Combined Training - Trainee step by step Guide

GP trainees apply for Combined Training via the Trainee Portfolio. Before applying, read the RCGP guidance to check that you are eligible to apply for a Combined Training Pathway. Prepare an up-to-date CV and start collecting the required supporting evidence. Details of the supporting evidence required is available on the RCGP website.

1. Express intent to apply for a Combined Training Pathway

• You must indicate in your application to GP training through the national application system Oriel that you wish to follow one of the combined training pathways
• Once accepted onto the GP training scheme as early as possible register as an Associate in Training (AiT) with the RCGP, this will provide access to the Trainee Portfolio
• As soon as you have been accepted onto GP training confirm to your Deanery that you intend to apply for Combined Training. The Deanery will mark you as eligible to apply, which will release an area on the Trainee Portfolio for you to apply to the scheme
• You will be notified by email that you are now able to upload your CV for screening of whether your experience is eligible to apply for a Combined Training Pathway

2. Upload your CV and submit a supporting statement

• You must upload your CV as early as possible after initial contact with your Deanery for eligibility screening
• Within the Training Portfolio, select ‘Portfolio’ to view the Portfolio overview screen
• Scroll down to ‘Combined Training application’
• Click ‘Waiting for you to submit your CV’ or ‘Continue application’ to upload your CV

• A new window will appear with the option for you to upload your CV and briefly outline how your previous training and / or experience is relevant to general practice, you will have opportunity to elaborate in more detail later on in the application process

• Once you have uploaded your CV and written your supporting statement a new button will appear ‘Submit’. Click this to submit your application to the Deanery to screen if your experience is sufficient for you to be considered for Combined Training.

3. Complete the Application and submit supporting evidence

• The Deanery will review your eligibility to apply for Combined Training and you will be notified of the outcome by email
• If you are eligible a new area will open up on your Training Portfolio under the ‘Combined Training application’ for you to complete the application including capability mapping and adding supporting evidence
• Select ‘Start your application’

• This brings up the ‘Combined Training application Form’. Enter your personal details and previous experience and select ‘save’

• Scroll down to complete the supporting evidence section. Depending on the prior experience you selected a combination of the following boxes will appear for you to complete. Details of supporting evidence requirements are set out on the RCGP website.

For UK Specialty training

For UK non-training experience

For overseas training and / or experience

• Scroll down to complete capability mapping for general practice training
• Before you begin you are advised to refer to the capability mapping guidance
• Detailed descriptors of the capabilities can be found in Being a GP LINK NEEDS UPDATING 

• Click on each capability to reflect on the competences and capabilities you have already achieved or partly achieved and how these transfer to general practice training
• Upload evidence to support each capability in the Evidence box. You should include a maximum of three PDF pieces of evidence for each capability
• You may not be able to provide evidence for all 13 capabilities. If you cannot provide evidence to support a capability you must still reflect to support the development of a learning plan once you begin training
• Once you have completed the mapping exercise and supporting evidence, click ‘submit your application’ to confirm that you wish to submit your application

• Please note, once you have submitted your application you will not be able to edit it
• Your application automatically saves as you complete it so you can exit the Training Portfolio and return to review your application before submission

4. Provisional outcome of application for Combined Training

• Your application will be reviewed by the Deanery and the RCGP. You will be notified by email if your application for Combined Training has been provisionally approved. The outcome will be recorded on your Training Portfolio for the attention of the ARCP (Annual Review of Competence Progression) panel
• The final outcome of your application to Combined Training remains subject to you making satisfactory progression in your training and will be confirmed at your first ARCP at 6 months(Full Time Equivalent) of GP training