Beyond Outcome 1: Understanding Your ARCP Outcome

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is designed to support your development throughout training. It provides an opportunity to review your progress, celebrate achievements, and identify any areas where additional experience or evidence may be helpful.

While many Resident Doctors aim for Outcome 1 (satisfactory progress), it is important to remember that outcomes other than Outcome 1 are not necessarily negative. For example:

Outcome 2 indicates satisfactory overall progress, with some areas requiring further development.
Outcome 5 means the panel did not have enough evidence to make a judgement and additional information is needed.
Other outcomes may highlight the need for extra training time or support to help you achieve the required competencies.

ARCP outcomes are intended to be developmental and supportive, helping ensure you have the knowledge, skills and experience needed for the next stage of your career.

If you receive an outcome you were not expecting, speak with your Educational Supervisor, Clinical Supervisor, Training Programme Director (TPD), or Associate Postgraduate Dean (APGD). They can help you understand the outcome and agree an appropriate plan for progression.

Remember, an ARCP outcome reflects your training needs at a specific point in time, not your potential as a doctor. Many Resident Doctors who receive developmental outcomes go on to successfully complete training and achieve their career ambitions.

For further advice and support, please contact your training programme team or access The Development and Wellbeing Service (TDWS).