O&G Curriculum 2024 | FAQs

Learners will move to Curriculum 2024 over 2 years from August 2024. The transition period will expire in August 2026. 

If your projected CCT date is after August 2026, you should discuss your individual circumstances with your SITM Director and Head of School or Training Programme Director.

For details, you can review our implementation and transition document and refer to the FAQs below for example scenarios.

Yes, the following changes have been made:

• Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Training stages have been renamed Stage one, Stage two and Stage three training
• ATSMs have become Special Interest Training Modules (SITMs)
• APMs have become Special Interest Professional Modules (SIPMs)

Two new key skills have been added to the Capabilities in Practice (CiPs):

• Translates research into clinical practice (CiP 7)
• Manages pain in the postoperative patient (CiP 11)

Additionally, descriptors for a number of key skills have been expanded. A summary of these changes can be found here.

You will need to provide new evidence for the two new key skills, as you require at least one piece of good quality evidence for each key skill per year. 

You should review the evidence you have collected for the other key skills where the descriptors have been expanded, to ensure that your evidence covers these additions. 

No there haven’t been any changes to the Matrix of progression.

No, the Knowledge Requirements for the Core Curriculum 2024 are identical to the Knowledge Requirements for the Core Curriculum 2019. 

The table below shows the SITMs, SIPMs and SSTs available in Curriculum 2024, mapped to the ATSMs, APMs and SSTs in Curriculum 2019.

You need to complete two SITMs to be eligible for CCT and the following principles apply:

• you can only be registered for two SITMs concurrently
• as an ST5, you will usually start with one SITM as you still have to complete the requirements for the Core Curriculum and pass the MRCOG
• you cannot register for a second SITM until you have passed the MRCOG
• there is no maximum number of SITMs you can complete, however, once you have completed two SITMs you will not be prioritised to register for a third and any further registrations for SITMs are dependent on available training opportunities

Yes – during the 2-year transition period, you can achieve CCT with one of the following combinations:

• two completed ATSMs
• two completed SITMs
• one completed ATSM and one completed SITM

The point allocation for SITMs has been disbanded. The emphasis is on career aspirations for CCT holders to be employable in line with workforce and service needs. 

Time to complete a SITM depends on the scope of the SITM, available training opportunities and capability of the learner. You have a maximum of three years to complete SITMs. However, training is no longer time based but competency based.

No, after 7 August 2024 you will no longer be able to register for ATSMs and will have to register for SITMs. 

As an ST7 when Curriculum 2024 is implemented, you will need to either:

• register for your second ATSM before 7 August 2024

OR

• register for a SITM after implementation on 7 August 2024.

There are two options. You could either:

• start collecting evidence for your chosen SITM now and register for the SITM when launched, using your accumulated evidence for your chosen SITM

OR

• register for an ATSM now and then convert to the equivalent SITM in August 2024

There will be no additional charges for doing so as the fee will be transferred from the ATSM to the SITM. 

If you are less than halfway through the ATSM and have sufficient training time remaining to complete the SITM before you achieve CCThave recently started the ATSM, we recommend that you transfer to the equivalent SITM. This recommendation applies if you are less than halfway through the ATSM and have sufficient training time remaining to complete the SITM before you achieve CCT.  

If you are more than halfway through the ATSM, our recommendation is to complete the commenced ATSM.

If you switch to SITMs from all your registered ATSMs in August 2024, you will also move to Core Curriculum 2024.

If you switch to SITMs from the ATSMs you are already registered for in August 2024, you will also have to move to Core Curriculum 2024 if you have no completed ATSMs at that time.

No, this is not necessary.

You can choose to remain on Core Curriculum 2019 or to move to Core Curriculum 2024.

You must switch to Core Curriculum 2024. 

It is possible to switch to SITMs but you should discuss with your SITM Director and Head of School or Training Programme Director regarding whether it is feasible to complete the equivalent SITMs in the training time you have left 

You have to re-register for the SITM by completing the SITM transfer form. There will be no additional fee. The fee you have paid for the ATSM will be transferred to the SITM.

No, foundation SITMs are only mandatory if you want to undertake the relevant contingent SITMs. The table below shows the foundation SITMs and the relevant contingent SITMs.

You must undertake the relevant foundation SITMs prior to registering with the contingent SITMs. 

If you have demonstrated the requisite skills through the relevant foundation SITM, you will be able to undertake the contingent SITM either alongside or once you have completed the foundation SITM, depending on training opportunities available. 

