The Common Assurance Process (CAP) is split into phases, each made up of a number of stages, which logically break down the software development and implementation process.

Navigation through CAP is dependant upon the scope and complexity of the supplier release being assured. As a minimum, the scope stage will apply to all supplier releases. The application of subsequent CAP stages will depend on the scope and risk associated with a given supplier release.

NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH) has predefined, tailored CAP approaches for each of its key requirements such as Personal Demographics Service, Electronic Prescription Service, Choose and Book, GP2GP and the Summary Care Record.

Further mapping of these approaches to a supplier's own development and deployment methodology takes place during the scope stage of CAP. This aims to ensure that NHS CFH assurance requirements are met whilst minimising the impact on the supplier's established processes.