It is true that the UK is a weird and quirky place at times. But there are some myths about the UK that we have been asked about by overseas doctors (IMGs) that really should be ignored. Here are some of the most common…
5. The food is bland and horrible.
Wrong! Not only does the UK have some of the best chefs in the world it also boasts restaurants inspired by immigration and world cuisine. Ok, back in the 80’s it might not have been anything to shout about, but things have changed rapidly. Don’t just take our word for it, try the many Michelin starred restaurants or street food festivals and let your taste buds do the talking.
4. It never stops raining!
Wrong! Ok, well mostly wrong. Whatever you think of the British weather, it definitely is unique! Fascinating and frustrating, we love nothing more than to talk about the weather, and when you have been here for more than a day, you will join the daily discussion. As an island, we get the best and worst of weather, at least it isn’t boring! In fact, it is glorious!
3. Everyone speaks with a cockney accent.
Wrong! We might not be the biggest country in the world, but the cultural diversity is immense. Cockney might be the famous accent everyone knows from the movies, and let’s face it, it is fantastic, but from village to village, and region to region, everyone has their own way of saying things. The British accents woo the world, and define its people by pinpointing everyone to the nearest postcode. Centuries of immigration bringing wonderful accents from across the globe, which when coupled with Scots, Welsh, English and Northern Irish accents create a warm linguistic soundscape.
2. All Scottish people wear Kilts.
Wrong! Whilst everyone loves to see a Scotsman or Scotswoman in a Kilt, most Scots only wear this traditional outfit for special occasions, like Weddings or Burns Night. That said, the Scots are a stylish bunch and you can wear a kilt any day of the year!
1. Nobody speaks to each other on the London Underground (Tube).
This one might be a little true....but don’t fret! Londoners, like the rest of the Brits, are a welcoming bunch, and will chat with you over a cup of tea or a beer ;)
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The GMC is the public body that maintains the official register of medical professionals with the UK. Once a doctor has gained full GMC registration, there are a number of actions they may take to maintain their registration and keep their information up to date.
In this blog we will be looking at the how to manage your registration and the different options you have if you need to change your status on the register.
How do I maintain my registration?
What is revalidation and who needs it?
How do I give up my licence or registration?
How do I restore my licence or registration?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
Maintaining your Registration
In order to manage and maintain your registration and licence to practise, you need to meet certain requirements and keep your information up to date.
The details you need to keep up to date include your address, email, designated body or suitable person (for revalidation purposes) and your direct debit details. This can all be managed through GMC Online.
To change your address, your name or your name and gender status, you will need to complete forms which can be found on the GMC website.
Please note that to change your name and gender status, there is an application process involved.
Revalidation
All doctors on the GMC’s medical register with a licence to practise must go through a process called revalidation.
Revalidation allows you to demonstrate that you:
are keeping your knowledge up to date
provide a good level of care
are fit to practise and no concerns have been raised about you
The process of revalidation differs slightly, depending on your revalidation connection type, which you can check using the GMC’s connection tool.
Doctors with a connection – most doctors have a connection and will revalidate their registration and licence every five years, by having annual appraisals based on the GMC’s core guidance for doctors: Good medical practice. All doctors working in the UK must have a designated body and will be given a five yearly recommendation from their responsible officer or suitable person, based on which the GMC would make a decision.
Doctors without a connection – you may not have a connection for example because you are not practising in the UK. In this case, you would similarly revalidate through a process of annual appraisals based on Good medical practice, annual returns submitted to us as well as a five-yearly assessment. The GMC would make a revalidation decision based on the outcomes of these activities.
Doctors in training – these doctors would revalidate through meeting the requirements of their UK training programme and the GMC would make a decision based on a recommendation from the responsible officer of their training body.
Full details on revalidation can be found on the GMC website.
Please note, if you fail to comply with the requirements of registration, including appraisals, this puts your licence to practise at risk.
Changing your Status on the GMC Register
If you're no longer practising medicine or enter into work that doesn’t require registration or a licence to practise, you can apply to give up your whole registration or just your licence.
You can choose to give up either your registration or just your licence. Which of the two options is best for you will depend on your circumstances and we will go into more details on this below.
Giving up your licence or registration is not final, and you can apply to restore it again when you're ready.
The table below will allow you to understand whether it would be better for you to relinquish your registration, your licence or both, based on some considerations you may have.
Relinquish your Registration
If you give up your licence only, you will still be able to prove your good standing with the GMC to other organisations, but you will pay a reduced annual retention fee. You will not be able to practise medicine in the UK.
Relinquishing your registration (voluntary erasure) means that your name will remain on the GMC register but with the status ‘Not registered – Having relinquished registration’
You can request to give up your registration up to three months in advance, but if you hold full registration with a licence to practise, you will still need to take part in revalidation until your registration ends.
Providing Medical Services
If you have provided medical services in the 5 years prior to giving up your registration, you will need to send the GMC a provision of medical services statement, from your employer to confirm you provided a medical service if you have used your medical knowledge and skills as part of your work.
The form can be downloaded from the GMC website and should be completed by the individual, body, or organisation where you most recently provided these services, anywhere in the world. This includes unpaid and voluntary work, or any other sort of arrangement, whether it be formal or informal.
Details of what should be accounted for in the form can be found here.
Fees
There is a processing fee which applies when giving up your registration. If your application is received by the GMC:
before your annual retention fee (ARF) is due, you will be refunded any unused part of your ARF.
after your ARF is due, you will have to pay the outstanding balance before the GMC will end your registration.
The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.
Relinquish your Licence
If you give up your registration, you will not have to pay an annual retention fee. You will not be able to practise medicine in the UK.
Giving up your licence but keeping your registration means you're able to prove your good standing with the GMC to other organisations. You will not however be able to practise medicine in the UK.
Some things to bear in mind if you give up your licence:
It’s your responsibility to establish that you do not need a licence for your work.
You’re still bound by the principles of Good medical practice if you keep your registration without a licence.
You must tell your employer and those who contract and use your services that you’ve given up your licence.
