The Certificate in Geriatric Medicine (CGM) is an RCP credential developed in collaboration with the British Geriatrics Society (BGS).
Candidates who successfully complete the CGM are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Geriatric Medicine.
The CGM knowledge-based assessment (KBA) is held online once a year. It consists of 200 multiple choice (best of five) questions, split across four papers. Each paper is 90 minutes long and contains 50 questions.
Once the application period has closed, all eligible candidates will be sent instructions for downloading the examination proctoring software, along with unique login details and pre-exam requirements, such as calibrating your face ID. Our team will be in touch with you via email when these are ready.
Candidates may sit the KBA from any suitable location worldwide, including at home, at work or in another quiet setting.
Exam information
Please note that the CGM credential is not a course, so candidates are expected to self-direct their own study prior to sitting the KBA. There are no courses, lectures or workshops delivered by the RCP or BGS for this certificate.
The CGM is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge in the healthcare of older people in community, primary and acute care settings. CGM applicants should have at least 2 years’ post-qualification experience, including at least 4 months in a setting where they have interacted with a significant number of older people. Involvement in the production and implementation of care plans for older people should form a large proportion of any previous experience gained.
Visit the BGS page for resources and further information about the benefits of the exam.
Our downloads/resources section at the bottom of this page has helpful documents for preparing for the exam, including the regulations, curriculum and sample questions.
You can also register for CGM updates to receive reminders about application dates and links to updated resources as they become available.
Eligibility
All statutorily regulated healthcare professionals, who are currently registered and in good standing with the relevant regulator and have no restrictions on their practice, are eligible to apply to take the CGM.
The RCP will verify your registration status and good standing with your regulator. Where this cannot be verified, your application will be withdrawn and a full refund provided.
How to apply
When an application period is open, a button will appear in this section and link to the application form, which is administered by our online exam provider, Orzone. Applicants may need to create an Orzone account to apply.
Please see the fees and dates section below regarding upcoming application periods.
Payment for the exam is to be completed as part of the application process.
If your workplace is paying on your behalf, please get in touch with us at cgm@rcp.ac.uk before applying.
Examination dates and fees
- Application period: Monday 4 January 2027 – Monday 18 January 2027 (11am UK time)
- Exam date: Wednesday 24 February 2027
- Result release: Wednesday 31 March 2027
Guidance for candidates
Applicants should note that they may attempt the CGM a maximum of six times. Previous failed attempts at the DGM KBA also count towards this limit.
After six failed attempts, a candidate will be required to undertake additional educational experience for each resit and submit evidence of this. This evidence will need to be supported by a candidate’s educational supervisor and the training programme director or equivalent.
For more information, download the CGM additional attempt FAQs.