Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT): Overview and timelines

What this article is about
This article explains what CCT means and how completion of training is normally confirmed.

Who this is for
Resident doctors and dentists in training approaching the end of an approved training programme.

What you need to know

• CCT is awarded when the relevant requirements for completion of an approved training programme have been met.
• Completion is normally considered through the final ARCP or equivalent progression process.
• An Outcome 6 means the panel has recommended that the trainee has achieved all required capabilities for completion of the programme.
• The ARCP panel recommendation is part of the completion process and may be followed by college, faculty, regulator or certification steps depending on the programme.
• Your expected CCT date may change during training because of LTFT, OOP, statutory leave, absence, additional training time or accelerated progress.
• You should check your expected completion date regularly and raise queries early if it appears incorrect.
• You should not assume training is complete until the relevant completion and certification processes are confirmed.

What to do

1. Check your expected CCT or programme end date.
2. Review your curriculum and completion requirements.
3. Make sure your portfolio and evidence are complete before your final ARCP.
4. Submit Form R and any required documentation by the deadline.
5. Review your Outcome 6 documentation when issued.
6. Follow any college, faculty or regulator steps required after ARCP.
7. Keep your contact details up to date until the completion process is finished.

If this does not work
If your expected CCT date appears wrong, or you have not received expected completion information, raise a query as early as possible so your record can be checked.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for training record and ARCP completion queries. Contact your college, faculty or regulator where they manage separate certification steps.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Checking HET-held training records and expected completion dates.
• Supporting ARCP administration for completion outcomes.
• Updating local training records following an Outcome 6.
• Directing you to the correct college, faculty or regulator route where relevant.

HET cannot help with

• Awarding CCT outside the approved completion process.
• Confirming completion before the relevant ARCP or certification steps are complete.
• Managing employer contract end dates, pay, rota or HR arrangements.
• Guaranteeing a Period of Grace post.

Related articles

• Leaving at CCT or at the end of a fixed-term programme
• Period of Grace: eligibility and how to apply
• How ARCP outcomes affect your CCT date 

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026