Sunday, 4 October 2026 · 10:00–11:00 AM (UK time)
Hosted by Dr Cate Butler, SCA Exam Tutor
An introduction to the SCA exam and the techniques that pass it, hosted by Dr Cate Butler, an SCA exam tutor.
Sunday, 11 October 2026 · 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (UK time)
Hosted by Dr Salma Elmattari, SCA Exam Tutor
The SCA consultation framework broken down step by step, with worked example cases, hosted by Dr Salma Elmattari, an SCA exam tutor.
Realistic consultations, full mock diets, and instant feedback — built specifically around the RCGP SCA format.
Every SCA case type, mapped to the RCGP curriculum and marked using the same DG&D, CM&MC, and RTO domains as the real exam, so you can drill your weak spots instead of practising at random.
Voice-based consultations with AI patients trained to behave like real SCA role players — practise history taking and communication under realistic pressure.
Timed, 12-case mock diets built to the real SCA blueprint, scored case-by-case across Data Gathering and Diagnosis, Clinical Management and Medical Complexity, and Relating to Others.
Browse SCA cases, courses, and pricing without creating an account.
What the exam is, how it is structured, and how to prepare for it.
The SCA is a remote, online examination consisting of 12 simulated consultations, each conducted live with a trained professional role player.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of cases | 12 simulated consultations |
| Reading time per case | 3 minutes |
| Consultation time per case | 12 minutes |
| Consultation format | Video (majority) or telephone (audio only) |
| Role players | Patients, carers, parents, or other health and social care professionals |
| Physical examination | Not assessed — covered within WPBA |
| Platform | Osler Online |
| Location | A local GP surgery (in most cases your own) |
| How marking works | The entire exam is recorded and marked remotely at a later date. Each case is marked by a different examiner |
| End of session | A 45-minute rerun window is reserved — you cannot leave or log out during this period |
Every case is marked across the same three domains. These domains reflect the core capabilities expected of a newly qualified, independent GP.
| Domain | Abbreviated | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Data Gathering and Diagnosis | DG&D | How effectively you explore the patient's problem, gather relevant history, and form an appropriate differential diagnosis |
| Clinical Management and Medical Complexity | CM&MC | The safety and appropriateness of your management plan, including investigations, treatment, safety-netting, and handling of complexity |
| Relating to Others | RTO | Your communication, empathy, rapport, and ability to consult in a patient-centred way throughout the case |
Each domain is awarded one of four grades: Clear Pass (CP), demonstrated above the standard of a newly qualified GP; Pass (P), sufficiently demonstrated at that standard; Fail (F), insufficiently demonstrated; or Clear Fail (CF), clearly below the standard expected.
There is no fixed pass mark. The pass mark for each diet is calculated using the Borderline Regression Method, examiners identify borderline candidates, and the average score of those candidates becomes the pass mark for that sitting. This keeps the standard consistent across diets, even though the raw pass mark varies slightly. The maximum possible score is 126 (12 cases × 10.5 points each).
The RCGP runs 9 SCA diets per year, spread roughly monthly throughout the year. Each diet runs over 3 to 4 examination days, and you are allocated to either a morning or afternoon session. You cannot select your specific day or time within the diet.
All bookings are made through MyRCGP, the RCGP's membership portal, under the My Exams tab. You can reserve a place up to 12 months in advance. An availability indicator shows whether each diet has good availability, limited places, or is full. Seven weeks before your exam, the RCGP sends a unique booking link by email, at that point you confirm your booking and complete payment.
To sit the SCA, candidates must meet the following requirements at the time of booking:
| Entered GP training | Maximum attempts |
|---|---|
| Before 2 August 2023 | 4 attempts |
| On or after 2 August 2023 | 6 attempts |
Candidates with a declared disability can apply for reasonable adjustments, including additional reading time, extra consultation time, or rest breaks. Applications require supporting evidence and must be submitted in advance through the RCGP's reasonable adjustments process. Adjustments cannot be requested after the deadline or on the day.
Results are released approximately 5 weeks after the exam diet, via the RCGP online portal. You receive a pass or fail outcome, a breakdown across all three marking domains (DG&D, CM&MC, and RTO), and case-level performance feedback.
If you do not pass, you will receive structured feedback to guide your preparation for a resit. A formal appeals process exists for administrative or procedural errors only, examiner judgement cannot be appealed.
The current SCA examination fee is £1,207 per attempt. This applies equally to first attempts and resits, there is no reduced rate for repeat candidates.
Additional costs to factor in:
3 Months Access
“I went through most of the case bank before my SCA. The management plans in each case are NICE aligned and easy to follow, no digging through guidelines yourself. And the feedback after each case meant I always knew where I'd lost marks.”
“The voice consultations here genuinely prepare you for the pressure of exam day, that caught me off guard the first time I tried a proper mock. Getting my DG&D, CM&MC and RTO scores straight after each case means I always know which domain to focus on before the next practice run.”
“What made the difference was getting feedback straight after every case instead of waiting for a group session. You see your DG&D, CM&MC and RTO scores immediately and know exactly what to work on before the next diet.”
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