Credentialing
RCPsych Credentials support psychiatrists 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 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, 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 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.
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.
The RCPsych Credential in Addictions Psychiatry has recently been approved, and development of the programme I underway.
This credential has been developed in response to national workforce need, including recommendations from the Government’s From Harm to Hope strategy and Dame Carol Black’s independent review, which highlighted the need to expand specialist addictions expertise.
The programme will provide a structured pathway to develop competencies in addictions psychiatry.
Applications are not yet open. If you would like to be notified when applications open, please contact, credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk
We are also seeking to appoint individuals to support delivery of the credential, including:
If you are interested in these roles, please contact credentaling@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.