NCA

UKFPO-NCA: Complete Guide to Format & Preparation

The UKFPO National Clinical Assessment (UKFPO-NCA) is a mandatory eligibility requirement for the UK Foundation Programme, set by the UKFPO, required for any candidate who qualified from medical school on or before 5 August 2024, regardless of nationality or GMC registration status. Delivered by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, it consists of 12 stations, each 10 minutes long including 1 minute of preparation time, run in a single session lasting approximately 4 hours.

What is the UKFPO-NCA?

The UKFPO National Clinical Assessment (UKFPO-NCA) is a mandatory eligibility requirement for the UK Foundation Programme, set by the UKFPO, required for any candidate who qualified from medical school on or before 5 August 2024, regardless of nationality or GMC registration status. Delivered by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, it consists of 12 stations, each 10 minutes long including 1 minute of preparation time, run in a single session lasting approximately 4 hours.

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FAQS

UKFPO-NCA FAQs

UKFPO-NCA stands for National Clinical Assessment. The UKFPO's own materials label it the 'Clinical Assessment' — both refer to the same eligibility requirement for the UK Foundation Programme.

No. PLAB satisfies GMC registration requirements; the UKFPO-NCA separately confirms clinical readiness for Foundation training. Passing one does not exempt a candidate from the other.

Candidates applying to the UK Foundation Programme who qualified from medical school on or before the current cycle's cutoff date, regardless of nationality or GMC registration status.

12 stations, each 10 minutes including 1 minute of preparation time, in a single session of approximately 4 hours.

Your UKFP application is automatically withdrawn — there is no grace period or exception.

Check on foundationprogramme.nhs.uk — recently reported figures range from £850 to £1,000 depending on cycle