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.

The Eating Disorders Credential is currently underway, with Cohort 3 in progress.

This credential is funded by NHS England and has been developed in response to a clear workforce need, with limited access to specialist training and ongoing shortages in eating disorder services. Eating disorders are complex conditions associated with significant physical and mental health risks, requiring skilled multidisciplinary care.

A multiprofessional pilot was delivered in 2023. Subsequent cohorts (Cohorts 1-3) have been delivered for medical professionals, supporting the development of specialist knowledge and skills across psychiatry and related specialties.

The credential provides a structured pathway for clinicians to develop the knowledge and skills needed to assess and treat patients across the age range through supervised practice, case-based learning and portfolio evidence.

At present, there are no plans for a Cohort 4 due to funding constraints. However, the College is exploring future opportunities and alternative training models.

Register your interest in future Eating Disorders credential and/or training opportunities by emailing credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk and quote Eating Disorders Credential in the subject line.

The RCPsych Credential in Addiction Psychiatry is now open for applications.

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 are now open.

To apply, please complete the online application form.

Before submitting your application, we recommend reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions, which provide further information about the programme, eligibility criteria and application process.

If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQs, please contact the Credentialing team at credentaling@rcpsych.ac.uk.

Opportunities to be involved

We are also seeking to appoint individuals to support delivery of the credential, including:

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

Applications are now open for the RCPsych Neurodevelopmental Credential pilot.

Applications are invited from eligible clinicians working in England. We also welcome applications from clinicians working in the devolved nations (Scotland,  Wales and Northern Ireland), subject to funding being secured through the relevant national funding bodies.

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.

Delegate applications for the pilot are now open.

To apply, please complete the online application form.

Before submitting your application, we recommend reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions, which provide further information about the programme, eligibility criteria and application process.

If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQs, please contact the Credentialing team at credentaling@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.