Other SITMs which do not need a foundation SITM can be started at ST5, subject to training opportunities being available. SITM choices are dependent on your career aspirations and should be discussed with your SITM Director.

Yes, the core ultrasound skills are required as set out in the Training Matrix of Progression, these are transabdominal ultrasound of early pregnancy and transabdominal ultrasound of late pregnancy.

Yes, you can register for the RAGS SITM subject to making good progress or having completed the BASOL ATSM and training opportunities being available in your region.

No, you should complete the already started ATSM.

You should complete the ATSM which you have already started.

No, you have completed your MRCOG and have ST6 and ST7 to concentrate on completing the two SITMs required for CCT. 

To support your return, you should familiarise yourself with the content of the SITMs prior to implementation and/or before starting ST6, and be ready to commence SITMs as soon as they are introduced or you return to training. 

The content of the SITMs is available prior to implementation and you are encouraged to collect evidence relevant to your prospective SITMs in advance of this. Evidence accrued prior to registering will count towards the completion of your chosen SITMs. 

Yes, an already completed ATSM does not need to be converted into its equivalent SITM. Two ATSMs, two SITMs or one ATSM and one SITM are required for CCT. The already completed ATSM will count towards your CCT and you will have to complete a minimum of one more SITM for CCT on your return to training.

Yes, your six months counting towards CCT will still be valid. Any arrangement you already have in place for ATSMs will be transferred to SITMs. 

Yes, you can collect evidence whilst doing an OOP for a SITM and there is no time limit on this, as training is competency-based.  

No, this will not be applied to ATSMs.

Trainees who are on extended training time, such as LTFT or academic trainees, should look critically at what they are doing and at competing with those who have SITMs. You will need individualised careers advice from your SITM Director. 

No, the SITM fee will be the same as the ATSM fee. Payment will be taken at registration on the first SITM.

No, courses which support the SITMs are recommended. Attending a recommended course for the SITM is the most straightforward way to evidence the learning outcomes. It is possible that the required objectives delivered by a course can be achieved by demonstrating to the ARCP panel that content and learning outcomes have been achieved using alternative evidence.

Yes, this remains as it is a requirement of professional development to keep yourself updated.  

You need to complete the SITM registration form.

No, SIPMs do not attract special interest sessions. You will complete the professional interest modules within your training time, or in your own time.

Yes, you can.

Registrations for SIPMs will commence in August 2024 when the Curriculum 2024 will be launched.

You can register for SIPMs at any stage of your training. Generally, the most appropriate stage to consider undertaking SIPMs will be from ST3 onwards to allow learners to focus on the professional skills outlined in the core curriculum first.

You need to complete the SIPM registration form.

Yes, you can.

The Subspecialty Curricula 2024 build on the content of the relevant SITMs. You have already completed an ATSM, which will count towards CCT, and you can then register for the SITM relevant to the subspecialty of interest.

You will meet CCT requirements with one completed ATSM and one completed SITM and will be in a strong position when applying for a subspecialty training post by being partway through, or having completed, the relevant SITM(s) for your chosen subspecialty.

No, this will not affect your eligibility to apply for SST posts. When you return as an ST5 after implementation, you will have to switch to Curriculum 2024 and will need to evidence the new key skills once you move into Stage three of training (ST6 and ST7) to be awarded CCT, in addition to two SITMs or subspecialty training accreditation.

No, this will not affect your eligibility to apply for SST posts. When you return as an ST6 prior to implementation of Curriculum 2024, you can either: 

• remain on Core Curriculum 2019 at the time of implementation 

OR

• move to Core Curriculum 2024 

This will need to be agreed with your Head of School.

No, this will not affect your eligibility to apply for SST posts. If you have already started SST, you will not need to switch to Curriculum 2024. If you are starting SST, you need to switch to Curriculum 2024, including Core Curriculum 2024. 

No, you will not be disadvantaged when applying for subspecialty training posts. You should familiarise yourself with the relevant SITM(s) for your chosen subspecialty and your chosen subspecialty curriculum prior to applying for subspecialty training posts and collect any appropriate evidence.

You will be able to use any evidence related to the relevant SITM(s) and chosen subspecialty that has been collected prior to applying for and starting your subspecialty training.

Yes, research accreditation has been removed. A subspecialty-specific (SSTR) CiP, generic to all subspecialty curricula, has been added to each subspecialty curriculum. The SSTR CiP has been modelled on the research CiP of Core Curriculum 2024 and takes research to a level required by a subspecialist. 

You will satisfy the research element of the subspecialty training programme when the subspecialty-specific research CiP has been signed off at level 5.

