Annual review of competence progression - a regulator's view

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is a key element of the evidence the GMC uses to monitor the quality of specialty including GP training being delivered. Information from ARCPs is used as part of the annual Deanery reporting to the GMC, informs visits to deaneries (VTDs) and is an essential part of all trainees’ lives working towards a CCT.

PMETB, as the regulatory body prior to merger with the GMC, explored the delivery of ARCPs by undertaking a small focused study in the second year of implementation. This involved interviewing some of those who were most directly affected – namely specialty trainees and those who sit on ARCP panels.    

PMETB’s specific additional review of ARCPs took place in early summer 2009 and culminated in a report which was published in January 2010. The report is not a definitive statement on ARCPs and was published in order to stimulate discussion. Please download the full report (pdf) and supporting launch slides. (pdf)

Annual Review of Competence Progression - background

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) process was introduced deanery-wide in August 2007, following the publication of the Department of Health’s (DH) A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK - The Gold Guide. It replaced the existing Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA).

The ARCP is a Postgraduate Deanery process which provides overall assessment of a trainee’s progress in specialty including GP training. The process scrutinises each trainee’s suitability to progress to the next stage of, or to complete, a training programme. The ARCP is usually held annually, but some specialties have more frequent reviews in the early years of training. The Foundation Programme has a similar annual review process. The ARCP panel bases its recommendations on evidence in the trainee’s portfolio of experience and competencies gained, together with the reports of the supervisor(s).