A winding road to a bright doorway, symbolizing the ARCP process.

Navigating the Annual Review of Competence Progression: A Trainee's Guide to a Smoother Journey

Theo Raines in Mind & Education June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A comprehensive look at how trainees' perceptions of the ARCP have evolved, offering actionable insights for a less stressful and more productive review process."

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical education, competency-based assessments have become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Countries like the USA, Canada, The Netherlands, and Australia have embraced this approach to ensure that trainee doctors acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality patient care.

Within the UK, the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) was introduced as a formal framework to evaluate the progress of doctors in training. Replacing the previous Record of In-Training Assessment, the ARCP requires trainees to compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their competency across various domains.

Understanding and navigating the ARCP process can be a source of stress and uncertainty for many trainees. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ARCP, drawing upon insights from a two-year survey of psychiatry trainees in the north of England. By examining their perceptions and experiences, we hope to offer practical guidance and strategies to help trainees approach the ARCP with greater confidence and success.

What is the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP)?

A winding road to a bright doorway, symbolizing the ARCP process.

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is a structured process for reviewing the evidence of a trainee's progress and competency attainment over the preceding year. It involves the trainee compiling a portfolio of evidence, which is then assessed by a panel of experienced clinicians and educators.

The primary goal of the ARCP is to ensure that trainees are developing the necessary competencies to progress in their training and ultimately become independent practitioners. The ARCP also provides an opportunity for trainees to receive feedback on their performance and identify areas for further development.

Evidence Gathering: Trainees collect formative and summative assessments, such as workplace-based assessments (WPBAs), to demonstrate their competency.
Portfolio Submission: The evidence is compiled into a portfolio and submitted to the ARCP panel for review.
Panel Assessment: The ARCP panel assesses the portfolio and determines whether the trainee has met the required competencies.
Feedback and Guidance: Trainees receive feedback on their performance and guidance for future development.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has developed its own set of WPBAs, including the Assessment of Clinical Expertise, mini-Assessed Clinical Encounter, Case-based Discussion, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. These tools are designed to assess trainees' competence across various clinical domains and provide valuable feedback for improvement.

Refining the ARCP Process

The ARCP is vital for ensuring that trainee doctors are competent and well-prepared for independent practice. By addressing the challenges and concerns raised by trainees, educators and institutions can work together to create a more supportive and effective assessment process.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary purpose of the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) within the UK medical training system?

The primary purpose of the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is to evaluate a trainee's progress and competency attainment over the preceding year. It is a structured process designed to ensure that trainees are developing the necessary competencies to progress in their training and ultimately become independent practitioners. This is achieved by assessing a portfolio of evidence, which includes workplace-based assessments (WPBAs) and other forms of evidence demonstrating the trainee's abilities.

How does the ARCP process work, and what are the key steps involved in the evaluation of a trainee's performance?

The ARCP process involves several key steps. First, the trainee gathers evidence, which includes both formative and summative assessments like workplace-based assessments (WPBAs). This evidence is then compiled into a portfolio and submitted to the ARCP panel for review. The panel, consisting of experienced clinicians and educators, assesses the portfolio to determine if the trainee has met the required competencies. Finally, the trainee receives feedback on their performance and guidance for future development. The Royal College of Psychiatrists provides specific tools, such as Assessment of Clinical Expertise and mini-Assessed Clinical Encounter, to aid in this assessment.

What types of assessments are used to gather evidence for the ARCP, and what is their role?

Trainees collect various assessments to demonstrate their competency for the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP). These include workplace-based assessments (WPBAs), which are designed to evaluate a trainee's performance in real-world clinical settings. WPBAs encompass tools such as the Assessment of Clinical Expertise, mini-Assessed Clinical Encounter, Case-based Discussion, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. These assessments provide a comprehensive view of the trainee's skills across clinical domains.

Why was the ARCP introduced, and what did it replace in the UK medical training system?

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) was introduced in the UK to provide a formal framework for evaluating the progress of doctors in training. It replaced the previous Record of In-Training Assessment. The ARCP reflects a shift towards competency-based assessments, ensuring that trainees acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality patient care.

How does the ARCP contribute to the overall goal of improving medical education and the quality of patient care?

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) contributes to improved medical education and patient care by ensuring that trainees are developing the necessary competencies to become independent practitioners. The ARCP's structured evaluation process helps identify areas for improvement in trainees' skills and knowledge. By addressing the challenges and concerns raised by trainees, educators and institutions can work together to create a more supportive and effective assessment process, ultimately leading to better-prepared doctors and improved patient outcomes.