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Combined training for GP trainees

Explore reducing your GP training by six months when combining previous, relevant experience with your training programme.

 

What you need to have to be eligible for this

To be eligible to apply, you will be required to demonstrate at least 12 months (365 days) of experience, full time equivalent above foundation level from another UK specialty programme. The College do not calculate eligibility by hours worked, but by the number of full working days completed.

You also need either a substantive paid role (meaning pay other than special pay, personal pay or emoluments classified as pay), an SAS role, or relevant overseas experience.

Previous experience will not automatically qualify you for this scheme.

Your experience, the quality of evidence you provide, and your progress in the first six months of the GP training programme will be considered before your application is approved.

A score of 480 or above in the MSRA exam is needed to be eligible. Research published in 2022 suggested people with lower scores in the selection process may need the extra six months offered on a full three-year training programme.

To be accepted you will also need to achieve an ‘outcome one’ (satisfactory progress) at your first Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) panel after six months in training. 

 

Which training pathways provide this opportunity

There are two combined training pathways:

  • Accreditation of Transferable Capabilities (ATC) for applicants who are transferring to general practice training from another GMC approved specialty training programme
  • Certificate of Completion of Training: Combined Programme (CCT CP) for applicants who have relevant experience from outside a GMC approved specialty training programme. This might include substantive clinical roles or overseas training and experience.

 

Who approves the applications?

Applications will be considered by our GP team, the General Practice Specialist Applications (GPSA) office at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), and finally your first Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) panel once you have been in training for six months.

 

Other things to consider

We encourage you to apply if you feel the scheme is suitable for you.

Please consider some of the things mentioned below and discuss this opportunity with your programme director.

Adjusting to working in a different country or being new to the NHS can be challenging, so please consider the need for any ‘adjustment’ period.

We recommend considering if you would benefit from a broader experience, if your career so far has been mainly in one specialty.

 

How to apply?

For more information on eligibility, or to apply for either ATC or CCT CP please visit the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) website.

Information for GP ST Trainees that have accepted a training place and wish to continue their combined training application can be found in the links below.  This information will help you complete the documents to apply for ATCP and CCT (CP)