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Curriculum and Assessment Site

Becoming a CSA Examiner for the nMRCGP

 

Recruitment is in abeyance for the remainder of 2009.  If the situation changes we will post a notice here.

 

If you would like to express an interest in becoming an examiner please contact Sandra Mackenzie

Background

The new MRCGP (nMRCGP) assessment programme comprises three components:  WorkPlace Based Assessment (WPBA); a Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) and an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). There will be stronger and better links between training and assessment, and a bringing together of current MRCGP examiners and Deanery examiners for Summative Assessment.  The assessment methodology is being refined to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and the majority of examiners will be required for the CSA.

 

The new assessment is now underway and there has already been extensive examiner recruitment, selection and training. The College has been recruiting its examiners from as broad a base as possible and is committed to an inclusive philosophy of equality and diversity; a policy it expects to be reflected in the range of examiners it recruits for the new assessments.

Selection criteria

The recruitment and selection process for examiners for the nMRCGP requires that examiners possess:

  • a good knowledge base, relevant to contemporary general practice
  • ability to rank order i.e. place differing performances in an appropriate order of merit
  • problem solving skills, being able to demonstrate use of an analytical but flexible mind
  • ability to work in a team, working collaboratively and supportively with colleagues
  • commitment to learning and professional development, engaging in reflective practice
  • organisational and planning skills

In addition to this, examiners should adhere to the following criteria:

 examiners for the nMRCGP must be full Members or Fellows of the College in good standing

 (MRCGP / FRCGP)

 examiners for the nMRCGP must be currently and substantially in active UK general practice,  and likely to remain so for seven more years, a minimum of two sessions a week of patient  contact being regarded as substantial.

 

It should also be stressed that it is strongly recommended that you have completed a minimum of 5 years experience in regular general practice in the United Kingdom following vocational training, before an application is made. However should you wish to continue your application if you do not have this level of expertise, do please let us know why you feel you would still be a strong candidate and your case will certainly be considered.

 

A background in training and assessment is helpful, but not essential.  Further training is arranged for incoming members, and all examiners will be supported in their training and development. New examiners will be required to sit a recent multiple choice paper (the MCP or AKT) in order to confirm an appropriate knowledge base. 

 

The final stage is an selection day at the RCGP; either at Princes Gate in London or at the CSA Centre in Croydon. During the selection process, potential new examiners  (PNEs) will be asked to mark a representative selection of candidates’ Written Paper scripts to assess their ability to rank-order, as well as participating in exercises testing their ability to learn and develop the core skills of examining, and will be assessed by observers who are experienced examiners using a pre-determined set of behavioural indicators.

The commitment

All examiners will be involved in the CSA component of the exam.  This is expected to involve 12 days of examining per annum, requiring attendance for a number of three-day periods each year.  A two day training sessions is normally arranged between selection days and examination sessions.  Additionally there is a two day annual conference. Examiners will therefore need to commit to the requisite number of examining days per year, plus training time, and are advised to take this into account before applying.

 

From time to time, the AKT will recruit members for their nuclear group from the CSA examiner pool, but the likely numbers required for this are small.

The selection process

The appointment of a new examiner begins with a supported self-nomination, followed by a staged selection process.  The nomination form also requires a brief curriculum vitae, and three references in support of the application.  The three referees should comprise:

 

  • A GP of good standing who is familiar with the applicant’s clinical work
  • A Director of Postgraduate General Practice Education, or Associate Dean, VTS Programme Director or GP Tutor, or clinical governance lead who can testify to the applicant’s commitment to education and continuing professional development
  • A current member of the MRCGP Panel of examiners, an Officer of the applicant’s Faculty Board, or a Fellow of the RCGP, to verify the applicant’s alignment with College principles and values

 

The first stage in selection involves sitting and passing a recent Multiple Choice Paper followed by attendance at a selection day for Potential New Examiners (PNA). It must be stressed that successful applicants will need to have sat and passed the MRCGP Multiple Choice Paper (MCP) a minimum of 6 weeks prior to their attendance at a PNE Day. It is advised that you chose the PNE Day that best suits you and coordinate your MCP date accordingly.  There are no limitations as to how many times you may sit this examination, but after two failed attempts, there will be a review of your situation by the selection panel.

 

A series of PNE days will be held each year; as well as being a selection process, these days will give prospective examiners the opportunity to find out more about nMRCGP and the part you could play.

 

Selection days for 2008 are now full.  Dates for 2009 with corresponding dates for the MCP, have not yet been fixed.

Tenure

Appointment to the panel of examiners as an nMRCGP examiner will be for a period of two years in the first instance.  During this time, a new examiner’s performance will be reviewed by a variety of methods, enabling the Medical Director of Assessment to decide whether to recommend continuing membership. Thereafter we would normally expect a further five years commitment, terminable by six months notice on either side.

 

If you think you have the required qualities, and are able to commit the necessary time to examining, please submit a nomination form, curriculum vitae and references to Sandra Mackenzie (smackenzie@rcgp.org.uk) or James Clark (jclark@rcgp.org.uk) or by post to Exams Dept, RCGP, 14 Princes Gate, Hyde Park, London, SW7 1PU.