Sitting the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) assessment

The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) assessment is a test that some applicants may be required to successfully complete in order to become an independent GP in the UK.

If you are required to sit the MCQ you must:

• be registered with the GP National Recruitment Office (NRO)
• have been approved by yor regional educational lead
• register to sit the MCQ

You must take the MCQ in an approved test centre, which are located in a number of UK and overseas sites.

In addition, there is an option for an Observation Placement if you are in the UK prior to sitting the MCQ.

For further information, please visit the MCQ Assessment page.

MCQ band outcomes

There are 2 parts to the MCQ.

• The Professional Dilemmas (PD) paper, a situational judgement test.
• The Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) paper.

In the PD paper only a pass is required in order to proceed.

The CPS paper will give one of five possible outcomes.

Band 5

Band 5 outcomes will be able to enter a short one-month supported clinical placement. Final approval by the NHS England Medical Director is subject to completion of a satisfactory “Short End of Placement report”.

Bands 3 and 4

Bands 3 and 4 will be able to enter a placement lasting 3 to 6 months, depending on previous experience. Final approval by the NHS England Medical Director is subject to completion of a satisfactory “Full End of Placement report”.

Bands 1 and 2

Bands 1 and 2 need to arrange a telephone appointment to review the outcome and to consider their learning needs and how this can be achieved. They will need to re-sit and pass the MCQ (maximum 4 attempts allowed) before they can progress further with the programme.

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Assessment for IIP and RtP

  Successfully complete the MCQ as part of becoming an independent GP in the UK