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 – 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.