This page provides an overview of the routes to specialist registration in the UK, and how the RCOG can support you.
The RCOG is responsible for recommending doctors to the General Medical Council (GMC) for inclusion on the Specialist Register.
CCT and the Portfolio Pathway
There are 2 routes to specialist registration:
- Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT): the route to specialist registration for doctors who have completed the RCOG, GMC-approved, specialty training programme.
- The Portfolio Pathway (formally known as CESR): the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved programme but who are able to demonstrate that they have the Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSEs) required for practising as a substantive O&G consultant position in the United Kingdom and to be added to the Specialist Register.
It is important to note that you do not need to be on the Specialist Register or have MRCOG for all roles within the O&G profession. To find out more information about the roles within O&G, visit the resources for O&G careers.
The specialty training programme in O&G
If you are considering entering the O&G specialty training (ST) programme to pursue the CCT, please see further information on the specialty training programme. This includes information on Special Interest Training Modules (SITMs), subspecialty training and the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP).
The Government’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act has now been passed by Parliament and become law (5 March 2026). The Act brings in new rules which prioritise UK medical graduates for foundation training and give preference to UK graduates and doctors with significant NHS experience for specialty training.
Please refer to NHS England Frequently Asked Questions for further information.