Credentialing

RCPsych Credentials support clinicians in developing advanced expertise in key areas of clinical practice, aligned to patient need and workforce priorities. Credentials provide a structured, nationally recognised routed to develop and demonstrate specialist competencies beyond core training.

Our credentials are developed in partnership with clinical experts, Faculties, and national stakeholders, and are aligned to the standards set out in the General Medical Council’s (GMC) framework for credentialing.

What is a 'credential'?

A 'credential' is a training pathway offered to clinicians who are usually 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 Resident Doctors in Psychiatry, SAS Psychiatrists 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, including development work in liaison psychiatry.

In December 2023, the GMC concluded its credentialing project and confirmed it will not develop further GMC-regulated credentials:

“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 College will continue to deliver College Credentials as part of RCPsych Learn, aligned to the principles of the GMC framework and supporting workforce development in priority areas. The GMC are supportive of this action.

Our credentials

Select a credential below to view further details:

In 2016 in partnership with Health Education England the College 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.

In 2019, the RCPsych worked with the GMC as part of their ‘Early Adopter’ process, piloting a post-CCT credential in Liaison Psychiatry. Approval was received from the GMC’s Curriculum Oversight Group (COG), and work progressed with the GMC’s Curriculum Advisory Group (CAG) and approvals team towards implementation.

Currently, formal training in Liaison Psychiatry is only offered as part of higher specialist training leading to an endorsement. However, there remains a recognised need for accessible training routes for consultants working, or intending to work, in liaison psychiatry services without this endorsement.

Following delays and challenges to the programme, and wider changes to the credentialing landscape including the GMC’s decision to end its credential project, the College decided in 2025 not to proceed with further development of a Liaison Psychiatry Credential.

We recognise the continued importance of liaison psychiatry within the wider healthcare system and will support workforce development in this rea through alternative routes an initiatives.

We are pleased to announce that applications for Cohort 4 of the Eating Disorder Credential are now open ahead of the programme launch in February 2027. This new cohort has been made possible through additional funding from NHS England, reflecting the continued success and impact of the programme since its introduction in 2022.

The Eating Disorder Credential supports clinicians in developing the knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality care for people with eating disorders through a structured programme of learning, supervision and workplace-based experience.

Apply now:

We encourage anyone interested in participating, either as a candidate or mentor, to review the information available and submit an application. Please also share this opportunity with colleagues and professional networks who may be interested.

Deadline for applications is 23:59 Sunday 22 November 2026.
Please note that applications may close earlier if we receive a high volume of eligible applications and reach the maximum number we are able to process. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Virtual open evening 02/11/2026  you can register your place by emailing credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk and quote Eating Disorders Credential Open Evening in the subject line.

You can view the Credential Curricula and our 2025 CCQI report.

Developed in response to national workforce need, the Credential supports clinicians in developing specialist knowledge, skills and experience in addiction psychiatry. It has been informed by recommendations from the Government's From Harm to Hope strategy and Dame Carol Black's Independent Review of Drugs, which highlighted the need to strengthen and expand the specialist addictions workforce in England.

The programme provides a structured pathway for clinicians to develop and demonstrate specialist competencies in addiction psychiatry through workplace-based learning, teaching, mentoring and portfolio development alongside their existing clinical role.

Delegate applications for cohort 1 have now closed.

For further information about the Credential in Addiction Psychiatry, or to express interest in a future cohort, please contact the Credentialing team at credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.

Opportunities to be involved

We are also seeking to appoint individuals to support delivery of the credential, including regional leads and mentors.

Regional Leads will help promote the credential within their region, support engagement with local services and training networks, and contribute to the successful delivery of the programme. We are recruiting one Regional Lead for each of the following training deaneries:

  1. East Midlands
  2. East of England
  3. Kent, Surrey and Sussex
  4. London
  5. North East
  6. North West
  7. South West - Peninsula
  8. South West - Severn
  9. Thames Valley
  10. Wessex
  11. West Midlands
  12. Yorkshire and Humber

View the Regional Lead job description. Applications close on Friday 14 August 2026.

To apply for a Regional Lead role, please email credentaling@rcpsych.ac.uk with:

  • a brief expression of interest outlining your suitability for the role and the region for which you are applying; and
  • a copy of your current CV.

Expressions of interest will be treated as formal applications. Applications will be reviewed following the closing date, and shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews are likely to take place on Wednesday 2 September 2026, although this date remains subject to confirmation. Further details will be provided directly to shortlisted applicants.

In addition to Regional Leads, we are also recruiting mentors to provide individual support and guidance to clinicians undertaking the credential.

Mentors will support delegates throughout the credential, helping them to reflect on their learning, develop their specialist practice and complete the required workplace-based and portfolio activities.

If you have any questions about either role, please contact credentaling@rcpsych.ac.uk.

The RCPsych Neurodevelopmental Credential has been developed to equip clinicians with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high-quality holistic assessment and care for people with neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and tic disorders.

Demand for neurodevelopmental services has increased significantly in recent years, with rising referral rates and increasing workforce pressures. There is therefore a growing need for clinicians from a range of specialties to develop expertise in the assessment and management of neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan.

The Neurodevelopmental Credential has been developed to provide a structured, nationally recognised programme that supports clinicians in developing and demonstrating specialist capabilities in neurodevelopmental psychiatry. By bringing together workplace learning, expert faculty teaching and multidisciplinary collaboration, the programme aims to strengthen neurodevelopmental services, improve consistency of care and help develop a sustainable holistically trained workforce equipped to meet current and future service needs.

2026 Neurodevelopmental Credential Curriculum

Delegate applications for the pilot have now closed.

For further information about the Neurodevelopmental Credential, or to express interest in a future cohort or training opportunities, please contact the Credentialing team at credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.

Opportunities to be involved

We are also seeking to appoint mentors to support delivery of the credential.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or would like further information about the role, please contact credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.

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.