Delays to specialist applications
We’re currently processing a large number of applications. Thank you for your patience - we’ll aim to progress your application as quickly as we can.

Full registration with a licence to practise and a CESR or CEGPR

This guide is for doctors looking to join the Specialist or GP Registers and can show you have knowledge, skills and experience needed.

It explains how you may be able to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or a Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration (CEGPR).

This application requires you to prepare evidence before you submit it. It can take six to nine months to process, so it’s really important that you read this guidance to help you complete one of these applications.

To help support you, we’ve also created an interactive application user guide which will show you the steps you will go through in the online application.

We have a further guide confirming the steps for providing additional evidence once you’ve submitted your application.

Important information for doctors intending to work as a GP in the UK

To start work as a GP in the UK, you'll need to complete a number of processes. Some of these are handled by organisations other than the GMC.

You must read our General Practice in the UK page for information about applying to join a Performers List and Induction and Returner schemes.

These are extra requirements for you to work as a GP in the UK.

Why I should read this guide?
To find out if this is the right type of application for you and how to make your application.
Next steps
Once you’ve read our guidance – prepare your evidence and submit your application.
  1. Summary
  2. Am I eligible to apply?
  3. What specialty should I apply?
  4. How is my application assessed?
  5. What evidence do I need?
  6. What do I do for full registration?
  7. How do I list my evidence?
  8. How do I organise my evidence?
  9. How do I anonymise my evidence?
  10. How is my evidence verified?
  1. How do I translate my evidence?
  2. How do I structure my CV?
  3. Who should be my referees?
  4. What do my referees need to do?
  5. How do I pay the fee?
  6. Ready to apply
  7. How will my application be processed?
  8. What happens after I apply?
  9. What happens if I am unsuccessful?
Next Am I eligible to apply?

Curriculum updates to CESR and CEGPR applications

The curricula for your specialty might be due for an update. This will impact the evidence you need to provide for your application. Read more about what this means for you.
A doctor using an IPad