1. Steps to Success:
How to Approach the MICGP
Examinations
Muríosa O’Reilly

2. MICGP 2019
3 Modules
CKT – From 1st Year – Held in March
MEQ – From Third Year - as soon as you have 6 months of GP Experience in Training – March and September
CCT – From Third Year – June and November

3. CKT Clinical Knowledge Test 200 Single Best Answer Questions
Module testing application of knowledge
Computer marked
Once a year, Croke Park, March 2019
Open to all trainees
Strong Clinical Knowledge Base
Practice…
CKT
Robust/stand up to scrutiny

4. MEQ
Modified Essay Questions - 8 questions, based on typical practice situations and scenarios
Anonymous – trainee name is not on the paper
You will be asked to sign a Declaration of Fitness to sit on the front page. This is removed and is not circulated to examiners
Each question is double marked by two independent but calibrated examiners
Marking is carried out electronically and each examiner accesses a clean copy of your paper. The cannot see marks/comments of their co-maker
In total 16 awarded Question marks are collated to reach the final candidate grade
This is 16 independent grades from 16 independent examiners
Important in the context of appeals where examiner bias is often claimed!
You must be in 3rd year with three years reg experience to present for this paper
MEQ Handbook – Study tips; Sample Answers
Borderline Group method: establishing a cut score in order to set the pass rate.

5. MEQ Handbook Available via www.icgp.ie Study tips/Exam day tips
Sample answers
Remember that scenario represents a patient sitting in front of you.

6. The CCT exam 13 Clinical scenarios 3 parallel circuits
Each station lasts 10 minutes
Gap of 1-2 minutes between stations
Break of approx 15 minutes after 7 stations
Candidate remains in their “surgery”
Examiner and actor move to each room
Some surgeries will be recorded/have observer
How to prepare – see patients

7. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of primary care management
Demonstrate you have achieved the core competencies of Irish general practice
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of primary care management
Show an ability to reflect on your practice and recognise your own limitations
Present for assessment when you are clinically and personally ready
Steps to Exam Success

8. Are you exam ready? Strong Clinical Knowledge Base?
At the correct point in training?
Emotionally/Physically able?

9. Additional Learning Needs
Medical Report
Psychologist Report
Additional Time
Laptop
Separate Room
Special Circumstances
Illness
Family illness
Anxiety
Bereavement
Post Assessment
Compensation is not available
Very little we can do as an organization after the exam
Early Communication is key
If you have a specific question or a problem please make contact with the college by or phone
If you don’t contact us we cant assist you
Don’t rely on second or third hand information
I can talk to a trainee/trainer/APD/PD within office hours or arrange a call early morning/evening if necessary
All correspondence is treated confidentially and anonymised where necessary

10. If you have a specific question or a problem please make contact with the college by email or phone
If you don’t contact us we cant assist you
Don’t rely on second or third hand information
I can talk to a trainee/trainer/APD/PD within office hours or arrange a call early morning/evening if necessary
All correspondence is treated confidentially and anonymised where necessary

11. If you don’t hear it from the Exams Department directly, its probably not true…..
Check with the College.
is the quickest way at busy times of the year.
Don’t write the angry , until you check with the College…
Save yourself the stress and upset

12. Communications with the College
Key points of contact
Muríosa O’Reilly
(out of hours use this)
Main Exam Address
If you are looking for information or you have an exam issue please contact the college!