FAQ - CCPR

The Frequently Asked Questions on this page relate to the Clinical Competency Portfolio Review.

Changes to timelines: It was previously communicated that trainees will be able to apply to sit an IOCA starting in November 2024. The Education Committee has extended the timelines for implementing IOCAs to August 2025, and the CCPR will be introduced in September 2026. The IOCAs will be launched in two phases:

The Stage 3 IOCA will commence in August 2025
The Stage 2 IOCA will commence in August 2026

This phased approach will support the supervisor’s burden and health services, while allowing more time for trainee transition and for IOCA’s supervisor training ensuring sufficient availability of independent assessors for the IOCA implementation.

Find out more about the IOCA, how to arrange an IOCA and Frequently Asked Questions relating to the IOCA.

1. What are the assessments that will be considered for the CCPR?

Stage 2 and Stage 3 end-of-rotation In-Training Assessments (ITAs)
Observed Clinical Activity (OCAs)
Independent Observed Clinical activity (IOCAs)

Qualitative data such as supervisor feedback and narrative comments for the above assessments will also be considered.

2. What is the purpose of incorporating IOCAs into the Portfolio Review process?

IOCAs serve as an additional data point alongside other assessments to ensure a comprehensive, holistic evaluation of competencies. By providing independent assessments, IOCAs offer candidates constructive feedback on their skills in a clinical setting without potential bias from their usual supervisors. This helps trainees refine their clinical practice and build competence in essential skills for psychiatry.

3. What is the eligibility criteria for the CCPR?

The CCPR eligibility criteria, based on the current Clinical Competency Assessment – Modified Portfolio Review (CCA – MPR) eligibility, is as follows (transition time exemptions are listed in further questions below):

Trainees

SIMGs (partially comparable only)

3 most recent end-of-rotation ITAs available for review, comprising completed training time of a minimum of 15 months FTE duration across Stage 2 and Stage 3.

For part-time trainees, more than 3 end-of-rotation ITAs may be required to cover the 15-month FTE training time.

Two of these recent end-of-rotation ITAs must be Stage 3 ITAs of at least nine months FTE in duration.
Must have completed a Stage 3 OCA assessed by principal supervisor to the end of Stage 3 standard.
Must have completed a Stage 3 IOCA assessed by an external supervisor/independent assessor to the end of Stage 3 standard.
Must have completed a Stage 2 IOCA assessed by an external supervisor/independent assessor to the end of Stage 2 standard.*

*Not required for candidates applying for the CCPR in September 2026.

3 most recent end-of-rotation ITAs available for review, comprising completed training time of a minimum of 12 months FTE duration in Stage 3. If three end-of-rotation ITAs are not available for the Portfolio Review, two ITAs from Stage 3 rotations will be accepted.
Must have completed at least one Stage 3 OCA assessed by Principal Supervisor to the end of Stage 3 standard.
Must have completed two Stage 3 IOCA assessed by an external supervisor/independent assessor to the end of Stage 3 standard.**

**For SIMG candidates applying for the CCPR in September 2026, completing one Stage 3 IOCA is acceptable.

4. Will completion of a Stage 2 IOCA be required for trainees to progress to Stage 3, and will special consideration be given to the cohort starting Stage 3 training in August 2026?

With the implementation of the Stage 2 IOCA in August 2026, trainees will be required to complete a Stage 2 IOCA before progressing to Stage 3. However, there will be special considerations to ensure there are no trainees disadvantaged during this transition. The requirement to complete a Stage 2 IOCA will not apply for trainees commencing Stage 3 in August 2026 or earlier.

5. Will there be any changes to assessment requirements for the substantially comparable SIMGs?

No, these changes are only applicable for the partially comparable SIMGs.

6. What provisions are there for trainees who complete their final Stage 2 rotation in 2026 and take an approved break in training in 2026?

Trainees who are on an approved break in training in 2026 after completing their final Stage 2 training will be exempted from the Stage 2 IOCA requirement when applying for the CCPR later. They can progress to Stage 3 without fulfilling their Stage 2 IOCA requirement.

7. What changes have been made to the Stage 2 IOCA requirement for September 2026 CCPR applicants?

The eligibility criteria for candidates applying for the September 2026 CCPR will exclude the requirement of a Stage 2 IOCA. The remaining requirements in the eligibility criteria will still apply.

For SIMGs applying for the CCPR in September 2026, completing one Stage 3 IOCA and one Stage 3 OCA will be acceptable.

The special considerations for CCPR will also consider the trainees’ trajectory, so that no trainee is disadvantaged during the transition.

8. How will trainees be affected if there are any delays in the implementation of the IOCA assessment?

Trainees will be informed in advance of any delays in the implementation of the IOCA assessment. If a trainee misses the Stage 2 IOCA deadlines due to such delays, it will not affect their progression to Stage 3 training. The current program of assessments (CCA – MPR) will continue until the launch of CCPR.

9. When can candidates choose to schedule their IOCA during their Stage 2 and Stage 3 rotations?

Trainees will complete one IOCA during Stage 2 and one during Stage 3. Candidates are permitted to conduct an IOCA at any point during their Stage 2 or Stage 3 training. The IOCA can replace the mandatory OCA for that rotation. Trainees are required to inform their principal supervisor at the beginning of the rotation if they are intending to conduct their IOCA during that rotation.

10. How many IOCAs are candidates required to complete for the CCPR?

Candidates are required to sit one IOCA in Stage 2 and one in Stage 3. Candidates must complete a Stage 2 IOCA before they can progress to Stage 3. The IOCAs can replace the mandatory OCA for that rotation. The implementation of Stage 2 IOCA is set for August 2026; it will not affect trainees who finish their Stage 2 training before this date.

11. How do IOCAs contribute to better decision-making in CCPR?

By providing additional independent assessment data, IOCAs allow for a more rigorous and accurate evaluation of a candidate’s performance over time. This data, along with other assessment data points, enhances the quality of decision-making during portfolio reviews.

12. Who will make the decision about the outcome of the CCPR?

The Progression Competence Panel (PCP) will comprise representatives from the relevant committees and independent Fellows. The PCP will be responsible for making progression decisions based on the CCPR. The Panel will consider assessment elements of the CCPR covering assessments over a period of time from multiple sources in a holistic manner.

The assessment criteria, Terms of Reference and the business rules for the PCP are currently under development.