GMC reassures trainees on exams

25 June 2010

EXAMS taken by trainee doctors outside approved training programmes can still count towards their certificate of completion of training.

The General Medical Council moved to reassure juniors that they will allow all trainees already in approved CCT training programmes to obtain a CCT even if they passed one or more of their exams before entering the programme. This is subject to the trainee successfully completing the CCT programme.

The GMC confirmed its position following a meeting this month with key groups including trainee doctors’ representatives, medical Royal Colleges, Postgraduate Deaneries and UK health departments. The council, which took over postgraduate training regulation in April, took legal advice regarding its powers in relation to exams taken by doctors while they are not in approved training.

A number of points were confirmed during the meeting, with the GMC saying that it would be flexible over the timing of exams and that flexibility would apply to those already selected to enter CCT training programmes in August 2010.

The GMC said it would draw up proposals on the timing of exams for future trainees. A joint statement is due to be issued by the end of June and a further meeting will be held later in the summer to discuss the issue.