Portfolio Pathway/CESR
The Welsh CESR Programme, Swansea Bay University Health Board
What is the Portfolio Pathway/CESR?
The Portfolio Pathway, previously known as Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), is a route for doctors who have not completed a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) to gain entry onto the GMC Specialist Register. It allows experienced doctors - particularly those from overseas - or in non-training UK roles to demonstrate knowledge, skill and experience equivalence to the UK anaesthesia training curriculum.
Swansea Bay University Health Board, in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, offers a structured 3-year support programme to assist anaesthetists pursuing CESR. This ensures access to training opportunities, mentorship and rotations that align with the requirements of the Royal College of Anaesthetists' Curriculum. The Welsh CESR Programme is one of the first Portfolio Pathway sites recognised by the RCOA.
Criteria for Entry into the CESR Support Programme
Entry into the CESR programme is competitive and based on a set of criteria. Typically, candidates must:
-Hold full GMC registration with a license to practise.
-Have completed a test of knowledge as listed on the RCOA website. Test of Knowledge RCoA website
-Have a minimum of one year of anaesthetic experience in the UK (including time in substantive NHS posts).
-Demonstrate a commitment to completing CESR.
-Provide evidence of clinical competence across the RCoA curriculum domains at the level of ST5/6.
-Be in a non-training role (e.g. SAS, locally employed doctors, or Locum Consultant) in the UK.
Applicants are also be expected to:
-Attend an interview, often including consultants and School representatives.
-Submit a personal development plan (PDP) indicating timelines and goals.
Length and Structure of the Programme
The CESR programme is not outlined in the way that a formal training post is, but candidates usually complete it in 3 years, depending on:
-Prior experience and current role
-Commitment to portfolio development and evidence collection
-Rotations and Support
SBUHB facilitates tailored rotational placements to help meet the CESR domains, which may include:
Pre-assessment / Perioperative Medicine, General Anaesthesia and SIA, Obstetric Anaesthesia, Paediatric Anaesthesia, Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, Regional Anaesthesia, Resuscitation and transfer, Procedural Sedation, Chronic Pain / Regional Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine (ICM)
CAVUHB provide a year rotation that covers:
Neuro-anaesthesia, Paediatric Anaesthesia, Obstetric Anaesthesia and General Anaesthesia and SIA
In addition:
-Educational supervisors and CESR mentor are assigned.
-Access is provided to local teaching, audit opportunities, simulation training, and quality improvement projects.
-There is regular CESR-specific support, including evidence reviews and guidance, an annual ARCP like meeting to provide support, and guidance for application process.
-Experienced guidance submitting and processing CESR application process with the GMC.
-Support by experienced College equivalence reviewers.
For more information, please contact:
Fatma.Lahloub@wales.nhs.uk
Dr Fatma Lahloub
Lead for the Welsh CESR Programme
Useful Links and Resources