Yes, this will make you more competitive at interview for a SST post.

Yes, you will have completed the subspecialty-specific research CiP by having completed the APM in Clinical Research. It would be advisable to keep adding prospective evidence to the research CiP as you are expected to continue to contribute to research as a subspecialist.

No, if you are successful in achieving a subspecialty training post and commence subspecialty training after the implementation of Curriculum 2024, you will need to undertake the Subspecialty Training Curriculum 2024 and move to Core Curriculum 2024. 

Research exemption has been removed from subspecialty training and the research element has been replaced by a subspecialty-specific (SSTR) CiP, generic to all subspecialty curricula. 

All postgraduate training is competency-based, not time-based. The duration of training will be as long as it takes for you to become competent to be awarded CCT and/or subspecialty accreditation.

The SST registration fee will not change. Payment is taken when a trainee registers onto SST and is the same as the current SST registration fee.

You have to inform subspecialtytraining@rcog.org.uk. There will be no additional fee. The fee you have paid for subspecialty training will be transferred.

You cannot progress to ST6 until you have completed MRCOG. At your next ARCP the panel will decide your outcome, whether extended training time can be given and set objectives. The primary focus will be on completing the MRCOG but you will be able to collect evidence for your SST during your clinical sessions. 

The GMC introduced a transition period in May 2021 for Portfolio Pathway applicants. You will have the same transition period as trainees and can apply with current ATSMs or new SITMs during the transition period. For further details, see our implementation and transition document.

The transition period to move to Curriculum 2024 will be 2 years from August 2024. The transition period will expire in August 2026. If your projected completion date for your ATSM(s) is post August 2026, you should discuss your individual circumstances with your SITM Director and your supervisor. 

No, after the implementation of Curriculum 2024 on 7 August 2024, you will no longer be able to register for ATSMs and will have to register for SITMs.

You need two SITMs to apply for the Portfolio Pathway and the following principles apply:

• you can only be registered for two SITMs concurrently
• you will usually start with one SITM
• you cannot register for a second SITM until you have passed the MRCOG
• there is no maximum number of SITMs you can complete, however, once you have completed two SITMs you will not be prioritised to register for a third and any further registrations for SITMs are dependent on training opportunities available.

The SITM fee is identical to the ATSM fee. You need to pay for each individual SITM for which you are registered.

You have to re-register for the SITM by completing the SITM transfer form. There will be no additional fee. The fee you have paid for the ATSM will be transferred to the SITM.

A trainee cannot progress to ST6 or start a second SITM without completion of the MRCOG. At the trainee’s next Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP), the panel will decide the outcome for the trainee and whether extended training time can be given. The ARCP panel will set the trainee objectives and the primary focus for the trainee will be completing the MRCOG. The trainee will still access clinical sessions that support core and special interest skill development, as well as supporting preparation for the MRCOG. 

Seven years of training, with limitations on access and volume of surgical exposure, are insufficient to train CCT holders to cope with all complexities of acute obstetrics and gynaecological surgery. The RCOG Workforce Report 2022 presented a number of options individual trusts might employ to optimise their own out-of-hours (OOH) surgical cover to address this issue. It is a strategic presidential priority for the RCOG to develop a process to improve the quality, robustness and access to obstetrics and gynaecology surgical training.

An individualised, pragmatic and flexible approach will be key for these trainees during the transition phase and will need to be facilitated by their Heads of School and/or SITM Directors. 

No, there is no change to the current arrangements. ST6 and ST7 trainees will be expected to have, as a minimum, at least one clinical session per week pro-rata that contributes to their SITMs. This may be as part of their service work or supernumerary. It is not expected that ST5s will require protected sessions when undertaking SITMs, with the exception of scanning sessions.

No, there are seven ultrasound OSATS that cover the general ultrasound skills required for core ultrasound skills, SITM ultrasound skills and subspecialty ultrasound skills. These should be collected by trainees to evidence their evolving ultrasound competencies. 

The ultrasound scanning requirements of Core Curriculum 2024 remain the same, and there are no new SITMs that require scan training in addition to the ATSMs that preceded them. Gynaecological and complex early pregnancy ultrasound scanning skills will NOT become part of core skill competency requirements. 

Learners who are moving to Curriculum 2024 will be transitioned to Curriculum 2024 on the same platform and all core curriculum evidence collected to date will be automatically populated. The ePortfolio platform remains the same, with the same functionality, all that is changing is updating the platform  to accommodate the changes required to evidence Curriculum 2024.

