A Quick Guide to Accelerating Training (Fast-Tracking). Updated March 2026
Postgraduate Medical Training is capability/ competency based. However, less than full time (LTFT) is not the same as working whole time equivalent/ full time (WTE).
With the introduction of the Progress+ curriculum, it is recognised that most residents will need 7 years WTE to gain the knowledge and skills required for CCT. If residents are making exceptional progress to achieve and demonstrate the necessary capabilities and competencies applicable to the relevant level of training, they may consider accelerating their training or “fast-tracking”. This can only be done at progression points during training
- progression to tier 2 training
- moving from core to specialty
- Certificate Completion Training (CCT)).
Accelerating training and changing training levels must be in line with programme changeover dates.
There are no longer any RCPCH mandated minimum training times for each level. However, time remains important to develop the necessary capabilities and competencies required at the end of a level or end of the training programme. Residents require adequate exposure to varied clinical scenarios and cases; time to develop the necessary leadership, managerial and other generic skills and crucially, time to develop confidence. Guidance from NHSE (Oct 2024) and COPMed states that “the maximum reduction will be 1 year over the course of the training programme (i.e. a minimum training time of 6 years for paediatric run-through training) unless exceptional circumstances apply” and that “the doctor must be demonstrating competencies and professionalism above and beyond current grade” – this is not about just having reached all the competencies early.
More information can be found on the RCPCH Website and the COPMed guidance.
In line with RCPCH, the indicative training time in the London School of Paediatrics is:
Core Paediatrics
Tier 1: ST1 and ST2 24 months indicative training time
Trainsition to Tier 2: ST3A and ST3B 12 months indicative training time
Tier 2: ST4 12 months indicative training time
Speciality Paediatrics
ST5, ST6 and ST7 36 months indicative training time
NB – these numbers are all whole time equivalent
The Process
We all learn and develop at different paces. Furthermore, experience gained outside of the training programme maybe a contributory factor. Residents should therefore not compare their training to their peers. Rather, ongoing and careful self-appraisal in conjunction with educational and clinical supervisors’ feedback should be the basis on which a decision to fast-track is made.
The first step is a careful discussion with their educational supervisor weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of accelerating training. While many may feel they have learnt all that they can at a particular level and are ready to move to more senior roles, moving ahead when not properly ready can make the next level unnecessarily challenging. This is particularly true for the step up to tier 2 rota and at CCT. You can’t go backwards!
It has become apparent that several residents request fast-tracking to bring forward their CCT at the same time when a particular consultant post is being recruited to. This is not likely to work out well and is not supported by NHSE or the RCPCH! Once a training level is accelerated, any time lost cannot be regained. if at final ARCP, training has not been completed, then an outcome 3 will be awarded. Furthermore, if resident has fast-tracked to CCT, they are ineligible to apply for a ‘Grace period’ post as in RCPCH Guidance.
Those still intending to accelerate their training must then ensure that they can demonstrate progress above and beyond current grade and are on track to complete the necessary requirements for that level. All the key capabilities and achievements of the learning outcomes in the curriculum, whether gained in or out of the training programme, must be clearly demonstrated in their e-portfolio by the time of review at an ARCP panel through wide range of supervised learning events.
It is highly unlikely that a resident would be accelerated if they only complete the minimum required WPBAs for their level of training. Evidence on ePortfolio needs to be robust, in-depth across multiple domains and from various sources. Reflections need to be of a higher level and complexity than the current level.
Acceleration of training must be formally agreed at your penultimate ARCP. Requests will not be considered at the final ARCP reviewing completion of current level of training.
It is also important to have early discussions with your TPD if you are considering accelerating training to review your placements to ensure you meet mandated curriculum requirements (e.g. tertiary NICU placement prior to stepping up to tier 2 rota, completed minimum 12 months WTE DGH/general paediatric specialty placement to CCT in general paediatrics).
