RCP was commissioned by NHS England to develop a range of professional certificates (credentials) for clinicians working in adult gender identity healthcare services.
There are three RCP professional certificates available to meet the credentialing requirements for statutorily regulated healthcare professionals (HCPs) working with gender diverse adults in GICs, and potentially in other adult service settings, such as primary care:
- Professional Certificate in Core Capabilities in Clinical Practice for Adult Gender Identity Healthcare (Certificate 1)
- Professional Certificate in Advanced Capabilities in Clinical Practice for Adult Gender Identity Healthcare (Certificate 2)
- Professional Certificate in Prescribing Capabilities in Clinical Practice for Adult Gender Identity Healthcare (Certificate 3).
Professional Certificate in Core Capabilities in Clinical Practice for Adult Gender Identity Healthcare (Certificate 1)
This certificate is designed for those working in the services for adults in the UK. The programme covers taking a history, providing basic information, describing the care process, how to facilitate and monitor an individual’s progress whilst working effectively with a multidisciplinary team (MDT), covering professional standards, good governance, and relevant legislation.
Learners will need a work based supervisor and a suitable site to gain evidence.
More information on GIH certificate 1Professional Certificates 2 and 3
Certificates 2 and 3 are available for those completing certificate 1 and are not available on a standalone basis.
Professional Certificate 2 is for healthcare professionals who work in the lead clinician role described in NHS (England) Service Specifications for Specialist Adult Gender Services and for ‘Specialist Gender Service Clinical Leads’
Professional Certificate 3 is for healthcare professionals who prescribe or who make specific prescribing recommendations to prescribers, such as GPs, for the treatment of gender incongruence in Specialist Adult Gender Services (currently medical practitioners and non-medical prescribers, such as nurses and pharmacists).
Accreditation of experienced clinicians (grandparenting)
The RCP developed a route for the accreditation of experienced clinicians (sometimes termed ‘grandparenting’). Applications for certificate 1 closed on 12 February 2025. Clinicians who have been awarded certificate 1 (either via grandparenting or taking the course) can apply to grandparent in certificate 2 and/or 3 if eligible. Please contact credential@rcp.ac.uk for further information.
How do I apply for certificate 1?
Applicants will need to be working in or arranged a placement with an NHS gender identity healthcare service. If you are interested you should approach your line manager or clinic lead for support in the first instance.
Funded places are available and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and to ensure an fair distribution across the centres.
Self-funded places may be available (£2,000 for Certificate 1). You will need the support of a suitably qualified work-based supervisor and access within your role to clinical cases in an approved centre.
If you have any questions or need further information please contact credential@rcp.ac.uk
Register for certificate 1