UKFPO NCA Course to Help You Pass with Confidence

The UKFPO Clinical Assessment – commonly referred to as the National Clinical Assessment or NCA – is a mandatory OSCE-format exam required by the UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO). It is required for any doctor applying to the Foundation Programme who graduated from medical school more than 2 years before the Foundation Programme start date, regardless of whether they are a UK or international medical graduate (IMG).

Any doctor who graduated from medical school more than 2 years before the start date of the Foundation Programme they are applying for. This applies to both UK and international graduates. You still need to sit the assessment even if you have passed PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, since PLAB fulfils GMC registration requirements only and does not substitute for the UKFPO Clinical Assessment.

It is a 12-station OSCE lasting approximately 4 hours. Each station is 10 minutes including 1 minute of preparation/reading time. Stations cover history taking, clinical examination, prescribing, procedural skills and communication scenarios – including ethics, consent, breaking bad news and handling challenging situations. The standard expected is that of a newly qualified UK medical graduate starting as an FY1 doctor.

The fee is £850 and is non-refundable, even if your application is withdrawn or you fail to attend. UKFPO emails payment instructions once you are confirmed as requiring the assessment.

The Clinical Assessment takes place at Manchester University NHS FT venues (Oxford Road and Wythenshawe) in October/November each year. For 2027 Foundation Programme entry, the assessment is scheduled for October/November 2026. You are allocated a morning or afternoon session – no choice of date or rescheduling is permitted.

No. UKFPO allocates your examination date and session. Once allocated, no changes are permitted.

A fail means your Foundation Programme application is deemed ineligible and withdrawn. You cannot progress until you pass. Appeals on academic judgement grounds are not permitted – only administrative or procedural appeals, submitted in writing to UKFPO.

A Clinical Assessment pass is valid for 2 years.

No. PLAB fulfills GMC registration criteria only. Even if you have passed PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, you must still sit the UKFPO Clinical Assessment if you graduated more than 2 years before the Foundation Programme start date.

The standard required is that of a newly qualified UK medical graduate (FY1 level). Practise common clinical procedures, history taking, clinical examination and UK-style communication skills in OSCE conditions. Familiarise yourself with current UK resuscitation guidelines and NICE guidance.

The Arora NCA+ Package is specifically designed to prepare doctors for all station types through both digital learning and hybrid live teaching with practical elements.

Regular timed OSCE practice with structured feedback is the most effective method. Practise the full range of station types – history taking, examination, prescribing, ethics and communication – not just your strongest areas.

The in-person days of the Arora Academy focus specifically on the practical clinical elements that cannot be adequately prepared through video alone.

If you have a disability or health condition requiring adjustments, contact UKFPO as early as possible at helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk with supporting evidence. Do not leave this until close to the assessment.

Arora offers 1-month, 3-month and 6-month access options for NCA preparation. Choose the access length that best fits your exam timeline. All options include the same full content – video courses, audiobook, question bank, mock exams, flashcards and Arora app access. Extensions are available at any level.

The NCA+ Package is our most comprehensive UKFPO Clinical Assessment preparation option. It includes 5 live teaching days in a hybrid format: the first 2 days online via Zoom and the final 3 days in person at the Arora teaching centre in Solihull for practical clinical station elements. The package also includes recorded video courses, NCA case bank and multiple flashcards. All materials are accessible via the Arora app.

It is a hybrid model. The first 2 days are live online via Zoom. The final 3 days are in person at the Arora teaching centre in Solihull, covering the practical OSCE station elements – clinical examinations, procedures and skills stations that are best practised face to face.

Yes. If unable to travel, you can attend the in-person days online via livestream. You can then arrange in-person attendance at a later date for the hands-on practical components when you are in the UK.

Yes. All Arora NCA packages include access to the Arora app on iOS and Android.

No. Not all doctors wish to have mocks and hence we don’t include these in the package in order to keep prices as low as possible.

Mocks can be booked as an optional extra if wished.

Yes, you can book in-person or online NCA Mocks at any point after the course. Taking mocks earlier gives you more time to act on the feedback before your exam.

Yes. Each NCA package includes 6 hours of practice suite time, split across two sessions of 3 hours each. These sessions are bookable at no extra cost and are arranged based on your exam date.

The sessions are designed for focused, high-quality practice, with a maximum of 5 doctors per room, full access to mannequins, and a quiet environment. Most doctors find that 1 session is sufficient, but up to 2 sessions are available if needed.

If you have worked through the full NCA 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.

Arora Medical Education
Regus Building
Blythe Valley Business Park
Central Boulevard
Solihull
B90 8AG, UK.