You can apply to give up your licence to practise through your GMC Online account, through the ‘My Registration’ section and you will not need to provide any evidence or documentation.
Full details of the documentation needed to reinstate your licence can be found here.
Fees
There is a processing fee which applies when giving up your licence to practise. The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.
Restore your Licence to Practice
If you were up-to-date with revalidation when you gave it up, it is relatively straightforward to have it restored.
From 2016 to 2017, it took on average 22 days for licence restoration, and you can apply for restoration up to three months in advance.
You'll need to send the GMC:
evidence to confirm your identity
statements from organisations you have most recently provided medical services to
certificates of good standing from any other regulators you’ve been registered with in the past five years
You might also be asked to attend an identity check, but the GMC will confirm this once your application has been granted and your licence restored.
Please note, if you were not up-to-date with revalidation when you relinquished your licence, you will be given a new revalidation submission date, and you will need to meet any requirements you failed to meet when you withdrew your licence.
You can apply to restore your licence to practise through your GMC Online account, through the ‘My Registration’ section, then ‘My Applications’.
Fees
There is a processing fee which applies when restoring your licence to practise. The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.
Sources
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/information-for-doctors-on-the-register/maintain-your-registration
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/information-for-doctors-on-the-register/revalidation
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/restoration-to-the-register
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/giving-up-your-licence-to-practise
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/giving-up-your-registration-and-licence-to-practise
Getting started
We hope this article gives you a clearer picture of the different ways you can manage your GMC registration.
If you are looking to restore your registration or licence, get in touch with our team for support in finding your perfect role in the NHS and relocating to the UK – we’re always happy to help.
Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
This article delves into the specific guidance on GMC applications for entry onto the UK Specialist Register through the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for clinical oncologists.
We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and most importantly the required evidence, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:
What is CESR and who is it for?
Do overseas oncologists need FRCR (Oncology) for CESR?
What is the CESR equivalence process?
What evidence is required for a CESR in clinical oncology?
Where will I find this evidence?
How do I submit a CESR application?
How long does it take to complete?
How much does CESR cost?
How long does it take to receive a decision?
Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK?
#IMG Tips
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
An Introduction to CESR
CESR, or the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration, is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved training programme, but can demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications and experience are equivalent to the requirements for the award of the CCT in the UK.
CESR holders can be appointed to substantive (or permanent) consultant positions in the NHS. As a clinical or radiation oncologist, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.
Oncologists must prove to the GMC that their specialist training or specialist qualifications, when considered together, are equivalent to a CCT in the specialty in question.
In order to be eligible for CESR, doctors should have undertaken a minimum of 6 months training or obtained a specialist qualification and acquired specialist experience or knowledge as a clinical oncologist within a non-training post.
Overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS. Often, experienced oncologists will secure a post in the UK, and work towards CESR whilst in post.
FRCR (Oncology) for Specialist Registration
Whilst it is always beneficial to complete FRCR (Oncology), particularly for doctors who have trained outside the UK or an EEA country, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.
The standard test of knowledge in the Clinical Oncology curriculum is the FRCR exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.
FRCR (Oncology) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.
Similarly, UK trainees would have completed MRCP (UK) before beginning their clinical oncology training, which is also not required for oncologists going through the CESR route.
However, CESR applicants who have not successfully completed these exams must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to oncologists who have passed the FRCR (Oncology) exams and the appropriate level of non-oncology expertise and that you can appropriately manage the acutely unwell patient.
Even if the competencies covered by the exam require something that someone in your position would not routinely undertake (in your sub-specialty for example), you must still provide evidence of it – as the evaluators will not make assumptions outside the evidence presented.
You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.
The CESR Equivalence Process
Equivalence refers to the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current clinical oncology training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.
The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:
training and/or competence; AND
skills and knowledge
The Royal College of Radiologists will assess each application against the relevant curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.
Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.
Evidence Requirements for CESR in Clinical Oncology
Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the clinical oncology curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.
Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.
Audit and Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle
Currency of Evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.
The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.
As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800 - 1000 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:
Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance
Domain 2 – Safety and quality
Domain 3 – Communication, partnership and teamwork
Domain 4 – Maintaining trust
Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.
The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.
Gathering Evidence for a CESR Application
Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance
Qualifications
Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)
Specialist medical qualification(s)
Curriculum or syllabus (if undertaken outside the UK)
Specialist registration outside the UK
Honours and prizes
Other relevant qualifications
Assessments and appraisals
Appraisals and assessments
RITAs, ARCPs and training assessments
360˚ and multi-source feedback
Awards and discretionary points letters
Personal development plans (PDP)
Logbooks, records of daily clinical practice and portfolios
Logbooks
Consolidation, cumulative data sheets, summary lists and annual caseload statistics
Medical reports
Case histories
Referral letters discussing patient handling
Patient lists
Departmental (or trust) workload statistics and annual caseload statistics
Rotas, timetables and job plans
Courses relevant to curriculum
Portfolios (electronic or revalidation)
Details of posts and duties (including both training and experience posts)
Employment letters and contracts of employment
Job descriptions
Job plans
Research, publications and presentations
Research papers, grants, patent designs
Publications within specialty field
Presentations, poster presentations
CPD and CME
CPD record certificates, certificates of attendance, workshops and at local, national and international meetings or conferences
CPD registration points from UK Medical Royal College (or equivalent body overseas)
Membership of professional bodies and organisations
Teaching timetables
Lectures
Feedback or evaluation forms from those taught
Letters from colleagues
Attendance at teaching or appraisal courses
Participation in assessment or appraisal and appointments processes
Domain 2 – Safety and quality
Participation in audit, service improvement
Audits undertaken by applicant
Reflective diaries
Service improvement and clinical governance meetings
Safety
Health and safety
Domains 3 - Communication, partnership and teamwork
Communication
Colleagues
Patients
Partnership and teamwork
Working in multidisciplinary teams
Management and leadership experience
Chairing meetings and leading projects
Domain 4 – Maintaining trust
Acting with honesty and integrity
Honest and integrity
Equality and human rights (including disability, human rights, race, religion and ethnicity awareness and equal opportunities)
Data protection
Relationships with patients
Testimonials and letters from colleagues
Thank you letters, cards from colleagues and patients
Complaints and responses to complaints
For more guidance on the different types of evidence, see the specialty specific guidance from the GMC for clinical oncology.
