National professional examinations update - May 2011

Agreement has been reached about further work required and the current flexibility on examination passes has been extended.

Following our recent consultation, the GMC has asked the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to lead discussions with medical Royal Colleges, Postgraduate Deaneries, trainees, patients and the public and representatives of the NHS with a view to achieving agreement by 31 December 2011 in respect of the currency, timing and number of attempts at professional examinations. This work is being taken forward by the Academy's Assessment Committee.

We will then decide on our next steps based on its progress, as well as evidence drawn from our review of PLAB and our work on assessment and assessment systems including some research.

The current flexibility on accepting examination passes for a CCT has been extended to 31 October 2013.

See national professional examinations for further information.