CT1 general info

The RCP-coordinated CT1 recruitment process

At the invitation of the Department of Health, in summer 2008 the Royal College of Physicians designed and implemented a nationally-coordinated recruitment system for CT1 posts in the specialty of CMT. The aim of the project was to introduce a process which was fair, effective, strong, robust, transparent, and efficient.

We believe that such a system has been created and introduced. Since a successful launch for 2008/09 recruitment, feedback received by the recruitment office from all stakeholders - candidates, clinicians, deanery recruiters, DH - has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the three years of the project's life.

Since the project's beginning, Wales joined the RCP process in 2009/10, with Northern Ireland joining for 2010/11.

For 2011/12 recruitment, as noted elsewhere on the site, recruitment to CT1-level posts in the specialty of acute care common stem (acute medicine) is now being handled by the RCP-SRO alongside posts in CMT - hence the change of title to 'CT1 recruitment'.

The RCP-SRO is keen to continue delivering this recruitment process in future years and providing advice, assistance and information throughout.

The MRCP(UK) diploma

Trainees must gain the full MRCP(UK) diploma - ie pass Part 1, Part 2 and PACES - to be eligible for CMT certification, and to be eligible to enter ST3 from 2011 onwards. As such, it is strongly recommended that you examine the exam timetable at http://www.mrcpuk.org/Pages/Home.aspx and plan to have passed the full diploma prior to applying to ST3.

Please note that it is permissible, and indeed desirable, to take MRCP(UK) Part 1 prior to entry into CT1. Passing Part 1 before you enter CT1 will give you a head-start in terms of obtaining the full diploma, as well as demonstrating an early level of commitment to medical, hospital-based specialties. In the past three years where the RCP has coordinated recruitment to CMT, around 20% of candidates had obtained Part 1 prior to application.

However, please be aware that obtaining Part 1 is not an essential criterion for CMT or ACCS-AM eligibility, nor are there any points on offer when scoring your application form.

The Royal College of Physicians of London

The RCPL provides a wide range of services to its 20,000 Members and Fellows and other medical professionals, such as examinations, training courses, continuous professional development (CPD), conferences, clinical audits, and many more. The College also leads medical debate and lobbies and advises government and other decision-makers on behalf of the College Membership.

For more information, please visit the RCPL website at www.rcplondon.ac.uk.