Validating Evidence
Original documents which are on headed paper with a hospital stamp and original signatures do not need additional validation.
All photocopied evidence should contain a hospital stamp on every page of each document, the validator’s name (printed and in full), job title (printed and in full) and original signature.
Application Submission
All CESR applications are submitted online via GMC Online and if you have not already created an account, you can find a guide on how to do so here.
Electronic evidence is required for each of the different evidence sections of the CESR application. Once started, the online application remains open for 12 months, meaning that it can be used as a portfolio to gather evidence against each of the different sections.
Your electronic evidence can be in any of the following formats:
.doc
.pdf
.ppt
.xls
Formats outside of these are unlikely to be accepted.
The Online Application
You will be required to complete the following sections once you begin your application:
Specialty details
Qualification details and professional experience
Details of your referees
Registration and licensing history
Evidence summary
Details of your verifiers
Final declaration and payment
Additional Evidence
Once an Adviser on the Specialist Applications Team has reviewed your initial evidence, they will provide you with information on:
What evidence they’ve accepted
What evidence they’re unable to accept (including the reasons for this)
Advice and guidance on how your application could be strengthened
You’ll have up to 60 days to provide additional documentary evidence in support of your application (30 days if you’ve submitted a Review application).
For further information about the online application process, see the GMC’s User Guide.
How long does it take to complete?
As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.
It is worth noting that more senior oncologists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.
The indicative period of training for a CCT in clinical oncology is seven years (not including Foundation Training), so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior clinical or radiation oncologists.
Cost of CESR Applications
All oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,727.
For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.
Clinical Oncology Jobs in the NHS without CESR
Overseas doctors do not require CESR to work in the UK.
There are also roles for more senior oncologists such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or acting consultant, where you will likely receive better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience. While working in these positions, you can also collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK clinical oncology curriculum.
Across the UK there are several NHS Trusts with well-established CESR programmes of support for oncology who have taken up a fixed term post with the view to completing CESR.
These positions also facilitate a faster route to working in UK and attaining Specialist Registration when compared to making an application for CESR from overseas, which can take an additional amount of time, depending on the country in which you completed your training.
#IMG Tips
Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.
Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.
Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.
Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the Clinical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.
Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Clinical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.
Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.
Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).
Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.
Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded clinical and radiation oncology CESR aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology, including guidance on CESR applications, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
Sources
https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/certificate-eligibility-specialist-registration
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr
https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---clinical-oncology---dc3556_pdf-48456770.pdf
https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_oncology_curriculum_2021.pdf
Getting started
Many senior IMG oncologists looking to develop their careers through Specialist Registration with the GMC may be eligible via the CESR route, and attaining CESR can be a long but very rewarding process. Look at our introduction to CESR for clinical oncologists for a full overview.
If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS.
CESR acts as a route to applying for substantive (permanent) consultant jobs in Emergency Medicine for doctors who have not followed a specialty training programme in the United Kingdom.
In a nutshell it is the option available to emergency medicine doctors practicing as consultants, or at a senior level from overseas who wish to gain specialist registration in the UK. Some doctors choose to apply from overseas, others work with IMG Connect to secure a job in the NHS geared at helping them gain entry to the specialist register once in the UK.
If you are working as an Emergency Medicine consultant, or at a senior level in your home country and are eligible for specialist registration in the UK, then as an overseas doctor (IMG) you have a couple of options. Here we focus on applying for CESR from abroad as well as the alternative route, applying for a Specialty Doctor or Fixed Term Consultant job in the UK before applying for CESR with support of your NHS employer.
Both routes lead to gaining CESR and entry to the Specialist Register, meaning that you can work as a substantive consultant in the NHS. Both take hard work, preparation, evidence gathering, time and dedication. Both options have the same end goal, specialist registration.
It is important to say that no matter how you choose to apply, the CESR process involves submitting a large volume of evidence to demonstrate that you have the equivalent experience, skills and competencies as a doctor who has taken the specialty training route in the UK. Whether applying from overseas or not, some doctors are asked to complete additional experiences to meet this strict standard. Because of this, the process can be lengthy.
Applying for CESR from overseas
This is a great option for emergency medicine consultants who are not constrained by time and have an understanding department that will support the additional gathering of evidence.
The GMC reckons that it takes between 6 – 9 months between submitting your application and receiving a decision. At IMG Connect our experience tells us that is takes a similar amount of time to gather the evidence prior to submitting. In addition, you must have completed the evidence in the first place in real workplace and clinical scenarios. This can take twice as much time as preparing and submitting. Put simply, the process can be time consuming and laborious.
Add to this the issue of completing and gathering evidence against the CESR application from overseas. It can prove challenging to ensure that you have completed the full complement of competencies for CESR applications. This can result in the GMC asking for further evidence, adding more time to the process. You may have to identify gaps in your learning and then resolve them. It is not all bad though, this is good practice and will benefit you in the long run.
Applying for a specialty doctor job and/or fixed term consultant post before applying for CESR
For senior emergency medicine doctors who are keen to secure entry to the Specialist Register quickly, and work in the UK as soon as possible, then taking up a Specialty Doctor role with CESR programme, or a Fixed Term Consultant post with CESR programme/support is a good option.
Many NHS hospitals or trusts in the UK will offer access to support, clinical experience and study or preparation time for CESR. This is often built into the weekly job plan, but in some circumstances, this may be arranged informally. Either way, this is a good way for senior emergency medicine doctors to quickly gather the right evidence for their application with the support of their peers, senior colleagues and NHS employer. This can shorten the time spent on the application overall.
