In allocating candidates to clinical centres, the criteria are that they are not sent to a centre where they have previously worked, where they are currently working or where they have been examined before.

The College is dependent upon the centres which volunteer their resources to accommodating the clinical examinations and although, geographically, these are spread as widely as possible it inevitably can mean that candidates are required to travel to a centre that meets the allocation criteria. Candidates are made aware of this when entering for the examination.

These criteria were put in place and continue to be operated in the best interests of the candidates. In implementing them, the aim is to ensure that all candidates have an equal chance in the assessment, and that no one could construe that they have been either advantaged or disadvantaged by having had previous contact with the patients with whom they will be presented during the clinical examination.

Every effort is made to allow candidates sufficient time to make their travel plans to the clinical centre to which they have been allocated. The minimum time which candidates will have to arrange their travel and, if necessary, accommodation is 2 weeks.