Getting into GP Training: GP ST Entry Stages 1-4

Course Details

For more information on applying to GP training, please click here.

Key Points:

• Complete preparation to get into GP training - step by step
• Covers all 4 stages
• Stage 1 - Applications, longlisting, F2 competencies, how to rank areas
• Stage 2 - Specialty Recruitment Assessment - How to score well in the Clinical and Professional Dilemma (SJT) Papers
• Stage 3 - What to expect and how to prepare for the 4 parts of the Stage 3 Assessments + mock writtten exam
• Stage 4 - Job allocation - Scoring system for 2019, how ranking and allocation works
• What to expect when in training - structure of ST1-ST3, MRCGP, GP career options, GP hot topics
• 9.30am - 5.30pm
• CPD - 6 hours / 6 Credits

The next course will running in 2019 for 2020 entry. You can subscribe to the course video for 2019 entry here:




Our 1 day course on “Getting into GP Training” has been running since 2005 and offers the most comprehensive information about the entire process. We have helped candidates successfully enter training in every Deanery in the UK. 

The course covers the entire process from application to appointment:

Stage 1: Applications and Longlisting – eligibility criteria for GP ST entry. Common reasons for having your application rejected at this stage, and how to avoid them. Paperwork needed for longlisting. Proving your Foundation competencies (for F2 / Non F2, SHO / ST / FTSTA / Trust / Staff grade and SpR (FPCC, FACD, Alternative certificates etc.)

Stage 2: Specialty Recruitment Assessment (GP Stage 2) - both papers covered – Clinical Problem Solving paper – types and level of questions, practice questions, reading lists, understanding keywords in the exam.
Professional Dilemma / Situational Judgement Test paper – introduction to Situational Judgement, how to rank scenarios, sample questions, practice questions. 

Stage 3: What to expect at Stage 3 assessments, communication and consultation skills for the simulated patient encounters, written prioritisation exercise including sample written task. 

Hot topics in General Practice: Changes in GP training, MRCGP, privatisation of general practice, revalidation, the GP jobs market, GP commissioning.

Questions and Answers: There are 3 Q and A sessions where you will be able to ask questions related to any aspect of the process, and a 1 to 1 clinic at the end of the day to ask personal questions.

This course is suitable for anyone that wants to get onto a GP training programme, whether you applied and did not secure a rotation in 2018, or are applying for the first time for 2019 entry. Please note that the recruitment to GP Specialty training is VERY different to all other specialities. If you want to become a General Practitioner in the UK, this course will show you how to get through all stages of the GP Recruitment process. 

The Course Director and main speaker is Dr Mahibur Rahman, an expert in the GP Recruitment process. He is a GP and consultant in medical education, and has written and taught extensively on Getting into GP Training.



Course Programme

09.30 Registration
09.45 Welcome and Introduction
09:50 GP ST recruitment process - the four stages
10.05 Getting the application right
10.45 Questions and Answers Session 1
11.00 Clinical Problem Solving Paper
11.35 BREAK for Refreshments
11:50 Professional Dilemma Paper (SJT questions)
13:20 Lunch*
14.10 Stage 3 Assessment Centres - overview
14.25 Simulated Consultations
15.15 Q and A session 2
15.25 BREAK for refreshments
15.50 Written Prioritisation task
16.50 Hot Topics in General Practice
17.10 Q and A session 3
17.20 Summary
17.30 Close

*Hot buffet lunch provided - there will be halal and vegetarian options available

Course Feedback

We have helped unemployed doctors, SHOs, consultants, staff grades and F2 doctors get shortlisted and selected for GP training. The latest round of applications has been another successful one for our delegates, with success in EVERY deanery in the UK.

"Detailed explanation of all rounds and was given enough information about the ways to achieve the highest score."

"Dr Rahman was very informative of the entire GP application process. He knew the answer to every question! He was very empathetic and understanding. Amazing venue and food."

"I have done several courses with Emedica and I have found these extremely useful, informative and they have fully prepared me for the GP assessments. "

Dr L A - West Midlands Deanery Round

"Amazing! Thank you so much. Lots of useful pointers and tips that I would not have otherwise known."

Dr E C - KSS Deanery Round 1

"My success is getting my desired GP posting is solidly linked to Emedica courses I attended. Starting from Stages 1 to 4 to the Stage 3 Assessment. Thanks to Emedica courses."

Dr N S - East Midlands Deanery Round 1

"Very well run courses. Gave me an excellent overview of the entire process, highlighted potential pitfalls and provided excellent tips on how to avoid them and to excel at every stage."

