The college is recommending that GPs undertake a wide range of learning activities including peer group learning, reading, online exercises and going to meetings.

The RCGP has fallen into line with the other medical royal colleges by making one hour spent learning worth one of the 50 credits that GPs must collect every year.

But to earn credits GPs must show what they learned and how they will use it. And GPs who can show that their learning has changed their practise can double the credits for that particular activity.

‘You can get credits faster by doing education that benefits your patients,' said Professor Mike Pringle, the RCGP revalidation lead.

Going to conferences and meetings can earn GPs up to 20 credits per year, personal unplanned reading upto 10 credits, targeted reading upto 10 credits, unplanned online learning upto 10 credits, and structured online learning upto 10 credits. There is no upper limit on credits that can be earned for changes made as a result of the knowledge gained.

College chairman Professor Steve Field said the credits scheme was not prescriptive. ‘We are trying to be flexible,' he said.

• Visit our revalidation online resource.
• Read the full version of this story in this week's GP dated 2 October.