Sources and limitations
- This page relies on the published requirements of the GMC, summarised below with links. Where they differ from this summary, theirs apply.
- The six kinds of supporting information are CPD, quality improvement, significant events, feedback from patients, feedback from colleagues, and complaints and compliments.
- The GMC sets no hours total, so there is no tracker on this page.
CPD & Professional Development Calculator
EnglandNHS consultant contract (England 2003), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Consultant
This guide summarises the CPD and revalidation framework that typically applies to Consultant at NHS. Rules change; use official sources on the calculator for definitive requirements.
What applies to Consultant?
As Consultant at NHS, continuing professional development is usually governed by General Medical Council (GMC). The typical revalidation or review cycle is 5 years. The summary below is taken from published guidance for GMC revalidation / appraisal. Always confirm current rules on the regulator's website and with your employer.
Key requirements for Consultant
Licensed doctors must revalidate with the GMC, usually every five years, through a structured annual appraisal and supporting information. Supporting information includes continuing professional development, quality improvement activity, significant events, feedback, complaints and compliments, and (where appropriate) multisource feedback. CPD should be relevant to your scope of work and kept up to date across your whole practice; the GMC does not prescribe a single national hours total in the same way as some other regulators. Your designated body (e.g. NHS trust, GP practice) and responsible officer oversee appraisal and revalidation recommendations.
What to use on this page
The calculator shows the framework that typically applies to Consultant, bullet points from official sources, and links to read the full rules. Where numeric targets exist, you can track hours locally in your browser. Employer mandatory training, appraisal, professional body membership and any second registration sit alongside these requirements.
Example scenario
GMC revalidation for Consultant: usually every five years, with annual appraisal and no hours target.
| Role (example) | Consultant |
|---|---|
| Framework (example) | GMC revalidation / appraisal |
| Review cycle (example) | 5 years |
| On this page | Role-specific guidance, official links |
Frequently asked questions
How many CPD hours does the GMC require?
None as a number. Your CPD should cover your whole scope of practice, and you discuss it at appraisal each year.
Who makes the revalidation decision?
The GMC, on a recommendation from your responsible officer at your designated body, usually every five years.
Do you store my information?
Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Consultant?
A Consultant is a senior doctor who has completed specialty training (CCT or equivalent). They lead clinical care, train juniors and often hold management or research roles. Pay is on the national consultant contract (England) or equivalent, not Agenda for Change.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Consultant roles offer clinical leadership, autonomy and high impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on specialty, contract and additional work. Progression to clinical director, medical director or academic roles is common.
What CPD or revalidation applies to me?
Use the guidance and official links above to see what your regulator or employer expects for continuing professional development. Keep records and reflection as they require; confirm any hour targets on the regulator’s current website.
Disclaimer
This page summarises publicly described CPD and revalidation requirements for awareness only. It is not legal, regulatory or fitness-to-practise advice. Rules change; always confirm with your regulator, professional body and employer.