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.
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
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, CESR and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
A leading NHS mental health hospital in the East of England is looking for a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry with an interest in acute inpatient care. The psychiatry department consists of a team of consultant psychiatrists and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This General Adult Psychiatry job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCPsych are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Consultant level experience in psychiatry
Be eligible for GMC registration, either with MRCPsych (Full), or EEA specialist certification
Anyone with an interest and prior experience in acute inpatient psychiatry should apply.
The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide consultant leadership and psychiatric input into the acute inpatient unit.
Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring strong links with community teams.
Supervise junior doctors and support their training and professional development.
Participate in strategic planning, governance meetings, and service development.
LIFE IN THE REGION
This region offers a mix of urban and rural living, with vibrant city life and picturesque countryside nearby. Popular areas include city centre locations for convenience and scenic villages for a quieter lifestyle. The area is well connected, with excellent transport links, top-rated schools, and various leisure activities, including shopping, outdoor parks, and cultural events.
Rich in history, this region is known for its medieval architecture and contributions to British heritage, making it an attractive place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
Document gathering and checking
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
A leading NHS hospital in the East of England is looking for a Consultant Haematologist with an interest in Lymphoma. The Haematology department consists of a team of consultant haematologists and is supported by middle-grade doctors. This Haematology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Extensive experience and independence in haematology is required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Lymphoma should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN THE REGION
This region offers a blend of city and rural living, with a choice between urban centres for convenience and scenic villages for a quieter lifestyle. The area has great transport links, excellent schools, and diverse leisure opportunities, including historic sites, parks, and family-friendly attractions. The region is historically significant, with
landmarks dating back to medieval times and strong ties to British aviation history.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
An NHS hospital in the South East of England is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with an interest in Breast Oncology. The Oncology department comprises a team of experienced Medical and Clinical Oncologists, supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors and a robust research unit. This Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or a suitable Royal College qualification are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Full or specialist registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) or eligibility within six months is required for this role. Anyone with an interest in breast cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience and grade.
The South East of England offers a mix of coastal and countryside living, with excellent urban options and picturesque rural retreats. The region provides easy access to London and international travel, making it a convenient yet scenic place to live and work.
The area is home to top-performing schools, a thriving job market, and fantastic leisure activities, including watersports, hiking trails, and cultural festivals. There is a strong medical and academic presence, with opportunities for research and collaboration.
Historically, the region played a key role in shaping England, from medieval battles to its significant contributions to maritime history. The blend of heritage and modern development makes it an exciting place to live and work.
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role, including:
A UK-based mental health trust is looking for a Specialty Doctor in Older Adult Inpatient Psychiatry to join their team at a well-established psychiatric inpatient unit. The Older Adult Psychiatry department includes consultants, specialty doctors, junior doctors, and a multidisciplinary team, offering comprehensive care to inpatients. This role is open to both UK-based and international doctors, particularly those with MRCPsych or equivalent European Specialist qualifications.
The region offers an attractive combination of coastal and rural living, with easy access to major cities and transport links. Doctors moving here can choose between bustling town life or scenic countryside retreats.
The area boasts excellent schools, leisure facilities, and strong transport connections, making it a great choice for professionals and families. Historically, it has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, with numerous attractions for residents to enjoy.
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including: