How long does training take?

Training usually lasts five years, full-time. Part-time training is proportionately longer. The five years usually includes one year (full or part time) on an academic course, and 48 months in higher specialist training posts.

Academic study

Shortly after being accepted on to a training scheme, trainees are likely to spend a year in a part or full-time academic course that will usually lead to a Masters or Diploma in Public Health, and give most of the basic training to take the Faculty's Part A Membership Examination.

Although this is usually done as the first part of the higher specialist training programme, periods spent on academic courses do not count towards the 48 months of higher medical training required for the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

Flexible training

Every post in public health is potentially available as a part-time post. Trainees should consult with their Faculty Adviser for more information on training part-time.

In order for part-time training to be counted towards the 48 required months of training, it must be at least half time (0.5). The training unit is the week. Training time is counted full-time, or for part-time a proportional amount is counted i.e. whole time equivalent (w.t.e.).

 

Recognition of previous experience

Last updated: 11 October 2007

As of 1 January 2007, retrospective recognition of training to count towards a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) criteria is no longer possible for new entrants to specialty training.

Future recognition of overseas training experience  

PMETB may approve training outside the UK towards the award of a CCT. However, such training must be approved prospectively by PMETB. Retrospective approval is not permitted. To be eligible for a CCT, the trainee must complete a full UK specialty training programme in PMETB approved posts and programmes.

Overseas posts will only count if:

  • they are part of an approved CCT programme
  • are supervised and
  • have prospective PMETB approval.

Please see the PMETB guidance on OOPE for further details.

Guidance from the UK Public Health Register regarding recognition of prior experience and learning for Specialist Trainees (SpTs)

The UKPHR will accept recognition of prior experience and learning of appropriate experience for up to 1 year. This reduction in training time may be split between phases 1 and 2.

Process for applications for recognition of prior experience and learning:

  1. Applications for recognition of prior experience and learning must be made prior to transfer into phase 3 of training.
  2. The applications should be completed and send to Training and Sponsorship Administrator, Faculty of Public Health, 4 St Andrews Place, London, NW1 4LB.
  3. The Director of Training will assess the application and decide whether recognition of prior experience and learning should be granted.
  4. The Trainee will receive a letter from the Faculty of Public Health with the decision and a copy will be sent to the regional Faculty Advisor/ Training Programme Director.

Please complete the application form [word] and send it to: Training & Sponsorship Administrator, Faculty of Public Health, 4 St Andrews Place, London, NW1 4LB.