The NHSE study budget is available to every GP trainee. Most do not maximise it — either because they do not know what is claimable or because they find the process unclear.
SCA Preparation
One SCA preparation resource, up to £600, code GP0001. This covers courses and online platforms: Emedica SCA courses, Clinitalk (course + subscription), MedTutor AI (Foundation plan), SCA Revision, SCA Prep — all potentially eligible with ES/TPD approval.
You get one claim — not one per year, one across the entire training programme. Choose the tool that addresses your biggest SCA weakness.
AKT Preparation
One AKT preparation resource, up to £600. Covers Q-banks and courses: Passmedicine, Pastest, Emedica AKT Q-bank or Pass Guarantee, Arora AKT course, FourteenFish AKT package — all potentially eligible.
Same rule — one claim across training. Most trainees claim Passmedicine (~£35) because it provides the best value, but this leaves the majority of the £600 unused.
Not Claimable
Exam fees: SCA (£1,207), AKT (£470). You can reclaim the tax via HMRC self-assessment. Textbooks are usually covered under a separate budget line — check local arrangements. Travel to exam centres may be separately claimable.
Study Leave
Up to 30 days per year (pro-rata for LTFT trainees). SCA exam day is normally granted as additional study leave. Courses (Emedica, Arora) require study leave approval alongside the budget claim.
Process
Discuss your chosen resource with your educational supervisor. Get TPD sign-off — some deaneries require pre-approval, others reimburse retrospectively. Submit claim to deanery finance with receipt and confirmation of ES approval.
Strategy
Use free tools (iatroX, i-Medics, BMJ OnExamination) for your daily revision foundation. Spend study budget on the single premium resource that adds the most value for your specific needs. Do not waste the budget on a cheap resource if a more comprehensive one would serve you better.
Where iatroX Fits
iatroX is free — it never competes with your study budget allocation. Use it as your daily revision foundation and save the budget for premium SCA simulation or AKT courses.