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Recognition of Time Spent Out of Programme (OOP)

Before you embark on a period out of programme please ensure that you have the approval of your Deanery and JRCPTB.

Please note that OOP is not normally allowed during Core Medical Training. 

OOP Application  Form

 

This OOP Form should now be attached to your deanery paperwork and completed at the same time as the deanery application - this will streamline the process for you and your deanery.

Once all the paperwork is completed, please return with a copy of your CV and either research proposal (for research applications) or job plan (for clinical training), to the Training Services Manager for your Deanery/ Specialty - see the JRCPTB contacts page for details.

Please allow approximately 8 weeks for your application to be processed and to receive a decision from the JRCPTB office.  If you are not seeking credit for your OOP then the decision will occur earlier.

OOP Approval Process Diagram

The diagram below describes the formal process for applying for recognition of out of programme experience.

 

Acting up as a Consultant

If you wish to act up as a consultant please ensure that the following criteria are met first.  Please then complete the 'Acting up application form' and return this to the appropriate co-ordinator - see the JRCPTB contacts page for details.

  • The term ‘acting up' and not ‘locum' must be applied

  • The total educational credit that can be awarded towards CCT or CESR (CP) is 3 months. For trainees on less than full time training the chronological time is pro rata as appropriate based on the grid below:

    • 50% of full time = 6 months chronological time
    • 60% of full time = 5 months chronological time
    • 70% of full time = 4 months 8 days chronological time
    • 80% of full time = 3 months 21 days chronological time
    • 90% of full time = 3 months 10 days chronological time
     
  • Attachments are restricted to the UK, and normally in the trainees' home deanery
  • Approval from the Postgraduate Deaner/Deanery has been given for the appointment
  • Attachments are restricted to the final year  of higher specialist training
  • The trainee must have a named supervisor in the hospital where attached.  He/she need not necessarily belong to the same specialty but should be from a similar field of practice, and will be available to give advice on administrative, ethical or legal matters
  • The trainee must have access to a named supervisor in the same specialty in a nearby, but not necessarily the same, hospital. 

Less than Full Time Training (LTFT)

Trainees who are unable to work full-time are entitled to opt for less than full time training programmes. EC Directive 93/16/EEC requires that:

  • LTFT shall meet the same requirements as full-time training, from which it will differ only in the possibility of limiting participation in medical activities.
  • The competent authorities shall ensure that the competencies achieved and the quality of part-time training are not less than those of full-time trainees.

The above provisions must be adhered to. LTFT trainees should undertake a pro rata share of the out-of-hours duties (including on-call and other out-of-hours commitments) required of their full-time colleagues in the same programme and at the equivalent stage.

EC Directive 2005/36/EC states that there is no longer a minimum time requirement on training for LTFT trainees.  In the past, less than full time trainees were required to work a minimum of 50% of full time.  With competence-based training, in order to retain competence, in addition to acquiring new skills, less than full time trainees would still normally be expected to work a minimum of 50% of full time.

Funding for LTFT is from deaneries and these posts are not supernumerary. Ideally therefore 2 LTFT trainees should share one post to provide appropriate service cover.

To date LTFT training has inevitably been prolonged so that the duration has been the exact pro rata equivalent of full time. With competency based training, proof of completion of competencies may enable LTFT trainees to finish their training in a shorter time. This will be the decision of the trainers in discussion with the SAC.

How to apply to JRCPTB for recognition of LTFT

If you will be working on a timetable of less than full time training, please email the LTFT timetable to the appropriate trainee services person see - JRCPTB contacts page - for your deanery.

The following information is mandatory for the form:

  • The % of full time training you will be doing (eg 50, 70 etc)
  • The date this timetable starts and ends
  • Approval from the deanery or Training Programme Director that you can work less than full time.

If you have spent a period of time on maternity or sick leave please indicate on the form if you wish to count the 3 month maternity/sick leave allowance*.  If your training circumstances change over time please ensure that you inform JRCPTB.

LTFT calculation grid

The grid below represents the indicative chronological number of months required for achieving clinical training months towards the curriculum based on the % of full time training.

The basic calculation used for this is:

Number of clinical months needed divided by % expressed as fraction

  • eg 15 clinical training months left working at 60% of full time = 15 ÷ 0.6 = 25
  • This means to obtain those remaining 15 months of clinical training, you would need to complete 25 months in post at 60% of training.

If you have any difficulties, please contact the Certification Team Member for your Deanery/ Specialty.

NB: Please note this presents a provisional time only and that completion of the curriculum is dependent on attainment of competencies in line with the ARCP decision aid.

*The leave allowance can only be claimed once during training.