This page provides an overview of the routes to specialist registration in the UK, and how the RCOG can support you.
The RCOG is responsible for recommending doctors to the General Medical Council (GMC) for inclusion on the Specialist Register.
CCT and the Portfolio Pathway
There are 2 routes to specialist registration:
- Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT): the route to specialist registration for doctors who have completed the RCOG, GMC-approved, specialty training programme.
- The Portfolio Pathway (formally known as CESR): the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved programme but who are able to demonstrate that they have the Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSEs) required for practising as a substantive O&G consultant position in the United Kingdom and to be added to the Specialist Register.
It is important to note that you do not need to be on the Specialist Register or have MRCOG for all roles within the O&G profession. To find out more information about the roles within O&G, visit the resources for O&G careers here.
The specialty training programme in O&G
If you are considering entering the O&G specialty training (ST) programme to pursue the CCT, please see further information on the specialty training programme here. This includes information on Special Interest Training Modules (SITMs), subspecialty training and the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP).
All doctors entering postgraduate specialty training must have completed 24 months of experience since gaining their primary medical qualification (PMQ), whether in the UK or in another country, and must provide evidence of completion of foundation programme competencies. For further information on applying to speciality training programmes and eligibility, please visit the medical specialty recruitment applicant guide and information for overseas applicants.
There are currently two possible points of entry onto the O&G training programme; please see further information of recruitment into the specialty training programme here.