If this sounds like the best option for you, it is wise to start gathering and signing off evidence in your current consultant post. That way you will already have some or most of the required evidence for CESR in place, allowing you to quickly focus on any elements that are missing once in the UK and working in the NHS
Find an emergency medicine job in the NHS with CESR
Securing a job as a Specialty Doctor with CESR programme attached, or a job as a Fixed Term Consultant with CESR programme/support attached, gives you instant exposure to the UK system, NHS experience and a great start to your career in the NHS.
To discuss whether applying for CESR from overseas or securing a job as a Specialty Doctor or Fixed term consultant with CESR programme is the right route for you towards specialist registration, speak with an IMG Connect consultant, register or send your CV.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK
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Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Regardless of what stage you are at in your medical career, a doctor's CV is the first opportunity you have to make the first impression you want to an NHS employer and secure your preferred job in the NHS.
When you consider that the average CV gets 10-15 seconds of attention it is clear how important it is to get your CV right and make it stand out. Follow our Top 14 Tips and be sure to give yourself the best opportunity of landing the interviews you want to.
Your CV tells the story of you and your career and at a glance and it should be clear why you are the best person for the role you are applying for.
Request our helpful CV template for GMC applications here.
14 general tips for writing a doctor CV:
1. Review and update.
By taking the time to regularly review and update your CV, it allows you to create a standard format that you can adapt for each position that you apply for, giving you the best chance at landing the interview you really want.
2. Keep up to date.
Modern medical CVs are reflective of the changing face of the profession. Keep up to date.
3. Keep it traditional.
If it works, don’t fix it. Using our template, follow the GMC guidelines on the layout and content of your CV.
If you are applying for a training programme, check the GMC requirements for example, applications for Specialist registration require a particular format.
4. Don’t write war and peace.
There is no prescribed length of a medical CV, but if you follow standard layouts, order by relevance and write succinctly, a standard CV could be between 2 – 8 pages long. Remember though, it can be as long as it needs to be!
5. Presentation is vital.
Use a clear font and size (we recommend 12-point Arial, Calibri or Times), a clear layout, avoid large chunks of text and use bullet points.
6. Keep it concise.
Adopt a style of writing that is professional, using short and simple sentences - use active words when referring to skills and focus on positive aspects.
7. Match to the job description.
Prioritise the section of your CV that matches the job at the top, so it's seen first. Reprioritise the least relevant content to appear further down each section.
Highlight elements that match the specific job description and person specification.
8. Do not exaggerate.
There is no need to exaggerate any information on your CV. And remember you don’t need to include everything you have done in your career, if it is not relevant to the application, consider if you need to include it at all. There will be plenty of opportunity at interviews to get this information across.
9. Align with the trust or hospital values.
Your CV and interview should demonstrate that your personal values and behaviours align with the NHS values outlined in the NHS Constitution. In a nutshell these are your motivation and commitment to the NHS and the role, your ability to work in multi-professional teams, the central importance of the patient's experience.
10. No need to waste paper.
Don’t include a cover sheet or index. You want the reader to see the main page straight away, which shows who you are, what qualifications you have and that you are suitable for the vacancy.
11. Use a spell checker!
To ensure no spelling mistakes, use a spell checker. One of the main reasons a CV will be rejected is incorrect spelling.
12. Proofread.
Competition means that you need to prepare an error free CV. Proofreading is crucial, and spelling checks on your computer will not suffice. Take time to conduct a thorough examination looking for possible errors or flaws in format, sentence structure, content or layout.
13. Get someone else to proofread.
Ask a peer or senior colleague to proofread and get their feedback. Don’t forget to act upon their feedback and make any necessary changes, before asking them to check again, just in case.
14. Get us to proofread!
CLICK HERE & SEND YOUR CV TO US FOR A FREE AND QUICK CV REVIEW
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.
For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCPCH for paediatricians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.
GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors
PLAB for GMC Registration
MRCPCH for GMC Registration
Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCPCH?
#IMG Tips
How do I get started?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors
Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:
What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.
There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:
PLAB
Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination
Relevant European Qualification
Sponsorship / MTI
CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR
Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.
Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.
For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.
PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.
The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.
MRCPCH - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Paediatricians
The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.
For paediatrics, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of paediatrics in the UK, and MRCPCH is the full qualification attained through these examinations.
Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPCH to learn more.
PLAB vs MRCPCH
Both MRCPCH and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.
Seniority of Positions in the NHS
It would be difficult for an overseas paediatrician to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCPCH, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.
Training
To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCPCH.
Time
PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.
MRCPCH has four stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 30 months of postgraduate experience with at least 12 months involving the care of emergency paediatric patients and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.
Cost
MRCPCH has varying costs depending on whether you sit the exams in the UK or overseas. If sitting the exam in the UK, the exams can cost around £1,985, whereas sitting the exams overseas can cost up to £3,235.
PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.
So for both MRCPCH and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.
It’s also important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.
Summary
PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO, does not assess ability in paediatrics specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., paediatrics.
PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.
MRCPCH involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.
Additionally, MRCPCH will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK paediatrics than PLAB.
#IMG Tips
Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.
Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.
Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.
Sources
https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/education-careers/examinations/mrcpch-about
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application
Getting started
Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCPCH, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCPCH.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
Are you a psychiatrist looking for your next career move? Get access to the latest psychiatry jobs, whether you're a consultant, resident trainee, specialty doctor or SHO.
Through IMG Connect you can receive the very latest psychiatry jobs straight to your inbox, create your own account and job preference email alerts with just a couple of clicks.
IMG Connect specialises in a huge variety of psychiatry vacancies, including jobs in child & adolescent, general adult, old age, perinatal, learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities, eating disorders, addictions and forensic psychiatry.
You will find a range of jobs covering inpatient, outpatient and other community services.
Review & apply for the latest Psychiatry & Psychiatrist Jobs - with a range of new jobs added every week, you will find jobs that match your skills, career goals and location preferences in the UK. Register now to receive NHS jobs by e-mail to view new posts to suit your job search.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
All Allied Health Professionals looking to secure a job and work in the UK, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the HCPC before beginning their journey in the NHS.
