The short answer
GP trainees in Kent, Surrey and Sussex can claim up to £600 towards an SCA preparation course under code GP0001, with a maximum of one course per sitting. The claim is an external supporting activity, which means it needs supervisor sign off but is an expected part of the approved list rather than a discretionary ask.
How much you get
The KSS approved list allows "Exam preparation course relevant to level of training (max 1 per sitting)" at "Max £600 per AKT or RCA/SCA preparation course", code GP0001, available across ST1 to ST3 (KSS General Practice approved list, revised March 2026). The list also notes free internal AKT revision via the PSU in London (code GP0017), worth exhausting before spending your budget on AKT so the paid claim goes where you need it most.
The list explicitly states it "is not intended to be restrictive": activities not on it go through the discretionary approval process rather than being refused outright.
Does it cover SCA prep courses?
Yes, by name and with a per-sitting allowance, which is more forgiving than deaneries that allow one course across the whole of training. The South East framework classifies activities as essential, supporting or aspirational; exam preparation sits in supporting, which takes priority over aspirational requests when budgets tighten.
Is the SCA exam fee itself reimbursed?
Not from the study budget: travel and accommodation to attend exams is claimable under TRAC0001, but the list is explicit that this covers "no exam fees". Separately, under the June 2026 resident doctor contract agreement, doctors in England can reclaim their first two SCA attempts for exams sat from 1 April 2026, through their employing trust. Details: Is the SCA exam fee reimbursed?.
How to claim
- Discuss with your Educational Supervisor and add the course to your PDP.
- Follow the South East study leave application process for resident doctors (in force from 1 April 2026) and get approval before booking.
- Claim reimbursement with receipts after attending, quoting GP0001.
NHS study budget
Most trainees can claim our Complete SCA Course on the NHS study budget.
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Deaneries decide locally
Most English deaneries fund one SCA preparation course (typically up to £600, code GP0001), but each applies its own rules: some fund two, some cap at £500, some run named lists, and the devolved nations differ again. Select your deanery above for the specific position, with the policy evidence quoted.
“National default: one preparation course per exam, up to £600 (GP0001)”