Assessment and Appraisal FAQs

What is the e-portfolio?

The e-portfolio contains everything required to manage placements and monitor progress. It contains:

• Forms for developing a personal development plan
• Forms for meetings with educational supervisor, reflective practice and self appraisal
• A record of the assessments completed

More information on the e-portfolio can be found on our ePortfolio and eLearning webpage

How will competence be assessed?

Four assessment methods are used to assess the competence of a trainee. Completed assessments will be stored in their e-portfolio. Copies of all the assessment forms, along with the guidance for both trainees and trainers are available in the assessment section of the Modernising Medical Careers website.

Why are assessments necessary?

Patients need to be assured that all doctors have demonstrated their ability to practice in accordance with the standards set by the GMC and PMETB. Assessments are also part of a trainee’s personal development – a career in medicine requires doctors to demonstrate life-long learning. The Foundation Programme assessments will provide feedback which can inform appraisal and personal development.

The competences that foundation doctors will be required to achieve are set out in the Foundation Programme Curriculum.
Curriculum (new)

Will the assessment tools be used to rank trainees as part of the selection process for specialty training?

Not at present. Further research and evaluation is needed to see if the assessments can be used for ranking foundation doctors in the future. However, foundation trainees will need to be prepared to present evidence from their e-portfolio as part of the specialty recruitment process.

Who is responsible for ensuring that assessments are completed?

The trainee. One of the key features of the MMC reform is that it is trainee-led. It is the trainee’s responsibility to initiate the assessments, deciding upon the case/procedures, timing and assessor.

For more information on assessment, please see our Assessment webpage.

What are the requirements for F1 Sign Off and Full GMC Registration?

Full details can be found on our F1 Sign-Off webpage.

What are the requirements for F2 Sign Off?

Full details can be found on our F2 Sign-Off webpage.