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Certificate of Completion of Training

Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) is the route for doctors who have completed a full GMC-approved training programme. 

The Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) route is only suitable for doctors who have completed the Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) programme in the UK.  CCT holders are eligible for entry onto the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register to practice as ophthalmology consultants in the NHS.

How to apply for CCT

Please read the guidance document carefully and only apply for your CCT after the final ARCP Outcome 6 is awarded.  This is the first step of the process and the GMC will email you separately with an invitation to apply online.  

The GMC will only issue the certificate after receiving the RCOphth’s recommendation for CCT.   The date on the certificate will reflect the date of issue rather than the date when training was completed.

All applications for a CCT must be made to the GMC within 12 months of a doctor’s expected completion of training date.  After 12 months from the expected completion of training date, doctors will have to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) to get entry onto the Specialist Register.

Accelerated training

Significant pre-planning is required.  Requests for approval of an earlier CCT date will only be considered where exceptional doctors in training are able to demonstrate to be on course to acquire the necessary skills to become an independent practitioner earlier than the expected date.

Resources to support an accelerated training application can be found at the bottom of this page.

Resources to support your application

Upload these documents to the RCOphth e-Portfolio’s Additional Evidence tab as part of your application for CCT.

CCT application form

Return your completed application form to the RCOphth Education and Training Department. This form requires the signature of your Postgraduate Dean.

Cumulative data sheet

Complete this data sheet by summarising the whole of your Ophthalmic Specialist Training Logbook, including SJ and A.

50 consecutive cases cataract audit guidance

It is a curriculum requirement for trainees to present a 50 consecutive cases cataract audit paper (with comparison to national standards), which must be supported by raw data. This document should be read alongside the 'Example model 50 cases cataract audit'.

Continuous cataract complications audit letter

It is a curriculum requirement for trainees to maintain a continuous audit of cataract complications from the beginning of their training. This letter should be read alongside the 'Continuous cataract complications audit synopsis template'.

Cataract Audit requirements (2016)

Letter confirming GMC's approval regarding the RCOphth’s proposal to mandate completion of the cataract audit within three calendar years of CCT.

Compulsory use of the Eye Logbook

It has been mandatory since August 2011 that all OST trainees use the RCOphth Eye Logbook to record their surgical experience and training.

Award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)

The College processes a significant number of CCT applications each year and, in order to avoid delays, applicants must provide information that conforms in full to the Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) curriculum requirements and is readily accessible.

Accelerated CCT

There is an increasing view that assessment should be about the trainees’ competencies and Generic Professional Capabilities rather than time spent in the training programme. Exceptional trainees may have acquired the necessary skills earlier than the indicative time. period. A trainee in this position may be able to apply for acceleration of training and an earlier CCT date.

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Education in Ophthalmology

Education in Ophthalmology is the development of knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies, and this includes personal and professional development.

Find out more