General Practice Specialty Training Guidance

May 2023

This guidance provides a specialty specific framework for the use of directors of postgraduate GP education, and training programme directors when planning and constructing GP training programmes. It is also a reference, rather than rules, for Local Office and Deanery (both henceforth referred to as Deaneries) administrators, GP specialty trainees and the RCGP Specialist Applications (GPSA) team.

Aside from any elements linked to legislation, it is up to deaneries to apply this guidance as they feel is most appropriate. It is intended as a helpful tool, outlining best practice and is not being imposed by the RCGP.

This guidance relates to training for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in general medical practice in all four nations of the UK and for the practice of the specialty within the NHS.

The guidance has been produced by the RCGP with support from COGPED, COPMeD and the Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC) for general practice. It has been approved by the Specialty Training Board for general practice and will be reviewed every two years or as required.

Section 1 - Introduction

Section 2 - Training programmes

Section 3 - GP training time

Section 4 - Disruption to training

Section 5 - Assessment and award of CCT

Section 6 - Exit from and return to training