The short answer
Northern Ireland is the outlier. NIMDTA does not routinely fund SCA preparation courses for a first attempt, because it takes the view that the deanery's own teaching plus protected self-directed learning time is the preparation. Funding for an SCA course only opens up through the SUCCESS programme, after you have had at least one unsuccessful SCA attempt, and then it is generous: up to £750 for one approved course, with up to 3 days of study leave.
How much you get
The general NIMDTA position is explicit that a first-attempt SCA course is not routinely funded. Under "what is not approved for study leave", the guidance lists "Courses for specialty examinations during GP Programme without a previous failed attempt" and states "Taking time off to prepare for an exam is not supported through study leave in General Practice", because trainees already have protected self-directed learning time (NIMDTA GP Specialty Training Study Leave guidance, October 2025).
Where SCA course funding does exist is the SUCCESS programme, for trainees who have been unsuccessful in a previous attempt: "One course only will be approved for each of AKT and SCA", "Up to £750 funding per course (up to max £1250 per training year for all courses)", online or in person, with up to 3 days of study leave. The general nominal budget elsewhere in the policy is £600 per part of training.
Does it cover SCA prep courses?
Only through SUCCESS, and only after a failed attempt. This is the key thing for NI trainees to understand: if you are preparing for a first sitting, NIMDTA will not fund a commercial SCA course, and you would be self-funding. If you have had an unsuccessful attempt and are engaged with SUCCESS, an approved SCA course up to £750 becomes claimable. The programme names approved providers such as RCGP and Emedica as examples; check your intended course is acceptable with your Programme Director.
Is the SCA exam fee itself reimbursed?
No: the guidance lists "Professional examination fees at any point of training" as not approved. The June 2026 England contract-agreement reimbursement applies to doctors in England, not Northern Ireland. Details on the England position: Is the SCA exam fee reimbursed?.
How to claim
- For a first attempt, expect to self-fund an SCA course; use the deanery's own teaching and your protected learning time first.
- If you have had an unsuccessful attempt, engage with the SUCCESS programme and apply through the usual NIMDTA study leave process, at least 4 weeks ahead.
- Claim reimbursement on the NIMDTA claim form within 4 weeks, with receipts and a completed course evaluation. No retrospective applications.
NHS study budget
Most trainees can claim our Complete SCA Course on the NHS study budget.
Check your deanery in 10 seconds — we've drafted the pre-approval email for you.
I'm training in .
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)”