How Out of Programme affects your training time and CCT date

What this article is about
This article explains how OOP may affect training time, ARCP and your expected CCT date.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who are applying for, undertaking or returning from OOP.

What you need to know

• Some OOP time may count towards training, but only where the correct approvals are in place.
• OOPT and some OOPR may count towards CCT if prospectively approved where required.
• OOPE and OOPC will not normally count towards CCT.
• Your CCT date may need to be extended if your OOP does not count towards training.
• Your CCT date may be reassessed after you return, based on educational progress and remaining curriculum requirements.
• You must continue to engage with ARCP while on OOP.
• You may need to submit Form R, OOP update forms, supervisor reports or research supervisor reports each year while on OOP.
• The ARCP panel can only recognise progress based on evidence and approvals available.

What to do

1. Check whether your OOP is intended to count towards training.
2. Confirm whether College, Faculty or GMC approval is required.
3. Make sure any prospective approval is sought before the OOP starts.
4. Keep records of approvals and supervisor reports.
5. Submit annual ARCP documentation while on OOP.
6. Check your expected CCT date before and after OOP.
7. Raise a query if your training record or CCT date appears incorrect.

If this does not work
If approval to count OOP towards training was not obtained in advance where required, the time may not be able to count towards CCT. Your CCT date may then need to be reviewed.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for training record, OOP and CCT date queries. Contact your Training Programme Director, College or Faculty where curriculum recognition is relevant.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Recording approved OOP periods.
• Checking whether OOP has been recorded as counting or not counting towards training.
• Supporting administrative steps for prospective approval where required.
• Updating training records once decisions are confirmed.

HET cannot help with

• Backdating approvals that must be prospective.
• Guaranteeing that OOP will count towards CCT.
• Changing a CCT date without the appropriate training process.
• Providing immigration, legal or employment advice.

Related articles

• Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT): overview and timelines
• How ARCP outcomes affect your CCT date
• Extending or returning from Out of Programme

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026