Dr M B - GPST Entry Wessex Deanery

'It has been a wonderful experience at Emedica throughout the Selection process, Dr Rahman is very supportive and encouraging. The most incredible part is he answers all our queries even after his busy schedule!"

Dr U K - GPST Entry South West Deanery

"I found Emedica extremely useful as a service . The team were always able to update me with the latest information on the application process and the courses helped a lot with directing my revision . I would definitely recommend these courses for anyone applying to GP training."

Dr K V - GPST Entry London Deanery

"I would you like to thank Dr Rahman and his team. You taught me a lot and supported me and lots of other doctors during the preparation for GP. This began from filling the application form to every stage of the exams from written to scenarios. I am most grateful to you all. I could have not done it without your support and guidance . Thank you very much! "

Dr S N- GPST Entry Kent Sussex and Surrey Deanery

"Very useful in getting factual information about the exam format and content being tested. This is information that our hospitals and education departments do not seem to provide.Reassurance on the application process and deadlines. "

Dr A C - GPST Entry East of England Deanery

"I thought Emedica was the most organised course I had attended in my six years post qualifying as a doctor. Dr Rahman is extremely eloquent, knowledgeable in his area and a joy to listen to. He somehow made learning and preparing for the GP exams easy if not fun! I have a job in the south west deanery which I am very pleased with, many thanks to the Emedica Team."

Dr L P - GPST Entry South West Deanery

"I found Emedica to be extremely helpful. The 1-4 course was really important for me as I had absolutely no idea about how to apply for GP training and what to expect."

Dr S K- GPST Entry -London Deanery

"I ranked 7th in the KSS deanery and achieved a band 3 and a band 4 for the exam. I couldn't have done so well without Emedica. I attended both the stage1-4 course and the stage 3 assessment course and used the online material throughout. Both courses were extremely informative and as a result I felt prepared and knew exactly what to expect for each stage of the assessment process. Thanks very much".

Dr E K - GPST Entry - KSS Deanery

"The introductory course really helped me to understand the application process and made a lot of things clearer".

Dr T K - GPST Entry - Yorkshire & Humber Deanery

"I found the GP Entry course 1-4 to be very informative and attending it early meant I had the advantage of being able to plan for my application early".

Dr C L - GPST Entry - London Deanery

"Excellent! The course guided me through the entire process and helped me to obtain a good rotation in the deanery of my choice. I found the courses professional and in excellent locations with great services. I would highly recommend this"

Dr C W - GPST Entry - Wales Deanery

"I wish to thank you all for the wonderfully organised courses and constant support through my process of preparation. I feel that this has made a great difference and has played a very important role in my success in the recruitment stages"

Dr D B - GPST Entry - North-western Deanery

"Very helpful. Especially the Stage 3 assessment course and I found the Stages 1-4 course questions to be very similar to the exam EMQs. Very grateful as Emedica helped me get my first choice deanery and sub preference".

Dr N R - GPST Entry - London Deanery

"Excellent courses particularly for people that qualified in the pre-Foundation doctors / Core trainees era (aka PRHO's, SHO's) and those who are applying for GP training from a specialty or sub-specialty that is almost completely unrelated to GP training e.g. transplant surgery. These courses provide valuable info on the application process, the expected depth and breadth of knowledge. In doing so they instil confidence and reduce the risk of poor performance due to nervousness"

Dr H W- GPST Entry- Northern Deanery

"It's been a great learning experience attending the Emedica courses. I have learnt so many things through these courses and I am recommending them to my colleagues. Thank you Emedica for helping the GP aspirants to get into a training programme they desire".

Dr R K - GPST Entry - West Midlands Deanery

"It has been a very positive experience. I came top 20 out of all the West Midlands' applicants which is all credit to Emedica"

Dr S R- GPST Entry - West Midlands Deanery

"Truly the best preparation for the recruitment process - so many useful nuggets of information that I'm sure were key in helping me land my first choice deanery - so grateful! I would definitely recommend Emedica to my peers - in particular the Stage 3 course."

Dr A P - GPST Entry London Deanery

Emedica has been the backbone to my revision preparation for the GP recruitment process. The Stages 1-4 overview course was invaluable in setting me up on how to approach everything. "

Dr S K - GPST Entry KSS Deanery

"I attended the Getting into GP overview course. I got my first choice deanery (North Western) and first choice geographical location (Preston) and was thrilled to be ranked 16/285 in the deanery. Many thanks again."

