You are embarking on a three year programme.  One of the core aims of this programme is that you will acquire competence in each of the areas listed by the RCGP on the ePortfolio.  Information on the Competence Framework can viewed on the RCGP website. General Practice has the widest field of learning and knowledge of all the medical specialities.  It is impossible for every general practitioner or indeed every trainee to know everything that may come their way during a lifetime’s professional career.  There is an expectation however that every general practitioner will have a range of core abilities and skills.  There is an expectation that every general practitioner will have a range of subjects where he will have particular expertise and skills. 

This is reflected in the training programme.  No two training programmes will be identical and no two trainees completing their training will have identical skills and abilities.  This variation and range is one of the greatest strengths of general practice.

The Royal College has prepared a curriculum.  This document defines the skills, knowledge and range of learning expected of general practitioners completing their training.  It is important you familiarise yourself with this.  Over the three years you will record your learning on the ePortfolio.  When you document your learning you should link the documentation to curriculum headings.  The ePortfolio forms the basis for your Educational Supervisor to periodically review your development, adjudge with you on the progression of your coverage of the curriculum and development of competencies and identify areas that need more work.  This may include the necessity to make special arrangements should this need arise. 

At the end of your training you are expected to have achieved all the competencies listed.  The Educational Supervisor will sign you up as being competent under each of the curriculum headings as when (and if) they see fit.  Most normally it is expected this will be towards the last few months of your three year training programme.  Your ES’s opinion will be submitted to the deanery for an overall assessment by the ARCP, Annual Review of Competencies Progression panel.  Assuming they have a positive impression of your progress through training they will recommend you receive a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).