CESR and Equivalence Queries

Equivalence describes the process of assessing an applicant's training and experience against the current UK CCT training programme requirements in order to gain a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for admission to the UK Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC). Applicants usually fall into two groups, those who have trained entirely abroad, and those who have had some but not all of their training in the UK.

A doctor who has obtained the UK CCT or a European recognised EU (EEA) specialist qualification – as they may be automatically entitled to entry onto the Specialist Register. See the GMC website for further information on recognised EU qualifications.

The application is made directly to the GMC. Please see their website for further information on how to apply.

Applications are assessed by the Faculty’s Equivalence Sub-Committee. A recommendation report is then written and sent to the GMC. It is a recommendation rather than a decision as the GMC do not have to agree with the Faculty’s recommendation and can issue their own decision.

Information can be found in both the Specialty Specific Guidance and Generic Guidance available on the GMC website. Applicants should read this guidance very carefully because it defines the type of evidence applicants should provide to demonstrate their equivalence to a new CCT holder. We would also advise that you read the CCT curriculum documentation and GMP1 guidance.

No. The Faculty can provide advice on the type of evidence required but will not review your application before submission nor provide any indication as to the likely success of the application. Applicants are encouraged to read the specialty specific guidance and generic guidance very carefully before submitting their application to the GMC.

In addition to providing evidence of training and experience, applicants are required to demonstrate possession of an acceptable test of knowledge. Previously accepted tests of knowledge are the European Diploma for Intensive Care Medicine and the Fellowship of the College of Intensive Care Medicine (FCICM) of Australia and New Zealand. This is not an exhaustive list and other qualifications will be considered as long as sufficient evidence is provided including a validated certificate of completion, with the full details of the curriculum and assessment criteria in force at the time of the award.

If your qualification has not previously been accepted evidence should be provided including a validated certificate of completion, with the full details of the curriculum and assessment criteria in force at the time of the award. This should be in English and validated by the institution.

The Faculty will explain why an applicant has been unsuccessful, the type of evidence required to demonstrate equivalence and if the evidence is not available, what the applicant could do to accumulate the required evidence. You are advised to contact the Faculty with any further questions.

No, the Faculty does not arrange training. Applicants in the UK should speak with the Regional Advisor and/or Faculty Tutor for Intensive Care Medicine in their hospital to discuss the options for obtaining the additional training. Applicants can however contact the Faculty to find out whether the proposed additional training is appropriate.