Having supported colleagues who have faced the disappointment of failing the RCGP SCA exam, I understand the range of emotions you’re experiencing—sadness, anger, disappointment, a dip in self-confidence, and fear. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and permit yourself to feel them. But remember, this is not the end of the world; it’s a setback, not a defeat.

Reflecting on the Experience

After the initial shock and disappointment, take some time to decompress and focus on your mental health. Once you’re ready, start reflecting systematically on the exam. This process might be difficult or even painful, as it involves reviewing your feelings, behaviour, knowledge, and skills. However, reflection is a crucial tool that will help you move forward with insight, enabling you to plan your re-sit preparation more effectively.

Engaging with examination feedback can be challenging. Some messages may not be what you want to hear, but feedback is your friend. It’s essential to reflect on it and discuss it with your supervisor. This will give you a clearer understanding of where you went wrong and how you can improve.

Common Factors Affecting SCA Exam Performance

Here are some examples of what may have impacted your exam performance:

• Nerves: Anxiety can significantly affect your performance.
• Time Management: Running out of time or not managing it effectively during the exam.
• Misreading the Consultation Brief: Not reading carefully, missing keywords or details.
• Lack of Focus: Thinking about previous consultations instead of concentrating on the current one.
• Too much Data Gathering and Diagnosis: Spending too much time on one domain at the expense of the other.
• Ignoring Ideas, Concerns, and Expectations: Failing to address these adequately during the consultation.
• Management Plan Issues: Plans not being evidence-based or tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.
• Safety Netting: Providing inappropriate or insufficient safety netting or follow-up advice.
• Understanding and Knowledge Gaps: Struggling with certain areas of the exam material.
• Exam Requirements: Not fully understanding what the examiners are looking for.
• External Pressures: Personal circumstances impacting your exam preparation.
• Preparation Time: Insufficient time devoted to preparing for the exam.

Moving Forward

1. Acknowledge Your Weak Points: Write down and honestly acknowledge the areas where you need improvement.
2. Feedback Session: Arrange a meeting with your Educational Supervisor (ES) or Training Programme Director (TPD) to discuss the results and gain their feedback.
3. Plan Your Re-sit: Don’t rush to resit the exam too early. Develop a comprehensive plan to address your weak points before attempting the exam again.
4. Portfolio Maintenance: Ensure your portfolio is up to date. This demonstrates your commitment to the training programme and is just as crucial as the exam in assessing your capability as a GP.
5. Consider Dyslexia Assessment: If you suspect you might have dyslexia, discuss this with your ES. Early diagnosis and support can make a significant difference, not just for exams but in your daily work as well.

Reasonable Adjustments for the SCA

If diagnosed with dyslexia or another condition that impacts your exam performance, you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments such as:

• Additional reading time before each case.
• Additional consultation time.
• Additional rest breaks.

To apply for these adjustments, trainees must submit requests as soon as possible after starting training or following a new diagnosis. If you’re unable to meet the deadlines for submission, consider sitting at a later date or taking the exam without adjustments.

Submit supporting evidence of requested reasonable adjustments to: exams.accoms@rcgp.org.uk

SCA reasonable adjustment request link https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3glhSrDTFkCO3RY0kzd99nrm9rpZ_W9FrSfkwcgHFxFUMUNQUzdURDgzREk4MDEyMlFXNFBRVEQwNS4u

Final Thoughts

Failing the RCGP SCA exam is undoubtedly tough, but it’s a hurdle you can overcome. Use this experience as a learning opportunity. Reflect on your performance, seek feedback, and make a solid plan for your re-sit. Remember, this is a journey, and every step, including the setbacks, is a part of your growth and development as a doctor.

Keep moving forward. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and with determination and the right support, you will get there.

Reference:https://www.rcgp.org.uk/mrcgp-exams/mrcgp-important-info/exam-resit-support

Dr Sakaria Farah

PassCME SCA Tutor