The Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (DGM) is an RCP credential developed in collaboration with the British Geriatrics Society (BGS).
Candidates must have completed the Certificate in Geriatric Medicine (CGM) before applying for the DGM.
The clinical examination (OSCE) is held twice a year, in summer and autumn, at the RCP Assessment Centre at the RCP at The Spine in Liverpool. The clinical OSCE lasts for approximately 1.5 hours and consists of four live stations. More details can be found in our linked clinical guidance document.
Candidates have 4 years from the date of notification that they have successfully completed the CGM KBA to then pass the DGM.
Once the application period has closed for the OSCE, all eligible candidates will be allocated across the planned examination week and sent an admission document confirming their exam date, report time and reporting address. Our team will be in touch with you via email once these are ready.
Exam information
Please note that the DGM credential is not a course, so candidates are expected to self-direct their own study to sit the OSCE. There are no courses, lectures or workshops delivered by RCP or BGS for this diploma.
The DGM is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their clinical skills in the healthcare of older people in community, primary and acute care settings.
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 both exam components, including the regulations, curriculum and sample questions.
Eligibility
All statutorily regulated healthcare professionals who have completed the CGM, are 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.
The RCP will verify your registration status and good standing with your regulator. Where this cannot be verified, or where you have yet to complete the CGM, your application will be withdrawn and a full refund provided.
How to apply
When an application period is open, a button will appear in the 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 dgm@rcp.ac.uk before applying.
Examination dates and fees
November 2026
- Examination fee: £642
- Application period: Tuesday 1 September 2026 – Monday 14 September 2026
- Examination date(s): 9 November – 11 November (additional dates in the same week may be added depending on number of applications)*
- Results release date: Wednesday 16 December 2026 – by 5:00pm to candidate email addresses.
June 2027
- Application period: Tuesday 30 March 2027 – Monday 12 April 2027
- Examination date(s): Tuesday 1 June 2027 – Friday 4 June 2027 (additional dates in the same week may be added depending on number of applications)*
- Results release date: Wednesday 7 July 2027 – by 5:00pm to candidate email addresses.
November 2027
- Application period: Tuesday 31 August 2027 – Monday 13 September 2027
- Examination date(s): Tuesday 2 November 2027 – Friday 5 November 2027 (additional dates in the same week may be added depending on number of applications)*
- Results release date: Wednesday 8 December 2027 – by 5:00pm to candidate email addresses.
Guidance for candidates
Applicants should note that they may attempt the DGM a maximum of six times.
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 DGM additional attempt FAQs.