Credentialing

What is a 'credential'?

A 'credential' is a training pathway offered to consultants who are on the GMC's Specialist Register to train in a specialist area that was not undertaken prior to the receipt of their specialist registration.

Some credentials may also be undertaken by Higher Trainees in Psychiatry and medics who spend 3PAs per week in the required specialist area.

Generally, credentials are offered over a period of one year (WTE).

GMC's credentialing framework

In 2019, the General Medical Council (GMC) developed their Framework for GMC-regulated credentials.

The framework outlines two key drivers supporting the approval of credentials:

  • unregulated areas of practice where there may be significant patient risks
  • where the capacity to train doctors is insufficient to meet patient or service needs.

The RCPsych worked with the GMC as part of their 'Early Adopter' process. A post-CCT credential in Liaison Psychiatry was piloted in 2019. So far, we have received approval from the GMC's Curriculum Oversight Group (COG) and are working with the GMC's Curriculum Advisory Group (CAG) and approvals team towards implementation.

In December 2023, the GMC ended their Credential project.

'We do not plan to develop any further GMC credentials but will continue to support and learn from the early adopters. The findings will support the career development of all doctors and help to improve flexibility in postgraduate medical education.'

The RCPsych will continue to deliver College Credentials as part of RCPsych Learn, the GMC are supportive of this action.

Liaison Credential

In 2016 in partnership with Health Education England we ran a pilot to develop a credential in Liaison Psychiatry. The pilot was aimed at consultants who already have a CCT in General or Old Age psychiatry (or equivalent) who wish to work in a liaison psychiatry service as a Liaison psychiatrist. The aim was to establish what a post CCT credential could look like, and the cost and feasibility of participating.

Currently, formal training in Liaison Psychiatry is only offered as part of higher specialist training leading to an endorsement. A recognised training route is needed for consultants working (or expected to work) in this area, who do not hold an endorsement in liaison psychiatry to meet the service demands.

In 2025, the decision was made by RCPsych not to proceed with GMC approval.

Eating Disorders Credential

In early 2022, the RCPsych was commissioned by NHS England (NHSE) to produce an Eating Disorders Credential.

Applications are now closed.

If you would like more information or would like to be kept informed on any upcoming cohorts please email credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.

The Credential opened to a mixture of medics including Higher Resident doctors, Consultants, GPs, SAS doctors, Paediatricians, and other relevant doctors.

To be eligible for the credential you will need to have a minimum of three sessions a week with eating disorder patients and a commitment to your own personal development and knowledge of eating disorder psychiatry.

At the end of the credential a certificate of completion will be awarded from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Please note that we are only able to award the certificate to trainees post CCT completion.

Applications for the Eating Disorder Credential are now closed.

If you have any questions, please review our FAQs and contact credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk if there is something that hasn't been covered.

If you would like more information regarding the Eating Disorder Credential please see our extensive FAQs.

If you have any further questions that our FAQs don't cover or would like more details, please contact our team at credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.

Recruitment for mentors for the Eating Disorder Credential is now closed, and we are not currently running an active application process.

However, if you are interested in being considered for future mentoring opportunities, please contact credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.

To work as a mentor for a doctor aiming to gain a credential, mentors must meet the following criteria:
  • Be a recognised trainer for higher trainees or have equivalent experience in supervising and supporting doctors in training or development.
  • Hold a CCT, CESR, or equivalent endorsement in the area in which the doctor is aiming to achieve a credential.
  • Have been in a substantive Consultant or senior SAS role for at least 3 years.
  • Do not need to be in the same Trust as the doctor aiming to achieve the credential.

Want to learn more about credentialing?

We are currently working towards developing further credentials, and scoping areas of work where this would be most beneficial. If you would like to know more about the process, please contact credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk or call 0208 618 4170.