CCT guidance and FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for a CCT?

Training in the UK is capability-based, meaning you progress by demonstrating skills and competencies outlined in the curriculum. You can apply for a CCT if you:

are registered in a recognised UK specialty training programme in O&G (either at ST1 or above ST1) and have met all of the curriculum requirements
have been awarded an an Outcome 6 at your final ARCP

This applies to all approved entry routes, including:

Run-through training: Appointed at ST1 and progressing through ST1–ST7
Combined programme: Appointed above ST1 with a combination of UK and/or international O&G experience from GMC-approved and non-GMC-approved post

Bringing forward your CCT date

While most doctors complete their training within the indicative timeframes, some may be able to bring forward their CCT date based on progress and evidence, assessed through the ARCP process.

Trainees who meet the curriculum outcomes earlier than expected may be able to complete training in a shorter time. This is known as accelerated progression.

To be considered, you must:

Have strong evidence of curriculum capability sign-off
Discuss your readiness with your Educational Supervisor and TPD
Be reviewed by your ARCP panel, usually at your penultimate ARCP

There is no automatic right to acceleration, and it is subject to local and national approval processes. Once a CCT date has been brought forward, it cannot be reversed.

If you are undertaking pre-CCT subspecialty training, you may be able to complete your subspecialty programme in less than the indicative time. However, your overall CCT date can only be adjusted through a formal application for accelerated progression.

For full details, please see the RCOG guidance notes for the application of the COPMeD acceleration of training guideline.

How do I apply for a CCT?

Once you’ve received your Outcome 6, you can begin the CCT application process.

I am not in the training programme but have undertaken over seven years of O&G LAT posts – can I apply for a CCT?

To be eligible to apply for a CCT, you must be registered in the specialty training programme. Doctors who have accrued training through LAT posts alone would not be eligible to apply for a CCT but may be eligible apply for specialist registration via the Portfolio Pathway route .

What’s meant by a ‘non-GMC approved post’?

Non-GMC-approved posts are posts that have not been formally educationally approved by the GMC. These may include LAS (locum appointment for service), staff grade, clinical fellow, and overseas posts.

Are training posts in EEA countries recognised by the GMC?

Please refer to the guidance on the GMC website.

How much time spent in non-GMC approved posts can I count towards my training?

The amount of time spent in non-GMC-approved posts may vary from as little as 3–6 months in basic training to several years of experience in countries outside the UK. Your School/Deanery will need to assess whether your previous experience is suitable to count towards specialist registration.

Can additional non-GMC approved time be recognised once I have been appointed to the programme?

As the training programme is competency based there is flexibility to accelerate to a higher training level and make a request for your CCT date to be brought forward (see process above).

I have completed my training through the Combined Programme – can this be converted to a CCT?

Please see details on the GMC website for Retrospective granting of CCT to doctors granted a CESR through the combined programme.

Resources

Contact

Questions can be emailed to SpecialtyTrainingCCT@rcog.org.uk