Specialist or GP applications

Certificate of completion of training (CCT)

Doctors with a CCT have completed an approved training programme in the UK and are eligible for entry onto the Specialist Register. We have approved and quality assured training programmes in 65 specialties.

Combined programme

For doctors who joined an approved specialist training programme at a later starting point having already obtained some of the CCT curriculum competencies from previous non-approved training posts. 

Certificate of eligibility for specialist registration (CESR)

The process by which doctors who have not trained in an approved programme can demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience are equivalent to that of the relevant CCT curriculum to join the GP or Specialist registers.

CESR in a non-CCT specialty

A specialty that we haven't approved. Doctors must demonstrate that their knowledge and skills are equivalent to the standards required of a consultant in the UK health services. They must have a specialist medical qualification or six months training in a non-CCT specialty from outside the UK.

CESR through academic or research medicine

For doctors who have not followed a full approved GMC training programme, but have knowledge, skills and experience in a very specific area. Applicants must demonstrate that they have academic or research and clinical skills equivalent to those of a consultant in the UK health services. 

Relevant European Qualification - Specialist

For doctors who hold a relevant specialist European Qualification which meets the current GMC criteria for recognition. 

CESR – general system for the recognition of training

Doctors who are eligible to apply as a Qualifying Swiss applicant may be eligible to apply for specialist registration through the general system. These doctors need to show they have gained the same level of skills and knowledge required by the relevant CCT curriculum.

Existing specialist certificate

For doctors who were issued a CCST, CCT or CESR by one of our predecessors the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) or Specialist Training Authority (STA) between 12 January 1996 and 31 January 2007.

Existing specialist scheme

Doctors who were appointed to a substantive, honorary or fixed term consultant post in the UK Health Services or UK Armed Forces before 1 January 1997, can apply for entry onto the Specialist Register using the scheme for existing specialists.

Published scheme – Late entry onto the Specialist Register

CESR with registration

Doctors who have not followed a full approved GMC training programme but who may have gained the same level of skills and knowledge required by the CCT curriculum, can apply for a CESR. The application for full registration is separate to the CESR application, but can be applied for at the same time. 

Sub-specialty recognition

For doctors who would like to apply for their sub-specialty to be added to their existing entry on the Specialist Register. Applicants must have done GMC approved training in the sub-specialty in which they're applying, or demonstrate that they have completed an overseas training programme, equivalent to the standards of the UK sub-specialty curriculum.

Certificate of completion of training (CCT)

Doctors with a CCT have completed an approved training programme in the UK and are eligible for entry onto the GP Register. We have approved and quality assured training programmes in 65 specialties.

Combined programme

For doctors who joined an approved specialist training programme at a later starting point, having already gained some of the CCT curriculum competencies from previous non-approved training posts. 

CEGPR approved programme

For doctors who have completed the GMC approved GP training programme but failed one part of the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) exams. They may be eligible to apply for a CEGPR through the approved programme application if they pass the missing part of the MRCGP exam in the 12 months immediately after completing their training. 

CEGPR with Registration

Doctors who have not followed a full approved GMC training programme in general practice but who may have gained the same level of skills and knowledge required by the CCT curriculum in general practice, can apply for a CEGPR. The application for full registration is separate to the CEGPR application, but can be applied for at the same time.

Relevant European Qualification – GP

For doctors who hold a relevant GP European Qualification which meets the current GMC criteria for recognition.

CEGPR under general system of assessment

Doctors who are eligible to apply as a Qualifying Swiss applicant may be eligible to apply for GP registration through the general system. These doctors need to show they have gained the same level of skills and knowledge required by the relevant CCT curriculum. 

Existing GP certificate 

Doctors, who were issued a CPE, CEE, CCT or CEGPR by one of our predecessors the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) or the Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice (JCPTGP) before 31 March 2006, are eligible for entry onto the GP Register.