The type of HCPC application you make depends on your country of origin and training. There are two application routes:
European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
International application
As an Allied Health Professional, the criteria you need to meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA.
This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.
Inside the EEA – click here
Outside the EEA – click here
Allied Health Professionals from around the world play a vital and significant role in the NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but plays a huge part of the exchange of knowledge in healthcare and is strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the health services in the NHS.
Inside the EEA
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.
If you qualified as an Allied Health Professional inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you can apply for mutual recognition – your qualifications and experience are deemed equivalent in the UK and EU.
In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as an Allied Health Professional in the UK & NHS.
English Language Testing
Any international Allied Health Professional, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
HCPC Registration
Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for registration in the UK, thus qualifying you to practice in the UK.
If you have trained and are a citizen of an EU member state, then you are eligible for:
European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
If you are eligible for EMR then you must apply via this route.
EMR ensures that EEA qualifications and experience are recognised across Europe as equivalent.
Relocation
Obviously, any Allied Health Professional’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Outside the EEA
If you have trained outside the EU, then you are eligible for an international application.
In addition, you must demonstrate your English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Furthermore, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
Here we summarise the requirements for Non-EEA Allied Health Professionals, looking at the following:
English Language Testing
Tier 2 Visas
HCPC Registration
English Language Testing
Any international Allied Health Professional, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
OET – TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
HCPC Registration: Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Allied Health
Overseas Allied Health Professionals must prove to the HCPC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For overseas Allied Health Professionals this can be done through the International Application.
If you are eligible for International application, then you must apply via this route.
The HCPC ensures that your overseas qualifications and experience are recognised.
Tier 2 Visa
If you are an Allied Health Professional applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Applying as an Allied Health Professional has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make.
Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article:
IMG Library Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependant visa below:
Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK?
Relocation
Obviously, any Allied Health Professional’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Communities are a wonderful thing and feeling part of a community is vital to any doctor and their family looking to make a new home for themselves in the UK.
In this article we will look at seven of the communities that exist in both professional and social circle, which can help you to be happy in your new NHS job and UK home.
Study preparations groups
Whether it's preparing for PLAB, Royal College or IELTS exams, having friends or colleagues to revise with and push each other is incredibly important.
You can find WhatsApp groups for the specific exams on our IMG Community Facebook page and we highly recommend joining a study group if you have not already.
Any friends and family in the UK
Make the most of any contacts you already have. Make sure to get in touch with any friends or relations let them know your relocation plans. They may give you some trusted hints and tips for the area you are moving to, or just make sure you are looked after from the moment you touch down.
Either way, building friend and family circles around you is very important.
Facebook groups and the IMG Community
There are many Facebook groups out there geared towards helping doctors like yourself trying to work as a doctor in the UK.
With that in mind, IMG Connect runs a vetted Facebook community that covers all the topics that you might need help or support on. This includes exam support, registration guidance, first-hand advice and knowledge on hospitals and their departments, relocation support, schooling etc. This list goes on and on!
Whatever question or help you might need, you can ask us in private or publicly to the community page, you will usually have a response in minutes.
By joining the IMG Community Facebook group you will be immediately in touch with thousands of people in very similar scenarios to yourself.
Colleagues and peers in your department
The relationships you hold with the people at work are hugely important; you will spend roughly 60-70% of your day working with them after all!
Make sure to involve yourself with your department, the hospital as a whole and become part of the trust’s wider community.
Understanding with their values whilst engaging socially with your colleagues will go a long way to ensuring you are happy and content in your day-to-day job and make you a much better NHS doctor.
GMC workshops and events
As the GMC knows, adapting to a new healthcare system is hard for any doctor, regardless of experience.
The GMC’s free Welcome to UK Practice workshop is designed to help doctors new to the NHS. By offering guidance on GMC and UK medical ethics, it aims to give you the confidence and assurance to make the right choices in difficult ethical scenarios.
These are of course great ways to connect with doctors in similar situations to your own, allowing you to make new friends & contacts with other doctors new to the NHS like yourself.
Royal College courses, workshops and events
As with the GMC, Royal Colleges in the UK run a wide variety of professional and cultural events that are often free to attend.
Take them up on opportunities to further your learning or meet interesting and influential people in your specialty! Whether it’s an art exhibition hosted by your Royal College or an amazing talk by a field specialist, being a member and part of Royal College community is a valuable thing.
The local community you move to
Anyone and everyone can get involved in your community. It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, what you believe in; there will always be something there for you. What you get in return is both priceless and invaluable whatever stage of life you are at: Meeting new people – building new friendships, improving your English, experiencing different cultures, improving relations between different communities in your area, building confidence, self-esteem and giving structure to life in the UK.
Get involved in your local school, charities and parks, or look online for groups, activities and events.
And if you do it right… helping people whilst having fun!
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Many junior doctors applying for Specialty Training in the UK will need to take the MSRA or Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment.
The MSRA plays an important role in the shortlisting and assessment process for entry into postgraduate training in several specialties for ST1 and CT1 level jobs, by assessing essential competencies.
In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the assessment, focusing on some key questions summarised below:
Who needs to sit the MSRA?
How is the assessment formatted?
What is the structure of the MSRA?
Where can I take the MSRA and how much does the assessment cost?
How can I prepare for the assessment?
#IMG Tips
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
MSRA Specialties
At present, the MSRA is being used within the following specialties:
ACCS-Emergency Medicine
Anaesthetics
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Clinical Radiology
Community Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare
Core Psychiatry Training
Core Surgical Training
General Practice
Neurosurgery
Nuclear Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Ophthalmology
Not every specialty uses the MSRA in the same way, however on the whole, candidates’ scores from the MSRA are used as part of CT and ST recruitment to shortlist for interviews and selection centres, as well as making up part of your overall ranking (with the rest coming from interviews selection centres).
For example in 2023, GP, CAMHS, and Core Psychiatry Training will not have any interviews or selection centres and 100% of your rank will be determined by your MSRA scores. Core Surgical Training will also be using the MSRA in shortlisting for the first time this year.
