Applying for entry onto the Specialist Register with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)

This page is to help GMC registered doctors who are eligible* to apply for entry onto the Specialist Register with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR).

Your application will be an online application.  At the end of this guidance you will be given a link to enter our secure web portal.

Before you proceed you will need to decide whether your specialty is a CCT specialty or a non-CCT specialty and whether you meet the minimum requirements. The minimum requirements are different for CCT and non-CCT specialties.

CCT specialties

A CCT specialty is one approved by the GMC for the award of a CCT.

The name for your specialty may differ slightly to that used in the UK. If it covers the same fields as a CCT specialty then you may be eligible for this application type. You can check the fields of the CCT specialties in the CCT curricula (opens in a new window).

Evaluation standard

An application in a CCT specialty must demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible to apply you must have either a specialist qualification or at least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you are applying in.

Non-CCT specialties

A non-CCT specialty is one which is not approved by the GMC for the award of a CCT.

Evaluation standard

An application in a non-CCT specialty must demonstrate that you have knowledge and skill equivalent to the standards required of a consultant in any of the UK health services.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible to apply you must have either a specialist medical qualification from outside the UK or at least six months continuous specialist training outside the UK in a non-CCT specialty.

The process

When we have received your application, supporting evidence, structured reports from your referees, and the application fee, we will make a final check and then, in most cases, send your application to the relevant Royal College or Faculty (opens in a new window) for evaluation.

The Royal College or Faculty will evaluate your evidence and make a recommendation to us as to whether your training, qualifications and experience meet the required standards.

Please read this guidance carefully and in good time before you need your registration. You should bear in mind that it can take a long time to compile your supporting evidence and contact your referees to discuss your references. Once your application is complete, the assessment process will take around three months.

Your steps to certification

• Read this guidance (12 pages)
• Compile the evidence you wish to provide in support of your application
• Get agreement from your referees that they will supply us with a structured report when we contact them
• Log in, complete your application and pay your fee
• Send your evidence to the Specialist and GP Certification team

There is more information about these steps on the following pages of this guidance.