The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) was introduced in 2007 as part of the implementation of Modernising Medical Careers, a complete overhaul of the design and assessment of postgraduate medical training. It is fully described in section 7: Progressing as a Specialty Registrar in A Guide to Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK (The Gold Guide) (Department of Health et al, 2007). Recommendations are updated on a regular basis and each latest version is applicable to trainees taking up placements at the start of the training year in August after the latest version of the guide is released.

The ARCP replaced the older system of assessment, Record of In- Training Assessment (RITA) that was used for higher trainees, but, more importantly, it was extended to every level of specialty training, including core training. The ARCP provides a seamless yearly record of training achievements and will be used to support the application for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) awarded at the successful completion of specialist training. The certificate also makes the trainee eligible for inclusion on the General Medical Council's (GMC's) Specialist Register. The ARCP is an important function for the deanery schools, which were set up to deliver postgraduate medical training. They are managed by the deanery with advice from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and have a responsibility for training, quality control and confirming that a trainee is ready to enter College examinations and to receive their CCTs in due course. The ARCP provides evidence to the school of either the trainee's progression or failure to progress, which can eventually even lead to termination of training.

Progressing as a specialty registrar

To progress as a specialty registrar a trainee must demonstrate that they are acquiring the necessary skills and competencies at the appropriate rate. The ARCP is an annual review of the evidence provided by the trainee to demonstrate that they are progressing as they should be. It also enables identification of trainees who are struggling, so that appropriate remedial measures can be put in place at an early stage.