You will have to manually link any relevant evidence collected to date for your ATSM to the assigned SITM you are transferring to.

You will have to manually link any relevant evidence collected to date for your subspecialty curriculum 2019 to the assigned subspecialty curriculum 2024 you are transferring to.

When you register for an SIPM, SITM or Subspecialty Curriculum, the RCOG ePortfolio team will be notified automatically and will assign this to your existing ePortfolio profile.

When you access your ePortfolio, your assigned SIPM(s), SITM(s) or Subspecialty Curricula will be accessible through the ‘Special interest curricula progress’ block on your dashboard.

Yes, all existing advanced training curricula will remain on the ePortfolio. You and your trainers will not see any changes and your ePortfolio will look as it does currently.

You can continue to complete your existing ATSMs and have a new SITM assigned to your ePortfolio. Once you have enrolled for a SITM, this will be assigned to your ePortfolio profile by the RCOG ePortfolio team and will appear under the ‘Special interest curricula progress’ block on your ePortfolio dashboard, alongside any ATSMs that you are currently undertaking.

When you create an OSATS assessment request, you should start typing the name of the SIPM, SITM or subspecialty-related procedure into the ‘Procedure’ search field. The relevant procedure name will then display for selection. 

If you are assigned the ‘SIPM Leadership and Management’, the relevant sub-menu will appear on your ‘Assessments’ menu, which will allow you to access and create the related WPBAs and log entry forms.

If you are assigned the ‘SIPM Medical Education’, the relevant sub-menu will appear on your ‘Assessments’ menu, which will allow you to access and create the related WPBAs and log entry forms.

When you or your supervisor creates an ESR, ‘Section 2 – CiPs & procedure summary’ will populate with the CiP assessments for your assigned SITM(s).

The ESR will contain progress sections/tick-boxes for the SIPMs, which you can complete if you are undertaking these curricula.

When you or your supervisor creates an SST ESR, ‘Section 2 – SST Capabilities in Practice’ will populate with the CiP assessments for your assigned SST curriculum, along with the SST Research CiP and any mandatory OSATS procedure names.

For the Core Curriculum, this will be indicated above the CiPs and Professional Identities on your ePortfolio dashboard. For those remaining on the 2019 Core Curriculum, it will state ‘Core Curriculum progress’, whereas for those on Core Curriculum 2024, it will state ‘Core Curriculum 2024 progress'.

You will be able to identify the special interest curricula 2024 you are undertaking as the curriculum type will be incorporated into the curriculum title; for example, ‘SIPM Clinical Research (CR)’, ‘SITM Vulval Disease (VD)’.

The RCOG ePortfolio team can adjust the name of each stage accordingly without this having any effect on the curriculum progress bars or training stage adjustment functionality.

Once the changes are live, the only difference you will see is that your ePortfolio dashboard will state ‘See where you have added items to key skills in Stage one’.

The resetting of the evidence when entering the next stage of training only applies to the core CiPs. SITM or subspecialty curricula are not affected by this process.

If your CiP progress bars have been reset, this is likely due to your stage of training having been updated by your TDP/HoS. At this point, a learner's evidence from the previous training stage is archived but still accessible. 

There are two new Key Skills in CiPs 7 and 11 for the new curriculum, which is likely to be the reason why your progress bars look different following your transfer to Core Curriculum 2024. 

As a SITM Director, you will have access to all learners who are undertaking SITMs in your region. Learners will appear for selection in the ‘Trainees’ block on your ePortfolio dashboard.

As a SITM Supervisor, you will need to be assigned to the relevant learners individually through the learner’s profile page. This can be done by the learner themselves. Once you have been assigned to a learner’s profile page, the learner will appear for selection in the ‘Your assigned trainees’ block on your ePortfolio dashboard. 

As a SITM Preceptor, you will need to be assigned to the relevant learners individually through the learner’s profile page. This can be done by the learner themselves. Once you have been assigned to a learner’s profile page, the learner will appear for selection in the ‘Your assigned trainees’ block on your ePortfolio dashboard. 

You should access the learner’s profile page through your dashboard’s ‘Assigned trainees’ or ‘Trainees’ blocks, or the ‘Find a trainee’ search. You then select ‘View curricula progress’. This will display all of the curricula that the learner is undertaking, and the progress bars will indicate the amount of evidence that the learner has linked to each curriculum. By selecting one of the special interest curricula 2024, the relevant CiPs and key skills will display. You will be able to view and access the learner's linked evidence items by clicking on the relevant key skill.