Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP)

This guide is aimed at foundation doctors (FDs), foundation supervisors and trainers, and foundation administrators. We explain the ARCP process, as set out in the Foundation Programme (FP) Curriculum and the Gold Guide (10th edition), and provide additional information to support colleagues to implement the process.

Non-urgent advice: What is an ARCP?

The ARCP is a review of evidence of achievement over the course of a year of training. The ARCP panel reviews and validates the educational supervisor’s recommended outcome against the foundation doctor’s portfolio of evidence. Although it is not in itself an assessment, it is a summative judgement of a foundation doctor’s performance and development throughout the year. The panel makes recommendations to the postgraduate dean. This means the process decides whether an individual doctor can progress to the next stage of training. Progression is dependent on evidence that the foundation doctor has met or exceeded the minimum expected level of performance in each of the 13 foundation professional capabilities (Foundation Programme training outcomes).

ARCP introduction

Key information about the purpose of the ARCP and the process for FDs and faculty

Overview of ARCP process

Detailed information about the ARCP process in F1 and F2

ARCP checklist

The requirements and standards for completing F1 and the FP

Timeline for F1 completion

Timeline for supporting full registration with the GMC

ARCP outcomes

A description of each of the ARCP outcome codes used in the FP

Revalidation

A summary of the revalidation process and links to GMC resources

Preparing for ARCP webinar

See below recording of the ‘Preparing for ARCP’ webinar, held on 27 March 2024, focusing on what your e-portfolio should look like leading up to your ARCP.