Short-notice GMC appraisal: what to do when your date is close
Written by Dr Sudhir Tapase, GMC appraiser · Published 2 November 2026
Sometimes an appraisal is needed quickly: a deadline is closer than you thought, or a previous appointment fell through. This guide covers what to do, in order.
Find your revalidation date and any date your responsible officer (RO) or the GMC has given you. If you have an RO, tell them straight away, since your designated body arranges your appraisal and may be able to help or advise. If you have no RO, the appraisal is yours to arrange. See revalidation without a designated body.
Short-notice appraisals, where a slot is available within 48 hours, cost £700. A standard appraisal is £550. Availability is shown on the fees page.
You need the six types the GMC requires: CPD, quality improvement activity, significant events, patient feedback, colleague feedback, and complaints and compliments. Use the revalidation checklist to see what you have and what is missing.
If something is missing, bring what you have and tell your appraiser. For each of the six types of supporting information, your appraiser either:
- confirms that you sufficiently reflected on the information you collected; or
- if they can’t confirm that, explains why on the form. That can include that you didn’t provide the information, didn’t provide enough of it, provided information that doesn’t fit your scope of practice, or didn’t show enough reflection.
See REV12 form explained.
Write a few lines on each role and setting you have worked in during the appraisal year, including private or other work. Your appraisal covers your whole scope of practice.
An online appraisal needs a working camera, microphone and connection. See how online appraisals work.
Short, honest reflections are better than long, rushed ones. Say what happened, what you learned and what you will do differently.
Colleague and patient feedback take time to collect. If yours is outstanding, tell your appraiser and see how many MSF responses you need to plan ahead. Do not wait until the last 48 hours next year.
Standard £550. Short notice £700.