New evidence requirements for specialist and GP registrations

From 30 November 2023, doctors applying for specialist or GP registration via the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or via the Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration (CRGPR) will be required to produce evidence that shows they have the knowledge, skills and experiences required to practice as a specialist or GP in the UK.

This change is a result of new legislation, introduced by the government, which gives the General Medical Council (GMC) more flexibility to accept a wider range of evidence.

The GMC has published updated guidance with details of the changes. 

The new legislation allows the GMC to also consider the relevant knowledge, skills and experience of the doctors and how they align with the outcomes of the GMC-approved UK curriculum. 

These changes do not lower any expectations of applicants, it is to ensure consistency across all pathways to specialist and GP registration.

The current style of registration means that the GMC will consider whether an applicants' training and qualifications are equivalent to that of the certificate of completion of training (CCT).

The CESR and CEGPR pathways will be renamed to the ‘portfolio pathway’ from the 30 November. The GMC renamed these so that the name better reflects the application process. This new name will be used in GMC documentation, correspondence and web pages from this date. 

The GMC is continuing to work with the Royal Colleges and faculties to update specialty specific guidance, to reflect the broader range of evidence they can accept from doctors, and has requested flexibility around: 

• time limits for evidence 
• structured reports 
• using evidence collected for revalidation 
• using evidence from formal UK education and training progression. 

Any applications currently in progress can still be submitted, however, if applications are submitted before the 30 November, they will be assessed using the current guidance.  

Please find further information on the GMC’s website.