Out of programme experience
Out of programme experience (OOPE) refers to experience gained by trainees outside of their official training programme. Not all OOPE counts towards the 48 months of required CCT training. For trainees considering an overseas OOPE as part of their CCT training, remember that a minimum of 24 months of CCT training must be completed in the UK.
Most deaneries place an upper limit of three years for any out-of-programme experience which does not count towards CCT requiements. Trainees are advised to clarify the current position with their deanery regarding any proposed out of programme experience.
An example of an OOPE that would count towards CCT training
An approved secondment to an overseas or UK training location outside the host deanery for one to 12 months. This would be awarded training recognition for all or part of this time through the local RITA process.
An example of an OOPE that would not count towards CCT training
This might include several months out of programme (normally not at the deanery's expense), to pursue a special interest for which no training recognition is sought by the trainee concerned.