GP Diplomas
All eight
GP Diplomas

GP diplomas compared

Eight postgraduate diplomas that GPs and GP trainees often take, side by side: what you sit, when the next exams are, what they cost and who can sit each one.

8 diplomasDates to October 2027Checked 18 October 2026

Written by David, a practising GP partner and GP trainer.

Short answer: choose the diploma that matches the work you do or want to do. Women’s health points to the DRCOG and the DCSRH, child health to the DCH and older people to the CGM and DGM. Musculoskeletal work points to the DipMSK, exercise medicine to the DipExMed, occupational health to the DOccMed and tropical or travel medicine to the DTM&H. The DCH, DOccMed, DRCOG and DTM&H are for doctors only. The CGM and DGM, the DCSRH, the DipMSK and the DipExMed are open to other registered professionals too.

Side by side

The eight diplomas at a glance

Fees are for UK candidates and for 2027 where the college has published them. Each diploma name opens our page for it. The dates link opens our full 2027 guide.

DiplomaWhat you sitNext exam you can enterApplyExam feeWho can sit itClinical partPreparation
CGM & DGMRoyal College of Physicians2027 datesCGM: 200 best-of-five questions in four 90-minute papers, online.
DGM: a four-station clinical exam in Liverpool.		CGM: Wed 24 Feb 2027
DGM: 1 to 4 Jun 2027		CGM: 14 Dec 2026 to 18 Jan 2027 (11am)
DGM: 30 Mar to 12 Apr 2027		CGM £350
DGM £668		Any statutorily regulated healthcare professional. CGM: two years qualified, including four months with many older people. DGM: a CGM pass.DGM onlyThe RCP sets no figure. Our CGM plan takes eight weeks.
DCHRoyal College of Paediatrics and Child Health2027 datesFOP: 100 questions in two hours, usually at a test centre.
DCH Clinical: eight stations, online. Either order.		FOP: Wed 17 Feb 2027
Clinical: 19 to 27 May 2027		FOP: 30 Nov to 4 Dec 2026 (online) or 7 Dec (test centre)
Clinical: 1 to 26 Feb 2027		FOP £365 (£455 international)
Clinical £660		Doctors with a primary medical qualification, in the UK or overseas.Yes: the DCH ClinicalThe RCPCH expects most candidates to put at least 150 to 200 hours into the FOP. It recommends four to six months of paediatric experience.
DCSRHCollege of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare2027 guideA learning portfolio, five clinical assessments with your trainer, a 50-question online theory assessment and an Assessment Half Day.No national sitting. You work through it with your trainer.Once a CoSRH Registered Trainer agrees to support you.£331 enrolment plus £142 membership (2026), plus your trainer’s feesDoctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and physician associates registered in the UK or Ireland and working in primary care, community or sexual health services.Yes: assessments with your trainer and four observed stationsUp to two years. Most take about 12 months.
DipExMedFaculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine2027 dates180 single-best-answer questions in two 90-minute papers, online with remote invigilation.Thu 11 Mar 202726 Oct 2026 to 31 Jan 2027£296Doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals. Clinicians registered overseas can apply too.NoThe FSEM sets no figure but strongly advises experience of delivering exercise medicine.
DipMSKFaculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine2027 dates180 single-best-answer questions in 180 minutes, online with remote invigilation.Thu 27 May 202711 Jan to 1 Apr 2027£296Doctors, physiotherapists, advanced nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. Clinicians registered overseas can apply too.NoSelf-directed; the FSEM sets no figure. Our plan from scratch takes 12 weeks.
DOccMedFaculty of Occupational Medicine2027 datesAn online MCQ of about 80 questions, plus a portfolio of two reports with a 20-minute oral on Teams.MCQ: Mon 10 May 20272027 windows not yet published. You must finish an approved course first.MCQ £530
Portfolio £530
Certificate £286
(to 31 Mar 2027)		Doctors with GMC registration or a qualification that makes them eligible for it.No patient exam. The portfolio includes a clinical case and a workplace visit.An approved course with at least 55 hours of training. The FOM puts private study at roughly two to three hours a week over six months.
DRCOGRoyal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists2027 dates120 single-best-answer questions in three hours at a Pearson VUE test centre.Sat 3 Apr 2027, then Sat 2 Oct 2027Expression of interest by Wed 16 Dec 2026; booking 21 Jan to 4 Mar 2027£578 (£482 in the Republic of Ireland)Doctors with full, limited or provisional registration with the GMC or the Medical Council of Ireland.NoThe RCOG sets no figure. Our plan takes 12 weeks at five to seven hours a week.
DTM&HWorshipful Society of Apothecaries2027 datesFour papers, online (to be confirmed), after an approved course.Tue 25 May 2027Opens in due course; closing date to be confirmed2027 to be confirmed (£570 in 2026)Doctors qualified for at least a year who have completed an approved course.Not published. Approved courses include practical parasitology.An approved course of about 250 teaching hours: three months full time or six months part time.

