Do I need to pass the PLAB or MRCP for CESR?

Do I need to pass the PLAB or MRCP for CESR?

What Is CESR?

CESR is a route for doctors who haven’t completed a GMC-approved training programme (i.e., haven’t earned a Certificate of Completion of Training or CCT) but have gained equivalent experience and competencies elsewhere—either abroad or in non-training posts in the UK.
If approved, you’ll be added to the GMC’s Specialist Register, making you eligible for consultant roles in the NHS.

Do I Need PLAB for CESR?

No. You do not need to pass PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) to apply for CESR.

PLAB is designed for doctors who are seeking initial registration with the GMC to work in the UK. If you are already registered with the GMC and have a license to practise, you do not need to go through PLAB again for CESR.

Most CESR applicants are already licensed doctors—working in non-training roles like Specialty Doctors, Locum Consultants, or Associate Specialists—and are building a portfolio to demonstrate their specialist competence.

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Do I Need to Pass MRCP or Equivalent?

It Depends on the Specialty

For many medical specialties, including General (Internal) Medicine, Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, etc., the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) is considered strong supporting evidence—but it is not an absolute requirement.

However, you must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills, which usually includes:

• Postgraduate clinical qualifications (e.g. MRCP, MRCS, FRCR, MRCPath, etc.)
  
  

• Workplace-based assessments
  
  

• Clinical audits and teaching evidence
  
  

• Logbooks and case summaries
  
  

• Knowledge of UK guidelines and standards
  
  

If You Don’t Have MRCP:

You will need to provide robust alternative evidence to demonstrate you meet the competencies normally covered by the MRCP exams—especially in clinical knowledge, decision-making, and professionalism.

In surgical specialties, the MRCS or equivalent may also be expected. Likewise, in psychiatry, MRCPsych is often cited in successful CESR applications.

Summary Table

Final Advice

• PLAB is not part of the CESR process—it’s for gaining initial UK medical registration.
  
  

• MRCP or other Royal College memberships are not mandatory, but they greatly strengthen your application.
  
  

• If you do not hold such a qualification, your portfolio must contain substantial evidence that covers the same knowledge areas.
  
  

You don’t need PLAB to apply for CESR, and you might not strictly need MRCP—but having MRCP or its equivalent can significantly improve your CESR application, especially for medical specialties.

Focus on building a comprehensive portfolio that matches the UK curriculum, whether or not you hold a UK postgraduate qualification. If you’re unsure, the GMC and your relevant Royal College can provide specialty-specific guidance to help you succeed.

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