MSRA Format
The MSRA is a single computer-based exam comprising two papers: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS). As an exam used across many specialties for entry into Specialty Training, the MSRA assesses a foundation level of competence.
There is an optional five-minute break between the two papers. If candidates choose to take a longer break, the extra time will be subtracted from the time available to complete the CPS paper.
A combination of question types is used within the assessment, primarily extended matching questions (EMQ) and single best answer (SBA) questions, however the assessment may also include multiple best answer (MBA) questions: up to 3 correct answers, picture questions: may include skin lesions, blood reports, ECGs etc., and algorithm questions – drag boxes to the right part of the algorithm or select the correct answer from a list.
Structure of the MSRA
The MSRA last 170 minutes and is divided into two sections: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS).
Professional Dilemmas (PD)
The Professional Dilemmas (PD) paper is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) which measures how a candidate’s judgement regarding challenging professional dilemmas they may face.
The PD paper is not a test of knowledge of problem-solving ability or knowledge specific to specialty training within any specialty, but aims to assess professional attributes which are considered important for successful progression through training and performance in one’s clinical role.
Time: 95 minutes
Number of questions: 50
Context: the PD component is set within the context of Foundation Training with the candidate assuming the role of an F2 doctor. There is also a mixture of settings such as a hospital (across a variety of wards or placements), general practice and out-of-hours clinics.
Core competencies: professional integrity, coping with pressure, empathy and sensitivity (you can find more information on the behavioural indicators linked to these competencies here).
Clinical Problem Solving (CPS)
The Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) paper assesses a candidate’s ability to apply clinical knowledge and make clinical decisions in everyday practice.
Again, the CPS scenarios are based on Foundation level clinical practice. They test a candidate’s ability to synthesise and apply medical knowledge (not just knowledge recall).
Questions may relate to the investigation, diagnosis or management of common and important diseases as well as rare presentations.
Time: 75 minutes
Number of questions: 86
Context: the CPS covers 12 clinical topic areas relevant to general medicine. Each test paper includes a balance of scenarios which cover all 12 topics, including:
Cardiovascular
Dermatology / ENT / Eyes
Endocrinology / Metabolic
Gastroenterology / Nutrition
Infectious disease / Haematology / Immunology / Allergies / Genetics
Musculoskeletal
Paediatrics
Pharmacology and therapeutics
Psychiatry / Neurology
Renal / Urology
Reproductive
Respiratory
Core competencies: investigation, diagnosis, emergency, prescribing, management (you can find more information on these domains here).
Exam Centres for the MSRA
The MSRA is held remotely and is delivered in partnership with Work Psychology Group and Pearson VUE. Candidates will need to register for an account with Pearson VUE and once invited, they can book an assessment at a centre, date and time of your choosing (subject to availability).
The MSRA is delivered globally on several consecutive days in many Pearson VUE Computer Testing Centres. You can find your nearest Pearson VUE assessment centre by visiting the Pearson VUE website.
The exam itself is free to sit, but depending on the centre you choose, there may be additional travel and accommodation costs. It’s therefore advisable to book your seat as soon as possible for the best chance of securing a nearby centre.
Preparation for the MSRA
On the whole, your previous (and current) experience working as a junior doctor will have prepared you for most of the questions and scenarios within the MSRA, although to different extents, depending on where you have gained your experience.
However, as your MSRA scores are often added to the interview score to determine overall rank, or even to exempt you from interview, it may be advantageous to attempt to score as highly as possible.
Blueprint: First and foremost, you should use the MSRA blueprint to better understand the target domains.
Sample questions: Sample questions for both papers are available on the Health Education England Medical Education Hub. You can access these here.
Commercial resources: Exam revision courses, books and online question banks are available, although these are not officially endorsed, and you can find some of the most popular providers below:
Medibuddy
Passtest
eMedica
Passmedicine
4,000 Question bank and mock tests
1,950 Question bank and mock tests
2,200 Question bank and mock tests
2,500 Question bank and mock tests
£30 - £50
£35 - £55
£49 - £119
£25 - £30
#IMG Tips
Start early – Once you have decided to sit the test, plan well in advance to give yourself enough time to prepare and score as highly as possible.
Take a test tutorial – You can take a practice test to familiarise yourself with the controls and screen layouts in advance – see Pearson VUE or Oriel for details.
Negative marking - One mark is given for each correct answer and negative marking is not used within the assessment, so try to answer all questions, even when unsure.
Read carefully - Read the instructions and questions carefully – you may often be looking for the most suitable answer, rather than the only correct one.
Sources
https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/what_x0027_s-in-the-msra/structure-of-the-msra
https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/taking-the-msra
https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/a-guide-to-the-multi-specialty-recruitment-assessment-msra-
https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/msra_test_blueprint_information_nov_2019.pdf
The MSRA is a key examination for many IMGs developing their careers by entering Specialty Training. UK training programmes are very competitive and particularly for overseas doctors unfamiliar with the NHS system, taking the time for extensive preparation for the MSRA can greatly impact your chances of being successful in joining a training programme.
Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) for international doctors practicing medicine and its sub-specialties.
Whilst the MTI describes a UK-wide placement scheme for junior overseas doctors, the processes involved vary between specialties.
This blog focuses on the MTI scheme as administered by the RCP, and the particular of this are summarised below along with a broad look the following:
What is the Medical Training Initiative?
What is the RCP and what support does it provide throughout my training?
Am I eligible for an MTI post?
Are there any additional requirements for the RCP?
How can I use the MTI for GMC registration?
What does the application process for the MTI through the RCP involve?
How am I supported in obtaining a visa?
I’m coming to the end of the MTI, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
The Medical Training Initiative
The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.
The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.
Royal College of Physicians (RCP)
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination.
Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.
