CCT vs CESR

Training in the UK can seem confusing at first however there are two main pathways - CCT and CESR. CCT stands for Certificate of Completion of Training whereas CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration. Both entitle the holder to become a substantive consultant in the UK. CESR is currently undergoing a process of change to become known as a portfolio pathway.

The process for CCT requires progression through a specified, GMC approved training programme via the appropriate Royal College which is normally applied for at either ST1 or ST3/4 level.

The process for CESR requires progression against a certain number of competencies with evidence presented in your portfolio, in some specialties it has been renamed to ‘portfolio pathway’.

Both pathways can take a similar amount of time for completion although the timing can be adjusted for time out due to sickness, parental leave, looking after dependents and working less than full time.