Updated versions of both the Group 1 and Group 2 ‘Alternative Certificate to Enter Higher Physician Specialty Training’ are being refreshed for 2026 recruitment. Previous versions of the certificate will not be accepted for 2026 recruitment rounds and applications using the old certificate will not be able to progress.
The capabilities required by the certificate remain the same, but there have been some changes to the form to help ensure applicants and signatories are clear on the requirements. The main changes include:
- Section 3.0: Demonstrates all Clinical Capabilities in Practice as outlined in IMT stage 1 curriculum – the entrustment level required for each capability in practice has been included on the form.
- Section 3.22: Performs procedures safely – the procedures have been specified on the form, along with the minimum competence level required to be performing each one.
- Sections 4.8: Clinical experience and 5: Confirmation of evidence via portfolio review – These have been merged and more information given in some cases about the requirement. This particularly applies to the curricular based learning outcomes for geriatric medicine and critical care medicine. These now specify the time requirements from the curriculum, and applicants/signatories need include where and when the experience was gained and the named supervisor for that attachment.
Applicants are reminded that they and their signatories have a responsibility to understand and ensure that they have met each specific requirement before signing the certificate.
The new versions of the certificate will be published to the Document Library of the website on Thursday 4 September.