Guidance on how to apply for time out of programme (OOP)
There are 2 different processes:
- Time out of programme for clinical experience (OOPE), time out of programme for a career break (OOPC), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time won’t count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
- Time out of programme for training (OOPT), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
For definitions of the different types of OOP, see the main OOP page.
OOPE, OOPC, OOPR where the time won’t count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
This is the application process for time out of programme for clinical experience (OOPE), time out of programme for a career break (OOPC), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time won’t count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway.
This type of OOP application doesn’t need to be submitted to the GMC.
- Plan well ahead – we recommend a minimum period of 3 months, but strongly advise that you try to start the application process 6 months in advance
- Speak to your Educational Supervisor, and then your local Training Programme Director, to confirm support from your Specialty Training Committee/local School of O&G
- Fully complete the appropriate OOP form – see the sample OOP form (PDF, 155 kb) for an example, but your deanery may have its own version
- Submit the completed form and all supporting documentation to your deanery
- When your deanery has confirmed approval, forward a copy of your form to the RCOG for placement in your file – send to the Policy Coordinator (Quality) by post to the main RCOG address, or by email to tchambers@rcog.org.uk
- At the end of your time OOP, the RCOG would appreciate a letter from your Head of School, Chair of your deanery Specialty Training Committee or Training Programme Director, confirming:
- The start and end dates of the OOP post
- Satisfactory completion of the time OOP
- Your revised CCT/Portfolio Pathway date
OOPT, OOPR where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
This is the application process for time out of programme for training (OOPT), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway.
This type of OOP application may need to be submitted to the GMC for further approval.
Please see the GMC website for guidance.
- Plan well ahead – we recommend a minimum of 3 months, but in the case of OOPT and OOPR where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway, it’s even more important to try to start the application process 6 months in advance, if prospective GMC approval is needed.
- Speak to your Educational Supervisor, and then to your local Training Programme Director, to confirm support from your Specialty Training Committee/local School of O&G
- Fully complete the appropriate OOP form – see the sample OOP form (PDF 155 kb) for an example, but your deanery may have its own version
- Submit the completed form and all supporting documentation to your deanery/LETB
- When your deanery/LETB has approved your application, please send the documentation to the RCOG – send to the Policy Coordinator (Quality) at the main RCOG address:
- You must include a detailed timetable outlining all research and clinical components (including daytime and out of hours)
- The RCOG will then recommend how much time should count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
- The Chair of the Specialty Education Advisory Committee will review your application and write back to you and your deannery/LETB
- Your deanery/LETB will submit your application to the GMC, if needed, together with the supporting letter from the RCOG, for final approval
- When the GMC has confirmed the approval, they will forward a confirmatory letter to all parties, including the RCOG.
Contact us
If you have any questions, or want more information, please email the Policy Coordinator (Quality) tchambers@rcog.org.uk or call +44 20 7772 6294.