This course explains the GMC's Portfolio pathway, the route to the Specialist or GP Register for doctors who have not completed a UK training programme leading to a CCT. It covers the November 2023 changes, how to read the specialty specific guidance, how to plan and collect evidence against the curriculum, and how to build a realistic timeline, using worked examples of strong and weak evidence.
What you will learn
- Explain what the Portfolio pathway is, who it is for, and how it changed from the CESR and CEGPR routes in November 2023.
- Describe how applications are evaluated against the knowledge, skills and experience required to practise as a specialist or GP in the UK.
- Use the specialty specific guidance to map evidence to curriculum outcomes and identify gaps.
- Distinguish between primary and secondary evidence and select evidence that is recent, relevant and verifiable.
- Build a multi-year evidence plan with supervisors, referees and job planning support.
Course content
- What the Portfolio pathway is (2 min)
- What changed in November 2023 (2 min)
- How applications are evaluated (1 min)
- Reading the specialty specific guidance (3 min)
- Building evidence: strong and weak examples (3 min)
- Planning over time (2 min)
- Organising your application and working with referees (3 min)
- Case study: a specialty doctor's plan (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), including honesty in all documents submitted to the GMC
- GMC: specialty specific guidance for Portfolio pathway applications, for the relevant specialty
- GMC: approved specialty and GP curricula developed by the medical royal colleges and faculties
- Medical Act 1983 (as amended), the legal basis for the Specialist and GP Registers
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
GMC Registration Routes for International Doctors: PLAB, Sponsorship and the Portfolio Pathway
GMC registration routes for international doctors explained: PLAB, sponsorship, postgraduate qualifications and the Portfolio pathway, and how to choose.
The GMC Portfolio Pathway (Formerly CESR): A Step-by-Step Guide
The GMC Portfolio pathway (formerly CESR) explained step by step: what changed in 2023, specialty guidance, evidence, referees, timelines and review options.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.