Overview
The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is a formal process used to evaluate the progress of doctors in postgraduate training, including foundation, specialty, and general practice programmes.
It is not an assessment in itself, but a summative review of evidence collected throughout the training year to ensure that resident doctors are developing the required competencies and delivering safe, high-quality patient care.
Purpose
The ARCP serves to:
- Validate the Educational Supervisor’s recommended outcome against the trainee’s portfolio evidence
- Confirm that resident doctors in training meet the minimum expected standards within their curriculum
- Support revalidation requirements for continued medical practice
- Provide structured feedback and guidance to support ongoing professional development
Evidence and Portfolio
Resident doctors are required to present a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, via an ePortfolio system.
This evidence may include:
- Clinical experience, including case discussions and workplace-based assessments
- Teaching and supervision activity
- Research, audit, and quality improvement projects
- Reflective practice and continuing professional development
- Supervisor reports, including both educational and clinical supervisors
ARCP Panel Composition
The ARCP panel consists of at least three members, and may include:
- Postgraduate Dean or nominated deputy
- Training Programme Director (TPD)
- Chair of the Specialty Training Committee (or equivalent)
- Educational Supervisor, Associate Dean, or equivalent representative
- Lay representative
- For academic trainees, an independent academic representative
The panel reviews all submitted evidence in absentia and determines an outcome based on the doctor’s progress and performance.
Key Considerations
- The ARCP is conducted annually for both full-time and less-than-full-time (LTFT) resident doctors
- Those undertaking dual or multiple training programmes receive separate ARCP outcomes for each programme
- Certification of completion is awarded only once all programme requirements are fulfilled
- Detailed feedback is provided following the ARCP through a separate educational planning meeting, distinct from the panel’s decision-making process
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