Portfolio Pathway (CESR) entry to the Specialist Register
Please note that the new name of ‘Portfolio Pathway’ has been introduced by the GMC (from 30th November 2023) to take the place of the ‘CESR Pathway’. CESR still refers to the certification gained as a result of a successful application.
What is Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)?
The Portfolio Pathway to specialist registration is aimed at doctors who have not undertaken or completed a GMC approved training programme (or were otherwise unable to finalise specialist registration at the end of training) but who are able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, and experience (KSE) to practise as a specialist or GP in the UK by submitting their evidence of this to the GMC. A CESR is awarded to those who do so successfully.
Can I become a member of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine?
The outcome of a successful Portfolio Pathway/CESR application is entry onto the GMC Specialist Register for occupational medicine; this provides eligibility for application for FOM Membership (and the right to use the post-nominals ‘MFOM’) via the ad eundem route. View more information about FOM membership here.
What evidence do I need to provide in my application?
The application process is challenging and involves a significant time commitment. The submitted documentation needs to provide evidence of achievement of capabilities as described in the GMC-approved Occupational Medicine Curriculum; it is expected to relate mostly to the last six years of professional experience.
We recommend the GMC Specialty Specific Guidance as the most detailed document to guide you through the process:
GMC Specialty Specific Guidance – 2017 Curriculum
GMC Specialty Specific Guidance – 2022 Curriculum
OMST 2022 Curriculum
If you are aligning your evidence with the OMST 2022 Curriculum, FOM has created an easy-to-use mapping tool in Excel Format and a short video providing guidance on how to use it. This can be found in the curriculum section of the FOM website
Here is a roadmap for Portfolio Pathway/CESR applicants in Occupational Medicine:
What should I do next?
We want to provide helpful guidance and support to prospective Portfolio Pathway/CESR applicants in occupational medicine. In the first instance, please refer to the documentation provided for detailed information on the process. For further support, please contact us at training@fom.ac.uk
The FOM hold Portfolio Pathway Coaching Days annually. Please keep checking our website for details.
There is a now a structured system in place support those interested in pursuing the Portfolio Pathway from the commencement of their career in OM. Please click here for more information.
As a CESR applicant, you will be applying directly to the GMC – instructions can be found on their website.
Visit our Frequently Ask Questions page for further information.
