Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

Specialist and GP certification

Doctors who practise as honorary, fixed term or substantive consultants in the NHS must be on the Specialist Register. Doctors who practise as GPs in the NHS, other than trainees, must be on the GP Register.

Before they can be entered onto the Specialist Register or the GP Register, we need to check that they are appropriately qualified. We carry out checks that they meet requirements particular to their specialty, training, qualifications and experience.

Successful applicants will be issued with a certificate, and those who hold full registration will be entered onto the Specialist Register or the GP Register.

Doctors may work in areas other than the specialty or specialties listed for them in the Specialist Register. In this section you can read more about specialist and GP certification, how to apply, what to do after receiving a decision and information for Royal Colleges or Faculties and Deaneries.

Background information on specialist and GP certification

Information for everyone about the different types of certification that is available for doctors who have completed specialist or GP training (including experience where appropriate). Statistics and frequently asked questions on certification are also in this section..

Read background information on specialist and GP certification

How to apply for specialist or GP certification

Guidance for doctors on which type of certification you are eligible for and how to apply. Includes guidance on applying for Certificates of Completion of Training (CCT), Certificates of Eligibility for specialist or GP Registration (CESR and CEGPR) and sub-specialty recognition.

Read how to apply for specialist or GP certification