What is a GMC credential?

Introduction

GMC credentials are designed to bring assured training and regulatory oversight to areas where consistent clinical standards, recognised across the UK, are necessary for better patient care, or where patients are at risk due to workforce gaps, limited clinical governance or other factors that cannot safely be addressed in other ways.

GMC credentials are developed and delivered by external agencies, using our agreed framework, but are approved, quality assured and recognised by the GMC. GMC credentials will be marked on a doctor’s entry on the medical register in a similar way to recognised trainer status.

Training vs recognition

GMC credentials describe the outcomes and standards expected of doctors working in a specific area of practice. Some credentials may offer a ‘recognition route’ whereby a doctor who can provide evidence that they already have relevant skills and experience can have this evaluated against the standards without undertaking the credential training.

Non-mandatory

We do not have the legal authority to make any postgraduate training mandatory, including credentials.

We have considered the possibility that doctors without a credential may be limited or disadvantaged through employer or patient choices and will monitor this as the first credentials are delivered. Doctors who achieve a credential have met UK approved standards and outcomes in areas prioritised by local patient or service needs, but this is not the only marker of competence. Appraisal and revalidation will continue to reassure patients and employers that all doctors are practising safely, whether they have a credential or not.