Accreditation for Specialist Registration in Psychiatry

Portfolio Pathway 2023

This page will take you through the steps for applying to the GMC for specialist registration in the psychiatry specialties of:
  • Child and Adolescent
  • Forensic 
  • General Adult
  • Old Age
  • Learning Disability
  • Medical Psychotherapy

Currently it is not possible to apply for dual specialty registration via the Portfolio Pathway.

Historic changes to Specialist Registration via CESR/Portfolio Pathway

From 30 November 2023 the GMC curriculum changed for doctors wishing to apply for Certificate for Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) via equivalence was replaced by the Portfolio Pathway. (Applications already in process and lodged with the GMC prior to 29 November 2023 at 11.59pm GMT will continue via the previous Equivalence route.)

The GMC have produced general guidance: Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR). This guidance sets out the eligibility requirements and process for applying for Specialist Registration in Psychiatry as set out in the Specialty Specific Guidance (SSGs).

Note: Before applying to the GMC for Specialist Registration via the Portfolio Pathway please check if you are eligible.

To be eligible to apply via the GMC to the Portfolio Pathway, you must have either a specialist qualification in the specialty you are applying in (for example, MRCPsych (or equivalent), FRANZCP Australia or MSc Psychiatry Egypt etc) OR, at least six months continuous specialist training (e.g. core training) in the specialty you are applying in. If you think you do not meet this criteria please contact the GMC.

Further details on documents required to evidence eligibility are contained on the GMC eligibility information pages. If you meet the above criteria, have been working in the field of psychiatry and you have the necessary level experience and can evidence this, with supporting information, you may be eligible to apply.

Please see links to frequently asked questions on the right hand side of this page.

Portfolios are submitted and assessed against your Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE) for specialist practice in the UK and reflects the Higher Learning Outcomes in psychiatry (HLOs). Evidence submitted should be within the last 10 years, stated in whole time equivalents (WTE).

If you have worked for less than full-time periods over the last five years, evidence can be provided from previous years – however clear details of this should be stated on the GMC application and CV.

Depending on your KSE there are different cohorts of entry, please see information below which will help you identify which cohort you may apply for via the GMC.

Choosing a KSE cohort entry point

The College has three KSE entry level cohorts at which you can submit your portfolio to the GMC, if you meet the eligibility criteria above.

Note: If you feel you do not meet the criteria please email us or the GMC and do not proceed to the selection tool below. 

Choosing your cohort of entry is a self-selection process as only you can evaluate all of your prior skills experience and training.  

To assist you we have created a Selection Tool – please use the button below to access the questions and criteria to assist you decide on which cohort of entry to apply for if you are eligible.

KSE applicant cohort self-selection tool

Applicant guidance

Presentation (30 January 2025) - recording below

Note: Due to updates since the recording, please rely on the Specialty specific guidance (SSG) and Cohort Selection guidance for the most up-to-date information.
Portfolio Pathway Applicant Stakeholder Guidance Session - 30 January 2025
Play

Portfolio Pathway Applicant Stakeholder Guidance Session - 30 January 2025

2026 Applicant Guidance session dates: book your place today

  • Wednesday 18 February 2026 - 9.30-11.00 am via MS Teams (NOW FULL)
  • Wednesday 22 April 2026 - 9.30-11.00 am via MS Teams (NOW FULL)

Places are limited to 40 per session to ensure time to respond to questions.

 

Extra dates have been requested as the above dates are full. However, if you are not on our list, please register with us for updates.

Email us to book your place

Role of the College in Specialist Registration via the Portfolio Pathway

CESR applications are made to the GMC, where they are compiled and submitted to the RCPsych for two College Evaluators to undertake the evaluation. Further information about how to apply can be found on the GMC website:

The College’s role is to evaluate applications received from the GMC for Specialist Registration in Psychiatry and send recommendations to the GMC, who will place the applicant on the Specialist Register if it is collaboratively agreed that all  HLOs have been met. The College works closely with the GMC to ensure that a robust system of assessment is established.

To achieve this, the College:

  • Determines criteria reflecting the Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE) requirements for doctors applying for inclusion on the Specialist Register.
  • Evaluates individual applications for the inclusion on the Specialist Register.  The two assigned Evaluators and the Associate Dean for Equivalence, Dr Neeraj Berry, are responsible for evaluating applications.

Further information

Contact us

For further information, contact specialistregistration@rcpsych.ac.uk