Mandatory training prior to Recognition

In Scotland the ethos is on professional development suited to individual needs, and therefore the EOs avoided specifying compulsory training. However, there are two mandatory training elements required by the GMC to meet their standards for trainers. These are:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (E,D& I) training;
• An induction module or modules for the role(s) which might include:
  
  • TDC Introductory workshop for clinical or educational supervisors eg Trainer Workshop of Pre CCT Trainer Workshop
  • Locally delivered DME course 
  • Medical School induction
  • Other equivalent (e.g. provided by Royal College) agreed with the EO

Trainers are not required to repeat induction training unless there are significant changes to the role, but they do need to maintain up to date E,D & I training in line with their employer's guidance.

Undergraduate named trainers are often performing complex roles and medical schools may have additional mandatory requirements, for example, training for OSCE examiners or student support tutors.

Although there are only two mandatory training requirements, all trainers are expected to continue to develop in the role and they may wish to evidence ongoing professional development. One way of doing so it to align development to the relevant Framework areas specified by the GMC for the trainer role. Evidence may include certificates of attendance at training but could also include evidence of their teaching competency, for example, teaching timetables, course evaluations, student or resident doctor feedback or 360° feedback of the trainer in their educational role. Good practice would suggest that this type of evidence is also backed up by reflection.

Since January 2026 the requirement to be Re Recognised as a trainer every 5 years ( which occurred at the same time as revalidation) was removed by the GMC and so is no longer necesary.

This page was last updated on: 28.09.2026 at 16.04