Fast-tracking can only be agreed at your penultimate ARCP. The ARCP panel will review the resident’s ePortfolio and assess whether they can approve the application to accelerate training. As always, this is based on evidence in ePortfolio. The CCT date will have to be changed.
| MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS | ||
| Fast tracking progress to tier 2 rota | Fast tracking to specialty training | Fast tracking specialty training to CCT |
| · Have passed all written exams
· Have completed satisfactory ECAT assessments for general and neonatal cases · Demonstrate support from educational supervisor with a positive “readiness for tier 2 rota” form on ePortfolio · Have completed at least one 6-month tertiary neonatal placement · Have satisfactory ARCP outcome at last ARCP · Have requested this at ARCP prior to the ARCP reviewing completion of ST2 training grade with evidence of fast-track approval form uploaded to ePortfolio/ Risr. This may require the resident to request an additional ARCP half way through ST2 training grade via the NHSE portal. |
· Have passed MRCPCH
· Demonstrated middle grade capabilities including at least 12 months WTE working at that level in training · Have evidence against all domains. · Have satisfactory ARCP outcome at last ARCP · Have requested this at the penultimate ARCP before the ARCP review for completion of the current stage of training with evidence of fast-track approval form uploaded to ePortfolio/ Risr
|
· START assessment (or have booked a place on a START course which allows them adequate time to demonstrate development on any feedback from the START Assessment)
· Have evidence against all domains on both generic and subspecialty curricula and showcase knowledge and skills to transition to consultant role (eg stepping up weeks, leading ambulatory care) · If sub-speciality resident, latest CSAC report supports accelerating training · Have requested this at the penultimate ARCP before the ARCP review for completion of the current stage of training with evidence of fast-track approval form uploaded to ePortfolio/ Risr |
Please note that CCT dates and thus confirmation of acceleration of training require an ARCP panel. Until this happens acceleration is provisional only.
There are no appeals processes for this decision, however it is expected that an ARCP panel rejecting an application will provide clear reasons for their decision.
Recommended Steps for accelerating training (Fast-Tracking)
- Discuss with your ES, review your training and agree that you are on track to complete level of training earlier than the usual time frame and this is robustly supported by evidence uploaded to your eportfolio. Weigh up the pros and cons. Have a clear and documented agreement that you are exceeding expected capabilities (competency-based training) on your eportfolio (e.g. supervisor meeting).
- Have a clear and documented CSAC agreement (if subspeciality; on a CSAC progression form).
- Notify your programme TPD of your intention to fast-track via email (list on school website) to review your placements to ensure you meet the mandated requirements.
- Complete a acceleration of training form and submit it through the resident support portal prior to your penultimate ARCP for the current training level. Also attach a copy to your ARCP preparation form on eportfolio.
- Review your ARCP outcome and check your CCT date. If there are any queries regarding your outcome and CCT date, please submit the query through the resident support portal or contact the ARCP panel chair directly via email.
Trainer perspective: notes for educational supervisors
- Assessment of resident performance would not be left to one individual but would be prompted by a consistent theme of reports from clinical and educational supervisors that the resident is demonstrating accelerated rate of capability acquisition across the curriculum.
- The prospect of acceleration of training must be balanced by the potential loss of broader experience. Thus, while a resident may be perceived to performing well enough for consideration of acceleration, the breadth of activity that they have experienced and are demonstrating must be above that which might be expected from a resident progressing at the expected rate. Thus, the resident may exhibit creative problem‐solving behaviour in clinical practice with active consideration of patient focussed investigative and management pathways but also demonstrate high aptitude in leadership, teaching, communication and professional behaviour that focusses on patient safety and effective delivery of care.
- There have been no significant concerns about the resident’s clinical or professional progress and that they have completed all necessary examinations and assessments required for their stage of training.
- Progress towards full MRCPCH UK must also be considered for residents wishing to accelerate to tier 2 working to specialty training.
*Please note that residents can only fast-track training levels, not training years.
**There may be exceptional cases where residents may urgently wish to fast track outside the recommended notice period. In such cases, the resident will need to discuss with the Head (or Deputy Head) of School.
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