Core learning is the teaching provided to you by your local Directorate of Medical Education. Further information about core learning can be found on the ARCP requirements page.

30 hours of non-core learning must be evidenced in e-portfolio prior to the ARCP deadline.

There are many things that can be used to evidence non-core learning. However, these must be easily and sensibly quantifiable in terms of both the educational content and the time claimed for the non-core learning.

There are 3 main types of learning:

1. Experiential learning: This is learning from being in the working environment. This is where you can demonstrate to your supervisors and others that the cognitive phase of learning is turned into the fixative phase of learning- i.e. DOES. This type of knowledge and learning is demonstrated by SLEs, attending ward rounds, clinics etc. It is part of everyday working activity and should not count towards non-core learning. Tasters are included in experiential learning.
2. Delivered learning: This includes teaching sessions and courses and should count towards the additional hours. We are aiming to have a wide range of learning counted. A course can count towards 5 hours; only 1 course per training year.
3. Self-directed learning: This is learning that you decide to embark on and may take the form of online and e- learning. This can be included if the required MCQ assessments are completed.

A relevant full day course being used for non-core learning will count for a maximum of 5 hours. This is in line with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point used by non-training grades to evidence learning for appraisal. Only one day can be counted per training year.

Non-core learning should include a variety of different methods of learning and different topics.

Each non-core learning event should be logged separately with a short piece written about what was learned. It will not be acceptable, for example, to log several hours of non-core learning and comment that several departmental meetings were attended during the post.

Foundation Programme Directors (FPDs) have discretion over what logged evidence they feel is appropriate. If you are unsure, please discuss with your FPD.

FAQs on Non-core Learning

The below is a list of things that can and cannot be used for non-core learning. This has been compiled from trainee queries.

In general, activities that are part of your normal working day cannot be counted as these are experiential learning that can be evidenced by other means such as SLEs and core procedures. Teaching others should be recorded as a DCT.

The below can be used to evidence non-core learning:

• Departmental teaching
• Journal clubs
• Morbidity and mortality meeting
• Grand rounds
• Hospital-wide lectures
• Specialty/core teaching
• Orthopaedic trauma meetings (departmental teaching)
• Informal teaching by registrars
• Immersive simulation - if not being used to evidence the mandatory 30 hours
• Departmental simulation
• Tutorials
• Evening lectures
• E-learning/online courses
• Delivered Educational Programme attendance beyond requirement
• Balint groups
• Schwartz rounds
• Case conferences

The below cannot be used to evidence non-core learning:

• Clinics/Supervised clinics
• Theatre
• Ward rounds
• Microbiology rounds
• Bedside teaching
• MDT meetings - integral part of job that is part of experiential learning
• Observing on ward
• Observing other health care professionals
• Teaching e.g. medical student
• Hospital mandatory learning (statutory and mandatory training as required by your employer)
• Induction
• Meeting with supervisor
• Reflective practice sessions
• Performing minor operations
• Post mortems
• Death certificate discussions with Medical Officer
• Handover
• PSA
• IMG Induction
• Academic Foundation Programme teaching
• Mental state exams with supervision
• Reading books/journals - unless CPD type articles with accompanying MCQs completed
• Exam preparations - not Foundation relevant
• Essay competitions
• Peer teaching by other Foundation doctors - unless as part of a tutorial led by a senior trainee/consultant
• IT training
• Tasters
• Teaching the clinical teacher
• CV skills sessions
• Meetings about working rights/trade union type meetings
• BMA meetings - unless educational meetings
• Additional degrees/online degrees - the purpose of these is the qualification gained