The Portfolio Route to the GP Register (CEGPR) for International GPs

The portfolio route to the GP Register

As of July 2026, doctors who did not complete a UK GP specialty training programme can join the GMC GP Register by demonstrating that their training and experience are equivalent to a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). This is the portfolio (equivalence) route, historically the Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR). It is an evidence-based application assessed against the UK GP curriculum — not an examination.

What the portfolio has to show

The application demonstrates equivalence to the outcomes of UK GP specialty training. In practice that means assembling structured evidence across the areas of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) GP curriculum — clinical experience, breadth of general practice, professional behaviour, and continuing professional development — so an assessor can verify each area. The GMC, drawing on the RCGP, judges whether the evidence adds up to equivalence with a UK CCT.

Names change — the principle does not

This route was long known as the CEGPR. The GMC has reformed its specialist and GP registration certificates in recent years and now describes the equivalence application as part of its portfolio pathway. The exact name, the evidence checklist, and the fees are revised periodically, so the single most important first step is to read the current GMC guidance and confirm exactly what your application needs today.

The portfolio route, step by step

Read the current GMC guidance

Requirements for the portfolio (equivalence) route are revised periodically. Start by reading the current GMC guidance on joining the GP Register, so you evidence exactly what today’s process requires.

Map your training and experience to the UK GP curriculum

The application demonstrates equivalence to the outcomes of UK GP specialty training. Map your qualifications, posts, and experience against the RCGP GP curriculum the GMC assesses against.

Assemble the evidence portfolio

Gather structured evidence — primary and postgraduate qualifications, logbooks, appraisals and continuing professional development, and references — organised so an assessor can verify each curriculum area.

Submit the equivalence application to the GMC

Submit the portfolio to the GMC. It is assessed (with the RCGP) against the UK GP curriculum. The GMC confirms the outcome and, where met, supports entry to the GP Register.

Complete the right-to-work and Performers List steps

On GP registration, arrange the NHS England Medical Performers List inclusion needed to provide NHS primary care, and — if you are not a UK or Irish citizen — the appropriate UK work visa.

Frequently asked questions

What is the portfolio (CEGPR) route?+

It is the evidence-based route onto the GP Register for doctors who did not complete a UK GP specialty training programme. The applicant demonstrates, through a structured portfolio, that their training and experience are equivalent to the outcomes of a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in general practice. It was historically called the Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR).

Has CEGPR been replaced?+

The GMC has reformed its specialist and GP registration certificates in recent years and now describes the equivalence application as part of its portfolio pathway. The underlying idea — demonstrating equivalence to a UK CCT through evidence — remains, but the exact name, evidence requirements, and fees are revised periodically. Confirm the current position on gmc-uk.org before applying.

Who assesses the portfolio?+

The GMC assesses the application, drawing on the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the UK GP curriculum to judge whether the evidence demonstrates equivalence. The GMC makes the final decision on GP Register entry.

Do I need GMC registration before I apply for the GP Register?+

An internationally-qualified doctor normally first obtains GMC registration with a licence to practise (via PLAB, a recognised postgraduate qualification, or specialist assessment), and separately evidences GP equivalence for the GP Register. Confirm the correct sequence for your circumstances with the GMC.

How long does the portfolio route take?+

It varies widely, because it depends on how much evidence you already hold and how the GMC assesses your application. Rather than quote a fixed timeline, the GMC publishes current guidance on the process — plan around your own evidence-gathering and the current GMC service standards.

Keep practising while you plan your move

GeraClinic is a remote telemedicine platform for licensed doctors. Wherever you are registered today, you can see patients online, set your own hours and fees, and get paid within 3–5 business days — a way to keep earning while you work through your UK GP registration. It is free to apply.