Frequently asked CCT questions

This list is not meant to be exhaustive but may well help answer some of your questions about the CCT. If you find that your question is not addressed here then you may find an appropriate person in the contact section for Mental Health.

Frequently asked questions

What is the relationship, with respect to CCT, between the College and the GMC?

It is the College's role to recommend the award of CCTs in the psychiatric specialties to GMC. It is GMCs role to award CCTs in all medical specialties.

What is the RITA Form G and where can I obtain it?

The RITA (Record of In-Training Assessment) Form G specifically signals the successful conclusion of a training programme leading to the award of a CCT. It will be issued by your postgraduate deanery following a successful final annual review undertaken towards the end of your training programme.

The RITA Form G also records your intention once training has concluded, i.e., whether you will be retaining your training number during the six month 'period of grace'.

How soon can I apply for my CCT?

You can apply for your CCT as soon as you have a copy of your RITA Form G, although the College will not accept a RITA Form G which has been issued more than six months in advance of your completion date.

I am undertaking dual training. Can I apply for two single CCTs as and when I complete the appropriate amount of training?

You can, although this will incur additional costs. If you apply for a dual CCT at the end of training, it will cost you £195 (College fee) plus £805 (GMC fee). If you apply for two single CCTs, it will cost you £300 (College fee) and £1610 (GMC fee).

What are the College's rules on counting maternity or sick leave towards my CCT training?

A total period of three months of either maternity leave or sick leave, or a combination of the two, is allowable during the course of higher specialist training, although any further periods of maternity leave or sick leave will necessitate revision of your CCT date. This policy relates to periods of maternity leave and sick leave taken from 1 January 1998 onwards. Maternity or sick leave may only count towards the specialty in which you are contracted to work at the time; you may not count it towards any other specialty.

Please note that you should highlight any periods of maternity leave or prolonged periods of sickness in a covering letter as a supplement to your College Notification Form.

What are the College's rules on counting locum consultant experience towards my CCT training?

Three months spent in a locum consultant post (or its part-time equivalent) may count towards higher specialist training provided:

• you are on secondment from an SpR post;
• you have retained your SpR contract and NTN;
• you have a named educational supervisor to whom you could turn for advice and assistance if necessary;
• your secondment is agreed in advance with the Training Programme Director;
• your secondment is in the final year of training or, for dual trainees, the penultimate or final year;
• you have already undertaken at least one year in higher training in the specialty of the locum post;
• the locum post is in the appropriate specialty.

How long will it take to obtain my CCT?

As far as possible, a recommendation for the award of CCT is sent to GMC within two weeks, although there are obviously times when this cannot be achieved. GMC normally releases a CCT within two weeks of the College recommendation. However, if the completion date is in the future, GMC will only release the CCT a week or two beforehand.

Can special interest sessions count towards subspecialty training?

No.

How soon can I be interviewed for a substantive consultant post?

You cannot be interviewed until you are within six months of your expected CCT date. If you are applying for a post prior to completion, ensure that you highlight your expected date of completion in your application