A career in Paediatrics allows you to make real differences to children and adolescents that can impact the rest of their lives. It’s a widely varied field with a fulfilling subspecialty for all types of Paediatricians.
Here’s how you can work as a Paediatrician in the UK.
The steps to work in the UK
These are the general steps for any IMG to work in the UK:
- Determine your long-term goal
- Get registered with the GMC
- Find a suitable job
- Obtain a work visa
- Start work
It is possible to do steps 2 & 3 simultaneously depending on the type of job. It is also possible to interchange steps 2 and 3 by finding a job first, and obtaining GMC registration after you’ve received a job offer as long as the employer agrees to this in advance.
We also have a short course where we explain how it is possible to get into UK training in 2 years time. Enrol now for free.
Determining your long-term goal
Before you can set out on our journey, you really need to determine your long-term goal. This is the step that many IMGs skip and as a result, they end up taking a sad long winding road.
So before you continue reading, pause for a minute to answer this question: what do you want to get out of coming to the UK?
There are 3 main choices when it comes to clinical work:
- Become a recognised UK Consultant Paediatrician
- Whether you want to stay in the UK long-term or migrate elsewhere once you become a Consultant, is up to you.
- Work long-term in Paediatrics in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
- Complete a UK Paediatrics fellowship/gain UK experience then return home
What is the answer for you?
By answering this question early on, you can save yourself the wasted time and money spent following a pathway that does not lead to your end-goal.
Other options
Of course, there are other options such as pursuing a career in research, medical education, pharmaceuticals, hospital management etc. However, these careers are not covered in this article. This article, and the entire Savvy IMG blog for that matter, deals mainly with clinical careers.
How to reach your long-term goal
The good thing about the UK, is that the pathways are flexible and there are a lot of options. But that is also why it is so confusing.
Here I’ll go through each of the 3 possible long-term goals in more detail.
Goal #1 – Become a recognised UK Consultant Paediatrician
If you want to be recognised as a Paediatric Consultant in the UK, and be eligible to apply for permanent Consultant posts in the NHS, you need to be on the GMC specialist register.
You can enter the specialist register via 3 possible routes:
These 3 routes differ by how much of the UK Paediatric residency programme (specialty training) you complete.
CCT route
This route involves completing the full 8-year UK Paediatric training programme. This means you start from specialty training year 1 (known as ST1).
Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Paediatrics.
The CCT route is best for new graduates or those who have not already completed postgraduate training in Paediatric.
Click image to enlarge
CCT route
This route involves completing the full 8-year UK Paediatric training programme. This means you start from specialty training year 1 (known as ST1).
Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Paediatrics.
The CCT route is best for new graduates or those who have not already completed postgraduate training in Paediatric.
Click image to enlarge
Suitable first jobs for this route
Before you can start UK Paediatric training, you need 24 months clinical experience. This includes 12 months of internship, and 12 months post-internship. Your experience can be in any specialty as long as you don’t exceed the experience limits stated above.
If you have not completed internship overseas, then your only option is to join the 2-year UK Foundation Programme as a first job.
If you have already completed internship overseas, the most suitable first jobs for this route include non-training FY2, Standalone FY2, WAST, or any SHO level post in any specialty. Any of these jobs will help you gain the 12-months post-internship experience required before starting Paediatric specialty training.
Related:
UK internship (Foundation Programme) open to all IMGs for 2020
10 reasons why you should apply to WAST
Standalone FY2: Your chances as an IMG and how to optimise your application
CESR-CP route
If you complete less than 8 years of the UK Paediatric training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route.
The usual entry point into training is at ST3 (specialty training year 3) or ST4, so you would end up completing 5-6 years of the UK Paediatric training programme.
The CESR-CP route is best for IMGs who have already completed 2-3 years experience or training in Paediatrics.
According to new GMC rules, those on the CESR-CP route who complete at least 4 years of UK training in Paediatrics will still be awarded CCT. If you complete less than 4 years of UK training, you will be awarded CESR.
Related: CESR-CP now recognised as CCT
CESR-CP route
If you complete less than 8 years of the UK Paediatric training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route.
The usual entry point into training is at ST3 (specialty training year 3) or ST4, so you would end up completing 5-6 years of the UK Paediatric training programme.
The CESR-CP route is best for IMGs who have already completed 2-3 years experience or training in Paediatrics.
According to new GMC rules, those on the CESR-CP route who complete at least 4 years of UK training in Paediatrics will still be awarded CCT. If you complete less than 4 years of UK training, you will be awarded CESR.
