CESR – am I eligible?
- April 13, 2020
Here we take a quick look at the CESR route for overseas experienced specialty doctors & consultants hoping to find a senior doctor job in the NHS and qualify for the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR).
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:
Applications for CESR requires a lot of preparation and can seem quite daunting. This is the first in a series of articles aimed at helping doctors planning to engage in this process.
What is CESR?
The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) is the process by which doctors who have not trained in an approved programme can demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience are equivalent to that of the relevant CCT curriculum to join the GP or specialist registers.
How does CESR work?
The CESR is awarded by the GMC and applications are made directly to them.
The Royal College then assesses the evidence an applicant has submitted to the GMC.
The assessment is to assure the GMC that the applicant has gained the equivalent level of competence as a trainee (i.e. ST6) making application for CCT via the ARCP process (Annual Review of Competency Progression).
This means that the CESR applicant must demonstrate competence against all Intended Learning Outcomes in the curriculum of the specialty of their choice via the written evidence submitted.
Are you eligible?
There are different ways to apply for registration with a licence to practise in the UK. It depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.
To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:
- a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in
OR
- at least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in.
You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.
In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.
The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.
In most circumstances we can say that evidence must:
- come from higher training equivalent
- be less than 5years old
- demonstrate higher level experience
- map to the curriculum
- be represented clearly
- be current
- be primary evidence
You can check the approved Royal College curricula for all 65 specialities and sub specialties here.
I am eligible, what happens next?
As an IMG, it is highly likely that you haven’t complete a UK based approved training programme but could be eligible for Specialist Registration via the CESR route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview for more information on how to apply and what to expect.
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An NHS teaching hospital in Kent is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in urology. The Oncology department comprises a team of over 40 Clinical and Medical Oncology consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors, fellows, and trainees.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
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This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist qualifications or FRCR are most encouraged to apply.CCT in Clinical Oncology or equivalent experience, including CESR pathway candidates.
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The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide high-quality specialist care to melanoma patients attending the Kent Oncology Centre.
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Attend relevant MDT meetings and coordinate treatment planning with other specialists.
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Participate in departmental research initiatives and contribute to national and local clinical trials.
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Contribute to training and supervision of junior doctors and participate in clinical governance activities.
Life in Kent
The area offers the best of both worlds: urban living in towns like Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, and tranquil countryside villages such as Lenham or Goudhurst.
Kent boasts a wide range of excellent primary and secondary schools, including several grammar schools, and is well connected to London via high-speed rail and road. Residents enjoy easy access to historic castles, the coast, national parks, shopping, and outdoor activities—perfect for both adults and families.
Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent holds historical significance with its Roman heritage, medieval cathedrals, and coastal defense legacy, offering a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.
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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:
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CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
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Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
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At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
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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 all the way to starting your new role, including:
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Document gathering and checking
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COS and Visa Application support, if applicable
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Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
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Travel arrangements
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Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
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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 to 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
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
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Anyone with an interest in gynae and upper GI oncology should apply.
The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide systemic therapy services for patients across UHMB sites.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and support associated administrative duties.
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Support teaching, supervision, and mentorship for junior medical staff and trainees.
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The area is rich with excellent schools, convenient rail and road links, and beautiful scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, the region has played a key role in British shipbuilding and industrial development and today combines coastal charm with cultural heritage and modern living.
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 to 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
An NHS teaching hospital, in Kent is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in Melanoma. The Oncology department comprises a team of over 40 Clinical and Medical Oncology consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors, fellows, and trainees.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist qualifications or MRCP are most encouraged to apply.CCT in Medical Oncology or equivalent experience, including CESR pathway candidates.
-
The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Provide high-quality specialist care to melanoma patients attending the Kent Oncology Centre.
-
Attend relevant MDT meetings and coordinate treatment planning with other specialists.
-
Participate in departmental research initiatives and contribute to national and local clinical trials.
-
Contribute to training and supervision of junior doctors and participate in clinical governance activities.
Life in Kent
The area offers the best of both worlds: urban living in towns like Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, and tranquil countryside villages such as Lenham or Goudhurst.
Kent boasts a wide range of excellent primary and secondary schools, including several grammar schools, and is well connected to London via high-speed rail and road. Residents enjoy easy access to historic castles, the coast, national parks, shopping, and outdoor activities—perfect for both adults and families.
Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent holds historical significance with its Roman heritage, medieval cathedrals, and coastal defense legacy, offering a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.
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 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
An NHS specialist cancer centre in Lancashire and South Cumbria is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in upper and lower GI cancers. The oncology department comprises a team of 8 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
This oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist registration or MRCP are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone with an interest in upper and lower GI oncology should apply.
The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Provide systemic therapy services for patients with upper and lower GI cancers across UHMB sites.
-
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings for lung and upper GI cancer and support associated administrative duties.
-
Lead and contribute to acute oncology services across the Trust (no on-call required).
-
Support teaching, supervision, and mentorship for junior medical staff and trainees.
LIFE IN LANCASHIRE AND SOUTH CUMBRIA
The area is rich with excellent schools, convenient rail and road links, and beautiful scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, the region has played a key role in British shipbuilding and industrial development and today combines coastal charm with cultural heritage and modern living.
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 to 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