To be able to apply to Specialty/GP training doctors must demonstrate that they have achieved Foundation competencies. Completing a UK Foundation Programme and being in possession of an FPCC provides this evidence.
Many applicants wish to apply to specialty training who are not in possession of an FPCC for a variety of reasons. The following scenarios will provide guidance as to how to demonstrate this. For detailed guidance on the process please access the Oriel resource bank.
Scenario 1 (UK graduate, provisional GMC registration)
I am a UK graduate and have not started a UK Foundation Programme. I have provisional GMC registration.
In this situation you can only achieve Foundation competencies by applying to a UK Foundation Programme and entering at F1. Your UK University should nominate you only if you have qualified from Medical School within two years of the start of the UK Foundation Programme.
If you have been out of practice for more than two years you will need to apply through the eligibility route.
Scenario 2 (non-UK graduate, provisional GMC registration)
I am a non-UK graduate and hold provisional GMC registration.
In this situation you should apply through the Eligibility Process via the UKFPO.
Scenario 3 (started Foundation and did not complete)
I have started a UK Foundation Programme but did not complete i.e. you resigned from your F1 programme.
If you have provisional registration you will need to apply to the UK Foundation Programme and enter at F1. If you have been out of practice for more than 2 years you will need to apply through eligibility. Otherwise, if you are a UK Medical School graduate, please make contact with your Medical School as they may be able to re-nominate you.
If you have full GMC registration you have 2 options.
Option A
Apply for a stand-alone UK Foundation Programme 1-year post at F2 level. Satisfactory completion of this F2 stand-alone post will provide you with an FPCC.
Option B
Apply for a non-training post (often called an F2 LAS post) and complete the CREST paperwork. You will require a letter from the Dean in the location where you previously started your Foundation training. If you were a Foundation trainee is Scotland please see the Scotland process below.
Scenario 4 (never been in Foundation, full GMC registration)
I have never undertaken a UK Foundation Programme and I have full GMC registration.
In this situation you have 2 options.
Option A
Apply for a standalone UK Foundation Programme F2 1-year post at F2 level. Satisfactory completion of this stand-alone F2 post will provide you with the FPCC.
Option B
Apply for a non-training F2 post (often called a LAS post) and complete the CREST paperwork. In this situation you will not require a Deans letter and all the paperwork should be completed by a suitably qualified doctor as detailed on the CREST website.
Scotland process
Applications should be directed to the Lead Dean Director's (LDD's) PA for the attention of the Foundation School Director (FSD). The FSD will review the evidence provided and make a recommendation based on the evidence. The FSD may require further clarification or certificates. It is not necessary to download and send the entire portfolio.
The process for sign off can be quite time consuming for doctors and they should be reminded that they should start the process early so that all documentation can be gathered.
Information on how to complete the application is available on Oriel.
The Lead Dean or FSD is responsible for signing CREST applications.
Applications should contain the following:
The FSD will inform the LDD's PA who will prepare a letter of support for application to specialty, confirming that Foundation competencies have been met.
This page was last updated on: 24.01.2024 at 15.51
