Becoming a CSA Assessor for the nMRCGP

 

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 assessors will be required for the CSA.

 

The new assessment is now underway and there has already been extensive assessor recruitment, selection and training. The College has been recruiting its assessors 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 assessors it recruits for the new assessments.

 

The need for new assessors is still strong and the recruitment/selection process is still very much alive; the high numbers of candidates and inevitable turnover of assessors meaning that it will be an ongoing and yearly process for the near future at least.

Selection criteria

The recruitment and selection process for assessors for the nMRCGP requires that assessors 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, assessors should adhere to the following criteria:

·         assessors for the nMRCGP must be full Members or Fellows of the College in good standing (MRCGP / FRCGP)

·         assessors 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 to become an assessor 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 assessors will be supported in their training and development. New Assessors 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 assessment day at the RCGP; either at Princes Gate in London or at the CSA Centre in Croydon. During the selection process, assessors will be asked to mark a representative selection of candidates’ written papers 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 assessors.

The commitment

All assessors will be involved in the CSA component of the exam.  This is expected to involve 10-12 days of examining per annum, requiring attendance for a number of three-day periods each year. After acceptance, 2 day training sessions are planned annually for January and September.  Additionally there is an annual conference. Assessors 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 assessor pool, but the likely numbers required for this are small.

The selection process

The appointment of a new assessor 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 Course Organiser 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 an Assessment Day for Potential New Assessors (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 PNA Day. It is advised that you chose the PNA Day that best suits you and coordinate your MCP date accordingly.

 

During 2008, the paper can be taken at your convenience, here at the College, on any of the following dates:

  • Tuesday 19th February
  • Thursday 6th March
  • Wednesday 19th March
  • Friday 4th April
  • Monday 21st April
  • Tuesday 6th May
  • Thursday 22nd May
  • Thursday 5th June
  • Monday 23rd June
  • Tuesday 8th July
  • Friday 25th July
  • Thursday 7th August
  • Wednesday 20th August
  • Monday 8th September
  • Monday 22nd September
  • Thursday 2nd October

Examination times on these dates will be 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 respectively.

There are no limitations as to how many times you may sit this examination, but after 2 failed attempts, there will be a review of your situation by the selection panel.

A series of PNA days will be held each year; as well as being a selection process, these days will give prospective assessors the opportunity to find out more about nMRCGP and the part you could play in it. PNA days for 2008 are scheduled as follows:

  • Monday 17th March
  • Wednesday 2nd July
  • Friday 14th November

 

As a ‘homework’ exercise prior to the PNA Day, assessors will be asked to mark a representative selection of candidates’ written papers to assess their ability to rank-order. On the day they will participate in exercises testing the ability to learn and develop the core skills of examining, and will be assessed by observers who are experienced assessors, using a pre-determined set of behavioural indicators.

Tenure

Appointment as an nMRCGP assessor will be for a period of two years in the first instance.  During this time, a new assessor’s performance will be reviewed by a variety of methods, enabling the Convener 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 Carol Longbottom (CLongbottom@rcgp.org.uk) or James Clark (JClark@rcgp.org.uk) or by post at RCGP, 14 Princes Gate, Hyde Park, London, SW7 1PU.