417 candidates sat CSA examinations between 19 and 24 September, 150 (36%) of whom were first time applicants. 230 candidates in all were successful, resulting in an overall pass rate of 55.20%. The pass rate for first time applicants was however 83.3% which compares favourably with a pass rate of 79.8% for first time takers in February/March 2011. 29 candidates were making a fifth attempt or more at the examination and of these just 11 were successful.The mean score for the entire cohort was 75 out of 117, with the highest score being 110 marks. 15 candidates in all scored 100 marks or more.
The minimum score achieved was just 31 marks. 15 candidates scored 20 or more marks below the passing mark: just three of these were on their first attempt, four were on their second, five on their third, two on their fourth, and one on their eighth attempt.
Caution: it is in the nature of the training cycle that cohorts of candidates differ considerably. These results should not be used to draw any conclusions about the likely pass rate for other cohorts. The next MRCGP annual report will give a more accurate picture of the pass rate for the whole year.