The short answer
Yorkshire and Humber funds SCA courses as green (automatically approved) activity, one per exam attempt, drawn from a named list of approved courses. This per-attempt basis is more forgiving than deaneries that allow only one course across training. Book at least 8 weeks ahead and check your funding permission before paying.
How much you get
The February 2025 Yorkshire and Humber guidance lists SCA courses among its green courses, which are "either required by the ARCP process, mandatory HDR or automatically approved on ALM", with the entry: "SCA courses ST3- one per exam attempt- RCGP SCA course, SCA assured course, complete SCA course." (Study leave for GP Registrars, Yorkshire and Humber, February 2025). Study leave is granted and funding provided "if no free or pre-funded course available."
No flat cash cap is published in the green list; the operative controls are the named-list membership, the one-per-attempt rule, and the free-course-first principle. The guidance also reminds trainees of the "responsibility for appropriate use of the limited NHSE resources" and to confirm reimbursement permission before booking.
Does it cover SCA prep courses?
Yes, and the per-exam-attempt basis is a genuine advantage: if you resit, you can claim a course for the next attempt. The named list is illustrative of the type of course expected (RCGP SCA course, SCA assured course, complete SCA course), and the guidance elsewhere notes its lists are "not exhaustive" with other courses considered case by case on curriculum relevance. Discretionary and specialist-interest activity sits in the amber and red tiers and faces more scrutiny; a straightforward SCA course does not.
Is the SCA exam fee itself reimbursed?
Not from the study budget: a maximum of 5 days of exam-related self-directed learning per training year is claimable as time, but the fee is separate. 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
- Check no free or pre-funded regional course covers your need first.
- Confirm reimbursement permission in advance and apply via ALM with at least 8 weeks' notice of booking.
- Update your portfolio with evidence of attendance afterwards.
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)”