Related: CESR-CP now recognised as CCT
Suitable first jobs for this route
If you already have 2-3 years experience in Paediatrics, you can apply for junior-grade Paediatric positions such as CT1, SHO, or junior clinical fellow posts. Through these posts, you can work on the requirements needed to apply for ST3/ST4.
If you have more than 3 years of experience, you could apply for non-training middle-grade positions such as specialty doctor, senior clinical fellow, and registrar posts. Again, through these posts, you can work on the requirements needed to apply for ST3/ST4.
Just a word of caution, if you start your first job at middle-grade level, it is recommended that you arrange an adjustment period of working at a junior level for a short period before stepping up to middle-grade responsibilities.
Related:
CESR route (AKA Article 14)
If you do not complete any part of the official UK Paediatric residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant by providing proof (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training.
This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.
The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising as a Consultant for at least a few years, or those who have completed residency and fellowship overseas and do not wish to repeat their training.
CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.
CESR route (AKA Article 14)
If you do not complete any part of the official UK Paediatric residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant by providing proof (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training.
This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.
The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising as a Consultant for at least a few years, or those who have completed residency and fellowship overseas and do not wish to repeat their training.
CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.
Suitable first jobs for this route
If you have already completed Paediatric training overseas, you can apply for posts such as senior clinical fellow, registrar, and specialty doctor.
If you have worked as a specialist for many years, you can even apply for locum Consultant jobs.
Through these posts, you can work on the documents you need for CESR. It’s critical that you find a department that will support your plans to apply for CESR. I recommend making your goals clear at the job interview.
What documentation do you need to provide for CESR?
The GMC and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have specific guidance for the requirements for CESR. You can find the updated list of requirements here:
Equivalence
In the UK, all 3 routes CCT, CESR-CP and CESR, are seen as equivalent. You will be recognised as a UK Paediatrician via any of these 3 routes.
But please be aware that this may not be the case overseas. Some countries do not accept CESR as equivalent to CCT, so if you plan to migrate after becoming a UK Consultant, be sure to check with the medical authority of that country first.
Goal #2 – Work long-term in Paediatrics in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
Not all doctors aspire to work as a Consultant, the responsibilities are significant and some doctors find the role unattractive.
If you don’t want to become a Consultant, rest assured that you can still work in Paediatrics in the UK with decent pay and a good work-life balance.
However, do be aware that you may have less operating time compared to Consultants and trainees. This varies from hospital to hospital.
What positions can you work in?
You can apply to any position you feel you are qualified for according to your previous experience and the job description. Potential job titles include clinical fellow or specialty doctor.
It is also possible to apply for locum consultant jobs. Locum consultant posts do not require you to be on the GMC Specialist Register.
Whatever job you start with, you can always seek promotion with the same employer or apply for more senior positions as you gain more experience.
Related:
What if you want to become a Consultant eventually?
This is possible. Most Doctors in this position go through the CESR route.
Goal #3 – Complete a fellowship in the UK then return home
Many doctors wish to gain experience and training in the UK in order to better serve their patients back home. If this is something you’re interested in, there are a few ways to do this.
Apply for an established fellowship programme
The main ones available are:
- RCPCH MTI programme
- Oxford International Neonatal and Paediatric Fellowship Scheme.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Childen International Fellowship Program
The eligibility requirements for these programmes are different for each one, some even require you to secure funding from back home so be sure check these carefully.
You can review the application guidance here:
Find a job yourself on the NHS jobs website
Jobs on the NHS website will range from junior to senior level. You will need to review the job title and job description to determine whether it is suitable for you and your goals.
The steps for this are pretty simple:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website
- Search “paediatric fellow” or your preferred subspecialty like “neonatal fellow”
- Apply to jobs you like and are suitable for
- Once you have been accepted for a job, apply for GMC registration (please note, some jobs require you to have GMC registration before applying.)
Fish for a fellowship
If there is a specific Consultant who you would like to do a fellowship with or a specific centre that you would like to gain experience at and you can’t find a job opening anywhere, it’s worth sending a direct email to inquire about a possible fellowship.
Be sure to include a well-formatted up-to-date CV and a convincing cover letter about why you want to work with them and how you can be an asset to them as a fellow.
GMC registration for short-term training
You still need GMC registration to work in the UK as a doctor, even if you don’t plan to stay here long-term.
To gain GMC registration, you can use any of the methods already mentioned above: PLAB, MRCPCH, or RCPCH sponsorship/MTI.
