Out of Programme (OOP): Overview of types and key rules

What this article is about
This article explains what Out of Programme (OOP) means, the main types of OOP, and the key rules that apply.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who are considering time away from their approved training programme.

What you need to know

• OOP allows a trainee to spend time away from their training programme for an approved reason.
• OOP must be agreed in advance by the Postgraduate Dean or nominated deputy.
• You should discuss any proposed OOP with your Training Programme Director as early as possible.
• You are normally expected to give at least six months’ notice before the proposed OOP start date.
• OOP will not normally be agreed until you have been in your training programme for at least one year.
• OOP may not normally be approved if you have unmet training objectives or insufficient progress at ARCP.
• You must continue to engage with annual ARCP and revalidation requirements while on OOP.
• If the OOP is intended to count towards CCT, prospective approval may be required before the OOP starts.
• If prospective approval is required and is not obtained in advance, the time cannot usually count towards CCT.
• If you hold a Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa, you must consider the sponsorship implications before applying.

The main types of OOP are:

• OOPT – Out of Programme for approved clinical training.
• OOPE – Out of Programme for clinical experience that does not count towards CCT.
• OOPR – Out of Programme for research.
• OOPC – Out of Programme for a career break.
• OOPP – Out of Programme Pause, where applicable in England.

What to do

1. Decide which type of OOP applies to your request.
2. Discuss your plans with your Training Programme Director and educational supervisor.
3. Check whether your proposed OOP may count towards training.
4. Check whether College, Faculty or GMC approval is needed.
5. Check whether your visa or sponsorship status may be affected.
6. Submit your OOP application through the correct route and by the required deadline.
7. Wait for written confirmation before making final arrangements.

If this does not work
If you are unsure which type of OOP applies, raise a query before applying. If you apply under the wrong OOP type, your application may be delayed or may need to be resubmitted.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for OOP queries. Contact your Training Programme Director or educational supervisor for training and curriculum discussions.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Explaining the OOP application process.
• Checking administrative requirements and deadlines.
• Recording approved OOP information in training systems.
• Directing queries to specialty, College, Faculty, GMC or sponsorship routes where required.

HET cannot help with

• Approving OOP outside the formal process.
• Guaranteeing that OOP will count towards CCT.
• Providing immigration advice.
• Guaranteeing a specific placement when you return.

Related articles

• How to apply for Out of Programme (OOP)
• How Out of Programme affects your training time and CCT date
• Extending or returning from Out of Programme

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026