A Complete System to Pass the MRCGP SCA Exam

The SCA consists of 12 simulated consultations conducted online. Most cases are video consultations; some are audio-only. Each consultation involves a different clinical scenario. You are assessed across three marking domains: Data Gathering, Clinical Management, and Relating to Others. The exam tests the integration of clinical knowledge, decision-making and communication – not any one skill in isolation.

Marking covers three domains: Data Gathering (history taking, examination, appropriate investigation), Clinical Management (diagnosis, management planning, prescribing, safety-netting aligned to UK best practice), and Relating to Others (patient-centred communication, empathy, handling complex or challenging scenarios). The pass mark varies between sittings and is set using standard-setting methodology. Results are typically released 4–6 weeks after each diet.

The SCA pass rate across recent diets has been around 66–71%. In February 2026, the pass rate was 70.7%. First-time candidates pass at a higher rate than re-sitters. The pass rate reflects that consultation skills require deliberate specific preparation – not just clinical knowledge. Candidates who fail most commonly struggle with Clinical Management or Relating to Others rather than Data Gathering.

Book through the MyRCGP portal. From April 2026, staged payments are compulsory. You can reserve a place up to 12 months in advance. Booking confirmation and final payment are required 7 weeks before the exam. You are allocated a session date – you cannot choose your specific day or time within a diet.

Yes – there is no rule that requires you to pass the AKT before sitting the SCA. Both are required for the MRCGP, so you will need to pass both regardless. Most trainees sit the AKT first because the clinical knowledge revision for AKT naturally supports SCA preparation.

Trainees who entered GP Specialty Training before 2 August 2023 are allowed a maximum of 4 attempts (with a possible exceptional fifth). Trainees who entered on or after 2 August 2023 are allowed up to 6 attempts.

SCA preparation must include active roleplay practice – reading alone is insufficient. Practise full 12-minute consultations regularly, ideally with peers or a mock exam tutor who can give structured feedback. Focus on consultation structure, safety-netting, clear management planning and genuine patient-centred communication.

Key references are the RCGP Curriculum and NICE guidelines. Download the free Arora SCA planner at https://aroramedicaleducation.co.uk/free-planner.

The Arora SCA Ultimate Package combines an AI-powered case bank with over 200 cases, video teaching, audiobooks, flashcards and a live roleplay day with senior GP tutor feedback.

SCA cases are drawn from the breadth of GP practice – common presentations, long-term condition management, mental health, multimorbidity, paediatrics, women’s health, palliative care and ethical or complex communication scenarios. Some cases involve straightforward clinical management; others test your ability to handle a patient with a strong agenda, break difficult news, or manage conflicting priorities. Practising a wide variety of case types is essential.

The SCA replaced the CSA (Clinical Skills Assessment) and the interim RCA. The key difference is that the SCA is delivered entirely remotely online – there is no face-to-face examination. This means you consult with role players via video or telephone, and your consultation skills must come through on screen. Preparation should include regular practice in an online video format, not just face-to-face roleplay.

Arora offers 1-month, 3-month and 6-month access options for SCA preparation, so you can choose the length that fits your exam timeline. All access levels include the same full course content – video course, audiobooks, SCA case bank, flashcards and Arora app access. Extensions are available at any level if needed.

The SCA Ultimate Package is our most comprehensive MRCGP SCA preparation option. It includes a recorded video course, audiobook courses, SCA case bank with 200+ consultation cases, flashcards, and a live online roleplay day course with senior GP tutor feedback. All content is available via the Arora app.

As early as possible in your ST3 year. SCA preparation is primarily about building and embedding consultation skills – not just acquiring knowledge. That takes time and repeated practice. Most trainees who buy late wish they had started earlier. The 1-month option supports those closer to their exam date.

At checkout, select the live course date that best suits your exam schedule. If unsure of your exam date, select ‘Attend Future Date’.

All live sessions are recorded and available to watch back until the next exam. Select the programme closest to your exam date and you will receive joining links automatically closer to the course.

Yes. Download the free Arora SCA daily planner at https://aroramedicaleducation.co.uk/free-planner. It gives you a structured day-by-day study plan mapped to the SCA Ultimate or Gold Package content.

If you have worked through the full SCA package and are unlucky on the day, Arora has a range of low-cost extension options. There is no need to re-purchase a full package

Yes. At checkout, select the PayPal option and choose ‘Pay Later’ to spread the cost. Available in certain countries.

The Arora SCA package is designed to be comprehensive – covering knowledge, consultation technique, time management and case practice. Some trainees supplement with peer roleplay practice, which we actively encourage alongside the package. The combination of Arora materials and regular peer practice is highly effective.