Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

Background information on specialist and GP certification

This section provides information about the different types of certification that are available for specialists and GPs.

Certificates of Completion of Training (CCT)

CCT are issued to doctors who complete a full GMC-approved training programme.

Certificates of Eligibility (CESR and CEGPR)

Certificates of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) and Certificates of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR) are issued to specialists and GPs who have not completed a GMC approved programme but are able to demonstrate that they meet our requirements particular to their specialty, training, qualifications and experience.

The Combined Programme

Through the Combined Programme, Certificates of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) and Certificates of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR) are issued to doctors who complete a GMC-approved training programme having undertaken part of their training programme in posts not approved by the GMC.

Sub-specialty recognition

Doctors who already hold specialist registration are able to apply for their entry on the register to be updated with a sub-specialty they have completed training in.

Applicants for CCT and CESR may apply for recognition of a sub-specialty as part of their CCT or CESR application, and will not need to make this application, unless they want to apply for recognition of a further sub-specialty.

Reviews, reapplications and appeals

Doctors who are unsuccessful in their application may be able to apply for a review of their decision, to reapply or to appeal the decision.

Specialist and GP certification statistics

Statistics are available here showing numbers of successful and unsuccessful applications by specialty and certificate type.

Check a doctor's registration

You can check a doctor's registration online, on the List of Registered Medical Practitioners.