There are several ways you will be supported by the RCP as listed below:
Induction – all MTI candidates are expected to attend an induction at the RCP. The induction is held on a quarterly basis
Free ePortfolio access – this is an electronic portfolio to log all your assessments and training whilst in the UK
Free RCP associate membership – this is for the first year and discounted rate for the second year and comes with a number of benefits
Annual symposium – this is a clinical conference for all RCP MTIs held once a year
Diploma in UK Medical Practice – participants are required to carefully document their training using the ePortfolio system, complete a range of continuing medical education sessions, and submit a written reflection piece at the end of their placement
RCP certificate - at the end of training there is an RCP certificate available to all candidates
Support for any issues that you might encounter relating to your training
Eligibility
The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).
The eligibility criteria differ among MTI programmes, but for the RCP, eligibility includes the following:
Country Requirements - Priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank and priority countries as described by the Department for International Development. Doctors from outside these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.
Primary Medical Qualification: You must hold a recognised PMQ by the GMC and verified by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
Have a Postgraduate Medical Qualification: This can be MRCP Part 1, MD or other higher degree in medicine or a medical subspecialty
Skills & Competencies: You must possess the skills, competencies and understanding of medicine at least equivalent to a UK graduate at the end of their core medical training.
Clinical Experience: You must have 3 years post-qualification experience, including 1 year's internship and at least 1 year in the specialty in which you intend to train while in the UK
Active Medical Practice: Candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process (the GMC does not consider clinical observerships as clinical practice).
Please note, the RCP cannot sponsor doctors who have failed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test.
Additional Requirements
Before you can make an application for the MTI scheme through the RCP, the following criteria must be satisfied:
Verification of PMQ – your primary medical qualification must be independently verified by the ECFMG via their EPIC service.
Complete an English Language test – the test must have been completed within two years of application for GMC registration.
Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – you are required to apply directly for an NHS post and should have already been formally offered the role before contacting the RCP. The hospitals should also be in support of your intention to seek sponsorship for the post.
Obtain funding - you should already have funding for your post from either a scholarship, official funding, or a salary. The funding should be equivalent to a UK salary for the level of work being undertaken and must last for the duration of the post. The RCP will not sponsor applicants who are self-funded.
Certificate of Good Standing - you must be able to provide a certificate of good standing (CGS) from the regulatory body in the countries where you have practised in the last 5 years. The CGS should be no older than 3 months when submitted.
GMC Registration
All doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.
English Language Testing – candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. This can be done by passing either IELTS with overall score of 7.5 and 7.0 in all categories or OET with minimum grade B in all categories. Further information on these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Application Process
Once you fulfill all the eligibility criteria and additional requirements laid out by the RCP, you must complete the initial and professional postgraduate experience (PPE) forms and email these along with your CV to mti@rcplondon.ac.uk.
Once your CV, initial form and PPE forms have been received, the RCP will contact the supervising consultant in the UK and confirm the details of your post. You will then be sent an application pack. You should complete the application form and send it to the RCP with all of the following documents:
sponsor form (forms will be provided by the RCP) – must be completed by your consultant or head of department in your home country
two reference forms (forms will be provided by the RCP)
copy of your passport
copy of your IELTS/OET certificate or details of exemption
copies of your medical qualifications
translations of your medical qualifications if they are not in English
letter from the dean of the medical school from which you graduated
copy of certificate of good standing
letter from the UK hospital confirming your appointment
evidence of funding for the post
your statement agreeing to the level of funding which you have received from any of the sources listed
initial fee of £125
We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI applications through the RCP below, from a candidate securing an NHS post, to their eligibility to work in the UK after gaining GMC registration and securing a visa.
Tier 5 Visa for MTI
The MTI scheme falls under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange visa. This visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly 24 months from your arrival date.
For a Tier 5 MTI visa, the RCP needs to provide evidence regarding your post to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC - the official visa sponsor) once the GMC has approved your application in order to get your Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued.
Once your Tier 5 CoS has been issued it is your responsibility to apply for the Tier 5 visa via https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made in your home country (or the country you work in), but never from within the UK.
You can also apply to the AoMRC for Tier 5 dependent visas for your spouse and children, although this is not guaranteed, and you should read the UKVI requirements on this well in advance.
Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.
Sources
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative-resources-applicants
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/19236/download
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/23841/download
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/4534/download?token=QyAzDCP8
What are my options after I complete the MTI?
Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.
Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa.
If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, you would follow the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to.
For guidance on NHS jobs in your specialty, please see our live jobs or get in touch with us to learn more about your options in the NHS.
For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:
For overseas doctors, there are several routes you can use to apply for GMC registration in the UK. The route that is right for you, depends on your qualification and experience.
GMC registration is essential for doctors practicing in the NHS, therefore it is important for overseas doctors to determine the most suitable route before securing a role.
This article will help you to identify the appropriate GMC application route for you as an IMG and will give you guidance on the steps you need to take, covering key areas including the following:
What is the GMC?
What do I need for GMC registration?
Routes to GMC registration:
PLAB
Accepted Postgraduate Qualifications / Licensing Exams
Relevant European Qualifications
Sponsorship & MTI
Specialist Registration – CESR, CESR-CP & CEGPR
#IMG Tips
How do I get started?
Please skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
The General Medical Council
The GMC is the body in the UK which is responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor. Therefore, for every doctor practicing in the UK, GMC registration is essential – you cannot practice in the UK without full GMC registration with a license to practise.
The primary responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’ in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK.
Requirements for GMC Registration
Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings, actions and documents. For full GMC registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:
1. (EEA doctors) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA physician, this would be your recognised EEA qualification.
OR
1. (non-EEA doctors) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA physician, this would either be PLAB, your Royal College postgraduate qualification (e.g. MRCP) or a GMC-approved qualification.
AND
2. English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
3. Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
There are several steps involved in the registration process, but these are the three main components required in order to be eligible.
To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
PLAB
The PLAB exam is a two-part licensing exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the UK. As such, it does not demonstrate ability in any particular medical specialty.
For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries.
If taking this option, doctors can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look at our comprehensive guides on PLAB for more information.
Is PLAB suitable for me?
The PLAB route may be suitable for you if:
You have not completed an internship, or your internship does not meet the acceptable pattern OR;
You have completed an acceptable pattern of internship, but have no other clinical postgraduate experience OR;
You are currently in or have completed postgraduate training (residency), and you want a faster route to full GMC registration.
