Here we look briefly at the CESR route available to overseas consultants and exerienced senior doctors who wish to secure a job in the NHS and relocate to the UK.
Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:
The CESR is for doctors who wish to join the GMC (General Medical Council) Specialist Register, and whose specialist training, qualifications or experience was partly or completely acquired outside an approved CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) programme in the UK.
It is equivalent to a CCT and certifies that the recipient has all the competences defined in the CCT curriculum, known as specialist registration.
Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current training programme requirements, in order to gain a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for the Specialist Register held by the General Medical Council.
The process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC of:
Each Royal College will assess the 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.
If you have training, qualifications and experience in a CCT specialty but have gained these partly or completely outside an approved CCT training programme (for example, you have trained outside the UK or EEA), you may apply for a CESR in a CCT specialty.
In a nutshell, you will need to compile a portfolio of evidence to prove you have achieved the equivalent skills and experience of a doctor who has completed a full GMC-approved training programme.
You can collect this evidence prospectively through non-training jobs.
Is it the right route for me? Yes, if…
If you have already completed Specialty Training, then you’re unlikely to want to repeat it.
In both scenarios, even if you are willing, you may be overqualified to apply for training.
Doctors who have complete specialist training overseas or via a non-CCT pathway may be eligible for entry without further training. You can check using the guidelines below:
You will need to demonstrate all specialty learning outcomes specified in the relevant CCT curriculum.
It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a SAS doctor, specialty doctor or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).
This way you will have better pay and the roles and responsibilities are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a junior trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.
This is also a quicker route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.
It is a legal requirement that doctors must have their names entered on the General Medical Council's (GMC's) Specialist Register before taking up substantive NHS consultant posts in the UK.
To apply you will need to have either a specialist qualification or have undertaken a period of specialist training (not less than 6 months anywhere in the world).
Your application is measured against the GMC standard.
The GMC break down the standard into four domains mirroring the headings of Good Medical Practice.
The GMC recommend that you allocate the evidence you provide with your application in the following way:
Domain 1: Knowledge, Skills and Performance - 75%
Domain 2: Safety and Quality - 20%
Domain 3: Communication, Partnership and Teamwork - 5% (combined for
Domain 4: Maintaining Trust - 5% (combined for both domains 3 & 4)
The full list of evidence needed for each specialty is provided here.
As CESR applications are currently a completely paper-based process it is important to think about the evidence you present. You should:
The GMC has strict guidelines for presenting evidence, including verification, anonymising and translating documents. We strongly advise all IMGs to take a look here and familiarise themselves with the criteria.
Following an unsuccessful application, you can apply for a review within 12 months of receiving your decision from the GMC. You can apply for a review of the GMC’s decision on the grounds that:
Please refer to the GMC guidance for further information on applying for a review.
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This is a great opportunity for overseas Specialty Doctors who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ROLE:
Non-EEA:
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The post holder is expected to:
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This comprehensive opportunity integrates the Consultant role, SABR RT specialisation, CESR support, and coastal life in the UK, creating a fulfilling and enriching professional and personal experience.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Non-EEA Candidates:
UK Based Candidates:
This is a great opportunity for any experienced consultant clinical oncologist working towards CESR in Clinical oncology specialist registration in the UK.
Want to be a part of a supportive and dynamic team as a Consultant in Gastroenterology?
Embrace this exciting chance to be part of a healthcare environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions deeply appreciated. An excellent NHS Foundation Trust invites talented and dedicated medical professionals to seize an outstanding opportunity in Gastroenterology at one of their hospitals. As a renowned University teaching hospital, the trust places a strong emphasis on Medical and Dental Education, ensuring that all staff receive exceptional training and patients benefit from top-notch care.
Joining their innovative and dynamic Gastroenterology Department promises a rewarding career filled with diverse cases and comprehensive support from a team of skilled healthcare professionals. As a valued member of the thriving Gastroenterology team, you will have ample career development opportunities. Overseas doctors can work towards completing their CESR and explore sub-specialty areas of interest, further expanding their professional horizons. Moreover, there are exciting opportunities to engage in teaching and supervision of undergraduate medical students, fostering the next generation of medical professionals.
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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
EEA candidates:
• Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Gastroenterology
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Non-EEA candidates:
• MRCP
• Extensive experience in Gastroenterology
UK-based candidates:
• Extensive experience in Gastroenterology
• Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Gastroenterology
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Apply now and get the chance to contribute to the provision of high-quality healthcare services in a dynamic and supportive environment. Experience career growth and an enriching life in an urban area with a touch of scenic beauty.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Non-EEA Candidates:
UK based applicants
Are you a motivated Consultant in Histopathology looking for NHS jobs? Then this is the outstanding opportunity you\'ve been waiting for!
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The successful candidate is expected to:
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This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced international histopathologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)
Non-EEA Candidates:
FRCPath or PLAB (essential)
Experience of working for Histopathology (essential)
UK based applicants
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)