in the portfolio.
Informal discussions (email, conversation, messaging) are not visible to panels
Concerns must be summarised in educator notes
This includes:
poor engagement with the ePortfolio
large volumes of retrospective entries
professionalism or wellbeing concerns
If concerns are not documented in the ePortfolio , they cannot be considered by the panel.
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Complete the ESR fully
Alert the TPD/deanery early
Do not wait for ARCP
If concerns arise at iESR stage:
convert to a full ESR
complete as for ARCP
inform the trainee that a Form R / SOAR is required
notify the deanery that an unsatisfactory outcome may be given and panel opinion is requested and needed.
ARCP panels are assessing whether the evidence presented supports your judgement—and whether concerns have been appropriately recognised and documented.