Overview of Higher Training
The different Higher Training programmes usually last between 36, 48 or 60 months (depending on your specialty). The programmes start at ST4 level and lead to Certificate of Training (CCT).
Applies to: England, Scotland and Wales. See guidance for Northern Ireland.
Important: Accuracy
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this page. The information presented is accurate at the time of publication.
These pages should be your first 'port of call' for specific information relating to the Higher Training programme in Psychiatry within England, Scotland and Wales. They should be read in conjunction with the Medical Specialty Recruitment pages which contain more generic recruitment and application guidance.
Northern Ireland operates its own recruitment process for Psychiatry. If you are interested in applying to posts in Northern Ireland, you will need to apply seperately on the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency website.
Psychiatry
The Higher Training programme in Psychiatry is comprised of a minimum of 36 months of advanced training. This may be in one of the 6 General Medical Council (GMC) approved single specialties or in one of the 7 approved dual programmes.
You must complete an entire programme of training, core and higher, to obtain a Certificate of Training (CCT) and pass all sections of the MRCPsych examination.
The specialties in Psychiatry are:
- General Psychiatry
- Old Age Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Psychiatry of Learning Disability
- Medical Psychotherapy
To successfully complete the training programme, you must achieve all competencies as set out in the relevant advanced curriculum and achieve an Annual Review of Competence Progession (ARCP) Outcome 6.
Dual training
You are also able to apply for entry into dual training programmes after completing Core Training. Application to the GMC for a CCT will only take place once both of the programmes are successfully completed.
The approved GMC training combinations are:
- General Adult Psychiatry and Old Age Psychiatry
- General Adult Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry
- General Adult Psychiatry and Medical Psychotherapy
- Forensice Psychiatry and Medical Psychotherapy
- Forensice Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Psychotherapy
- Psychiatry of Learning Disability Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Related information
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Recruitment timelines
The key Higher Training recruitment dates
Page last reviewed: 11 July 2023
Next review due: 11 July 2024