Dr K G - GPST Entry North Western Deanery

"I was very pleased to discover I did well in the application process and obtained my first choice placement in my first choice deanery with my first choice rotations!! A placement in the penine region of west Yorkshire which I eagerly accepted...Emedica were extremely useful and helpful throughout the application process and I am certain it was money well spent - I'm not sure I would have secured any rotation without you let alone my first choice. I will happily join the alumni association and will look forward to attending future Emedica courses. Many thanks for your help once again."

Dr M M - GPST Entry Yorkshire Deanery

"I wanted to let you know that I attended you Emedica Stages 1-4 and Stage 3 courses. They really helped me; I scored 3 & 4 in my stage 2 exam and ranked number 10 overall at stage 3 and have been offered my first choice hospital in the Northwestern deanery. I would like to say a massive thank you and I will be recommending this course to others next year."

Dr S B - GPST Entry North Western Deanery

"I am very pleased to tell you that I have accepted a post in Chelmsford. I am extremely pleased with the outcome and am excited to start my training. I would encourage any applicant to go to the Emedica courses. I have had fantastic support from you and your team. You were absolutely right when you said that your application needs to be carefully checked...Thank you again for all the personal attention Emedica has afforded me. I wouldn't have got through this process without your invaluable advice. I am looking forward to a successful career in general practice. "

Dr S P - GPST Entry East of England Deanery

"Dear Dr. Rahman, My name is Dr. M T, a recent attendee at the GP ST 1-4 course and GP stage 3 course in Birmingham and the online Stage 2 preparation. I am pleased to report that by the Grace of Almighty Allah (swt) and your help and advice on the Emedica courses above I was able to secure my first choice place of Black Country in the West Midlands Deanery. In addition I gained a high ranking within the West Midlands Deanery. I found the stage 3 course was very well tailored to the Stage 3 assessment centre and your methodology in terms of ticking all the boxes to gain a high score was what separates Emedica from other courses. I found practising the consultation scenarios very helpful. On a personal note, I wish to thank you for providing prayer facilities in all your courses. I certainly will be recommending Emedica to all those considering GP."

Dr M T - GPST Entry West Midlands Deanery

"Emedica is an excellent, professional company that provides extensive information about the GP application process, incredibly useful tips, and full support throughout the process. The GP ST Entry stages 1-4 provided extensive cover and information about all the stages of the application and the continued contact provided up to date information about the process avoiding worry when national delays occurred. They provided extremely useful information unavailable anywhere else, in a friendly format with the knowledge to answer any questions - far better than reading all the books in the world. They helped me get my first choice rotation in my first choice deanery and provided all the help and information I could ask for I could not recommend them highly enough."

Dr M M - GPST Entry Yorkshire & Humber Deanery

"The course was efficient and complete - good clear explanation of entry process which can be time consuming and confusing to read online. Good chance to ask questions and provided full answers. Good to practise the written prioritisation and find out exactly what they wanted us to write - how many points to include."

Dr J L - GPST Entry Scotland Deanery

"Excellent and informative courses that helped boost my confidence and prepare thoroughly for the GP assessment process. I was thrilled to be offered a place in my first choice scheme and deanery of Oxford and think Emedica gave me a real boost to getting there."

Dr R M - GPST Entry Oxford Deanery

"Thank you very much for the brilliant course. My husband and I both got our first choice Deanery and geographical preference! We both found your course very useful and to be honest I don't think I would have gotten the job without your help. I am very grateful! We will see you on the Getting started course."

Dr S M - GPST Entry

"I am pleased to inform you that I got GP training programme in Colchester, my first choice deanery. It was very helpful course, it gave me the whole idea about the exam that what exactly they want from candidates. The course was a brilliant effort from you and your team. I will definitely recommend this course to all my colleagues and juniors. Thank you very much for this great help."

Dr B Z - GPST Entry East of England Deanery

"Thank you for your informative emails during the GPVTS recruitment this year, they have been very helpful and reassuring. I thought you would like to know that I have been offered a training post in Barnet, North London, and cannot wait to start! I am sure the Emedica Stages 1-4 day course that I attended played a significant part in my obtaining this post and I would certainly recommend it to others in future. Thanks again for your help."

Dr A P - GPST Entry London Deanery

"Dr Rahman was truly passionate about what he was doing, and this came through in the content and delivery of all the courses. The stage 1-4 course gave a great overview of what was involved and helped me prepare for my application. I received my first choice hospital in the London deanery. So thank you!"

DR A A - GPST Entry London Deanery

"Thank you Emedica for helping me secure my 1st choice deanery and 1st choice geographical area. Very detailed and informative Stage 1-4 course. Really alleviated any anxieties I had about the application process. Will definitely recommended to others."

DR C P - GPST Entry Oxford Deanery 2011