Working With Your Educational Supervisor (ES) to Achieve RCGP SCA Exam Success.
- Elite Exams
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
“What does your ES say?”
“Have you asked their opinion about your readiness for the exam?”
These are questions we occasional ask GP trainees—especially those preparing for the SCA (Simulated Consultation Assessment). Because, truth be told, as much as this is your exam, your ES plays a crucial role in helping you reflect on your readiness and performance.
Let’s be honest: choosing an exam date is a personal decision, but that decision should be made with insight, guidance, and a clear understanding of what readiness looks like. One of your key allies in this journey is your Educational Supervisor (ES).
Listen Closely – Even to What’s Not Being Said
If you are lucky to have an engaged, supportive ES, and they raise a red flag — either subtly or directly —please pause and reflect. For many IMGs (International Medical Graduates), our cultural communication styles lean towards being direct:
“You’re not ready. You need more time.”
However, British workplace culture often favours softer, less confrontational language. Your ES may say things like:
“I wonder if an extra time, a month or two might be helpful.”
“Perhaps more structured practice would boost your confidence.”
“What’s your plan for getting ready over the next few weeks?”
"Maybe you should change what you have been doing to make sure you are ready"
These are not only polite niceties—they are gentle nudges trying to tell you the same truth in a more palatable way.
So What Should You Do?
Depending on your situation, here are three smart next steps:
1. Double Down on Preparation
If you’re on extension or absolutely have to sit the exam as scheduled, then you must intensify your preparation:
Increase the number of role-plays you do each week.
Use quality SCA - focused resources.
Join peer groups or find a mentor.
Book a mock exam with a trusted tutor or coach.
2. Reconsider Your Exam Date
If you’re hearing feedback that suggests unpreparedness, consider moving your exam if you have the option. This is not failure—it’s strategic. A few more weeks or months can be the difference between passing or having to repeat the process.
3. Seek a Second Opinion
Sometimes we need a fresh pair of eyes. A mentor, coach, or experienced peer can offer practical feedback. Use mock exams or role-play recordings to get targeted, honest insights. You can also speak to your TPD to arrange a private session with a GP examiner or pastoral care tutors. Your TPD can also register you with local support program, for example, the SOX program is a regional support program for trainees in HEE North East and North Cumbria. Speak to your TPD for in-house (within your deanery), regional or national support.
What NOT to Do
Remember: most CSs and ESs will document concerns in your portfolio if they advised against sitting the exam—and this will be visible if the exam is failed.
❌ Don’t ignore the warning signs—subtle or direct.
❌ Don’t jump to assumptions about discrimination or bias without first evaluating your readiness for the exams.
❌ Don’t argue with your ES or create unnecessary conflict. It can affect your portfolio, ARCP outcome, and the perception of your professionalism.
❌ Don't hide and take the exams without your ES knowledge.
❌ Don't disagree diplomatically and take the exams. There are rare cases where the trainee passes the exam, and there more common cases where they fail the exams and the ES documents in their portfolio that they were not ready, they didn't listen to professional advice and feedback about their readiness for the exams.
GP training is Adult Education.
GP training is not like medical school. It’s adult education, and you are expected to self-manage your learning, preparation, and development. No one will force you to delay an exam—but the signs are usually there. So there is a need to apply emotional intelligence in managing any conflict, and self-leadership in how you seek support to be ready for your exams. Reflect. Take advice seriously. And, if you’re unsure, ask yourself again and try steps 1-3 above.
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