Acceptable Postgraduate Qualifications or Licensing Exams
The GMC has produced a list of postgraduate qualifications which are accepted as sufficient evidence of the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for full registration.
If these postgraduate qualifications are more than 3 years old when your application is made, you will have to provide further evidence of your recent medical experience.
UK Postgraduate Qualifications
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e., pathology.
For senior doctors taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.
For example, the Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates all medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK) is the qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining full MRCP (UK) will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior medicine roles in the UK.
Take a look at our complete guides on the Royal Colleges in the UK through our IMG Resources library to understand more.
The full list of UK postgraduate qualifications can be found here.
Overseas Postgraduate Qualifications
There are also some overseas qualifications that meet the same standards as UK postgraduate qualifications, although they are not necessarily the same in every aspect.
You can find the full list of UK and overseas qualifications here.
Licensing Exams
Doctors who have passed an acceptable overseas registration exam can apply for full GMC registration.
You are eligible for to apply via this route if you:
graduated from a medical school outside the UK or Switzerland
and you:
hold an acceptable primary medical qualification
have completed an internship
have passed one of the following overseas registration exams:
United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE): Step 1, Step 2 clinical knowledge and Step 2 clinical skills; For Step 2 clinical skills, your pass must be between 16 April 2004 and 13 March 2020.
Medical Council of Canada Qualification Examination 2 (taken in English) on or before 27 October 2020
The Australian Medical Council Clinical Examination on or before 5 March 2020
have passed each part of the exam including the knowledge tests and clinical skills components in four attempts or less. If you sat any part of the exam more than four times before passing, you will not be eligible for this application.
Is the postgraduate/ licensing exam route suitable for me?
The postgraduate route to GMC registration is a popular one and facilitates the attainment of more senior roles in the NHS than for example PLAB (when combined with the relevant experience).
If you have already completed an acceptable postgraduate qualification in your home country, this is the most suitable pathway for you, as you will not have to sit additional exams.
The same goes for acceptable licensing exams, which also exempts overseas physicians from PLAB.
If you have not passed an acceptable overseas postgraduate qualification or licensing exam, you would have to complete the relevant UK postgraduate qualification.
Relevant European Qualification
If you hold a medical qualification awarded in the EEA or Switzerland, it may be classed as a Relevant European Qualification (REQ). You can find out whether your qualification is classed as a REQ by selecting your country through this link. Each country’s page covers the qualifications you would need to send to the GMC to support your application for entry onto the Medical Register, GP and Specialist Registers, and where appropriate, provisional registration with a licence to practice.
Is the REQ route suitable for me?
The Relevant European Qualification route to GMC registration is suitable for you if you hold a specialist certification that is recognised by the GMC. You can verify this through your country’s GMC page here.
Sponsorship & MTI
Some institutions can provide sponsorship for GMC registration. Doctors who receive sponsorship are therefore exempted from PLAB or the need to have an acceptable postgraduate qualification or licensing exam.
MTI
The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.
Although doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC, for MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.
You can read more about the MTI scheme here.
Sponsorship
There are several types of sponsorship available to overseas doctors, such as sponsorship offered by NHS Trusts through International Fellowships or sponsorships for specific posts.
If you apply for GMC registration through sponsorship, you’ll have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK.
Each sponsor may have their own scheme which has been pre-approved by the GMC, and since each scheme differs from the next, we advise that you check the sponsor’s official website and contact them for more information.
A key aspect of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for GMC sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. It is important to meet these minimum criteria for the best chance of providing sufficient evidence to support your application.
The complete list of GMC-approved sponsors, including NHS Trusts and Royal Colleges, can be found here.
Is the sponsorship route suitable for me?
MTI is best suited to junior doctors and those who wish to return to their home country after the training period, whereas the criteria for other types of sponsorship can be more varied.
Specialist Registration
The Specialist Register is a register of doctors who can take up substantive consultant (permanent) posts in the UK. All doctors who wish to work as substantive consultant in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration.
Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC. You can read more about the types of GMC registration here.
Doctors eligible for Specialist Registration apply directly to the GMC to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience are equivalent to the requirements for CCT in the UK.
Doctors who have completed their specialist training in the EEA or Switzerland may be eligible for direct entry onto the Specialist Register through their Relevant European Qualification (REQ) and are awarded a CCT after a successful application.
CESR is the route to Specialist Registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme i.e. doctors who have trained outside of the UK, Switzerland, and EEA countries. This is often the preferred route of IMGs.
For an in-depth guide to CESR, look at our blog for overseas doctors here.
Is Specialist Registration suitable for me?
Specialist Registration may be suitable for you if you (at minimum):
1. Hold a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in
OR
2. Have at least six months of continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in
You will have to provide evidence of your eligibility as part of your application, as well as evidence that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.
The indicative period of training to be awarded a CCT ranges from 5 years to 9 years in the UK (depending on the specialty), so if you have less training than this, it is unlikely that you will have the full evidence required for a successful application for Specialist Registration.
#IMG Tips
In short, there are routes that depend on qualifications or exams from countries you’ve trained in: licensing exams, acceptable postgraduate qualifications, or REQs; or if you do not hold any of these: MTI, UK postgraduate exams or PLAB.
Use the GMC route finder to double-check you are pursuing a route to registration that you are eligible for.
If your route requires additional exams, begin your preparation for these well in advance and always start with the syllabus or curriculum for your exam!
Read through the GMC’s page on required documents – the necessary documents can change, as the GMC adapts to changes in healthcare and current issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’ll be completing exams to register with the GMC, complete these or begin the process before you focus on English language testing – your IELTS or OET only have a 2-year validity period!
Getting started
So, there you have it, the main routes to GMC registration for IMGs. Once you have determined your route to GMC registration, it’s time to either begin gathering the required documents for your application or begin your preparation for any exams you’ll need to sit.
Have you already registered with the GMC, or looking to get started? Get in touch with us here to discuss finding an NHS post.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team.
For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below.