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.
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.
All four UK governments have agreed that credentials are one mechanism that will help to better support the medical workforce.
The GMC are currently working on how credentials will be embedded, including the sign-off and maintenance of credentials. Further information will be provided in due course.
GMC's 'Early Adopter' process
At present, the GMC are working with a small number of specialties, including Psychiatry, to test the framework through an 'Early Adopter' process.
In 2017 we undertook a pilot for a post-CCT credential in Liaison Psychiatry (see below). In 2019 we were selected by the GMC to apply the outcome of the pilot to the new framework. 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.
Read further information regarding the process
Liaison Psychiatry Credential Pilot
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.
The pilot is now complete and we are moving through the GMC's Early Adopter process. If you are interested in the outcome or would like to be kept informed of any future opportunities please complete our online form.
Eating Disorders Credential
In early 2022, the RCPsych was commissioned by Health Education England (now NHSE) to produce an Eating Disorders Credential. The pilot finalised in October 2023 and a new cohort aimed directly at Medics only has commenced, which will span from October 2023 until October 2024.
If you would like more information or would like to be kept informed on any upcoming cohorts please email credentialing@rcpsych.ac.uk.
The first cohort of the credential to medics only opened earlier this year. This cohort is open to a mixture of medics including Higher Trainees, Consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and Paediatricians.
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 and only if the credential is approved by the GMC.
If you would like more information regarding Cohort 1 of 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.
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.