The registration you gain is permanent and will not be revoked after the fellowship.
Work visas for a UK fellowship
To obtain a visa to work in the UK as a fellow, there are 2 options:
- Tier 5 temporary work visa (maximum 24 months in the UK on this type of visa) – this is done through RCPCH as part of the MTI scheme OR
- Tier 2 standard work visa (no maximum period) – this is done through the hospital you’ll be working at
After completing your fellowship training and gaining UK experience, you simply return home after the job contract ends.
Paediatric residency in the UK
Let’s talk a bit more about the UK Paediatric training programme.
It is 8 years long in total. Each year is numbered starting from ST1 (specialty training year 1) up until ST8 (specialty training year 8).
You will be paid a salary while you are training.
Related: How much do doctors in specialty training (residency) earn in the UK?
Programme structure
The Paediatric training programme is generally structured as follows:
| Year | Stage |
| ST1-3 | Level 1 training |
| ST4-5 | Level 2 training |
| ST6-8 | Level 3 training including subspecialty training |
Throughout the 8 years you will be seeing patients in clinics, managing emergencies overnight and on weekends, attending teaching sessions and conferences, and of course, performing procedures on babies and children.
In most programmes, you will rotate to a new hospital every 6-12 months (usually 12 months) throughout all 8 years.
Related: How specialty training (residency) works in the UK: A complete beginner’s guide
Accelerated training
Although training is 8 years long, it is possible to complete training in a shorter time if you have experience outside of the training programme or you simply progress very quickly through all the requirements. However, you cannot complete training in less than 5 years. In order to receive a CCT, the absolute minimum time you must spend in the programme is 5 years.
So for example, if you have 12-months experience prior to starting ST1, then with the support of your supervisors and deanery, you can progress to ST3 the next year instead of ST2 as long as you meet all the requirements for ST3.
Or as another example, if you complete MRCPCH and all the other Level 1 requirements during by the end of ST2, you may be able to proceed directly to Level 2 training or ST4 instead of going through ST3. Again, this all needs to be approved in advance.
Exams
The official exams for UK Paediatrics are MRCPCH and RCPCHStart.
There are 4 parts of MRCPCH:
- Foundation of Practice (FOP) – theory exam
- Theory and Science (TAS) – theory exam
- Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) – theory exam
- MRCPCH Clinical exam
- Residents must pass both 2 of the 3 theory exams before progressing to ST3, and they must pass all 4 exams before progressing to ST4.
- You can read more about the exams here on the RCPCH website.
- You can read more about RCPCHStart on the official RCPCH website.
Applying for UK Paediatric training
The requirements differ depending on whether you apply for ST1, ST3 or ST4. Starting training at any level should lead to a CCT.
Paediatrics ST1
ST1 - Entry requirements
- Full GMC registration by the time you start ST1
- 24 months clinical experience by the time you start ST1
- This includes 12 months of internship + 12 months after internship.
- F2 competences or CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training)
These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST1 Paediatrics person specifications for the full requirements.
Please note that according to the RCPCH website, it is no longer possible to enter training at ST2 level even though these person specification say ST1/ST2. Although it is possible to start at ST1 and be fast-tracked to ST3. Please see the section on accelerated training above.
ST1 - Restrictions
There are no experience limits when applying for ST1.
ST1 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 450 posts for Paediatrics ST1, and 900 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.
Here are the competition ratios for Paediatrics ST1 over the past 5 years:
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Paeds ST1 | 1.80 | 1.65 | 1.33 | 1.30 | 1.18 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
ST1 - Application Timeline
There is usually 2 opportunities to apply for Paediatrics ST1 each year, these are called Round 1 and Round 1 re-advert.
The exact dates for each round are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
Round 1
| November | Applications open |
| Jan/Feb | Interview |
| March | Results are released |
| August | Training starts |
Round 1 re-advert
This is when the leftover jobs from Round 1 are opened again for applications.
| Feb/March | Applications open |
| April | Interview |
| 2-3 weeks later | Results are released |
| August | Training starts |
You do not need to apply in Round 1 in order to apply in Round 1 re-advert.
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
Paediatrics ST3
Paeds ST3 - Entry requirements
- Full GMC registration by the time you start
- Minimum of 24 months experience in Paediatrics
- Evidence of achievement of the ST1/ST2 curriculum – usually through a portfolio of assessments
- A pass in 2 of the 3 MRCPCH theory papers
These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST3 Paediatrics person specifications for the full requirements.
Paeds ST3 - Restrictions
There are no experience limits when applying for ST3.