On a phone the table scrolls sideways. Fees and dates change, so check the college’s own page before you apply. The links are at the end of this page.

Choosing

Which diploma first?

Start with the work you do now or want to do next. In our view a diploma is easier to pass while the clinical work is fresh.

Women’s healthDRCOG, then the DCSRHOr the DCSRH first if a registered trainer can take you now.Is the DRCOG worth it? → Child healthDCHWe would sit it after a paediatric post. The RCPCH recommends four to six months of paediatric experience.Is the DCH worth it? → Older peopleCGM, then the DGMThe written CGM comes first. You then have four years to pass the clinical DGM.Is the DGM worth it? → MusculoskeletalDipMSKOne online paper with no clinical exam.The DipMSK for GPs → Exercise medicineDipExMedTwo online papers on one day, with no clinical exam.The DipExMed → Occupational healthDOccMedYou need an approved course before you apply.Is the DOccMed worth it? → Tropical and travel medicineDTM&HYou need an approved course. The exam runs once a year.The DTM&H in 2027 →

GP trainees

We would put the AKT and SCA first. After that, we would start with the diploma that matches your current or most recent hospital post, while the work is fresh. The RCOG suggests GP trainees take the DRCOG during an O&G placement. If you want both women’s health diplomas, read DRCOG or DCSRH first?

Qualified GPs

In our view the best choice is the diploma that matches a special interest or a lead role you hold or want. It is also clear evidence of learning for your appraisal.

Nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists. The CGM and DGM are open to any statutorily regulated healthcare professional with the right experience. The DCSRH names nurses, midwives, pharmacists and physician associates. The DipMSK and the DipExMed name physiotherapists, other allied health professionals and advanced nurse practitioners but not pharmacists. The DCH, DOccMed, DRCOG and DTM&H are for doctors only. More: the DGM for nurses, the DGM for pharmacists and the DipMSK for physiotherapists.
The next 12 months

Every application window and exam, November 2026 to October 2027

Closing dates are marked in red. Not published yet: the DOccMed’s 2027 application windows and oral dates. The DTM&H’s 2027 application dates are not out either. The DCSRH has no national sitting. DipExMed applications open on Mon 26 October 2026, just before this calendar starts.

November 2026

  • Wed 4DRCOGResults of the October 2026 exam
  • 9 to 11DGMClinical exam in Liverpool (applications closed)
  • Mon 16DOccMedMCQ online, then orals on 17, 18 and 24 November (registration closed)
  • 17 to 25DCHDCH Clinical on 17 to 19 and 23 to 25 November (applications closed)
  • Mon 30DCHFOP applications open for the February exam

December 2026

  • Fri 4DCHLast day for FOP applications to sit online. Test centres: Mon 7 December.
  • Mon 14CGMApplications open
  • Wed 16DRCOGLast day for the April 2027 expression of interest
  • Wed 16DGMNovember results

January 2027

  • Mon 11DipMSKApplications open
  • Mon 18CGMLast day for applications, 11am
  • Thu 21DRCOGBooking opens for those who sent an expression of interest
  • Sun 31DipExMedLast day for applications

February 2027

  • Mon 1DCHDCH Clinical applications open for May
  • Wed 17DCHFOP exam
  • Wed 24CGMCGM exam, online
  • Fri 26DCHLast day for May DCH Clinical applications

