The SCA
What is the SCA?
The Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) is the clinical skills examination sat by GP trainees in their ST3 year. It consists of thirteen simulated ten-minute consultations assessed by trained RCGP examiners. Each consultation is marked against a defined set of criteria covering data-gathering, clinical management, and interpersonal skills.
Why do candidates fail the SCA?
The most common reason isn't a lack of medical knowledge — it's not knowing what examiners are specifically looking for. Candidates who consult competently in day-to-day practice can still fall short because they haven't learned to demonstrate the exact skills the mark scheme rewards: exploring ICE naturally, handling uncertainty, committing to plans, and managing emotion and expectations. That gap is exactly what SCA Explained addresses.
What Makes a Clear Pass (Free Webinar)
What is the webinar?
"What Makes a Clear Pass" is a free, 90–120 minute online training session. It covers how the SCA is marked, the most common reasons candidates don't pass, consultation structure, time management, ICE, safety-netting, shared decision making, communication, and the pitfalls that quietly cost marks.
Is it really free?
Yes — no charge, no card required. Book a date, and your place is confirmed immediately. You'll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom joining link.
How long is it?
Approximately 90–120 minutes, including time for questions.
How do I join?
After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom join link. You don't need a Zoom account to join — just click the link at the session start time. We recommend joining a couple of minutes early.
The SCA Intensive
What is the SCA Intensive?
A small-group live workshop where active candidates practise realistic SCA consultations and receive detailed, examiner-style feedback. Each session has a maximum of two active candidates, each completing four consultations (eight consultations total across the session). Observer places are also available for candidates who want to learn from watching before practising themselves.
What's the difference between an Active Candidate and an Observer?
- ●Active Candidate (£150) — you take part directly. You complete four realistic SCA consultations and receive individual examiner-style feedback, a score prediction, and a personalised improvement plan after each one.
- ●Observer (£50) — you watch both active candidates complete their consultations and receive the same feedback and teaching in real time. Ideal if you want to see the process in detail before booking an active place, or if you learn well by observation.
How many people are in a session?
Each session has a maximum of two active candidates and a small number of observer places. This keeps the group small enough that feedback is genuinely individual and detailed — not generic group commentary.
How long does the Intensive run?
Approximately 2.5–3 hours. With two candidates each completing four consultations, plus feedback after each one, the session is substantial — plan to be available for the full duration.
What do I receive as an Active Candidate?
- ●Four realistic, SCA-style consultations (ten minutes each).
- ●Examiner-style feedback immediately after each consultation.
- ●A score prediction against the actual examiner criteria.
- ●Specific coaching on communication, structure, and management.
- ●An individual improvement plan to take into your exam preparation.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No specific preparation is needed. Come as you would to a normal consultation. The cases are designed to reflect real SCA stations, so your everyday clinical knowledge is the foundation — the coaching is about how you demonstrate that knowledge in the consultation.
How do I join?
The same as the webinar — after your payment is confirmed, you'll receive an email with the Zoom join link. Intensive sessions use a Zoom Waiting Room; the host will admit participants at the start time.
Booking and Payment
How do I book?
Choose a date from the homepage, select your ticket type, enter your name and email, and follow the steps. Free webinar places are confirmed immediately. Intensive bookings go through our secure Stripe checkout.
Is payment secure?
Yes. Payments are handled entirely by Stripe, a certified PCI-compliant payment processor. We never see or store your card details.
Can I transfer or cancel my booking?
Please see our Terms for the full cancellation and transfer policy. In short: if you need to rearrange, contact us as early as possible at mrcgpexplained@outlook.com and we'll do our best to help.