FROM A-LEVELS OR AN OVERSEAS DEGREE TO PRACTISING IN THE UKSearch the guide
← The full pathway
STAGE 6 · EVERYONE

Super-specialising and “board” exams

Sub-specialty training, fellowships, academic medicine, the CCT and the specialist register. Typical time: Years 6–15+ after medical school.

STEP 1 OF 7

Is there a UK “board exam”? How certification works

The UK equivalent of US boards: Royal College exams, ARCP and the CCT.

7 min read →
STEP 2 OF 7

Higher and sub-specialty training

How a general specialty narrows to a super-specialty.

7 min read →
STEP 3 OF 7

Fellowships, research and time out of programme

How to spend a year or more building an expert profile.

6 min read →
STEP 4 OF 7

Academic medicine

Combine clinical work with research and teaching.

6 min read →
STEP 5 OF 7

The CCT and joining the specialist register

What the final ARCP, the CCT and registration mean.

5 min read →
STEP 6 OF 7

CESR: specialist registration without a UK training programme

For doctors whose training was outside UK programmes.

7 min read →
STEP 7 OF 7

Becoming a consultant and beyond

Appointments, job planning, leadership and portfolio careers.

6 min read →