March 2027

  • Thu 4DRCOGLast day to book for April
  • Thu 11DipExMedExam: two online papers
  • Tue 30DGMApplications open for June
  • Wed 31CGMResults

April 2027

  • Thu 1DipMSKLast day for applications
  • Sat 3DRCOGExam
  • Mon 5DCHFOP applications open for the June exam
  • Fri 9DCHLast day for FOP applications to sit online. Test centres: Mon 12 April.
  • Mon 12DGMLast day for June applications
  • By Thu 22DipExMedResults: the FSEM says no later than six weeks after the exam

May 2027

  • Tue 4DRCOGApril results
  • Mon 10DOccMedMCQ, online (afternoon)
  • 19 to 27DCHDCH Clinical on 19 to 21 and 25 to 27 May
  • Tue 25DTM&HExam: four papers
  • Thu 27DipMSKExam, online

June 2027

  • 1 to 4DGMClinical exam in Liverpool
  • Wed 23DCHFOP exam

July 2027

  • Wed 7DGMJune results
  • By Thu 8DipMSKResults: the FSEM says no later than six weeks after the exam
  • Fri 16DRCOGLast day for the October expression of interest

August 2027

  • Mon 2DCHDCH Clinical applications open for November
  • Thu 5DRCOGBooking opens for October
  • Mon 9DCHFOP applications open for the October exam
  • Fri 13DCHLast day for FOP applications to sit online. Test centres: Mon 16 August.
  • Fri 27DCHLast day for November DCH Clinical applications
  • Tue 31DGMApplications open for November

September 2027

  • Thu 2DRCOGLast day to book for October
  • Mon 13DGMLast day for November applications

October 2027

  • Sat 2DRCOGExam
  • Wed 13DCHFOP exam

November 2027 brings the DGM clinical exam (2 to 5 November), the DOccMed MCQ (Mon 8 November) and the DCH Clinical (16 to 25 November).

Budget

What each diploma really costs

College fees for UK candidates plus the extras people forget. The totals are our arithmetic from the published fees. For more detail read what the DRCOG really costs and what the DCH really costs. Our own revision access is £49.99 per diploma for 12 months: see our pricing.

DiplomaCollege feesAlso budget forCollege fees in total
CGM & DGMCGM £350 (2027). DGM £668 (June and November 2027).Travel to Liverpool for the DGM. No course is required.£1,018
DCHFOP £365, or £455 for international candidates. DCH Clinical £660 (2027).No course is required.£1,025 (£1,115 international)
DCSRHEnrolment £331 including your first theory attempt. Diplomate membership £142. Theory resits £93 each. A virtual Assessment Half Day is £343 if yours is not arranged locally. Enrolment and membership are 2026 prices.Your trainer’s fees for training and the five clinical assessments. Each trainer sets their own.£473 before trainer fees. CoSRH estimates £473 to £1,300 or more.
DipExMed£296, subject to the FSEM’s annual price review.A computer that meets the TestReach requirements, since you sit from home.£296
DipMSK£296, subject to the FSEM’s annual price review.No course is required.£296
DOccMedMCQ £530. Portfolio and oral £530. Certificate £286. These fees run to 31 March 2027.An approved course before you apply. The FOM does not publish course prices. How to choose a course.£1,346 plus the course
DRCOG£578 at UK test centres. £482 in the Republic of Ireland.Travel to a Pearson VUE centre on a Saturday. No course is required.£578
DTM&H£570 in 2026. The 2027 fee is to be confirmed.An approved course before you sit. The Society does not publish course prices.£570 plus the course (2026 fee)
What has changed

Old names and new

People still search for the old names, so here is what each exam is called now and who runs it.

