Examination fees, assessment dates and results release

KBA Information

The knowledge-based assessment (KBA) is held online only once a year and lasts for three hours in total. If a candidate fails the KBA, or misses the application window, the following year will be their next available opportunity to retake it.

Candidates must first pass the KBA in order to be eligible to sit the clinical exam (OSCE). 

Once the application period has closed for the KBA, all eligible candidates will be shortly sent instructions regarding downloading the examination proctoring software, unique login details, and instructions to be carried out prior to sitting the exam, such as calibrating your face ID. Our team will be in touch with you via email when these are prepared.

Candidates may undertake the KBA from any location worldwide, including the comfort of their own home, workplace, or another quiet setting. Upon successful completion, they will be eligible to apply for the clinical examination.

OSCE Information

The clinical examination (OSCE) is held twice a year, in summer and autumn, at our Examination Assessment Centre at the RCP at The Spine in Liverpool. The clinical OSCE lasts for roughly 1.5 hours and consists of four live stations. More details can be found in our linked clinical guidance document.

Candidates have four years from the date of notification that they have successfully completed the DGM KBA to then pass the DGM clinical examination.

Once the application period has closed for the OSCE, all eligible candidates will be allocated across the planned examination week and shortly sent an admission document confirming their exam date, report time, and reporting address. Our team will be in touch with you via email when these are prepared.

Should you have any specific date requests for your clinical exam in-line with the planned assessment week, please notify via email dgm@rcp.ac.uk. We will endeavour to allocate you to your preferred exam dates. However, this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.

Eligibility

All statutorily regulated healthcare practitioners, currently registered and in good standing with the relevant regulator, and with no restrictions on their practice, are eligible to apply to take the DGM.

UK-based regulated candidates

For applicants declaring a UK registration, the RCP Assessment Unit will check registration with the relevant UK regulator (GMC, NMC, or Health and Care Professions Council, for example), including a check for any restriction to practise. 

Non-UK based regulated candidates

Applicants registered with a regulatory body outside the UK must provide a one-page reference form, completed and submitted by their educational supervisor or line manager. This reference must confirm the following details regarding the applicant:

• The name of the applicant’s regulatory body

• Their registration number (or equivalent)

• Confirmation that the applicant is in good standing within their professional practice

• A general statement explaining the referee’s support for the applicant’s examination entry.

Please note: There is no standard template for this reference. A simple, one-page letter on official letterhead in PDF format is sufficient.

Where possible, the applicant’s registration details will be verified with the relevant regulatory authority. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) reserves the right to contact the referee directly for additional information if required.

The RCP also reserves the right to verify the applicant’s eligibility with their awarding institution and to decline examination entry to candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.