Period of Grace: who can apply and how the process works

What this article is about
This article explains who may be eligible for a Period of Grace and how the process works.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training approaching CCT or programme completion.

What you need to know

• A Period of Grace allows an eligible trainee to remain in post for a limited period after completion of training.
• The standard Period of Grace is up to six months.
• The Period of Grace is not normally pro-rated for Less Than Full Time training.
• You can only start a Period of Grace after you have been recommended for completion of training through an Outcome 6.
• A Period of Grace post is not guaranteed.
• The post location depends on available posts within the programme.
• You should usually give at least six months’ notice if you intend to request a Period of Grace.
• The latest point for submitting a request is normally 12 weeks before the anticipated CCT date.
• If you decline an offered Period of Grace post, you may give up the right to that Period of Grace.

What to do

1. Check your expected CCT date.
2. Decide early whether you want to request a Period of Grace.
3. Discuss your plans with your Training Programme Director or programme team.
4. Submit the required Period of Grace intent or request form through the appropriate route.
5. Submit the request within the required timeframe.
6. Wait for confirmation of whether a suitable post is available.
7. If offered a post, respond within the deadline given.
8. Confirm employer and placement arrangements before making final plans.

If this does not work
If you miss the deadline or no suitable post is available, a Period of Grace may not be possible. Raise a query early if your expected CCT date changes or if you are unsure whether you are eligible.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for Period of Grace queries. Contact your Training Programme Director or programme team for specialty or placement discussions.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Advising on the Period of Grace request process.
• Recording intent or request information where appropriate.
• Liaising with specialty or programme teams about available posts.
• Confirming administrative next steps once an offer is made.

HET cannot help with

• Guaranteeing a Period of Grace post.
• Guaranteeing your preferred location or placement.
• Allowing a Period of Grace to start without an Outcome 6.
• Managing employer contract, pay or rota arrangements.

Related articles

• Leaving at CCT or at the end of a fixed-term programme
• Certificate of Completion of Training: overview and timelines
• How ARCP outcomes affect your CCT date

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026