ABSTRACT
The essential element of any assessment programme is to define the criteria by which the person is to be assessed. It is also necessary to define under what conditions the assessment will take place. Any assessment should therefore be related to a set of educational objectives which cover an expected standard of competence in relation to the knowledge, skills and attitudes a family doctor needs to exhibit in the particular community setting. Formative assessment should be carried out throughout training. As part of the formative assessment process, each trainee should maintain a log-book with details of in-service training, visits to other health services, attendance at educational programmes, projects, research, assessments and other relevant activities. The best preparation for examinations which test competence in general family practice is to undertake vocational training, to learn on the job in clinical situations, and to augment that learning with attendance at educational programmes and private study.
