Which KSE cohort should I apply for?
The College has three KSE entry level cohorts at which you can submit your portfolio.
If you meet the Portfolio Pathway eligibility criteria, the next step is deciding on your application entry level. This is a self-selection process and you must decide which KSE your experience and skills fit into and apply for the appropriate cohort on your application to the GMC.
Due to the diversity of skills undertaken by individuals, unfortunately we cannot decide which cohort you fit into. Therefore it's your responsibility to ensure you choose the correct KSE cohort based on your knowledge, skills and experience.
This simplistic table may help you visualise cohorts, however you should use the self-selection tool below which goes through each criteria.
Please don't apply under a cohort that you do not meet the criteria for.
To assist your decision, please read through each of the questions below to self-identify which KSE cohort to apply for.
Please start at Q1 and read each criteria. Your answers will identify which KSE category you should apply for.
Q1. Have you completed core training competencies per the Core psychiatry curriculum and/or completed specialist qualification (MRCPsych or equivalent)?
Can you:
a) submit evidence of being in a training scheme for 3 years whole time equivalent, which can be from anytime in your career?
b) confirm in your evidence that the training scheme has a published curriculum which demonstrates a requirement of experience and training in various specialities of psychiatry which must include general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry and either child and adolescent psychiatry or psychiatry of intellectual disability?
c) submit evidence that any training and experience was supervised and periodically assessed and may have included a theory and clinical exam?
d) submit evidence that the training and experience must have included supervised delivery of Psychotherapy cases in two modalities?
OR
Have you:
e) taken and passed all parts of MRCPsych (or equivalent), OR taken an exam attached to your training scheme that has clinical and theory parts to it and be able to evidence this with published curriculum/exam details.
If you can confirm a), b), c), d) OR e), proceed to Q2.
If you cannot confirm a), b), c), d), OR e), above, you are eligible to submit your portfolio evidence at KSE Cohort 2.
Q2. Can you demonstrate passing of MRCPsych or an equivalent examination?
To demonstrate this you must provide evidence that you have:
a) either taken and passed all parts of MRCPsych
OR
b) you have taken an exam attached to your training scheme that has clinical and theory parts to it and be able to submit the details of the exam with a copy of the published curriculum as evidence.
If you can confirm a) or b) above, proceed to Q3 below.
If you cannot confirm a) or b) above, please proceed to Q4 below.
Q3. Do you have sufficient specialty training or specialist experience?
This should be satisfied by demonstrating either a) or b) plus c) below:
a)
- Being in specialist training post in your application specialty for at least two years.
- Can submit the published curriculum for the training scheme this post is attached to, with evidence of periodic assessment and supervision.
- Can submit details of the exit exam if the training scheme has one.
OR
b)
- Experience as a Specialist/Consultant for at least two years. Please submit evidence to demonstrate that you have been appointed and are working at a Specialist/Consultant grade. This must be a grade which is well recognised and acceptable for specialist practice (independent, achieved after full qualifications in the speciality) within the health system/medical council (or equivalent regulator) where you are working.
PLUS
c)
- Approved through the local legislative framework to independently assess and treat mental disorders, e.g. as an Approved Clinician under the Mental Health Act in England.
If your answer to either a), or b) plus c) above is YES, you are eligible to submit your portfolio evidence at KSE Cohort 1A.
If you cannot satisfy a) or b) plus c) you are eligible to submit your portfolio evidence at KSE Cohort 1B.
Q4. Do you have sufficient specialist experience?
This should be satisfied by demonstrating both a) and b) below:
a) Experience as a Specialist/Consultant for at least five years. Please submit evidence to demonstrate that you have been appointed and are working at a Specialist/Consultant grade. This must be a grade which is well recognised and acceptable for specialist practice (independent, achieved after full qualifications in the speciality) within the health system/ medical council (or equivalent regulator) where you are working.
b) Approved through the local legislative framework to independently assess and treat mental disorders, e.g. as an Approved Clinician under the Mental Health Act in England.
If your answer is YES to both a) and b) you are suitable to submit your portfolio evidence at KSE Cohort 1A.
If your answer is NO to either a) or b) you are eligible to submit your portfolio evidence at KSE Cohort 1B.