Paeds ST3 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 30 posts for Paediatrics ST3, and 90 applicants, then the competition ratio is 3.
Here are the competition ratios for Paediatrics ST3 over the past 4 years:
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Paeds ST3 | 2.24 | 1.52 | 1.50 | 3.15 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
Paeds ST3 - Application Timeline
Applications open once a year and are submitted through the website Oriel. The exact dates are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
| End of Jan – Mid Feb | Applications open |
| April | Interview |
| 2-3 week later | Results are released |
| August | Start of training |
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
Paediatrics ST4
Paeds ST4 - Entry requirements
- Full GMC registration by the time you start ST1
- Minimum of 24 months experience in Paediatrics
- Certificate of completion of Level 1 Paediatrics Capabilities 2020
- Full MRCPCH
These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST4 Paediatrics person specifications for the full requirements.
Paeds ST4 - Restrictions
There are no experience limits when applying for ST4.
Paeds ST4 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 70 posts for Paediatrics ST4, and 140 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.
Here are the competition ratios for Paediatrics ST4 over the past 4 years:
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Paeds ST4 | 1.17 | 1.40 | 1.27 | 2.21 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
Paeds ST4 - Application Timeline
Applications open once a year and are submitted through the website Oriel. The exact dates are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
| End of Jan – Mid Feb | Applications open |
| April | Interview |
| 2-3 week later | Results are released |
| August | Start of training |
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
Is it difficult to get into UK Paediatrics?
Paediatrics is a specialty with low to moderate competition so the chances for an IMG to be successful with landing a training job are very good.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you will succeed as a slacker. This is still a specialty that requires a lot of hard work and dedication so you will still need a solid application and interview performance to succeed.
How do I improve my chances of success?
To succeed with your application, you’ll need to maximise your application score.
There are 2 components to the application score:
- The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA)
- We recommend Dr Aman Arora’s course. Don’t forget to use ARORASAVVY10 on check out get 10% off!
- Your CV/portfolio
- Your interview performance
Do well in each of these areas and you will have a decent chance of landing a spot.
Related: 8 tips to succeed when applying for UK specialty training
Further information about training and applications
- All about training in Paediatrics in the UK
- Official website for information about ST1 Paediatrics applications
- Official website for information about ST3/ST4 Paediatrics applications
- Oriel – Website where you apply including user guide and FAQs
If you have any questions about applying for either Paediatrics, you can email PaedsNRO@hee.nhs.uk.
GMC registration for Paediatricians
So now you’ve decided on your long-term goal, you need to think about how you’re going to gain registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
The GMC are the medical authority in the UK. To work as a doctor here, you need to be registered with them. There are no exemptions to this no matter how much experience you have or where you come from. Every doctor working in the UK needs GMC registration.
How do you obtain GMC registration?
You’ll first need to create a GMC online account. You can find instructions on how to open an account here.
You’ll then need to submit an application for full registration. These are the requirements for an application:
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, OET or other)
- EPIC verification of your medical degree
- +/- EPIC verification of your MRCPCH certificate (if you have one)
- +/- Internship certificate (if going through the PLAB route)
- +/- Certificate of good standing (if you are registered as a doctor anywhere else in the world)
Read more about the requirements for GMC registration in detail here.
On top of the above requirements, you need to provide proof of your clinical skills and knowledge. There are several options to do this for established and future Paediatricians.
PLAB
The PLAB exam is set at the level of a doctor who has completed internship. It is most suitable for IMGs who have not yet completed postgraduate training in Anaesthesia, however, it can also be taken by those who are already specialists. In most cases, it is the quickest and least expensive route.
MRCPCH
If you pass all 4 MRCPCH exams, then you can bypass PLAB. The MRCPCH exams are aimed at doctors who have already completed their basic postgraduate training in Paediatrics.
RCPCH sponsorship/MTI
You can gain GMC registration without PLAB if you obtain sponsorship through the UK Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health (RCPCH).
CESR
If you have already been practising as a specialist for many years, you can try applying for direct recognition as a Consultant via the CESR route. This is a difficult and tedious process that can take years to complete, but it’s an option for IMGs who do not go through any of the other routes mentioned above. You can read more about it below under the section “Become a recognised UK Consultant Anaesthetist”
Finding a suitable first job
There are 2 main questions to consider when looking for a suitable first job.
- Do you have the right training and experience for the job?
- You will find detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of the job in the job description. Read these carefully to decide whether you are suited for the post.
- Will it lead to your long-term goal?
