The programme is competency based with recording on E-portfolio by trainees and their supervisors. This is supported by a yearly assessment Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) process, in which the E-portfolio is reviewed and the candidates progressed assessed.

In the North of England, we at the Yorkshire deanery run this process jointly with the Northern and Mersey deaneries, and are supported for each review by an external assessor (currently from the West Midlands deanery) to allow for externality of review in every ARCP.

There is a Knowledge Based Assessment which is available to trainees from ST4 onwards. This is a formative assessment to point out gaps in knowledge which can then provide a focus for training in the following year. We recommend that our trainees take on this assessment on more than one occasion to direct their learning. Achievement of a "pass mark" of at least 50% is expected by the end of ST6.

At the end of ST7, the ARCP is combined with a Penultimate Year Assessment (PYA), in which the training for years ST4-7 is reassessed and any gaps in training identified. The CCT date is set at this point. Suggestions for further focused training (both Mandatory and Recommended) are made at this point and recorded on the E-Portfolio.

At the end of ST8, a final ARCP is performed. If at this stage the mandatory PYA requirements and any curriculum requirements have been completed, a recommendation is made to award a CCT.