  • The DFSRH has become the DCSRH. The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH) was formerly the FSRH. Its diploma, the DCSRH, is a new pathway: learning from the old diploma does not usually carry over.
  • DGM Part 1 is now the CGM. The DGM used to be a two-part exam. Its written part has become the Certificate in Geriatric Medicine and the DGM is now the clinical exam alone.
  • The DTM&H has moved. The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries now runs it. The Royal College of Physicians used to.
  • The DCH theory exam is the FOP. The Foundation of Practice is the same paper MRCPCH candidates sit. One paper, two qualifications.
  • Part 1 MFOM is the DOccMed MCQ. The FOM says it is the same examination as the Diploma MCQ. A Part 1 pass counts as a pass in the Diploma MCQ, as long as you pass the rest within five years. You still need the approved course.
Before you buy anything

Try ten questions free for any diploma

Each of our diploma pages has ten free practice questions, with the same explanation members see after every answer: the Core Lens, a Deep Dive and a Founder’s Tip. No sign-up, no timer and nothing saved. Full access to any one diploma is £49.99 for 12 months as a one-off payment. See all eight on our pricing page.

CGM & DGMTen geriatric medicine questionsTry them free → DCHTen child health questionsTry them free → DCSRHTen contraception and sexual health questionsTry them free → DipExMedTen exercise medicine questionsTry them free → DipMSKTen musculoskeletal questionsTry them free → DOccMedTen occupational medicine questionsTry them free → DRCOGTen women’s health questionsTry them free → DTM&HTen tropical medicine questionsTry them free → Ready to choose?See all eight on our pricing page →
Quick answers

Questions GPs ask about the diplomas

Which GP diplomas can I sit from home?

Online: the CGM, the DipMSK, the DipExMed, the DOccMed MCQ and oral, the DCH Clinical and the DCSRH theory assessment. In person: the DRCOG at a Pearson VUE test centre and the DGM in Liverpool. The DCH theory exam is usually at a test centre, with online sittings for candidates who meet the RCPCH’s criteria. If your DCSRH Assessment Half Day is not arranged locally, you can book a virtual one with CoSRH. The 2027 DTM&H is listed as online, to be confirmed.

Can international doctors sit these diplomas?

Several, yes. The DCH and DTM&H accept doctors who qualified overseas. The DipMSK and the DipExMed accept clinicians registered with their own regulator. The DRCOG needs GMC or Medical Council of Ireland registration and is sat only in the UK or Ireland. The DOccMed needs GMC registration or a qualification eligible for it. For the CGM and DGM, read our guide for overseas candidates.

How many attempts do I get?

The DRCOG allows five and the DipMSK and the DipExMed six each. The CGM and DGM allow six, then each further attempt needs evidence of extra educational experience signed off by your educational supervisor and training programme director. The DOccMed allows six at each part before you must repeat the approved course. From 1 November 2026 the DCH allows six at each part, then one more with evidence of further experience. The DCSRH allows up to three attempts at its online theory assessment. The Society of Apothecaries does not publish a DTM&H limit.

How long should I revise for a GP diploma?

Most colleges do not give a figure. The RCPCH expects most candidates to put at least 150 to 200 hours into the DCH theory exam (FOP). The FOM requires an approved course with at least 55 hours of training and puts private study at roughly two to three hours a week over six months. DTM&H courses involve about 250 hours of teaching. Most DCSRH candidates finish in about 12 months. For the written exams our plans run from eight weeks for the CGM to 12 weeks for the DRCOG.

Which GP diploma is the cheapest?

On college fees alone, the DipMSK and the DipExMed at £296 each. The DRCOG costs £578. The CGM and DGM together cost £1,018 and the two DCH exams £1,025. The DOccMed and DTM&H also need a paid course. The DCSRH depends on your trainer’s fees.

Do I need a course or a trainer?

The DOccMed and DTM&H need an approved course first. The DCSRH needs a CoSRH Registered Trainer before you can apply. The CGM, DGM, DCH, DipMSK and DRCOG need neither.

Is the DFSRH the same as the DCSRH?

Not quite. The DCSRH replaced the DFSRH and the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare was formerly the FSRH. The DCSRH is a new pathway. The CoSRH says learning from a previous diploma does not usually carry over.

Is the CGM the same as the DGM?

No. The CGM is the written exam that was once DGM Part 1. The DGM is now the clinical exam alone, which you sit after passing the CGM.

Sources

Checked against the colleges’ own pages

Every date, fee and rule on this page was checked on 18 October 2026 and the DipExMed details on 20 October 2026. We recheck them every month. Always confirm on the college’s own page before you apply.

Core Revision is independent and not affiliated with any of the colleges, faculties or societies named on this page.