- There is no point working in a job that will jeopardise your long-term goal.
- Read below to figure out the overall pathway and for tips on what a suitable first job would be in each pathway.
Related: UK doctor titles 101, The best first job in the UK for overseas doctors
Visas and immigration
Most IMGs will need the General work visa (Tier 2). With this type of visa, you can bring your family to the UK as well. Family means spouse and children, it does not include parents, siblings or other relatives.
After 5 years in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, you can apply for permanent residence AKA Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After one year with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
Recommended books
Day-to-day clinical reference
Interview preparation
For both training and non-training jobs
Need more guidance?
All of this may be overwhelming and difficult initially but it doesn’t have to be. Start preparing early so you have time to take things slowly and plan out each step.
Just know that if you’re really struggling, then you don’t have to be alone. We run an online course called IMGs for UK ST1/CT1 Masterclass where we simplify the whole process.
You’ll get a step-by-step video series that you can watch at your own pace, providing you with a clear winning strategy to achieve the highest application score you can and increase your chances of getting a training job.
Visit our IMG Masterclass page for more information.
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the article above. This means that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a booking or purchase by clicking on the link. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves or have proven success amongst IMGs.
24 Responses
Hi,
I am a pediatric resident currently in the final year of my residency. If i wish to pursue a fellowship, what all options do I have? Do i have to start from ST-3/4, finish the residency there and then start the fellowship or I can apply for fellowships directly after completing all 4 steps of the MRCPCH?
Thanks
Avanti Saoji
Hi Avanti, it depends on your goals and whether you want to become a UK consultant or not. You can apply for fellowships directly with MRCPCH but that does not necessarily lead to becoming a consultant. There is a lot to cover in your comment and I’m afraid I won’t be able to give you the detailed response you need to really develop a plan on this platform.
For one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, I would recommend booking a general guidance session (40 mins) or even specialty guidance session (60 mins). For more details, please visit our page here.
https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
I hope to speak to you soon so we can come up with a plan and timeline that works for you.
Kimberly
hi i am practising pediatricians in India with 10 years of experience . iwant to settle in UK and practice there as a pediatrician.what is the best and simple route ?.
Hi there, you’d need to get GMC registration via PLAB or MRCPCH then you can start applying for jobs. If you are looking for one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, you might be interested in booking a session to discuss your options. For more details, please visit our page here. https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
Best of luck!
Hi,
I work as a pediatrician in my home country and looking forward to be able to work in UK.I cannot take plab route because my school of medicine designed the 6 th year without 3 months in surgery 🙁 So i planned to take MRCPCH route.Does GMC will ask my internship period and my months at surgery after passing all exams then? thank you.
Hi there, you can still take the PLAB route but you would have to apply for the UK foundation programme if the GMC does not accept your internship. If you have worked for 2 years after graduation included 3 months in surgery (pattern B) then that can replace the requirement for an acceptable internship (pattern A). Please see the requirements for Pattern B here. https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/internship-gaps-and-full-gmc-registration/
For the postgraduate qualification route like MRCPCH, the GMC website does not list internship as a requirement so they shouldn’t ask for it, but in practise it seems to be variable.
To be sure about your registration, please look into Pattern B as linked above. All the best!
Hello Nick.
I must say, this is the most informative website I have come across.
I have enrolled for the free course.
I am presently working as a paediatrician in my country. Preparing to write mrcpch fop, tas and akp next year jan and feb. When I complete the mrcpch theory and clinical exams, can I apply for training in paediatric cardiology from my country or do I have to work in the UK first for a while before applying.
Hi Linda! You also need to complete the required core competence certificate relevant to paediatric cardiology. If that does not require UK experience, then you may be able to apply directly from overseas, however we do not recommend this. Paediatrics in the UK has many laws and regulations that you need to be familiar with before you can work safely as a senior trainee. We would definitely recommend gaining UK experience first before starting a training job. All the best!
Hey, I’ve a doubt.
Can I leave my course after Level 2 in Paediatrics if I don’t aim to do Level 3 or super speciality?
Or is it compulsory to pass through all the 8 stages to get a degree?
I don’t aim to be a consultant.
Thanks 🙂
Hi there! You can leave at any stage but you will not get a Certificate of Completion of Training unless you complete all 8 years. However, you don’t need a CCT to continue working in Paediatrics in the UK below Consultant level. You will still have MRCPCH. If you plan to practise overseas, it’s really up to the medical authority there what your scope of practice will be with incomplete training. Do check first about your job prospects before leaving training!